Unilever Arabia has added the first electric van to its fleet in the UAE.
The move aligns with the UK multinational consumer goods company’s efforts towards reducing emissions via its logistics operations and achieving net zero value chain emissions by 2039.
As part of a strategic partnership with Carrefour, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim, electric vans will initially deliver Unilever’s products to the Carrefour store at the Mall of the Emirates.
Unilever’s head of supply chain in Mena, Ahmed Kadous, said: “Sustainability is integrated into everything that we do at Unilever. As part of our vision to ensure a purpose-led and sustainable business model, the EV van aligns with our bold ambitions towards delivering profitable, yet responsible, performance and growth.
“The introduction of electric vehicles to our delivery fleet is a core ambition and is central to Unilever’s sustainability commitment. We look forward to working more closely with the public sector and industry to further expand the infrastructure and seamlessly support the transition to electric mobility. I would like to congratulate the team for their unwavering efforts in driving Unilever’s vision forward and thank our partners for sharing our ambitions towards achieving a net zero business model.”
The vans are expected to cut emissions by up to 15 per cent in comparison with traditional vehicles, the statement said.
Country manager for Carrefour at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, Bertrand Loumaye, said: “We are committed to sourcing and delivering sustainably sourced produce as part of our ‘Dare Today, Change Tomorrow’ strategy.
“The launch of the first electric delivery van in the UAE from Unilever, a highly valued partner, marks a major milestone in Majid Al Futtaim’s journey to becoming net positive in carbon and water by 2040 – as well as our collaborative efforts to achieve the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. It is exciting to be at the forefront of such momentous, positive change as we continue to make industry-firsts happen.”
