Hellmann’s, one of Unilever’s condiments brands, is set to transition its ‘squeezy’ range in the UK to bottles made from 100% post-consumer recycled PET.
The company reports that this move will save approximately 1,480 tonnes of virgin plastic every year once the full range has switched.
Nearly half of the range (40%) has moved to the recycled plastic material already and reached shelves this month, with plans for the full range to have switched by the end of 2022.
Increasing its use of recycled plastic in packaging is a key part of Unilever’s wider global packaging commitments, which include pledges to halve its use of virgin plastic as well as ensuring all its packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.
Andre Burger, vice president of foods and refreshment for Unilever UK & Ireland, comments: “At Hellmann’s, we believe food is too good to be wasted, and now we’re helping to reduce plastic waste too.
“With our new 100% recycled plastic bottles, which are also fully recyclable, we’re providing shoppers with an accessible and simple way to help make their households and mealtimes more sustainable – whilst continuing to enjoy the products they love.
“Our Hellmann’s bottles are our first food brand in the UK to use 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, and whilst making the switch has not been without it’s challenges, these learnings will enable us to accelerate the move of other Unilever food brands to using more recycled plastic too.”
