Consumer goods giant Unilever is partnering with packaging firm Saica Group to roll out paper-based banding for its Axe deodorant duopacks, starting with teh French market in late 2023.The move signals a broader industry shift toward reducing plastic use and comes as manufacturers prepare for stricter packaging regulations, including the European Union’s forthcoming Packaging and Packaging waste Regulation. This collaboration highlights a proactive approach to sustainability, replacing traditional shrink wrap with a recyclable option and supporting Unilever’s goal to reduce virgin plastic by 40% by 2028 [[2]].
Unilever and Saica Group have partnered to develop a sustainable packaging solution for Axe deodorant duopacks, with the new packaging already available in the French market since the final quarter of 2023. The collaboration reflects a growing industry trend toward reducing plastic use in consumer goods packaging.
The companies have replaced the previous shrink plastic film used for Axe promotional packs with a paper-based banding solution developed by Saica Group, Unilever announced. This move aligns with Unilever’s commitment to reduce virgin plastic in its flexible packaging by 40% by 2028, compared to 2019 levels.
Saica Group’s strategy also supports Unilever’s goals, aiming to reduce the plastic weight of all packaging produced for clients by up to 20%. The new paper band is designed to be recyclable, furthering both companies’ commitment to a circular economy.
The partnership proactively addresses upcoming regulations, including the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which will ban single-use plastic packaging for promotional packs. By switching to a paper-based solution, Unilever and Saica Group are anticipating and complying with these forthcoming standards.
Saica Group leveraged its decades of experience in fiber-based packaging engineering to provide Unilever with a comprehensive technical solution. This included the design and industrial validation of a self-adhesive paper band optimized for consumer ease of use and handling. The band utilizes high-performance paper engineered for mechanical strength, durability during transport, and compatibility with high-resolution printing for shelf appeal.
Beyond the band itself, Saica Group provided support throughout the implementation process, including equipment specification, procurement, installation, and commissioning of banding machinery adapted to Unilever’s promotional product lines. The new system also offers significant energy efficiency improvements by replacing high-temperature shrink wrapping with a low-energy banding process, without impacting packaging speed or quality.
“This collaboration demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can come together to achieve real progress,” said Ibon Aznar, Manager of Sustainable Innovation for Flexible Packaging at Saica Flex. “With this paper-based solution, we are helping to anticipate legislative changes while maintaining the technical performance and design quality our client requires. At Saica Flex, we remain committed to supporting our clients in their transition towards more sustainable and circular packaging solutions.”
The strategic alignment between Unilever and Saica Group underscores their shared leadership in transitioning to more sustainable packaging solutions, combining material innovation with process engineering excellence and a commitment to the circular economy.
About Grupo Saica
Saica Group offers sustainable paper solutions for corrugated cardboard and packaging, promoting circularity in waste management. With over 12,000 employees and a presence in Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States, Saica Group operates four business lines: recycled paper production for corrugated cardboard (Saica Paper), waste management and environmental services (Saica Natur), corrugated cardboard packaging production (Saica Pack), and flexible packaging (Saica Flex). The group reported a turnover of €3.7 billion (consolidated sales as of December 31, 2023).
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