Hindustan Unilever receives dual World Economic Forum lighthouse designations
These sites exemplify how HUL pioneers India’s 4IR progress in manufacturing.
INDIA – Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has achieved a significant milestone by securing World Economic Forum (WEF) recognition for two additional manufacturing facilities as Advanced Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Lighthouse sites.
The Gandhidham unit in Gujarat and the Pondicherry facility now join three prior HUL sites, Dapada (2022), Sonepat (2023), and Doom Dooma (2025), bringing the company’s total to five such globally honoured operations.
The WEF’s Global Lighthouse Network celebrates factories at the forefront of digital transformation, using 4IR technologies to boost efficiency, sustainability, and workforce skills across supply chains.
Both new sites deploy over 50 initiatives, integrating AI, digital twins, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in nearly every process.
Priya Nair, CEO and MD, Hindustan Unilever Limited, said, “We are delighted to begin the new year with a double honour from the World Economic Forum.
“This achievement reflects our strategic focus on leveraging advanced technologies to optimise operations, deliver superior product quality and set new benchmarks for innovation.”
He added, “These initiatives strengthen our competitive edge and create long-term value for our stakeholders, while contributing to a more sustainable future.”
The Laundry Liquids Plant (LLPL) in water-stressed Kutch earned Sustainability Lighthouse status for advances in nature and climate goals.
Key outcomes include a 17% reduction in water use, savings of 6.12 billion litres of community water, 48% waste reduction, 90% cut in Scope 1 and 2 emissions via renewable energy, and 12% Scope 3 emissions drop—all while achieving double-digit growth over three years.
Technologies support precise water stewardship, traceable palm oil sourcing, sustainable formulations and refrigerants, and AI-driven aquifer recharge.
Unilever Pondicherry unit gained Productivity Lighthouse distinction by tackling product complexity, throughput challenges, quality, and flexibility amid rapid innovation.
Machine learning optimizes process control and changeovers; AI enables autonomous troubleshooting and manpower forecasting.
Results feature 25% volume growth, 23% defect reduction, and a threefold increase in product variants within current capacity
Meanwhile, HUL strengthened its board by appointing Bobby Parikh as an Independent Director, effective from December 1, 2025, for a five-year term until November 30, 2030, subject to shareholder approval.
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