Work

Strategies for Carbon Reduction Maturity: A Longitudinal Case Study of Unilever PLC

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This case study of Unilever PLC, an acknowledged leader in green strategy, builds on a sustainability maturity model to develop a specific carbon reduction maturity model to show how a consumer goods company has evolved its strategies towards carbon reduction. Based largely on 10 years of archival data (2011–2020), this research analyses the narrative in the company's annual reports and carbon disclosure survey responses, using both quantitative (form‐oriented) and qualitative (meaning‐oriented) content analysis, to position it in a carbon reduction maturity model. Our results show the stages in Unilever's carbon maturity journey in terms of their strategies and performance over the 10 years and captures (through supplementary interviews) how various interested parties view this journey. This research demonstrates how the company's strategies and leadership may influence carbon reduction beyond the consumer goods sector, helping to define green stewardship.

Source: Business Strategy and the Environment

DOI: 10.1002/bse.4258

Authors: Chiharu Narikiyo, Elaine Harris, Moataz Elmassri

Institutions: University of Roehampton, United Arab Emirates University

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Sustainability in Business

Subfield: Marketing

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,480