Unilever has deepened its partnership with Sabic, introducing “next generation” packaging solutions based on the Saudi company’s advanced recycling technology.
Sabic's certified circular polymers involve converting low quality, mixed plastic waste into feedstock oil for polymers which have similar properties to virgin polymers.
Using Sabic’s technology, Unilever ice-cream brand Magnum said in August that it was using food-grade recycled plastic in 600,000 tubs available across Europe, in Belgium, Spain and The Netherlands, with 3 million more to be rolled out globally in 2020.
Unilever announced 23 Oct that the use of recycled plastic is to be extended to Knorr bouillon powder containers for professional kitchens, and REN Clean Skincare’s new airless Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream packaging.
The move is part of Unilever’s wider global commitment to ensure that at least 25% of its plastic packaging will come from post-consumer recycled content by 2025.
“Meeting our ambitious plastics sustainability goals will require innovation and collaboration with partners from across the industry and around the world,” said Marika Lindstrom, VP procurement, Unilever, adding the company would continue its work with Sabic to meet circular economy targets.
The materials used are part of Sabic’s Trucircle initiative of circular solutions, which were presented at K 2019 held 16-23 Oct.
“Our close collaboration with Unilever in our unified goal to deliver high quality, sustainable solutions, has resulted in innovative, recyclable food and personal care packaging made with SABIC’s certified circular polymers,” said Sergi Monros, VP performance polymers & industry solutions at Sabic.
Unilever extends use of Sabic circular polymers
Shahrzad Pourriahi
Unilever's Magnum ice-cream tubs in the foreground and Knorr bouillon powder containers in the background on display at K 2019