Less plastic, better plastic, no plastic

Unilever has signed a ‘plastic pact’ in the Netherlands and by that committed to reduce the plastic waste even beyond its sustainability targets. Dutch companies, NGOs and the government want to move faster than the rest of Europe. By 2025, we want all single-use products and packaging to be 100 percent recyclable. In addition, we use 20 percent less plastic by 2025 than in 1997. The new plastics strategy of Unilever already focuses on ‘better plastic, less plastic and no plastic’.

In Davos at the World Economic Forum Unilever unveiled reusable packaging innovations across nine of its brands, including four new product formats. The new products will be trialled on Loop™, a global, first-of-its-kind, waste-free shopping system that will scale the reuse models and shift consumer behaviour to help make circular packaging systems commercially viable.

Among the innovations there are refillable deodorant stick called minim. Made from stainless steel, the design is minimal, compact and sustainable, offering a new consumer experience without any unnecessary materials. Dependent on usage, the product will last on average one month, with the packaging designed to last at least 100 cycles. This means that each pack is expected to last about eight years, with the potential to save up to 100 packs from being thrown away.

Oral care brand Signal unveiled a new product format with new refillable toothpaste tablets called Tooth Tabs. The innovation also enables consumers to brush their teeth using less water: simply chew, brush as usual, rinse and smile. Zero waste, zero hassle and with a huge benefit for the planet.

Alan Jope, CEO of Unilever said: “We want to put an end to the current “take-make-dispose” culture and are committed to taking big steps towards designing our products for re-use. We’re proud to be a founding partner of Loop, which will deliver our much-loved brands in packaging which is truly circular by design.”