Unilever has declared its dedication to ensuring all of its plastic packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2035, with a strong focus on flexible plastics. This pledge aligns with the consumer goods giant’s broader sustainability goals and efforts to combat plastic waste.
Unilever has significantly increased funding for its global packaging research and development (R&D) center in Liverpool as a part of this strategy. The move is aimed at reducing the use of virgin plastics, with a target to cut virgin plastics consumption by 30 per cent by 2026 and 40 per cent by 2028. This follows a successful 18 per cent reduction in virgin plastics use since 2019.
Unilever has also set intermediate sustainability targets, including making 100 per cent of rigid plastics packaging recyclable by 2030 and all flexible plastics recyclable by 2035.
Refill and Reuse Pilots to Tackle Plastics Waste
Unilever has been continuously testing refill and reuse solutions across various regional markets, to tackle plastic waste. The company has introduced programs like the URefill initiative in places like Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka to make a positive impact.. These programmes allow consumers to refill products in reusable containers, significantly reducing plastic waste.
Since 2018, Unilever has conducted more than 50 refill and reuse pilot projects globally, providing valuable insights into consumer behaviour and the scalability of reusable packaging models.
Rebecca Marmot, Unilever’s Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainable practices, stating, “We believe that through our investments in new technologies and materials, we can lead the way in transforming packaging from a problem into a solution for sustainability.”
Collaboration on Global Sustainability Efforts
Unilever is also participating in global initiatives like the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, where it advocates for binding regulations to manage plastics pollution on a worldwide scale.
The company’s approach emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders across the supply chain, including manufacturers and recyclers, to ensure an effective and inclusive transition to sustainable packaging solutions.
Through its targeted investments and global partnerships, Unilever aims to position itself as a leader in addressing plastic pollution and driving innovation in sustainable packaging.