By Abdullahi lukman
Unilever Nigeria has set a groundbreaking example in environmental sustainability by collecting over 13,000 tonnes of plastic waste—more than the plastic it produces—since 2014, the company announced in its 2024 Sustainability Report.
This milestone, achieved through a decade-long partnership with Nigerian recycling startup Wecyclers, marks a major step forward in the fight against plastic pollution.
The amount of plastic recovered equals the weight of roughly 2,600 African elephants or 500 million plastic bottles, highlighting Unilever Nigeria’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while supporting local communities.
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The initiative empowers thousands of households to monetize waste collection, improve hygiene, and create jobs in areas with limited waste management infrastructure.
It also aligns with Unilever’s global goals to cut virgin plastic use by half and make all packaging recyclable, compostable, or reusable.
Speaking on the achievement, Unilever Nigeria emphasized that sustainability is integral to its business strategy, proving that strong environmental responsibility can coexist with robust financial performance—the company posted impressive profits in 2024.
Unilever’s TRANSFORM initiative, backed by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and EY, extends this commitment across West Africa by supporting innovative enterprises that advance circular economy practices and strengthen waste management systems.
With global plastic pollution on the rise, Unilever Nigeria’s success sends a powerful message: corporate leadership, community engagement, and strategic partnerships are key to tackling environmental challenges and building a sustainable future.
