Unilever has reaffirmed its dedication to tackling plastic pollution with updated goals that reflect a sharper focus on reducing environmental impact. Recognizing the critical role packaging plays in delivering products safely and efficiently, the company is reimagining its approach to plastic usage as part of its Growth Action Plan. Plastic, while versatile and lightweight, poses significant environmental challenges when mismanaged. Unilever is determined to be part of the solution by prioritizing sustainable practices across its packaging lifecycle.
The company has already made substantial progress, reducing virgin plastic use by 18% since 2019 and increasing recycled plastic to 22% of its global packaging portfolio. Innovations like lightweight designs, cardboard-based alternatives, and reusable packaging models are at the forefront of Unilever’s efforts. Iconic brands such as Hellmann’s and Dove have adopted 100% post-consumer resin (PCR) in their bottles, showcasing the company’s leadership in promoting a circular economy. Partnerships with over 60 PCR suppliers, up from just two in 2016, highlight Unilever's commitment to driving systemic change in plastic recycling.
Collaboration has been key to Unilever's success. As the first major FMCG company to sign the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Global Commitment, Unilever has championed initiatives to make all plastic packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable. Industry partnerships have yielded innovations like recyclable toothpaste tubes and trigger sprays, increasing the technical recyclability of Unilever’s packaging portfolio to 72%. However, the company acknowledges gaps in actual recyclability, often due to insufficient infrastructure and systemic challenges outside its control.
To address these challenges, Unilever has refined its plastic goals with more realistic and actionable targets. By 2026, it aims to reduce virgin plastic use by 30%, scaling up to 40% by 2028. The company is also focusing on difficult-to-recycle flexible plastics, investing in next-generation materials and formats. By splitting targets for rigid and flexible plastics, Unilever can tailor solutions to each packaging type. Additionally, the company aims to use 25% recycled plastic and to collect and process more plastic than it sells by 2025, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable packaging.
Unilever emphasizes that systemic change requires government support and cross-industry collaboration. As co-chair of the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, the company advocates for harmonized global regulations to reduce plastic pollution and encourage investment in recycling infrastructure. By championing extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes and standardized reuse policies, Unilever is calling for collective action to accelerate progress. Through its innovative strategies and collaborative efforts, Unilever remains steadfast in its mission to end plastic pollution and create a sustainable future.
https://www.unilever.com/news/news-search/2024/how-were-aiming-for-greater-impact-with-updated-plastic-goals/
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15 w
Unilever's commitment to sustainable packaging is impressive. Reducing virgin plastic use and promoting recyclable materials reflects genuine progress. Collaborating globally for systemic change makes this effort even more impactful in combating plastic pollution effectively.
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14 w
@munene_mugambi i agree... This is a bold commitment that will help reduce the waste produced by the company... Kudo's
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Dear dickson mutai Your climate love has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to Unilever by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time
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15 w
This is the way forward.positive change is what we need for a better and cleaner future for our future generations.
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@jane_wangui Absolutely, adopting sustainable practices like Unilever's is crucial. Positive change today paves the way for a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations to thrive.
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14 w
@jane_wangui i agree and with such commitments from other's it will be easy to achieve a clean world
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15 w
It's about time that all companies did change for a better Future and deal with all their pollution.
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@rosebellendiritu Exactly! Companies must take responsibility for their environmental impact. Embracing sustainable practices is not just ethical but essential for securing a livable future for everyone.
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16 w
It’s inspiring to see a global brand take meaningful steps toward sustainability, setting a high standard for the entire industry.....
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@frankoh_kihm_080 It’s encouraging to see a major brand take real action toward sustainability, setting a strong example for others in the industry to follow. This kind of leadership can drive wider change and inspire others to prioritize the planet.
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16 w
If all companies would commit to sustainable packaging, there would be a huge reduction in environmental pollution.
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16 w
This is amazing, plastic pollution should be managed by all means
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This is a huge commitment i hope it will come into effect Asap
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This is really impressive, hopefully this inspires other companies to step up too.
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@princess_nel_268 sure, it's an idea worth trying
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This is a good thing for Unilever to be involved in sustainability, for they are one of the largest food manufacturers in Kenya and this will reduce their emissions by a big margin.