Unilever CEO outlines 2020 sustainability commitment

Unilever chief executive officer (CEO) Paul Polman has outlined the measures the company will be taking as it seeks to meet its ambitious sustainability targets for 2020.

Speaking to Forum for the Future's Martin Wright in an interview for GreenWise, the business leader has stated that it will be a major challenge to achieve its aim of doubling the size of its business while halving environmental impact in the next decade.

He outlined the essential nature of targeting and mobilising consumers to aid its efforts, as well as making moves to engage with developing nations about the importance of sustainability.

Mr Polman said there is a great need for improved business ethics following the economic downturn, while expressing confidence that people will being to recognise the Unilever name as a benchmark.

"By 2020, people will be saying: 'I'm not only buying into what the individual brands stand for, but what the company stands for.' … that's the Unilever brand I'm talking about," he said.

This follows comments by Mr Polman in November 2011 suggesting that small changes to consumer lifestyles could make a big difference in carbon reduction efforts.