Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Univar Solutions

A place where people matter

In a dynamic and increasingly connected world, being a place where people matter is a core value, central to our purpose of helping communities stay healthy, fed, clean and safe. It means giving employees equal opportunities to thrive and providing security and support to achieve excellence together by leveraging the unique differences and abilities that contribute to our shared success.

At Univar Solutions, we are committed to fostering a safe, collaborative, supportive and respectful environment that values diverse perspectives, mitigates unconscious bias and enables a culture where employees can bring their authentic selves to work.

Explore how we are amplifying the diverse voices of Univar Solutions and working with business partners to build a more equitable and sustainable world for all. Some of our recent highlights include:

  • Launched candid conversations around racial divides, gender equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and more.
  • Increased diverse representation at people-leader levels while driving increased inclusion across the globe.

Brandon Lyssy

Director, Global Engagement and Inclusion

We are on a journey to realize the unstoppable power that comes from providing a fully inclusive culture where every person knows they are celebrated for being just who they are and valued for the creativity they bring to our vision to redefine distribution.” 

Where we take action 

We believe the diversity shaped by our employees’ unique backgrounds and experiences inspires the innovation transforming our world. Understanding, accepting and valuing differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education, personality, skills and experiences are critical actions driving our profitable growth, competitive advantage and success as responsible business leaders in the chemical and ingredient industry.

Univar Solutions mandates a discrimination-free workplace and has enhanced business practices that support equality for all employees through internal education, performance management and our global Employee Resource Networks. We actively seek insights and best practices and share our advancements and actions with other global organizations equally committed to equality. In 2020, Univar Solutions achieved signatory status with CEO Action, the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace. 

At Univar Solutions, it’s our people that make the difference and our purpose that drives us with an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Leading in distribution, and influencing chemical manufacturing, we are on a mission to model responsible business leadership for our industry. Every day, we work to empower employees to help us build a more sustainable workforce where representation matters. Our Employee Resource Networks are a collaborative place where team members can come together to develop skills, network with leaders and influence equitable business practices.

Increase awareness and advocacy around visible and invisible disabilities, reduce stigmas, drive community involvement and provide support for employee career development.
Increasing representation, visibility, leadership development, social justice advocacy, and advancement opportunities for our Black/African American employees.
Elevate visibility of our Hispanic & Latinx population, providing career development, social networking and heritage celebration while promoting an culture of inclusion.
Increase LGBT+ employee population, retention, and advancement by building a safe, inclusive and inviting environment that fosters innovation and creativity at all levels of the organization.
Creating an inclusive environment that works to preserve indigenous culture & pride, increasing visibility, career development, and promoting social advocacy & equality for native populations.
Providing a welcoming and supportive environment for employees connected to military service that promotes the valuable skills learned, assists in military to civilian transition, and develops leaders.
Enabling connections, building community, developing the next generation of leaders and advocating increased hiring, advancement, and retention of women across the global organization.

Where we stand for human rights 

As responsible business leaders in our industry, we are committed to conducting business while showing dignity and respect for every person we impact. Together, we are taking proactive steps to ensure that our organization conducts operations in a manner that promotes the safety and protection of human rights. These include embracing an inclusive and diverse workforce and avoiding complicity in forced labor, child labor, exploitation, trafficking, physical punishment, unfair work hours or compensation, limits to freedom of association or other human or labor rights violations. 

 

Read the full Univar Solutions position on human rights >

Where diversity drives innovation 

We believe the diversity of our people is our greatest strength and greater diversity of thought fosters innovation. As we redefine distribution in the chemical and ingredient space, we are actively creating opportunities, education and communication that promotes an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds can thrive and ultimately help us win. 

 

Read more stories about supporting women in STEM >

Where we foster an inclusive culture 

At Univar Solutions, we are building and supporting a culture that acknowledges what each employee can bring to our vision to redefine distribution. That means not  

just recognizing the importance of a diverse employee base but actively creating opportunities, education and communication that promotes an inclusive environment that thrives on the innovation that can come when we all feel empowered – and grow together as we effect changes that advance an environment of inclusion and promote increased equality. 

Where we are committed to sustainability

Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion for all people in the workplace is a responsibility that starts at the highest levels and is shared throughout our company. From senior executives sponsoring and driving forward initiatives down through every layer of the organization, we are working and growing in our understanding together. Every day we are holding our organization accountable to maintain momentum and advance progress toward a more equal and equitable industry. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we are proud of our achievements to increase diverse leadership and enhance a culture of inclusion through increased engagement, education and advocacy for all employees. In 2020, we partnered with expert organizations and implemented a strategy to help us deliver on our purpose, vision and values as a leading distributor of ingredients committed to the United Nations’ sustainability goals.

  • Maintain certification with the Human Rights Campaign as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality 
  • Maintain a minimum score of 78 on our internal Diversity & Inclusion Engagement Index 
  • Increase female representation at the people leader-level by at least 3 percent from 32 to 35 percent by 2025  
  • Increase ethnic diversity at the people-leader level and above in the USA by 2.2 percent from 17.8 to 20 percent by 2025

Our Certifications and Partnerships

David Jukes

President and Chief Executive Officer

“At the core of the solutions we deliver are our people -- our greatest strength. There’s no limit to what we can achieve together when each of us knows that our ideas and perspectives are valued no matter our background, heritage, gender, orientation, religion, education, or any other expressive attribute.”

Where together we can be the difference

Our Sustainability Journey
Today. Tomorrow. Together.
Learn More
Changing Lives with Nutrition
Vitamin Angels & Univar Solutions Nutraceuticals: Creating a healthier world, together.
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Supporting Women in STEM
(S)heroes Wear Lab Coats
Learn More