Sim’s research is focused on environmental sustainability challenges, particularly related to fast-moving consumer goods, agricultural systems, renewable ingredients, and the consequences of land use and land use changes. This research has always been conducted where the business and academic communities meet. Sim has led the development and application of new approaches to life cycle assessment and environmental footprinting, predictive and spatial modelling, and biodiversity indicators.
“I am very excited to continue research efforts aimed at improving the reliability of environmental footprints, to inform corporate decision-making, and to support consumer-oriented communication such as carbon footprints and ecolabelling,” said Sim. “Both industry and consumer involvement are crucial in the green transition.”
About Sarah Sim
Sarah Sim (Brighton, UK, 1979) first completed a Geography Bachelor’s degree programme at Durham University (UK). In 2002 she obtained her Engineering Doctorate (EngD) in Environmental Technology at the University of Surrey (UK). Her dissertation on “Sustainable Food Supply Chains”; quantified environmental and socio-economic impacts of food products as the basis for a decision-support framework to help buyers in Marks and Spencer’s (M&S) Food Business incorporate sustainability criteria into their purchasing decisions.
Sim has now been with Unilever for 15 years, where she is part of Unilever's Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC). Sim puts her expertise to use in the areas of environmental sustainability (including new methods and approaches) and life cycle thinking for product innovation, supply chain management, and brand development. At Unilever, she leads the development and implementation of Unilever's scientific strategy on environmental sustainability. In addition, Sim is responsible for applying this science to inform decision-making in the Nutrition & Ice Cream, Personal Care, and Home Care product portfolios.