Unilever is partnering with Accenture to scale the use of AI-enabled digital twins across its global manufacturing network. It aims to use the technology to help factories improve quality, boost efficiency, and respond more quickly to consumer demand.
Digital twins are virtual models of factory equipment and production lines. They use live data from physical systems on the shop floor to monitor and predict how machines and processes perform.
By integrating digital twins with AI-enabled insights and agentic capabilities, Unilever is equipping manufacturing teams with advanced tools to identify issues earlier, simulate scenarios more quickly, and make smarter decisions throughout the production cycle.
Building on digital twins already in use, Unilever plans to expand adoption over the next 18 months by creating more than 40 new digital twins.
“Unilever has long been recognised for its supply chain excellence, and expanding the use of manufacturing digital twins reflects the company’s continued focus on both technology and people,” Nicole van Det, CEO of Accenture Netherlands and Nordics and Global Account Lead for Unilever, said in a statement.
Accenture is supporting Unilever in deploying industrial AI capabilities that use advanced analytics and AI agents to predict maintenance needs, improve performance, and help teams act faster.
“Having invested early in AI, the company is setting the standard for pairing advanced tools with smart process design and disciplined execution on the shop floor. Together, we’re setting the benchmark for how industrial AI creates long-lasting value in the consumer goods sector,” van Det added.
Digital twins at Unilever are significantly enhancing production efficiency and product quality across various global sites. In Haldia, India, an energy twin has optimised thermal energy use in powder detergent production, contributing to climate goals. In Gandhidham, India, it has cut quality defects in Dove soap by 30%, the company claims.
Unilever’s partnership with Accenture in manufacturing AI builds on previously announced efforts to scale next-generation technology across business operations. This includes identifying and testing new AI solutions through the AI Horizon3 Lab located in Toronto, Canada.
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