Unilever is expanding its efforts to reduce plastic waste through refill solutions, conducting over 50 pilot projects worldwide since 2018. The company is testing various models to tackle the environmental impact of single-use plastics, especially flexible sachets, aiming for 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable plastic packaging by 2030 for rigid plastics and by 2035 for flexible plastics.
In Indonesia, the company tested refill machines in packaging-free stores and expanded the model to motorcycle drivers selling door-to-door. Despite operational challenges, the model proved popular, leading to the establishment of over 1,000 refill stations, serving around 6,000 customers and saving approximately 6 tonnes of plastic annually.
In Sri Lanka, Unilever partnered with Vega Innovations to create high-tech refill machines, targeting the general trade market that comprises 70% of consumers. By redesigning machines for greater flexibility in volume and placing them in convenient locations, the company made refill options more accessible and affordable.
Bangladesh saw the development of lower-tech refill machines, designed to be user-friendly and scalable, offering products like Sunsilk, Dove, and Lifebuoy at lower prices. The machines have proven popular, with 43% of users returning for more.
Unilever acknowledges that scaling these initiatives requires industry collaboration and supportive regulations. “It is clear that concerted voluntary efforts can only go so far,” the company states, emphasizing the need for policies to drive large-scale change.
These initiatives reflect Unilever’s commitment to sustainability and are part of a broader effort to reduce the company’s virgin plastic use globally.