Water is one of the critical factors of ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance). Fresh and clean water is increasingly endangered despite being considered a plentiful renewable resource mainly due to population growth and economic activity leading to an increase in water demands and pollution.
According to United Nations, if current consumption and production patterns do not change, there will be a 40% shortfall in water supply by 2030. Companies are expected to face increased scrutiny such as limits on water withdrawal and tight regulations over their water use as global water resources face increased stress.
Groundwater is withdrawn by industries such as manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, energy and utilities, and construction. Apparel and food & beverage industries are highly dependent on groundwater through supply chains. According to Aquastat, 19% of global freshwater withdrawals come from industry and energy.
In terms of water withdrawal, the beverage and bottled mineral water sectors need to be careful because groundwater is a raw material for them. Globally, food and beverage companies face disputes with local communities over the amount of groundwater that can be withdrawn without depleting local resources.
Unilever Plc (Unilever) is a manufacturer and supplier of fast-moving consumer goods. The company's product portfolio comprises food, beauty, and personal care products. It markets products under brands of Bango, Ben & Jerry’s, Knorr, Magnum, Axe, Dove, Lux, Rexona, Sunsilk, and Vaseline.
In 2021, Unilever consumed 30 million cubic meters (million m3) of water, an increase of 2% over 2020. For every tonne of production in Unilever's manufacturing facilities, 1.57 m3 of water was abstracted in the same year.
Total water withdrawn from regions with high or extremely high baseline water stress was 11.5 million m3 (38% of water withdrawn) in 2021.
Unilever aims to reduce water risks by implementing its water stewardship programs in 100 of its water-stressed areas by 2030. To protect water resources, the consumer goods company has set a target of making its product formulations biodegradable by 2030.
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