Unilever Philippines has reinforced its commitment to sustainability and operational excellence with the recent installation of solar photovoltaic panels at its 7.5-hectare Foods factory in General Trias, Cavite — one of the company’s largest food manufacturing facilities globally.

The initiative, unveiled in early June 2025, marks a significant step toward Unilever’s net zero goal of reducing operational emissions by 100% by 2030, compared to 2015 levels. The 1,211-kilowatt solar power system is capable of generating 1,847 megawatt-hours annually, powering the factory’s savory and dressings production lines and utilities building. It complements the plant’s existing use of geothermal energy.

“This initiative builds on our long-standing use of renewable energy for our factories, offices, and facilities. We are building from strength to strength in our operations and sustainability commitments,” said Arvind Sunderrajan, Unilever Foods Head of Supply Chain for the Philippines and Greater Asia.

Unilever executives and local officials led the inauguration ceremony at the Cavite facility, which produces staple brands like Lady’s Choice mayonnaise, Knorr bouillon cubes, and various spreads and dressings. Around 75 percent of the factory’s more than 700 employees are from Cavite.

Over the last three years, the site has increased its production capacity by 25 percent and total output by 20 percent, with automation playing a key role in the expansion. Today, more than 80 percent of its production lines are fully automated — from mixing to packing and palletizing — achieving zero human touch for maximum safety, quality, and scalability.

The factory also exports Filipino-made favorites to countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and even the United States and Canada.

“At Unilever, our supply chain is the engine that powers our operations,” said Navdeep Singh, Head of Customer Operations Greater Asia and Head of Supply Chain Philippines. “As consumer expectations evolve toward speed, personalization, and reliability, we’re committed to delivering high-quality products through a supply network that’s agile, resilient, and built for value.”

Unilever emphasized that the commercial case for solar energy is strong. On-site generation cuts costs, avoids distribution losses, and offers long-term price stability, with projected savings set to be reinvested into further efficiency upgrades.

For nearly a century, Unilever has been a household name in the Philippines, with more than 90 percent of its locally sold products manufactured domestically. Its Foods business remains one of its largest units in the country, built on a legacy of bringing Filipino families together through well-loved brands and trusted flavors.