Unilever Announced Major R&D Investment in Curbing Virgin Plastic Use

The program's objective is to create materials that are compatible with recycling streams and naturally biodegradable.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Utilizing the newest state-of-the-art technology, a specialized team of experts at Unilever's Global Packaging R&D Center has been conducting intensive research with the goal of ending plastic pollution.

To achieve its plastic reduction targets, the organization has been using a variety of strategies. Unilever has reported a twofold increase in its spending in materials science and technology in recent years. In cooperation with numerous partners, the Global Packaging R&D Center has evaluated more than 3,000 technologies to date, including those from different industry sectors.

ALSO READ:

New Study: Plastic Waste to Surpass Marine Life by 2050

New Survey Highlights Concerns Among U.S. Voters over Plastic Pollution Crisis

With its 'Futures Flexibles' program, which leads the industry, Unilever concentrates on creating materials that are biodegradable and recyclable. The program's objective is to create materials that are compatible with recycling streams and naturally biodegradable.

A press release from the company states that increasing the amount of post-consumer recycled (PCR) material in packaging is essential to lowering the amount of virgin plastic used. In order to match the appearance and functionality of recycled plastic with that of virgin plastic, the company makes sure that all of the plastic that is utilized is put through rigorous testing and quality checks.

By 2035, Unilever wants all of its flexible plastic packaging to be recyclable, compostable, or reused.

• Penn State Research-based Startup Tackles E-Waste Recycling Challenges
• Bayonne Residents Complain of Loud Noise, Metallic Dust from Scrap Metal Yard
• Montgomery County Could Ban All Plastic Bags, Double Paper Bag Fee to 10 Cents
• Earth Action Highlights the Role of Corporate Recycling in Plastic Pollution