Two of the world’s largest global brands, consumer goods giant Unilever and logistics powerhouse DHL, have this week announced an extension of their existing partnership designed to accelerate the adoption of greener business models and technologies.

Unilever, which has earned plaudits from green groups for its commitment to halve its environmental impact by 2020, said it is to develop a Joint Business Development Plan (JBDP) with DHL as part of its programme to ensure key suppliers are taking steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve their environmental performance.

The new plan will see the two companies work together to ensure they are delivering on both Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan and DHL’s GOGREEN initiative, with a particular focus on cutting emissions, enhancing efficiencies across the supply chain, and reducing waste levels through the use of new technologies.

Precise details of how the two firms will co-operate are yet to be finalised, but a spokeswoman for DHL said the companies had identified a number of areas of potential joint interest, including plans to develop a blueprint for sustainable warehouse designs, methodologies for accurately measuring supply chain emissions, and strategies for reducing waste levels and boosting recycling rates.

She also revealed that the companies could jointly explore how emerging green transport technologies such as electric or alternative fuel vehicles could be used to slash the environmental footprint of supply chains.

Pier Luigi Sigismondi, chief supply chain officer at Unilever, said the partnership was a prime example of how the firm planned to work with suppliers to help improve environmental performance right across the supply chain.

“For Unilever it is essential that we work closely together with our strategic suppliers in order to reach our ambition to double the size of the company and halve our environmental impact – we cannot do this alone,” he said. “DHL and Unilever have worked together for many years now and both organisations share the same values, passion and goals. This is why we have chosen DHL as a global supply chain partner to support our plans to sustainably grow our business.”

His comments were echoed by Bruce Edwards, chief executive at DHL’s supply chain division, who hailed the new joint business plan as a “landmark agreement” for the two companies.

“We are always keen to work strategically with Unilever to design the best possible solutions and deliver unrivalled services to help the world’s most successful consumer brands achieve their growth, profit and environmental ambitions, and we are extremely excited about this new global aspect in our relationship,” he added.