Rethinking plastic packaging
We’re rethinking our approach to plastic packaging to use less, better or no plastic.
The plastic paradox
Packaging is essential for bringing Unilever brands into the hands of people around the world and serving their needs. But we also need to face the fact that plastic packaging – including our own – is ending up as waste in the environment.
With the amount of plastic waste produced globally set to almost triple by 2060, something has to change.
We’ve made significant progress. We’ve reduced our virgin plastic footprint by 18%. We’ve increased our use of recycled plastic to 22% of our global portfolio. And we’ve trialled a variety of reuse and refill models around the world.
Focusing our approach
There’s still a long way to go. We need to change the way plastic packaging is sourced, used and disposed. This will take more time, bolder innovations and systemic change. But we now have more knowledge and insights that we’re applying to update our approach.
Our plastic goals focus on the areas where we believe we can have the most impact. Reducing our virgin plastic use and developing solutions for hard-to-recycle flexible plastic, including plastic sachets, are our priorities.
Our goals
Virgin plastic reduction
Reduce our virgin plastic footprint – by 30% by 2026, and 40% by 2028[a]
Reusable, recyclable or compostable plastic packaging
100% of our plastic packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable – by 2030 (for rigids) and 2035 (for flexibles)[a]
Recycled plastic
Use 25% recycled plastic in our packaging by 2025
Collection and processing
Collect and process more plastic packaging than we sell by 2025
Building on our progress
By integrating our goals into our Business Group roadmaps and setting clear interim goals where possible, we’re building on our progress. And we will continue to use our innovation capabilities to find new solutions – with even greater focus.
But voluntary goals and initiatives can only go so far without the right infrastructure and rules in place. That’s why we’re calling for stronger, harmonised policy such as:
- A UN treaty on plastic pollution that sets legally binding global rules
- Extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes that hold businesses to account for their packaging choices
- Reuse policies that help create the right enabling environment for new models to scale
More about our sustainability work
Select a page to find out more.
Using our voice to build a circular plastic economy
Plastic pollution is too big for us to solve alone. We’re advocating for systems change to create a circular economy for plastics.
Our Climate Transition Action Plan
Our Climate Transition Action Plan, updated in 2024, sets out our actions to lower our emissions by 2030.
Unilever Annual Report
Read more about our Growth Action Plan and how we are stepping up our execution to deliver improved performance.
Our commitment to responsible business
Find out more about our progress and reporting on issues such as human rights, equity, diversity and inclusion, and safety.
Our Climate Transition Action Plan
Our Climate Transition Action Plan, updated in 2024, sets out our actions to lower our emissions by 2030.
Our other sustainability topics
Climate
Climate action has long been a part of how we do business. But the world must move faster to avoid the worst effects of climate change. We’ve set more ambitious climate targets and identified clearer actions to respond to this challenge.
Nature
The world – and our business – needs resilient natural and agricultural ecosystems to thrive. We’re committed to contributing to the protection and regeneration of nature, within and beyond our value chain.
Livelihoods
The impacts of inequality go far beyond income – to health, human rights and economic growth. So we’re working to improve the livelihoods of people in our global value chain.