Solving the plastic problem | Unilever

Summary

This insightful conversation explores how companies, particularly Unilever, are tackling the global plastic crisis through innovative solutions and collaborations. Key topics include the push for systemic change, with a focus on alternatives to plastic like refill stations, sustainable packaging, and new materials like paper coated to resist liquids. The speakers emphasize the importance of collaboration between industries, NGOs, academia, and governments, underscoring that the path to reducing plastic waste is not through regulations alone, but through proactive and collective action in finding sustainable solutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Industry must play a central role in solving the plastic crisis, with technology, funding, and innovation leading the way.
• 🌍 Collaboration across various sectors, including industry, NGOs, and academia, is critical to finding solutions for plastic waste.
• 🔬 Unilever is investing in innovative technologies, such as ultra-thin coatings for paper, to reduce reliance on plastic packaging.
• 🛍️ Refill stations in stores are a promising solution, but different models will be needed for different markets and products.
• 💡 The UN Global Plastics Treaty is crucial for creating a level playing field and legally binding regulations on plastic production.
• 🔄 Refills are seen as a key part of the future, but the industry needs to collaborate on developing efficient refill systems.
• 🌱 The plastic crisis may serve as a wake-up call for humanity to rethink how we produce, use, and dispose of materials.
• 💪 Businesses like Unilever are proactively seeking sustainable solutions rather than waiting for regulations or consumer pressure.
• 🌐 Industry-wide collaboration with competitors and peers is necessary for achieving meaningful progress on sustainability.
• 📈 The future of sustainability in packaging will likely involve a mix of different approaches, with no one-size-fits-all solution.

Q & A

What role does the plastic crisis play in shifting humanity's perspective on material usage?

The plastic crisis serves as a wake-up call, prompting humanity to rethink its approach to material usage. It encourages a shift from single-use plastics to more sustainable alternatives, with a focus on systemic changes in industries and society as a whole.

How does Unilever aim to reduce its reliance on plastic packaging?

Unilever is focused on developing innovative solutions, such as creating a paper-based packaging technology that is resistant to liquids. They are also exploring refillable packaging and collaborating with various stakeholders, including scientists, NGOs, and competitors, to find sustainable alternatives.

What is the significance of the UN Global Plastics Treaty in tackling plastic pollution?

The UN Global Plastics Treaty is essential for establishing a legally binding framework that sets consistent rules for industries globally. It aims to reduce annual plastic production and promote collaboration between governments and industries to address plastic pollution.

How important is collaboration between industries in addressing the plastic crisis?

Collaboration is crucial, as no single entity can solve the problem alone. Unilever emphasizes working with competitors, NGOs, academic institutions, and other partners to find and implement sustainable solutions, especially in the areas of packaging and refill systems.

What is Unilever's approach to refillable packaging?

Unilever has been experimenting with refill stations in various markets. They have conducted trials for refillable personal and laundry detergent products in stores and are continuing to expand this initiative. They recognize that different models may be necessary for different markets and products.

Why does Unilever believe there won't be a one-size-fits-all solution to refill stations?

Unilever acknowledges that different markets have varying needs, preferences, and logistical challenges. As a result, multiple models for refillable packaging will likely be required to make the solution practical and effective across different regions and product types.

How is Unilever working with academia in the field of sustainable packaging?

Unilever is collaborating with universities, such as the University of Liverpool, and other academic institutions to explore new materials and technologies that can replace plastic. These partnerships focus on developing innovative packaging solutions that are both sustainable and functional.

What specific technology is Unilever developing to move away from plastic packaging?

Unilever is developing a new paper-based packaging technology that involves applying an ultra-thin coating to paper. This coating, which is as thin as an atom, makes the paper resistant to liquids while maintaining its structural integrity, offering a potential alternative to plastic packaging.

How does Unilever view the role of industry in driving environmental change?

Unilever believes that industry is a powerful force for environmental change. Companies have the resources, technology, and expertise to drive innovation and create scalable solutions for sustainable packaging and waste reduction, rather than waiting for consumer behavior or government regulations to prompt action.

What is the overall call to action from this conversation regarding the plastic crisis?

The call to action emphasizes the need for collective effort across industries and sectors. Industry leaders, governments, and other stakeholders must collaborate to find and implement solutions to reduce plastic use, promote sustainability, and work towards a circular economy.