In a strategic move to fast-track its zero waste to landfill ambition and advance its net zero emissions goal by 2039, Unilever South Africa has partnered with Mpact Waste Management, a division of the Mpact Group that provides integrated waste management solutions.

Now operational across Unilever’s manufacturing sites in KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to measureable, purpose-led collaboration that advances both environmental targets and local economic development.

“This alliance is a powerful convergence of our shared values in sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth,” says Jermaine Rajah, National Sales and Relationship Manager at Mpact Waste Management.

Unilever’s global sustainability strategy is grounded by four key pillars, including:

• Climate: addressing net zero emissions across the value chain by 2039;
• Nature: regenerative agriculture and deforestation-free sourcing;
• Plastics: a circular approach to packaging by reducing virgin plastic use and increasing recycling;
• Livelihoods: ensuring decent incomes and growth opportunities for those in their value chain.

The cohesive relationship with Mpact Waste Management directly supports these pillars by enabling Unilever to report on traceable material recovery, contribute towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions through landfill diversion, and further empower small scale enterprises in South Africa.

“By integrating Mpact Waste Management’s expertise in materials recovery with our client’s commitment to reduce waste and emissions, we are building scalable systems that benefit people, our planet, and the local economy”, reports Rajah.

“Many of our partners with have reported a significant offset on their waste management contract, some of which have managed to profit from their recyclables, due to Mpact Waste Management’s ability to buy recyclables directly from clients,” she continues. “To date Unilever has estimated that there is an approximated 70 – 80% offset.”

The partnership’s early impact is evident in Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal, where Mpact Waste Management facilitated a collaboration between Unilever and a local agri-business. This initiative transforms selected food production waste from Unilever’s manufacturing sites into nutritionally balanced animal feed.

Through this relationship, farmers are able to access sustainable feed alternatives without having to compromise on quality. The result being a positive contribution to waste reduction whilst creating meaningful socio-economic value.

To date, the project has created 23 direct jobs in Mooi River, supported additional livelihoods across the supply chain, and contributed to methane reduction by diverting organic waste from landfill.

“This means that these suppliers are more than just vendors,” says Rajah. “Being included in strategic dialogue from the start enables them to grow confidently while staying rooted in their purpose.”

Mpact Waste Management helps companies translate their Environmental, Social and Governance targets into operational results. Through tailored waste solutions, compliance reporting, and partnerships that drive meaningful change, the organisation is helping accelerate South Africa’s transition towards a circular economy.

“We support clients beyond basic compliance,” concludes Rajah. “Whether it’s landfill diversion, community benefit, or measurable sustainability impact, our work is about building systems that deliver lasting value.”