Unilever reveals world-first paper-based laundry detergent bottle
This breakthrough technology was developed in collaboration with the Pulpex Consortium, a collaboration between Unilever, Diageo, Pilot Lite and other industry members
Unilever uses new technology to bring the very first paper-based detergent bottle to market. A prototype has been developed for the leading laundry brand OMO (aka.) parsley, Skip and breeze) and is set to debut in Brazil by early 2022, with the ambition to roll out in Europe and other countries soon thereafter. Unilever is also testing the same technology to make paper-based hair care bottles.
This breakthrough technology was developed in collaboration with the Pulpex Consortium, a collaboration between Unilever, Diageo, Pilot Lite and other industry members. The company was able to use the technology to package liquid products in the first of its kind paper-based bottles, which can be made from sustainably sourced pulp and recycled in the paper waste stream.
The bottles are sprayed on the inside with a proprietary, water-repellent coating so that the paper-based packaging material can hold liquid products such as detergents, shampoo and conditioners that contain surfactants, fragrances and other active ingredients.
Creating recyclable, paper-based packaging without additional layers of plastic is a major challenge. Pulpex’s patented cellulose packaging offers a promising solution to radically reduce the use of plastic and will help Unilever meet its commitments for a waste-free world.
Richard Slater, Chief R&D Officer at Unilever, said: “To tackle plastic waste, we need to completely rethink the design and packaging of products. This requires a drastic change that can only be achieved through industry-wide collaboration. Pulpex’s paper-based bottle technology is an exciting step in the right direction, and we look forward to jointly testing this innovation for our products.
“Innovations with alternative materials are an essential part of our sustainable packaging strategy and will play an important role in our commitment to halve our use of new plastic by 2025.”
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact products have on the planet and making purchasing decisions based on sustainability factors, including packaging. Delivering functionally superior products that address environmental issues that people care about, such as the innovative sustainable packaging announced today, will make Unilever a stronger and more successful company.
