P&G to up use of post-consumer recycled plastic in packaging

The move will apply to Ariel and Lenor packaging. Image: P&G

The new pledges will see P&G increase the proportion of post-consumer recycled content in its Ariel liquid detergent bottles to 50%, and to reach up to 100% PCR content in its transparent Lenor fabric conditioner bottles.

Both of these shifts are due to be completed in 2020, with the new Ariel bottles set to go on sale in Europe next March and the new Lenor bottles to reach market soon after.

The move forms part of P&G’s commitment to WRAP’s Plastic Pact, which requires signatories to achieve a minimum average of 30% PCR content in plastics packaging by 2025, as well as its own five-pillar plastics packaging strategy.

Launched last spring, the strategy includes a goal to ensure all packaging is 100% recyclable or reusable by 2030, bolstered by shorter-term pledges to achieve 100% recyclability by 2022 and a 30% reduction in plastics use by 2025 across fabric care brands.

“Actions such as increasing PCR plastics in Ariel and Lenor is critical to P&G achieving its commitment to reduce virgin plastics in packaging by 50% by 2030,” P&G’s chief sustainability officer Virginie Helias said.

“Addressing the plastic waste issue is everyone’s responsibility and we’re determined to drive a step towards circularity so that no P&G packaging finds its way into the oceans or waterways.”  

As of May 2019, P&G had used more than 34,000 metric tonnes of PCR in packaging. Notable packaging lines which have been redesigned to drive this shift to recycled content include Fairy washing-up liquid bottles and Head & Shoulders shampoo bottles.  

Sarah George