The €85m center, named Hive for its location amidst leading academic research centers, start-ups and external partners, will lead global foods innovation programs for brands like Knorr, Hellmann’s, The Vegetarian Butcher and Calvė.

This commitment makes Unilever what is said to be the first major global consumer goods company to commit to an absolute plastics reduction across its portfolio.

Unilever’s achievement is a significant step toward its target to become a carbon neutral company before 2030.

This purchase will expand Wells’ current manufacturing capacity and adds an important footprint in the West.

CHEP looks to expand the initiative to multi-company coalitions and open innovation events in which supply chain experts can discuss sustainability topics ranging from reverse logistics to shared transportation solutions to data-driven approaches.

Unilever and The Vegetarian Butcher started working together in 2016 when they jointly launched the Vegetarian Meatballs in Satay Sauce and Vegetarian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce.