Saica Group equips Unilever with eco-friendly paper band for Axe Duopack

UK — Saica Group has developed and supplied a recyclable paper grouping band for Unilever’s Axe deodorant duopacks, replacing traditional plastic shrink film and supporting both companies’ broader sustainability and circularity goals.

The switch marks another step forward in brand-led plastic reduction efforts as regulatory pressure and consumer expectations accelerate packaging transformation across Europe.

The high-performance paper band is engineered for mechanical strength, durability in logistics, and compatibility with high-resolution graphics, essential requirements for preserving shelf visibility and brand identity.

According to Saica, the design also enables smooth unpacking and consumer handling, ensuring that sustainability gains do not compromise usability.

“Partnering with Unilever on this project shows how innovation and sustainability can come together to deliver real progress,” said Ibon Aznar, sustainability innovation manager for Flexible Packaging at Saica Group.

“With this paper-based solution, we’re helping anticipate regulatory changes while maintaining the technical performance and quality that the customer requires. At Saica Flex, we remain committed to supporting our customers in their transition toward truly circular packaging solutions.”

Saica Group supported Unilever through the full development and implementation process, including equipment specification, machine procurement and installation of banding systems tailored to the company’s promotional product lines.

This end-to-end approach ensured a seamless transition for Unilever’s production operations.

The paper band has already been commercialized in France since late 2025 in preparation for the EU’s upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which will mandate stricter recyclability criteria and place limits on single-use plastics.

Saica states that the solution forms part of its wider ambition to cut the overall plastic weight in customer packaging portfolios by up to 20%.

The investment aligns with Saica’s expansion strategy. Last year, the company committed €7.1 million (US$7.7 million) to new machinery at its Saica Flex UK facility to enhance flexible packaging production and efficiency.

Further growth includes more than US$110 million invested in a second Saica Pack corrugated plant in Indiana, USA, set to open this year.

For Unilever, the shift supports its goal to reduce virgin plastic use by 40% by 2028. The company has been revising its environmental roadmap to balance ambition with market realities but continues to push innovation where commercially viable.

Recently, Unilever partnered with Ball Corporation and Alcoa to introduce the first aerosol can manufactured using Elysis carbon-free smelting technology, signalling ongoing momentum in low-carbon packaging materials.

The collaboration with Saica demonstrates how upstream material innovation and downstream brand commitments can align to accelerate practical, scalable sustainability gains in fast-moving consumer goods packaging.

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