This past April, we made a milestone commitment to reach 50% recycled content in plastic packaging by the end of 2019 across Unilever North America’s mass-market portfolio. At the global level, we also announced some big new plastics commitments.
To reach these landmark commitments, our brands have been working tirelessly to update packaging. Below we highlight some of the most recent and significant moments of progress from our brands in North America.
Dove
Dove recently announced that its iconic beauty bar single packs will be sold plastic-free starting next year. Dove will also start to launch new 100% recycled plastic (PCR) bottles where technically feasible by the end of 2019 across all ranges – Dove, Dove Men+Care, and Baby Dove.
Hellmann’s
By 2020, all Hellmann's Mayonnaise and Mayonnaise Dressing plastic bottles and jars sold in U.S. retail stores will be made from 100% recycled plastic materials. The recycled plastic packaging is rolling out now, beginning with Hellmann's Mayonnaise and Mayonnaise Dressing squeeze bottles and followed by Hellmann's jars by the end of 2019. Over 200 million Hellmann's bottles and jars will be converted.
Ben & Jerry’s
Earlier this year, Ben & Jerry’s committed to removing single-use plastics from its Scoop Shops, and the transition has been completed for straws and spoons. Plastic cups and lids are being addressed by the end of 2020.
Talenti
All Talenti pints are already recyclable, but they will also be made with 100% recycled content by 2020. The pints are also widely reusable, with many on social media showing off the creative ways they are “pintcycling”. (Just remember not to put them in the dishwasher or microwave!)
The Good Stuff
One of the newest brands in the Unilever portfolio, The Good Stuff offers no-rinse conditioners that save consumers time so they can choose to save water by taking a quicker shower. The conditioners are packaged in recyclable bottles made from 100% recycled content.
Simple
Simple created a new package for its Micellar Cleansing Water Pouch. Its new on-the-go format uses 62% less plastic than the original 50ML version.
Love Beauty and Planet
Love Beauty and Planet’s bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic. And the brand has made a commitment to convert other components, such as caps, by 2021. The brand also recently launched its Clean Oceans edition, which is packaged in 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic.
The Right to Shower
The Right to Shower brand launched earlier this year with a mission to provide quality bath products that have positive social impact, which also extends to the way they are formulated and packaged. The packaging is made from recycled paperboard and 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. The bottles and cartons are also recyclable.
Seventh Generation
Founded on a mission of transforming the world into a healthy, sustainable and equitable place for the next seven generations, this brand has been incorporating recycled content into its packaging for years. One of its most recent innovations is an ultra-concentrated laundry detergent that uses 50 percent less water, 60 percent less plastic, and is 75 percent lighter than the standard detergent bottle.