The commitment to sustainable development and responsible business practice is embedded in Unilever's mission and principles.  Our company strives to understand the impact we have on society, not only in how we run our business, but in the raw materials we source and the products we produce.

The awareness carries through every aspect of our company's operations, from working with third-party certification groups to source more sustainable raw materials, to encouraging our employees to drink their tea from ceramic mugs rather than disposable cups.

One of our biggest current undertakings is obtaining Rainforest Alliance Certification™ for our Lipton Tea plantations.

"Our Commitment is that by 2015 all the tea we sell will be certified", says Jennifer Aspen, Vice President of Research and Development for Unilever Foodsolutions Americas. This certification examines several aspects of the tea plantation operations, including social and environmental practices, ecosystem and water conservation, wildlife protection and fair treatment to the workers and their community. Our first Rainforest Alliance Certified™, Kericho estate, is now available in foodservice.