THE WHAT? Unilever has highlighted the role of industrial electrification in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, calling for greater investment in clean energy infrastructure and collaboration between governments and businesses during the COP31 climate summit.
THE DETAILS At COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, Unilever is promoting electrification as a means of reducing industrial dependence on fossil fuels and supporting the transition to lower-carbon manufacturing. The approach involves replacing fossil-fuel-powered industrial processes with electric alternatives, supported by renewable electricity, improved energy efficiency and stronger power infrastructure. The wider COP31 agenda includes a proposed target to increase electricity’s share of global final energy consumption to 35 percent by 2035. Achieving this transition will require investment in electricity networks, clean energy generation and technologies capable of supporting industrial operations at scale.
THE WHY? The initiative highlights the growing importance of industrial electrification in reducing manufacturing emissions across the global cosmetics and personal care industry. For multinational manufacturers and their suppliers, greater access to affordable renewable electricity could support factory decarbonisation, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and strengthen long-term supply chain resilience. However, scaling electrification will depend on infrastructure investment, energy availability and cooperation between industry and policymakers.
Source: Unilever
