Unilever and Saica Group have launched a collaboration aimed at reducing plastic use in promotional packaging. The Unilever and Saica sustainable packaging collaboration introduces a paper-based grouping solution for Axe deodorant duopacks, that has been available in the French market since the fourth quarter of 2025.
In this context, Unilever has substituted the plastic shrink film traditionally used for promotional duopacks with a paper grouping band created by Saica Group. The innovation advances Unilever’s commitment to reduce its use of virgin plastic in flexible packaging formats by 40% by 2028, compared to 2019 levels, and Saica Group’s ambition to help reduce the weight of plastic across its customer packaging portfolios by up to 20%.
Fully recyclable, the paper grouping band also contributes to circular economy aims at the heart of Saica Group’s sustainability strategy. The project is also forward-looking in respect of the upcoming European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation which will, among other things, restrict the use of single-use plastic packaging for promotional bundling purposes.
Saica Group delivered a ‘technical box-to-box’ solution, which drew on the company’s fiber-based packaging engineering expertise to design and industrially validate the self-adhesive paper band for maximum durability, easy handling, and compatibility with high-quality print finish to maintain shelf appeal.
The company also supported implementation across the full deployment process, from equipment specification and installation to commissioning of banding machinery adapted to Unilever’s production lines. The new banding system replaces high-temperature shrink-wrapping with a lower-energy process, delivering energy efficiency gains without affecting production speed or packaging quality. These measures further strengthen the Unilever and Saica sustainable packaging collaboration as both companies move toward more sustainable packaging practices.
“This partnership underscores how innovation and sustainability can deliver tangible progress,” said Ibon Aznar, Sustainability Innovation Manager for Flexible Packaging.
“Partnering with Unilever on this project shows how innovation and sustainability can come together to deliver real progress. With this paper-based solution, we’re helping anticipate regulatory changes while maintaining the technical performance and quality design the customer requires. At Saica Flex, we remain committed to supporting our customers in their transition toward truly circular packaging solutions.”
