Unilever Vietnam develops recycled packaging

Opportunity and challenge

The recycling industry in Vietnam has an abundant but undeveloped source of input materials, with plastic recycling accounting for only 33%. Besides unsynchronized classification and collection of plastic waste, another reason is the demand for PCR plastic is not high as the use of primary plastics is easy and the cost is lower.

In addition, PCR applications in package production pose certain challenges. Switching to recycled materials requires companies to make efforts to restore the quality of used plastic to ensure the design, color, shape and quality of PCR plastic packaging.

Another challenge faced by companies is an unstable PCR supply. At the same time, the shift to PCR resins will require new specifications and standards to be established.

Technology is key

In the face of these challenges, technology and innovation are key for Unilever Vietnam to deal with obstacles to promoting PCR use in packaging production, reducing virgin plastics and increasing the circularity of plastic.

First, scientific and technological applications help the company develop packaging recyclability. Used packaging is still “ready” for future recycling.

Next, technology helps drive innovations in packaging design, improve efficiency and reduce weight, and enables Unilever Vietnam to cut unnecessary plastic waste.

At the same time, new measurements and analytical methods need to be developed by technology. This makes it possible for the company to check the quality of packaging made from PCR plastic in a quick and efficient manner.

Besides its own technology, Unilever Vietnam needs to coordinate and utilize the expertise and technology of its partners in the value chain. Duy Tan Recycling is an important partner for Unilever's recycled packaging development.

As an innovative recycling company in Vietnam, Duy Tan Recycling helps Unilever Vietnam figure out the right solutions for end-to-end recycling. Specifically, with an annual output of up to 100,000 tons, Duy Tan Recycling's factories are currently operated according to international standards on quality, environment and health safety.

The company applies cutting-edge "Bottles to Bottles" technology. To date, the company has reduced its packaging plastic by 82% by cutting primary plastic and utilizing PCR plastic, achieving 73% of recyclable packaging, and collecting and treating more than 20,000 tons of plastic waste. Bottle packaging used for many product brands of Unilever Vietnam is PCR plastic. Typically, bottles of Sunlight, Lux and Love Beauty & Planet products are 100%.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Van, Chairperson of Unilever Vietnam, said,  “If the world does not act now, by 2050, there will be more waste in the ocean than fish. This is a scenario that no one expects to witness. No company wants to do business among the ‘sea’ of waste or in the damaged environment. To stop this on a national and global scale, Unilever alone is not enough. It requires the cooperation of all.”

Boosted by their technological strengths, the cooperation between Unilever Vietnam and Duy Tan Recycling will create a strong impetus for Unilever to improve its circular economy in plastic waste management. This is also an opportunity to inspire other businesses to increase the use of PCR plastic in packaging production and expect guidance and support from the Government to open up more development opportunities for the recycling industry, thus making the circular economy widespread across the country.