Unilever has announced that it is implementing new CreaSolv Process technology into its supply chain, which is designed to recycle sachet waste.
The technology was developed with the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV in Germany.
Unilever said that the CreaSolv Process technology has been ‘adapted from a method used to separate brominated flame retardants from waste electrical and electronic equipment polymers’.
During the process, the plastic is recovered from the sachet, and the plastic is then used to create new sachets for Unilever products.
David Blanchard, Chief R&D Officer said “There is a clear economic case for delivering this. We know that globally $80-120 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% of our packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable will support the long-term growth of our business.”
Testing The Waters
The company will open a pilot plant in Indonesia later this year to test the long-term commercial viability of the technology. It says Indonesia is ‘is a critical country in which to tackle waste, producing 64 million tonnes every year, with 1.3 million tonnes ending up in the ocean’.
Dr. Andreas Mäurer, Department Head of Plastic Recycling at the Fraunhofer IVV, said: "With this innovative pilot plant we can […] recycle high-value polymers from dirty, post-consumer, multi-layer sachets. Our aim is to prove the economic profitability and environmental benefits of the CreaSolv® Process.
“Our calculations indicate that we are able to recover six kilos of pure polymers with the same energy effort as the production of one kilo of virgin polymer."
Unilever previously pledged at the start of this year to use 100% recyclable packaging by 2025.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Aidan O'Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
