Union Coop partners in Unilever GCC’s lower-carbon logistics network
Unilever and Union Coop are expanding their collaboration in the UAE on sustainable supply chain operations through the deployment of Unilever’s existing electric vehicle fleet on key distribution routes, it was announced in a press statement.
The initiative will initially facilitate deliveries from Unilever’s warehouse to Union Coop’s distribution center before being scaled to selected retail stores across the country. The transition to electric mobility is expected to save 8,900 liters of fuel annually and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 23.9 tonnes of CO₂ each year.
The truck has a capacity of 26 standard pallets, or 25 tonnes, and an average range of 375 kilometres on a single charge. This makes it suitable for high-volume FMCG distribution, where vehicle utilization, loading efficiency and route reliability are critical.
Deployment
The deployment builds on Unilever GCC’s successful run of the first EV van in 2023, and a heavy-duty electric truck in UAE logistics which together saved 98,500 litres of fuel, reducing approximately 257 tonnes of CO2 emissions since the onset. These initiatives were among the actions recognised when Unilever was named Middle East Fleet of the Year at the 2024 Truck and Fleet Awards.
This partnership and additional route give both companies a live operating environment to assess charging, route planning, loading, vehicle utilisation and service reliability under everyday supply-chain conditions.
At a time when regional disruptions have placed pressure on supply chains and business continuity, the deployment shows how sustainability can remain embedded in day-to-day operations. Logistics remains one of the key areas where Unilever is working with partners to reduce emissions through transport optimisation, fleet transition, electric vehicles, alternative fuels and more efficient distribution models.
Sustainability ambitions
“As we continue to expand our zero-emission logistics footprint, we remain committed to supporting the UAE’s sustainability ambitions while serving consumers efficiently and responsibly,” asserted Ahmed Kadous, Vice President, Customer Operations, Unilever GCC, Turkey, Pakistan & Bangladesh.
“Our collaboration with Unilever to introduce electric vehicle deliveries reflects our joint commitment to reducing carbon emissions through practical and innovative solutions while ensuring operational excellence. This initiative supports the UAE’s Net Zero ambitions and demonstrates how strategic partnerships can deliver lasting environmental and business value,” emphasized Saleh Al Hammadi-Director, Operations Div., Union Coop.
Sustainability ambitions
The inclusion of the EV truck builds on a series of pioneering sustainability initiatives introduced earlier by Unilever GCC, including piloting a rail freight transportation solution with Etihad Rails to reduce emissions and has undertaken wider supply chain network redesign initiatives across the region to drive greater efficiency and sustainability.
Through pioneering operational initiatives, locally manufactured brands and cross-sector partnerships, the company translates climate commitments into practical, scalable action, and contributes to the UAE’s industrial and climate ambitions towards a more resilient future for the region.
