Unilever cuts CO2 emissions by 1m tonnes

Unilever has announced that it has successfully reduced its carbon dioxide emissions from manufacturing and logistics by one million tonnes since 2008.

This milestone has been achieved through a number of measures, including the widespread implementation of biomass boilers, more efficient coordination of transport movements and a growing focus on renewable energy sources.

Moreover, these targets were met while also increasing sales by 26 percent to 51.3 billion euros (44.06 million pounds) between 2008 and 2012, with its various green programmes actively contributing to this momentum by helping to avoid more than 300 million euros in costs.

John Maguire, Unilever's group manufacturing sustainability director, said: "Eco-efficiency isn't just about reducing the environmental footprint – it also makes good business sense."

This comes after it was announced earlier this year that Unilever's UK and Ireland operations have achieved their goal of sending zero waste to landfill, another key element of its overarching Sustainable Living Plan.