HUL to bet on ‘sustainable living brands’ in growth push
Consumer goods major Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is planning to launch a string of initiatives and products, including a “dry shampoo” and arsenic removing water filters, as part of its global strategy to create “sustainable living brands”.
“We have audacious goals. As an integral part of Unilever, HUL is leading the charge,” Sanjiv Mehta, CEO and MD, HUL and executive vice-president, Unilever South Asia, told HT on Tuesday.
Besides, Hindustan Unilever Foundation and Water Resources Group (2030 WRG) is developing innovative solutions to save water in the agriculture sector. The partnership will also establish the ‘Ganga Multi-Stakeholder Action Forum’, which will develop inclusive and collaborative approaches to rejuvenate the Ganga Basin.
“We are looking at different products and initiatives,” Mehta said, adding that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Swachh Bharat’ campaign has given an impetus to the industry.
“This is something which we have been doing for the last few years. It gives us further impetus of how we improve and accelerate the work that we have been doing,” he said. “I think a society where hygiene is given primacy will in fact be good for business”.
Mehta said the company will shortly launch in West Bengal Pureit water filters, which will be able to remove arsenic contamination. “We have not brought it into India, but at an appropriate time, we will certainly look at launching dry shampoo, where you use the shampoo without any water. Similarly, we have launched a fabric conditioner which requires far less rinse. A product also has to be appropriate for the evolution of the category,” he said.
Mehta said HUL is exploring some of its flagship initiatives such as the Lifebouy hand wash campaign in urban areas. “We are working on it. We will start with a couple of big cities, pick up municipal schools and make a difference to them,” he added.
Data indicates that the cost of diarrhea to India by not handwashing is ` 10,990 crore, and the cost of acute respiratory infection by not handwashing is ` 5945.60 crore.
“We believe that if we can inculcate the right habits in the children, those will follow through to the households,” Mehta said.