Unilever nanofactories

2021: Start using mobile nanoframes for fast product production

At the end of January 2021, Unilever began using mobile nanofabs for the rapid production of products. The first factory of this type was a container measuring 40 feet (a little more than 12 meters), replacing the broth production line and located on the basis of the company in Wageningen (Netherlands). By creating products at such nanofabs, Unilever hopes to reduce the carbon footprint, reduce waste and eventually spread production around the world to use local ingredients.

There are more than 300 Unilever factories around the world, but these are large enterprises designed for mass production.

Sometimes a company needs to produce small batches - for example, seasonal goods or when testing a new product, "explained Unilever technical manager and mobile factory project manager Olivera Trifunovic.

Unilever began using mobile nanofabs to quickly produce products to reduce carbon footprint and waste

It is not commercially feasible to use a mass production line for this, moreover, this approach generates a huge amount of waste. In addition, sometimes a company needs to quickly respond to changing demand in local markets, whether it is an increase or a decrease in production.

To solve these problems, two Unilever engineers proposed the idea of ​ ​ a mobile factory. The first product to begin production at the mobile factory will be broth for Unilever Food Solutions, a division of the catering services company. If the project is successful, Unilever can install nanofabs in other enterprises, and the product line will be expanded to make mayonnaise, ketchup and ice cream.

These nanofabs will never be able to compare with the production level of large Unilever plants, but this is the whole point. This is a less wasteful approach that promotes local markets, reduces production waste and reduces the need for fossil fuels.^[1]

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