Unilever has teamed up with the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV to develop a ground-breaking new technology to tackle sachet waste.

The CreaSolv Process enables the recovery of plastic from single-use delivery systems so it can then be used to create new sachets. Unilever is intending to open source the technology, enabling it to be used industry wide by partners and competitors alike. CreaSolv will be piloted by the Anglo-Dutch FMCG giant in a new dedicated Indonesian facility later this year.

“There is a clear economic case for delivering this. We know that globally US$80 to US$120 billion is lost to the economy through failing to properly recycle plastics each year. Finding a solution represents a huge opportunity. We believe that our commitment to making 100 percent of our packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable will support the long-term growth of our business,” said David Blanchard, Unilever Chief R&D Officer.