Consumer goods manufacturer Unilever is making black plastic packaging more sustainable with a new solution that makes the material detectible and recyclable. Currently, most black plastics feature high carbon content levels that prevent their detection by recycling sorting systems which run on infra-red technology.
Unilever addresses this environmental challenge with a new line of black plastic packaging, created for its TRESemme and Lynx brands and set to roll out by the end of the year. The project is the result of a collaboration with "RECOUP, WRAP and waste management giants Veolia, SUEZ, Viridor and TOMRA who joined forces to develop a plastics colouring solution with a lower carbon content."
The new colouring solution ensures visibility and detection, making environmentally harmful packaging more sustainable for large scale manufacturers.
Detectable Black Plastic Packaging
Unilever's New Packaging Makes Black Plastic Recyclable
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Black Plastic Packaging - There is a growing demand for black plastic packaging solutions that are recyclable and environmentally friendly.
2. Collaborative Recycling Innovations - Partnerships between consumer goods manufacturers and recycling industry leaders are driving innovative solutions for recycling challenges.
3. Technological Advancements in Recycling Sorting Systems - Advancements in sorting technology, such as improved detection capabilities, are making it possible to effectively recycle previously challenging materials.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Goods - The consumer goods industry has a significant opportunity to adopt sustainable black plastic packaging solutions, improving their environmental footprint.
2. Recycling and Waste Management - The recycling and waste management industry can benefit from collaborations with consumer goods manufacturers to develop innovative recycling solutions.
3. Packaging and Plastics - The packaging and plastics industry can explore new technologies and materials to make traditionally non-recyclable packaging recyclable and environmentally friendly.