Unilever’s 2018: what did the beauty giant get up to?

04-Jan-2019 - Last updated on 04-Jan-2019 at 08:52 GMT

From a push with its eco beauty brand and an effort towards natural microplastics, to the company’s new CEO coming from the division, Unilever’s beauty business has had a big year in 2018. We take a look in this Editor’s Spotlight.

In its most recently announced (third quarter) results, Beauty & Personal Care saw an underlying sales growth of 4.0%, helped by improved price growth.

Growth in prestige personal care has accelerated for Unilever among its brands Hourglass, Living, Kate Somerville, and REN this year.

Alongside this, following its successful launch in the US at the start of this year, Unilever’s brand Love Beauty and Planet has now seen a rollout across the UK.

It is the first personal care brand launch made by the multinational consumer goods player in 20 years, and taps into the ever rising demand for beauty that is both ethical and environmentally aware.

Continuing this push, the company has recently announced a partnership with Italian bioplastic specialists, Bio-On to improve the personal care sector's impact on the environment in the area of patent bio-technologies for natural, biodegradable microplastics production. Find out more on all of these top stories and more below.

Unilever and Bio-on to use biotech to produce microplastics

With a core focus on delivering a smaller or zero environmental impact, the duo has entered into a strategic alliance using exclusive technologies to create, manufacture and sell personal hygiene and care products. Discover our full report here.

Partnership with Humane Society International to end animal testing for cosmetics

Consumer goods giant, Unilever, has announced its support for the #BeCrueltyFree campaign led by Humane Society International (HSI).

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HSI emphasises Unilever’s active support for strong bans on cosmetic animal testing and trade in the United States, Canada, Brazil and Australia. Read more here.

What the Unilever decision to stick with its UK headquarters means

Earlier this year, investor opposition meant that Unilever had to backtrack on its plan to simplify its business structure.

The company will be keeping its headquarters in the UK, rather than its previously planned move to the Netherlands. We took a look behind the headlines at why here.

Unilever’s next CEO is current president of beauty and personal care

At the start of this year, Alan Jope is taking over as CEO of the multinational consumer goods company.

Having most recently led the beauty and personal care business—Unilever’s largest division—and been with company his entire career, Jope has the support of his colleagues and is expected to do well for the global company.