Retail veteran champions green business

Firms must focus on sustainable sourcing, zero waste, says Unilever chief

Paul Polman, chief executive officer of consumer goods giant Unilever Plc, believes that it is important for companies to invest in green business models, especially those that hinge on sustainable sourcing and zero waste.

Polman, who once trained as a priest, says Unilever, which owns several leading household brands like Dove soap, Persil detergent and Flora margarine, has been at the forefront of sustainable development, and most of its brands are now delivering stronger and faster growth.