Packaging in Unilever
Packaging's primary function is to protect the product from damage and contamination while conveying safety, product use and marketing information.
In some cases, such as roll-on deodorant dispensers, the packaging is designed to help the user apply the product efficiently. Inadequate packaging can result in increased overall waste through product spoilage in distribution or during use. Only when it has done its job does packaging become waste.
Although the contribution of packaging to the total waste stream is small by weight (typically less than 5%), it represents a higher proportion of household waste by volume. It is very visible and this naturally contributes to the concerns of consumers, opinion formers and legislators.
In several regions laws have been passed – or are under discussion – to control packaging waste. Experience and practice varies considerably from country to country.
It is against this background that Unilever considers very carefully its use of packaging in the product mix.
Unilever's impact
As one of the worlds' largest and most successful consumer goods companies, Unilever is a major user of packaging. The nature of our business means that most of this packaging ends up in the hands of consumers, who expect us to provide products and services that have the smallest environmental impact possible.
We use all major forms of packaging to satisfy the needs of consumers and trade customers, to ensure appropriate presentation on shelf and to meet the demands of national and international distribution. We carry out these functions in a way that is compatible with our commitment to sustainable development.
Action being taken
Our packaging must be both functional and attractive while keeping the impact on the environment as low as possible. Achieving this balance is complex but important. This is why we work with others on packaging, such as industry associations, legislators and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to ensure that we understand public concerns and provide the best solutions possible. We are always ready to talk to our stakeholders about our choice of packaging and the role and impact that packaging has on society.
Key elements of our packaging policy include:
- Using design to ensure packaging does its job with the lowest practical use of materials
- Selecting packaging materials according to technical evidence of their performance
- Designing packaging to ease recycling and energy recovery.
Reducing our environmental impact is part of our ongoing improvement program on product/packaging systems for core brands. As a signatory to the National Packaging Covenant we are committed to implementation and compliance with the Environment Code of Practice for Packaging (refer link below). We also encourage the adoption of eco-efficiency measures throughout the supply chain, for example, by carrying out environmental assessments of our material suppliers as part of our purchasing process. Finally, we encourage the avoidance of litter whenever possible.
Recycling & recovery
We aim to design our packaging to ease recycling and energy recovery. We encourage the development of secondary markets for recovered materials, opening up opportunities beyond packaging recycling. Recycling packaging is not always the most environmentally or economically sound option. Regardless we try to use recyclable and recycled materials when they bring clear environmental benefits, and when they are of the right quality and cost.
