Unilever ensures deforestation-free soybean supply to its factory in Brazil

24 / 07 / 2022

By Marwa Nassar - -

Unilever engaged in a partnership with soybean oil supplier CJ Selecta to ensure that Hellmann’s and Knorr products of the company’s factory in Brazil’s Pouso Alegre region will only ever be sourced from deforestation-free or non-converted land areas.

This falls within Unilever’s stringent People and Nature Policy – a set of principles which uphold its commitments to protecting natural ecosystems, respecting human rights, supply chain transparency, and more.

The tighter supply conditions will extend traceability and transparency requirements that are already in place for direct suppliers to CJ Selecta’s factory in Araguari, so that the same governance applies to indirect suppliers too.

It marks a significant step forward for its sustainable soybean supply chain ambitions, which include a commitment to being deforestation-free by 2023, and to achieve 100% sustainable sourcing of our key agricultural crops.

“We are very proud of this strengthened partnership and shared ambition with our trusted partner CJ Selecta,” says Marcelo Scarcelli, Unilever’s Head of Procurement, Naturals & Nutrition, who signed the agreement along with CJ Selecta CEO Guilherme Tancredi, CJ Group President Jerry Chun, and Commercial Manager Rodrigo Ribeiro.

“This initiative has the potential to scale positive impact within soy supply chains, bringing more of CJ Selecta’s indirect suppliers into the transition to sustainable soy. It also demonstrates the continuous efforts of Unilever and its brands to build sustainable solutions to help the planet while delivering options for consumers who are increasingly concerned and aware about the origin of ingredients they are bringing into their homes,” he explains.

CJ Selecta CEO Guilherme Tancredi added “CJ Selecta believes that commitment and responsibility go hand in hand with the sustainable development of agriculture in Brazil. One of our main goals is to generate a positive impact by integrating this supply chain from the farm to the final client. This program in partnership with Unilever should become a benchmark to the market and a milestone of our new environmental, social and governance products.”

“At Hellmann’s, we pride ourselves on superior products and pioneering sustainability practices…. in a change that’s better both for people and for the planet.” said Christina Bauer-Plank, Global VP of Hellmann’s & Dressings.