Multinational consumer goods company Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc has announced a series of commitments on reducing its use of plastics by 2025.
The UK-based maker of Durex condoms and Nurofen painkillers has committed to removing or reducing plastic packaging where possible, and will invest in research into alternative materials that can replace it.
The group added that, where it will continue to use plastic in packaging, it will ensure that ‘at least’ 25% of its content is derived from recycled plastic by 2025.
By the same target, it intends to have 100% of its plastic packaging be recyclable or reusable, with ‘best-in-class’ labelling to help consumers recycle effectively.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
In a statement, the group said that it will work with peers and governments to enable products in its health portfolio to meet these targets without compromising their safety and efficacy for patients and consumers.
Rakesh Kapoor, Chief Executive of RB, said, “Plastic has proved itself one of the most versatile materials ever invented. Unfortunately, one of the unintended consequences of its widespread use is that it causes enormous environmental damage if not appropriately reused and recycled.
“For many years, we have been reducing our packaging as much as possible and eliminating waste through innovation. We recognise we need to do more. That is why we will make 100% of our packaging recyclable or reusable and include at least 25% recycled plastic content in our packaging by 2025, where possible and where regulations allow. Responsibility is at the heart of our values, as without it we will not deliver on our corporate purpose of healthier lives and happier homes.”
Reckitt Benckiser is in the middle of a comeback after a challenging 2017, which was marred by a cyber attack and lower demand for new products. The group forecasts that comparable sales will rise by 2% to 3% in 2018, after the first 12-month period of stagnant sales in the company’s history.
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Aidan O'Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
