Consumer goods manufacturer Unilever has partnered with paper and plastics packaging manufacturing and recycling company Mpact Group subsidiary Mpact Waste Management across Unilever’s manufacturing sites in KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg, Gauteng.

The partnership directly supports Unilever's goals of zero waste to landfill and net-zero emissions by 2039 by enabling Unilever to report on traceable material recovery, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions through diversion from landfill and empower small-scale enterprises in South Africa, Mpact says.

“Owing to Mpact Waste Management’s ability to buy recyclables directly from clients, many of our partners have reported a significant offset on their waste management contract, with some managing to profit from their recyclables.

“To date, Unilever has estimated that there is currently a 70% to 80% offset compared to its previous waste management contract at its operations from this partnership,” says Mpact Waste Management national sales and relationship manager Jermaine Rajah.

“By integrating Mpact Waste Management’s expertise in materials recovery with our client’s commitment to reduce waste and emissions, we are building scalable systems that benefit people, our planet and the local economy,” she says.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to measurable, purpose-led collaboration that advances environmental targets and local economic development, she adds.

The partnership’s early impact is evident in Mooi River, in KwaZulu-Natal, where Mpact Waste Management facilitated a collaboration between Unilever and a local agri-business.

This initiative transforms selected food production waste from Unilever’s manufacturing sites into nutritionally-balanced animal feed.

Through this relationship, farmers are able to access sustainable feed alternatives without having to compromise on quality. The result is waste reduction and the creation of meaningful socioeconomic value.

The project has thus far created 23 direct jobs in Mooi River, supported additional livelihoods across the supply chain, and contributed to a reduction of methane by diverting organic waste from landfill.

“These suppliers are more than just vendors. Being included in strategic dialogue from the start enables them to grow confidently while staying rooted in their purpose,” says Rajah.

Specifically, Unilever’s global sustainability strategy comprises four key pillars, namely climate, nature, plastics and livelihoods.

Under its climate goals, it aims to achieve net-zero emissions across the value chain by 2039, while, for its nature goals, it aims to implement regenerative agriculture and deforestation-free sourcing.

For the company's plastics goals, it aims to take a circular approach to packaging by reducing virgin plastic use and increasing recycling. For livelihoods, it aims to ensure decent incomes and growth opportunities for those in its value chain.

Mpact Waste Management helps companies to achieve their sustainability targets and aims to accelerate South Africa’s transition towards a circular economy, Rajah says.

“Our work is about building systems that deliver lasting value beyond basic compliance, whether for landfill diversion, community benefit, or measurable sustainability impact,” she says.