WEF recognises business impact of our supply chain tech investments
Published:
Technology is accelerating Hindustan Unilever Limited’s (HUL) operational excellence. Our ongoing digital supply chain transformation has driven d‑commerce growth, increased resilience and reduced environmental impact, earning new WEF Global Lighthouse Network designations.
We are using the latest technology to deliver operational excellence across our supply chain.
To win in the age of AI, we’re continuing to strategically invest in cutting-edge digital tools at our factories and distribution centres. From increased productivity and faster demand fulfilment to reduced emissions, we’ve driving business growth and our efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Every year, the World Economic Forum (WEF) grants Global Lighthouse Network (GLN) status to industry leaders who are using advanced technology to improve their business performance and strengthen sustainability. Two HUL sites received Lighthouse status in the latest wave, taking Unilever’s global total to 11 designations, across ten sites – a new record in the FMCG sector.
Unilever’s digital supply chain transformation is driving growth
Recognised by the WEF for supply chain resilience, sustainability and productivity, the new sites demonstrate world‑class digital transformation in action and offer an insight into how investing in innovation is giving our business a competitive edge.
Our sites in Gandhidham and Pondicherry are standout examples of how we’re scaling and leveraging tech across our supply chain operations in the region to realise this potential.
Spotlight on Unilever’s new WEF Lighthouse sites in India
Gandhidham Personal Care site, India
WEF Global Lighthouse Distinction in Sustainability
Gandhidham, our Personal Care site manufactures Power Brands including LUX, Lifebuoy and Dove. Operating in Kutch, a water-scarce region, we’ve used smart tech and digital innovation to improve water stewardship and lower our emissions.
What we’re doing
AI and digital twins are reducing on-site water consumption and supporting local farmers to do the same
High-speed cameras and machine learning spot defects, cut waste and ensure unmissable quality in our products
Digital twins optimise energy use and support our transition to renewable fuels and low-emission refrigerants
The impact
17% less water used on-site, plus over 6 billion litres saved in the community
48% less material waste and 90% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 emissions
Supported 24% production growth at the site between 2021 and 2024
Pondicherry Home Care site, India
WEF Global Lighthouse Distinction in Productivity
Pondicherry is driving growth, supplying 60% of regional demand for Home Care Power Brands like Surf excel, Rin, Vim and Comfort. The site has adopted digital tools and AI to meet rising demand, expand product variety and deliver unmissable product quality, fuelling continued growth in the region.
What we’re doing
Machine learning predicts and controls product quality in real time
Cameras and AI identify and fix line issues, reducing downtime
Digital tools enable flexible production, allowing a threefold increase in product variants within existing production capacity
The impact
We’ve doubled production speed and increased production volume by 25%
Pondicherry now makes three times as many product variants without needing more space
The factory supplies 60% of South India’s demand, up from 40%
These initiatives strengthen our competitive edge and create long-term value for our stakeholders, while contributing to a more sustainable future.
Priya Nair, CEO and MD, Hindustan Unilever Limited
Our investment in advanced technology is reshaping the way value is created across our business, delivering real impact for our customers and consumers, supporting growth and helping us move towards our sustainability goals. By embedding digital capability within our factories and distribution centres, we’re building supply chain resilience, increasing quality, accelerating efficiency and strengthening our market position.
