Unilever Pressures Trade Associations to Champion Progressive Climate Policies
Unilever has announced a bold move to hold its global trade associations accountable for their climate advocacy, signaling a shift in how major consumer goods brands engage with industry lobbying groups on environmental matters.
The FMCG giant will require its trade associations to publicly support ambitious and science-based climate policies that align with the goals of the Paris Agreement. As part of the initiative, Unilever will assess whether these organizations are actively working to advance—rather than hinder—climate action, and report publicly on their alignment annually.
In cases where trade bodies do not align, Unilever has committed to taking “decisive action,” including lobbying for change from within or potentially walking away from memberships. Key industry groups expected to be scrutinized under this strategy include the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), and various national trade organizations.
The move follows increasing investor and stakeholder pressure on corporations to ensure their political lobbying is consistent with climate targets. According to CDP’s 2023 climate reporting framework, inconsistent lobbying practices pose reputational and operational risks, with over 14,000 companies reporting on lobbying transparency and alignment last year.
Unilever has already conducted internal reviews of 60 trade associations and found that while many were neutral or supportive on climate policies, few were actively lobbying governments for strong climate regulations. The company’s latest policy now sets expectations for proactive advocacy, particularly in helping shape legislation around net-zero targets, sustainable agriculture, and decarbonization of transport and energy systems.
“We believe businesses must be part of the solution,” said Thomas Lingard, Unilever’s Global Head of Sustainability Policy and Advocacy. “This means aligning every part of our influence, including our voice in trade associations, towards accelerating climate action.”
This strategic shift could influence how other major FMCG players approach their trade association memberships, especially amid growing scrutiny of greenwashing and regulatory calls for greater transparency. As more companies look to decarbonize supply chains and build climate-resilient portfolios, trade associations could face mounting pressure to take a firm stance—or risk losing key members.
The FMCG sector, responsible for significant global emissions across sourcing, logistics, and packaging, may increasingly see industry coalitions become platforms not just for knowledge exchange, but for coordinated regulatory influence on