Unilever plc

Unilever is a business founded on a sense of purpose, and our unique heritage still shapes the way we do business today. In the 1890s, William Hesketh Lever, founder of Lever Brothers, wrote down his ideas for Sunlight Soap – his revolutionary new product that helped popularise cleanliness and hygiene in Victorian England.

It was “to make cleanliness commonplace; to lessen work for women; to foster health and contribute to personal attractiveness, that life may be more enjoyable and rewarding for the people who use our products”.

That sense of purpose and mission has always been part of Unilever’s culture. In the 21st century, we’re still helping people to look good, feel good and get more out of life – and our purpose as a business is ‘making sustainable living commonplace’.

Purpose, values & principles

Our Corporate Purpose states that to succeed requires "the highest standards of corporate behaviour towards everyone we work with, the communities we touch, and the environment on which we have an impact."

We are Unilever

We are 149,000 people across the world, we are over 400 brand names in over 190 countries, we are a global company with a global purpose. We are making sustainable living commonplace.

Unilever at a glance

As a global company making a real difference across the world, we’ve got lots to share: here’s a look at just some of the details.

A truly global business

Our products are available in over 190 countries.

2.5 billion people use our products every day.

Our turnover in 2020 was €51 billion with 58% in emerging markets.

A 25 million-strong global network of retailers.

Great purposeful brands

We have over 400 household name brands.

13 turned over more than €1 billion in 2020.

81% of our brands are top two in their market.

In Kantar’s top 50, 14 are Unilever brands.

Powered by our people

149,000 amazing employees in our company.

Number one FMCG graduate employer of choice in 54 countries.

50/50 gender balance in 10,000 managers.

93% of our leaders are local to their market.

Using our scale for good

1.3 billion people helped to improve their health and hygiene since 2010.

100% renewable grid electricity globally.

67% sustainably sourced agricultural raw materials.

Making sustainable living commonplace.