Unilever has teamed up with German Aerosol can manufacturer Tubex to develop and manufacture its new Rexona Recycled Refreshed antiperspirant product.
The new can consists of a patented aluminium alloy and 25% real post-consumer recycled (PCR) material.
Tubex says that the use of alloy and a slight change in shape makes Rexona Recycled Refreshed 14% lighter than its predecessor. This substantial weight reduction is the result of the joint development between Unilever, Tubex, and the slug supplier Neuman Aluminium.
According to the company, its new product is only partially (50%) lacquered, whereas regular cans are usually fully lacquered on the inside. Tubex argues that this saves additional resources.
Unilever was keen to avoid volatile organic compounds (VOC) in its new product, which are usually emitted by standard lacquers. In order to forego VOCs, Unilever chose to use an internal powder coating instead. Tubex claims it was the first can manufacturer in the industry to apply this internal powder coating.
In line with its sustainability objectives, Tubex reuses the overspray of the powder coating. The company also points out that the product can be infinitely recycled.
Leo Werdich, managing director of Tubex, comments: “Alloy, use of PCR, partially internal lacquered, internal powder coating and 14% lighter than its predecessor – this can is sustainability at its best!”
