Unilever has worked with the Pulpex consortium to design a new prototype for its laundry brand OMO
Unilever has unveiled paper-based laundry detergent bottle. (Credit: Unilever)
UK-based consumer goods company Unilever has unveiled a paper-based laundry detergent bottle, which is claimed to be the first of its kind in the world.
Unilever has worked with the Pulpex consortium to design a new prototype for its laundry brand OMO, which is also called Persil, Skip and Breeze.
Pulpex consortium consists of Unilever, Diageo, Pilot Lite and other industry members.
The new laundry detergent bottle is expected to be launched in Brazil by early 2022 and later in Europe and other countries.
In addition, the consumer goods firm is piloting the same advanced technology for the creation of paper-based haircare bottles.
The advanced technology will also help Unilever to package other liquid products in paper-based bottles, which are produced using sustainably sourced pulp and can be recycled in the paper waste stream.
The sustainable bottles are sprayed with an advanced coating that repels water, thereby allowing the paper-based packaging material to retain liquid products such as laundry detergent, shampoo and conditioners that consist of surfactants, fragrances and other active ingredients.
Pulpex’s patented pulp packaging offers a better solution, which can significantly minimise the use of plastic.
Unilever chief R&D officer Richard Slater said: “To tackle plastic waste, we need to completely rethink how we design and package products. This requires a drastic change that can only be achieved through industry-wide collaboration.
“Pulpex paper-based bottle technology is an exciting step in the right direction, and we are delighted to be working together to trial this innovation for our products.”
Last month, Unilever announced that it will launch new recyclable toothpaste tubes that are suitable for its oral care brands such as Signal, Pepsodent and Closeup.