Unilever has signed a new agreement with Chinese e-commerce firm JD.com to explore sustainable solutions in its supply chain.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) builds on Unilever’s existing relationship with JD.com, as the companies secured a deal in 2018 to distribute its products such as Lipton tea between warehouses in the country.
Both firms will work more closely to create a framework to identify opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth by digitising and modernising the Unilever-JD ecosystem.
Sustainable initiatives explored will include plastic recycling and collection, state-of-the-art 5G delivery solutions for world-wide customers and less carbon intense transportation initiatives.
The joint framework will be based on The Unilever Sustainable Living Plan – along with its pledge on plastic reduction – and JD.com’s sustainability strategy Green Stream Initiative ‘Planet, People, Profit’.
Marc Engel, Unilever’s chief supply chain officer, said: “Today’s agreement with JD Logistics is an excellent opportunity to drive future-fit supply chain solutions around the world. At Unilever, we are always working to deliver better, more sustainable products for our consumers.
“JD Logistics’ network and technology offer exciting opportunities to enhance our consumer logistics and transportation capabilities, and to deliver even greater transparency, speed and efficiency across our supply chain. Together we can leverage our collective expertise and scale to give consumers better and informed choices and drive sustainable and responsible growth.”
Zhenhui Wang, CEO of JD Logistics, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Unilever during this year’s annual meeting in Davos. Since Unilever chose JD as a Chinese logistics provider over two years ago, we have worked together to provide Chinese consumers with an excellent customer experience.
“JD Logistics has long been committed to developing smart, digital and sustainable supply chain solutions, and this agreement is an important step in driving sustainable development for a better future.”
The announcement comes days after Coca-Cola and JD.com partnered to launch a recycling programme to explore new ways to increase plastic recycling and work towards a circular economy in China.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024
