Rethinking plastic packaging
We’re rethinking our approach to plastic packaging to use less, better or no plastic.
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Packaging is essential for bringing Unilever brands into the hands of people around the world and serving their needs. But we also need to face the fact that plastic packaging – including our own – is ending up as waste in the environment.
With the amount of plastic waste produced globally set to almost triple by 2060, something has to change.
We’ve made significant progress. We’ve reduced our virgin plastic footprint by 18%. We’ve increased our use of recycled plastic to 22% of our global portfolio. And we’ve trialled a variety of reuse and refill models around the world.
There’s still a long way to go. We need to change the way plastic packaging is sourced, used and disposed. This will take more time, bolder innovations and systemic change. But we now have more knowledge and insights that we’re applying to update our approach.
Our plastic goals focus on the areas where we believe we can have the most impact. Reducing our virgin plastic use and developing solutions for hard-to-recycle flexible plastic, including plastic sachets, are our priorities.
Reduce our virgin plastic footprint – by 30% by 2026, and 40% by 2028[a]
100% of our plastic packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable – by 2030 (for rigids) and 2035 (for flexibles)[a]
Use 25% recycled plastic in our packaging by 2025
Collect and process more plastic packaging than we sell by 2025
By integrating our goals into our Business Group roadmaps and setting clear interim goals where possible, we’re building on our progress. And we will continue to use our innovation capabilities to find new solutions – with even greater focus.
But voluntary goals and initiatives can only go so far without the right infrastructure and rules in place. That’s why we’re calling for stronger, harmonised policy such as:
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We’re rethinking our approach to plastic packaging to use less, better or no plastic.
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