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. 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 375kms on a single charge. This makes it suitable for high-volume FMCG distribution, where vehicle utilization, loading efficiency and route reliability are critical.
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 gives both companies a live operating environment to assess charging, route planning, loading, vehicle utilisation and service reliability under everyday supply-chain conditions.
The initiative supports Unilever’s wider Climate Transition Action Plan, with an ambition to reach net zero across its value chain by 2039. It also aligns with the UAE’s direction on cleaner mobility, including the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the National Electric Vehicles Policy and the new Climate Change Law, which strengthens the national framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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.
Ahmed Kadous, Vice President – Customer Operations, Unilever GCC, Turkey, Pakistan & Bangladesh said: “Building a lower-carbon supply chain requires collaboration across the entire value chain. The transition cannot be driven through one large move. However, we believe that it can be built route by route, with partners who are willing to test, learn and improve. 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.”
Mr. Saleh Al Hammadi – Director, Operations Div., Union Coop said: “At Union Coop, sustainability is an integral part of the way we operate and grow. We are committed to working with partners who share our vision of building a more sustainable future. 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.”
As a trusted UAE partner, Unilever GCC continues to strengthen its front-runner role in environmental stewardship, in line with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy. 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.
