As the global landscape grapples with increasingly urgent environmental challenges, market-leading companies are redefining paradigms by embracing sustainable practices. These initiatives not only mitigate environmental impacts but also solidify the commitment of these corporations to lead the transition toward a more ecological and responsible business future.
Maersk
A global leader in maritime transportation and logistics, the shipowner Maersk has set itself an ambitious target: to neutralize the carbon emissions of its fleet by 2050. According to its sustainability report, the company plans to introduce carbon-neutral ships over the next decade.
This is, thus, a significant step, given that maritime transportation accounts for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, as indicated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
In addition, Maersk is exploring the use of alternative fuels, such as biofuels and hydrogen. In 2018, a test carried out with Shell resulted in a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions, even exceeding the targets of the Paris Agreement and the IMO.
Walmart
being one of the world’s largest retail chains, Walmart is incorporating sustainable practices into its supply chain and logistics operations. According to its 2020 Sustainability Report, the company has improved the efficiency of its transportation fleet by 87% since 2005. This has been possible thanks to the implementation of various technologies, such as the use of more efficient trucks and the optimization of routes to reduce the number of miles traveled.
Walmart is also taking part in the “Project Gigaton” initiative, which aims to avoid the emission of one gigaton of greenhouse gases by 2030. The company encourages its suppliers to improve sustainable practices, from cultivation and production to transportation and logistics.
Such efforts are part of the company’s commitment to becoming a zero-emissions organization by 2040, which includes using 100% renewable energy in its global operations by 2035. These initiatives have positioned Walmart as a leader in sustainability within the retail sector.
Unilever – the consumer goods giant, Unilever, is taking significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint, especially in its supply chain. As stated in its 2020 Sustainability Report, the company has achieved a 41% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per ton of production since 2010. This has been possible through various initiatives, including the transition to renewable energy sources in its factories and the optimization of its transport operations.
Also, beyond its own operations, Unilever encourages sustainable practices among its suppliers and logistics partners. The company invests in cleaner modes of transportation, including biogas-powered trucks and electric vehicles for last-mile deliveries.
It also aims to make 100% of the vehicles used to transport its products run on low-carbon fuels by 2030. These actions are part of Unilever’s wider commitment to make its entire value chain more sustainable, in line with its goal of achieving carbon neutrality throughout all its operations by 2039.
