# Detectable Black Plastic Packaging Unilever's New Packaging Makes Black Plastic Recyclable By Jana Pijak | Published 2019-05-24 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-plastic-packaging References: [edie.net](https://www.edie.net/news/5/Unilever-unveils--detectable-and-recyclable--black-plastic-packaging/) & [unilever](https://www.unilever.com) Consumer goods manufacturer [Unilever](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-laundry-capsule) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-brand-identity-1) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-control-center), 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. Image Credit: Unilveer ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 66% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sustainable Black Plastic Packaging:** There is a growing demand for black plastic packaging solutions that are recyclable and environmentally friendly. - **Collaborative Recycling Innovations:** Partnerships between consumer goods manufacturers and recycling industry leaders are driving innovative solutions for recycling challenges. - **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. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Consumer Goods:** The consumer goods industry has a significant opportunity to adopt sustainable black plastic packaging solutions, improving their environmental footprint. - **Recycling and Waste Management:** The recycling and waste management industry can benefit from collaborations with consumer goods manufacturers to develop innovative recycling solutions. - **Packaging and Plastics:** The packaging and plastics industry can explore new technologies and materials to make traditionally non-recyclable packaging recyclable and environmentally friendly. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable Product Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paperbased-solution.md) - [Recyclable Grated Cheese Packages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fullyrecyclable-grated-cheese-packaging.md) - [Recycled Packaging Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/debatin.md) - [Recyclable Paper-Made Coffee Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recyclable-coffee-packaging.md) - [Sustainable Cereal Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fully-recyclable-packaging.md) - [Recyclable Resin Chip Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tortilla-chip-packaging.md) - [Next-Gen Laundry Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-laundry-capsule.md) - [Fully Recyclable Beverage Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levi-roots-caribbean-crush.md) - [Plastic Conservation Drink Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/100-recycled-bottle-packaging.md)