In: Finance
1. Should Unilever's stockholders endorse its sustainability plan? Why or why not?
2. Are there business advantages to using sustainable or green suppliers? If so,what are they? If not,do you think a traditional return on investment analysis captures all possible benefits of going green?
3. Are there any ethical criticisms of unilever's sustainable living strategy? If so,what are they?
1. Yes, Unilever’s stockholders should endorse its sustainability plan. This is because in the long run the sustainability plan of the company will ensure that the best interest of its consumers as well as the environment is kept in mind. The plan will ensure that the operations of the company continue to add value to the lives of its consumers on one hand and protect the environment on the other hand. Thus their interests will be balanced optimally.
2. Yes, there are business advantages of using sustainable practices and green suppliers. First of all it can lead to higher sales. Consumers these days are highly informed and a chunk of customers prefer to buy and use products that are manufactured in a manner that has the minimum impact on the environment. Consumers these days are buying personal and home care products that are environmental friendly, food products that are organic and other products that have minimum carbon footprint in its supply chain. Secondly a positive image and strong brand equity will develop as a result of the company’s sustainable practices. This will give the company a good competitive standing in the market.
3. Yes, there are ethical criticisms of Unilever's sustainable living strategy. The most glaring criticism is that the company is implementing its sustainable plans just to bolster its business. The company is not really focusing on the sustainability of the environment and hence there is much more that could have been done by the company. Critics say that the company should adopt sustainable practices only with an eye on the environment and by considering its business interests the sustainable practices will not be as strong and robust as it should be.