CORPORATE ACTION: Aldi
Aldi Ends Refill Pilot, Leaving Plastic Waste Solutions Unresolved
Aldi's pilot project to reduce plastic waste through refillable packaging for dry goods ends as funding from Innovate UK concludes. The pilot faced challenges, including low retailer uptake and the cost-of-living crisis. The Refill Coalition, launched in 2020, aimed to find scalable alternatives for single-use plastic but struggled with wider retailer adoption. While Aldi's trial showed positive consumer engagement and environmental benefits, it remains limited in scale. Ocado continues with its reusable packaging pilot; other companies, including Unilever and Diageo, are exploring refillable systems in various regions, signaling ongoing efforts to combat plastic waste despite challenges.[Image Credit: © Unpackaged Systems Ltd/Refill Coalition]
CORPORATE ACTION: Henkel
Henkel Increased Recycled Plastic In Packaging
Henkel’s 2024 sustainability report highlights key progress in climate protection, circular economy and social responsibility. It has increased the proportion of recycled plastic in consumer packaging to 25%, with plans to reach 30% by year-end. Notable examples include liquid detergent and hair care packaging in Europe, with up to 50% post-consumer recyclate, and 100% recycled plastic packaging for Dial liquid soap in North America. Henkel is also designing 89% of its consumer packaging for recycling. [Image Credit: © Henkel AG & Co. KGaA]
CORPORATE ACTION: Procter & Gamble
P&G’s Innovative Sustainable Packaging Reduces Plastic Waste
On Global Recycling Day 2025, Procter & Gamble highlighted several award-winning packaging designs marking advancements in plastic waste reduction. Tide evo introduced a recyclable paper-based detergent tile, eliminating plastic bottles. The Air Capsule eCommerce package improves shipping efficiency and recyclability. Dawn Powerwash™ Dish Spray promotes reusability with a recyclable spray trigger, and Head & Shoulders BARE reduces plastic by 45% with a fully recyclable, mono-material design. [Image Credit: © Procter & Gamble]
CORPORATE ACTION: Unilever
Unilever Expands Refill And Reuse Solutions
Unilever says it’s committed to ensuring that 100% of its plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2030 for rigid plastics and by 2035 for flexible plastics. Since 2018, the company has run over 50 refill and reuse pilot projects globally, gaining insights to reduce single-use plastics, particularly in flexible sachets. In Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Unilever developed customized refill solutions tailored to local markets, helping to reduce plastic use by offering affordable, accessible alternatives. Unilever emphasizes that scaling these solutions requires regulatory support, industry collaboration and infrastructure development to transition from individual pilots to broader multi-brand models.[Image Credit: © Unilever]
Unilever Bangladesh Launches Life Insurance For Waste Workers
Unilever Bangladesh launched the country’s first life insurance coverage for plastic waste workers as part of its plastic waste management initiative in Chattogram. Launched in 2020, the initiative aims to collect more plastic waste than Unilever uses in its product packaging. In collaboration with MetLife Bangladesh and YPSA, the program provides 1,827 waste workers with life and health insurance, ensuring financial stability and covering healthcare costs. [Image Credit: © MetLife, Inc.]
CORPORATE ACTION: Walmart
Walmart To Miss 2025 Plastic Reduction Goals
Walmart expects to miss its 2025 plastic reduction targets, citing legislative gaps, poor infrastructure and a lack of high-quality post-consumer recycled plastic. Despite aiming for 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025, only 68% of its packaging met this standard in 2023. PCR content in North American and global private-brand plastic packaging reached just 8%—far short of the 20% target. Virgin plastic use increased by 6% instead of declining, driven by product category growth. Walmart points to limited PCR availability, regulatory barriers and consumer behavior as key challenges. [Image Credit: © Walmart Inc.]
CORPORATE ACTION: Other
SC Johnson’s Exhibit Highlights Plastic Waste Crisis And Solutions
The Blue Paradox, an SC Johnson and Conservation International exhibit at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, exposes the scale of ocean plastic pollution and urges action. It’s an immersive 25,000-sq-ft exhibit tracing plastic's journey from production to ocean accumulation, highlighting its environmental toll. A conveyor belt of plastic waste and real-time plastic production ticker underscore society’s reliance on plastic. A plastic footprint calculator and pledge wall encourage visitors to reduce plastic use and push for policy changes. [Image Credit: © S.C. Johnson & Son Inc.]
New Campaign Targets Plastic Waste Through Collective Action
A new advocacy campaign, led by SC Johnson and partners like Conservation International and Plastic Bank, aims to combat the growing plastic waste crisis through a campaign featuring Zuzu, a hermit crab on a journey to recycle a bottle, symbolizing the need for greater action. A survey reveals that most Americans want businesses to take more responsibility and the campaign promotes policies like Extended Producer Responsibility to improve recycling rates, and encourages people to sign petitions, raise awareness and take action to address the issue.[Image Credit: © S.C. Johnson & Son Inc.]
CAMPAIGNS, COMMITMENTS & NGOs
WRAP Supports Ban On Plastic Packaging For Fresh Produce
WRAP UK is calling for a ban on plastic packaging for 21 fresh produce items, including apples, bananas and potatoes. Only 19% of fresh produce is sold loose in the UK, contributing to 2.5 million tonnes of waste annually, with £4 billion worth of food that could have been eaten. WRAP’s Love Food Hate Waste campaign highlights how packaged produce forces consumers to buy more than needed, increasing waste. Selling more produce loose could prevent 60,000 tonnes of food waste annually. WRAP is using Food Waste Action Week to push for consumer and retailer action, encouraging the sale of loose fruit and vegetables ahead of upcoming food waste collection changes for businesses in England.[Image Credit: © Matheus Cenali on Pexels]
Global Reuse Summit Calls For Stronger UK Reuse Policies
The second Global Reuse Summit, hosted by City to Sea and Ecosurety, urged the UK government to implement robust policies supporting reusable packaging. Industry leaders, including representatives from Tesco, WRAP and Greenpeace, discussed scaling reuse systems and building consumer trust. Lessons from France’s reuse model, funded by 5% of EPR fees, were highlighted as a successful example. A new briefing paper from Eunomia outlined key steps for the UK, including mandatory sector targets and quality standards for reuse. Research shows 75% of UK consumers support reusable packaging. [Image Credit: © Refill.org]
World Refill Day Promotes Refill To Reduce Plastic Waste
World Refill Day, held annually on June 16th, highlights the importance of reducing single-use plastic by encouraging the use of refillable alternatives, particularly water bottles. Founded by City to Sea, the event aims to raise awareness about plastic pollution and empower individuals to make sustainable choices, such as using reusable water bottles, coffee cups and shopping bags. Participants are encouraged to share tips, challenges, and success stories on social media, promoting refill stations and eco-friendly habits. [Image Credit: © Markus Spiske on Unsplash]
CONSUMER & PUBLIC OPINION
UK Consumers Demand Action On Plastic Packaging Reduction
New research by Aquapak reveals that two-thirds of UK consumers feel retailers and brands are not doing enough to reduce plastic packaging. Most consumers want packaging to be replaced with recyclable, environmentally-friendly materials, such as paper-based options. Over half plan to avoid single-use plastic packaging in the next year, and 46% will stop buying products with hard-to-recycle packaging altogether within three years. A third say they are willing to pay more for products with fully recyclable packaging. [Image Credit: © EKM-Mittelsachsen from Pixabay]
Tackling The Plastic Crisis, Moving Beyond Greenwashing
Global plastic waste is accelerating, with overproduction and mismanagement of plastics contributing to widespread environmental harm, including animal deaths and human health risks. Many corporations are introducing design changes, such as clear bottles and refill pouches, but these efforts are seen as greenwashing. Greenpeace says such “tweaks” don’t address the core issue of excessive plastic production and that real solutions require a drastic reduction in plastic production, targeting 75% reduction by 2040. It believes that a shift to sustainable refill and reuse systems, along with a Global Plastics Treaty, is required to address the full lifecycle of plastics and combat pollution at its source.[Image Credit: © Hans from Pixabay]
POLICY, REGULATION & LEGAL
India Mandates Recycled Plastic In FMCG Packaging From April
Starting April 1, India’s environment ministry will enforce guidelines requiring recycled and reused plastic in packaging for FMCG, a sector facing challenges meeting these norms due to limited food-grade plastic recycling and reuse capacity. Industry leaders requested leniency, citing difficulties in ensuring food safety for recycled packaging under both the environment ministry and FSSAI regulations. [Image Credit: © Magda Ehlers from Pexels]
New York Bill Seeks To Cut Plastic Packaging By 30%
Environmental advocates are pushing for the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, a state law that aims to reduce plastic packaging use in New York by 30% over 12 years. The bill proposes charging companies for excessive packaging and distributing those funds to municipalities. It also seeks to ban PFAS chemicals in packaging. Despite passing in the Senate last year, the bill didn't progress in the Assembly. Advocates like Judith Enck argue that without legislation, plastic waste will continue to burden communities. [Image Credit: © FlyD on Unsplash]
California Delays Plastic Reduction Law, Raising Environmental Concerns
California missed a key deadline to implement its Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54), which was designed to cut plastic waste by 23 million tons over 10 years. It mandates reductions in single-use plastic packaging, requiring it to be recyclable or compostable, and holds producers financially accountable. Governor Gavin Newsom delayed the regulations, citing cost concerns, sparking criticism from environmental groups. [Image Credit: © State of California]
India Mandates 30% Recycled Plastic In Beverage Packaging By 2025
India's Ministry of Environment mandated that beverage manufacturers use 30% recycled plastic (rPET) in rigid packaging by April 1 with annual 10 percentage point increases towards 60% by 2028. This regulation aims to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy but presents challenges for companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. Key issues include sourcing sufficient rPET, ensuring food-grade quality, and upgrading recycling infrastructure. [Image Credit: © Amanda Shepherd on Unsplash]
RESEARCH
US Report Identifies Top Retail Sectors For Reusable Packaging
Closed Loop Partners' Center for the Circular Economy and the US Plastics Pact released a report identifying five high-potential product categories for reusable packaging in the US: prepared food, fresh produce, beverage bottles, home care products and personal care products. It emphasizes that targeting these categories can drive significant reductions in single-use plastic waste. Retail stores are highlighted as key to scaling reuse systems through improved supply chains and consumer engagement. [Image Credit: © Closed Loop Partners]
New Air-Moisture Process Breaks Down PET Plastic Efficiently
Northwestern University researchers developed a solvent-free method to break down PET plastic using moisture from air. A molybdenum catalyst combined with activated carbon breaks PET’s chemical bonds and the broken pieces react with trace moisture in air to produce valuable terephthalic acid used in polyesters. The process is fast (94% TPA recovery took four hours), selective and works on mixed plastics without sorting. Unlike traditional recycling, it avoids toxic byproducts and harsh conditions, offering a cleaner, more cost-effective solution. [Image Credit: © VIVIANE M. from Pixabay]
Microplastics Threaten Global Food Security And Ecosystem Health
A new study reveals that microplastic pollution is damaging plants' ability to photosynthesize, leading to an estimated loss of up to 14% in global staple crop yields, such as wheat, rice and maize. This could exacerbate global hunger, potentially increasing the number of people at risk of starvation by 400 million within two decades. Microplastics also affect marine algae and disrupt ecosystems, reducing fish and seafood production. While the study emphasizes the urgent need for action to combat plastic pollution, researchers caution that further data is required for more accurate predictions. [Image Credit: © Thomas Vermeersch on Unsplash]
Refill Coalition Trials Show Success For Reusable Packaging Solutions
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The Refill Coalition, including Ocado and Aldi UK, demonstrated the viability of refillable packaging through successful trials both in-store and online. Ocado’s online system, which involves pre-filled reusable vessels, has seen positive feedback, with 16% of sales replacing single-use packaging. Aldi's in-store trial reached up to 50% refill sales in some weeks, with high customer satisfaction. The Coalition is now sharing insights through a webinar and white paper, aiming to promote scalable refill solutions. [Image Credit: © Sarah Chai on Pexels]
OTHER NEWS
UK’s Marine Conservation Society Sees Rise In Beach Plastic
The Marine Conservation Society’s State of our Beaches 2024 report reveals a nearly 10% increase in plastic waste on UK beaches compared to 2023. Volunteers collected almost 765,000 pieces of litter, averaging 170 items per 100 metres of coastline. Plastic fragments and single-use plastic packets were the most common items. Calling for stronger policies to reduce single-use plastics and improve waste management, the charity also supports a Deposit Return Scheme starting in 2027.[Image Credit: © Dustan Woodhouse on Unsplash]
Global Initiative Seeks New Symbol To Boost Reuse
Launched by PR3 in the US, the "Rebrand Reuse" initiative invites global designers to create a standard symbol for reusable products and packaging. With only 9% of plastic waste recycled globally, PR3 aims to encourage a shift from single-use packaging to reuse, which could reduce plastic production by 90% and emissions by 80%. The new symbol will help consumers identify reusable items and encourage proper use within a unified system. PR3 is also developing global reuse standards for container design, collection, labeling and washing.[Image Credit: © RESOLVE]
England's Household Recycling Rates Drop In 2022
Recycling rates for “waste from households” in England fell to 43.4% in 2022, down from 44.1% in 2021, according to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. The total amount of waste recycled fell by 8.6% to 9.3 million tonnes. Almost half of local authority-managed waste went to incineration and 7.2% to landfills. Recycling rates varied widely across local authorities, from 17.7% to 61.6%. [Image Credit: © Jan van der Wolf from Pexels]
Dhaka's Struggle With Plastic Waste Reflects A Global Crisis
In Dhaka, Bangladesh, a growing mountain of plastic waste is overwhelming the city, with ragpickers scavenging toxic debris at dumps. Despite Bangladesh's efforts to reduce single-use plastics by 90% by 2026, the country remains one of the world’s largest contributors to plastic pollution. A lack of waste collection infrastructure means millions of tonnes of plastic waste accumulate yearly, with many citizens burning or scattering it, creating a dangerous black-market sorting and recycling industry in which workers face health risks, including breathing conditions.[Image Credit: © Tom Fisk from Pexels]
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