Statement re Environment Rpt

Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
4 September 2000
 

UNILEVER LAUNCHES EXTENDED ENVIRONMENT REPORT ON-LINE 
 
Unilever today launched its Environment Report 2000 in a restyled format, making
use of the web to publish and update environmental performance data
on-line.
 
Unilever's Environment Report 2000 is the successor to the printed versions
published in 1996 and 1998. Unilever is now publishing its environmental
Performance Report and related information on-line, enabling it to be updated
regularly. While publication of an environmental report on-line is not in
itself groundbreaking, the in-depth approach and content of these pages
demonstrate how Unilever lives up to its commitment to corporate 
environmental responsibility and accountability.
 
'These web pages are a dynamic, interactive and transparent way for Unilever
to make publically available its environmental position and performance,'
said Unilever chairman Antony Burgmans/Niall FitzGerald. 'They enable us to
respond rapidly to events and to provide ongoing evaluation of our
performance.'
 
The pages are designed to use the full scope of the web to develop continuing
dialogue and interaction. There are extensive sections on case studies and
environmental care initiatives.
 
Burgmans/FitzGerald said: 'These pages will facilitate dialogue on
challenging issues where there are no easy solutions. This new approach will
have important implications for the management of environmental performance
in the company.'
 
The on-line report will facilitate fast downloading of particular documents
and time related reports, including the Performance Report, which will be
updated annually.
 
The new web pages mark the relaunch of Unilever's Environmental Report to
provide an extensive insight into Unilever's approach to the environment and
its partnership initiatives on:
 
Fish Conservation: Unilever is committed to buy fish only from sustainable
stocks by 2005 and is working with its suppliers to meet that target.
 
Sustainable Agriculture: two-thirds of Unilever's raw materials comes from
agriculture. The company is working with a wide group of stakeholders around
the world to develop a set of standards for sustainable agriculture.
 
Water Care: the world's water systems, a shared resource, are under intense
pressure. Unilever is working with others to help assure the future
availability of clean, potable water.
The report shows that Unilever companies are continuously reducing their
overall impact on the environment whilst increasing their production. It also
reports on progress in meeting the targets set out in the Environment Report
1998.
 
The Unilever Environment report is verified by an independent agent. It can
be accessed through the environment section of the company's website,
www.Unilever.com. 
 
-o0o-

 
Note to editors: 
To access the Unilever Environment Report or download the Performance Report
as a .pdf file, please access the home page, select 'Environment & Society'
and go to the environment section. A copy of the downloaded report will also
be available in limited numbers on a mini CD-rom.