Unilever aims for 100% recyclable plastic packaging by 2035

UK – Unilever has reaffirmed its commitment to making all its plastic packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable—achieving this goal by 2030 for rigid plastics and by 2035 for flexible plastics.

As part of its sustainability drive, the company has been piloting refill initiatives worldwide to reduce virgin plastic use and tackle plastic sachet waste.

Since 2018, Unilever has launched over 50 refill and reuse pilot projects, with insights from these efforts shaping its long-term strategies to minimize single-use plastic packaging.

In various markets, Unilever has tailored refill solutions to meet local needs. In Indonesia, a door-to-door refill model using large jerry cans was tested, with motorcycle drivers delivering products.

While the system proved effective, high operational costs made large-scale implementation challenging.

Similarly, in Bangladesh, self-service refill machines were trialed in 2021 but encountered maintenance difficulties.

Collaborating with Bopinc, a TRANSFORM-funded organization, Unilever developed a more user-friendly and cost-effective refill machine, designed to fit conveniently on store counters.

Unilever emphasized that successfully scaling reusable packaging models requires a collective effort across the supply chain.

This includes collaboration with manufacturers, retailers, waste management organizations, and governments.

To drive systemic change, the company is advocating for supportive regulations and working with industry groups such as the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, the World Economic Forum, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to establish standardized reuse definitions and metrics.

Plastic neutrality milestone in Nigeria

In November 2024, Unilever Nigeria achieved plastic neutrality, marking a significant step in addressing the country’s plastic waste crisis.

Plastic neutrality means the company collects and processes more plastic waste than it generates through its products.

Tim Kleinebenne, Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria, reiterated the company’s commitment to a circular economy, ensuring plastics are reused rather than polluting the environment.

“Our plastic is our responsibility, and we are committed to collecting more than we sell,” he said, expressing hope that their efforts will inspire other companies to follow suit.

Unilever Nigeria has partnered with Wecyclers, a local recycling enterprise, to collect over 13,000 tonnes of plastic since 2014, creating employment opportunities for more than 1,000 people.

Wecyclers CEO Olawale Adebiyi praised the partnership, calling it a journey of “impact, collaboration, and partnership.”

Additionally, Unilever has supported initiatives like the Recycling Exchange Program, which allows individuals to drop off recyclable materials at designated kiosks.

The company has also facilitated 26 franchise recycling locations through a corporate-backed Impact Bond program, reinforcing its commitment to long-term sustainability and plastic waste reduction.

By integrating refill models and collaborating on waste management initiatives, Unilever continues to push for a circular economy where plastic remains in use rather than becoming environmental waste.

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