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Ending Plastic Pollution: Unilever’s Vision and Commitment

The Ambition                                                                                                                                                                              Unilever is committed to ending plastic pollution through reduction, circulation, and collaboration. For several years, they have been diligently working towards creating a circular economy for plastic packaging. This journey has taught them that transformation is a gradual process. Given the magnitude of the challenge, they are leveraging its innovation capabilities to discover new, scalable solutions.

The Plastic Paradox                                                                                                                                                                   Packaging plays a crucial role in delivering Unilever brands to consumers worldwide, fulfilling their needs effectively. However, they must confront the reality that plastic packaging, including their own, is contributing to environmental waste. With global plastic waste projected to nearly triple by 2060, immediate action is imperative.

Progress and Innovations                                                                                                                                                     Unilever has made noteworthy strides in their mission. Their virgin plastic footprint has been reduced by 18%, and the use of recycled plastic has increased to 22% of their global portfolio. Additionally, they have experimented with various reuse and refill models across the globe.

A Targeted Approach                                                                                                                                                             Despite their progress, there is still a considerable journey ahead. Transforming the sourcing, usage, and disposal of plastic packaging requires more time, bold innovations, and systemic change. With the insights gained, they are refining their approach to maximize impact.

Their focus is on areas where they can make the most significant difference: reducing virgin plastic usage and developing solutions for hard-to-recycle flexible plastics, including plastic sachets.

Unilever’s Goals

  • Virgin Plastic Reduction: Achieve a 30% reduction in their virgin plastic footprint by 2026, escalating to 40% by 2028.
  • Reusable, Recyclable, or Compostable Packaging: Ensure 100% of their plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2030 for rigid plastics, and by 2035 for flexible plastics.
  • Recycled Plastic Usage: Incorporate 25% recycled plastic in their packaging by 2025.
  • Collection and Processing: Collect and process more plastic packaging than they sell by 2025.

Building on Progress                                                                                                                                                              Unilever is integrating these goals into their Business Group roadmaps and setting clear interim targets wherever possible. Their innovation capabilities will continue to be a key driver in finding new solutions with an even greater focus.

The Need for Stronger Policies                                                                                                                                            While voluntary goals and initiatives are crucial, they need to be supported by the right infrastructure and regulatory framework. Therefore, Unilever will advocate for stronger, harmonized policies, including:

  • A UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution: Legally binding global rules to combat plastic pollution.
  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Schemes: Holding businesses accountable for their packaging choices.
  • Reuse Policies: Creating an enabling environment for new models to scale effectively.

Unilever is dedicated to making substantial progress in the fight against plastic pollution. By setting ambitious goals, leveraging innovation, and advocating for stronger policies, they are determined to create a sustainable and circular economy for plastic packaging.

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