Unilever is running refill pilot projects globally to reduce virgin plastic use and tackle plastic sachet waste. Since 2018, Unilever has conducted over 50 refill and reuse pilots, incorporating insights from markets like Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to shape their strategies.
The long-term goal for Unilever is to have 100 per cent of plastic packaging be reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2030 for rigid plastics and by 2035 for flexible plastics. These pilots are crucial to achieving that transformation.
Refill solutions in Indonesia
In Indonesia, Unilever began testing refill solutions in 2020 by piloting a refill machine in a packaging-free store in Jakarta. This machine sold home and personal care products like Dove and TRESemmé. Two additional machines were introduced in an apartment building and a general trade kiosk. However, it was a door-to-door refill model, using motorcycle drivers to sell from large jerrycans, that proved most popular, despite its high operational costs.
Partnering with local businesses, Unilever expanded its efforts by introducing scalable manual refill stations in stores (warungs) and waste bank locations. To date, the programme serves around 6000 customers at 1000 refill stations, saving approximately 6 tonnes of plastic annually.
Tailored refill solutions for Sri Lanka
Unilever’s pilot in Sri Lanka started in 2019 with high-tech refill machines installed in modern trade outlets. However, to increase accessibility, especially for low-income consumers, the company redesigned the machines to allow for flexible quantities, based on individual customer needs. These machines were also relocated to more convenient spots, including railway stations and apartment buildings. Offering savings of up to 20 per cent compared to prepackaged products, the refill stations have gained traction among local consumers.
Innovations in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, Unilever initially tested advanced refill machines in 2021, but the machines proved difficult to service. In response, the company developed a more cost-effective, user-friendly solution with the help of Bopinc, a TRANSFORM-funded organisation. The new machines, designed for store counters, dispense multiple products such as Dove and Lifebuoy. Real-time sales data from the machines helps Unilever understand consumer preferences and price points, contributing to the refinement of product offers. Approximately 43 per cent of users have become repeat customers.
Scaling refill solutions
Unilever’s goal to eliminate single-use plastics relies on the development of refill solutions. Unilever stresses the importance of regulatory support and collaboration across industries. Through the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, it advocate for enabling policies and collaborate with organisations like the World Economic Forum and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to establish common reuse definitions and metrics.
"Supportive regulations will be essential for reuse solutions to grow at scale," Unilever said in a statement. These efforts showcase Unilever’s commitment to sustainable packaging and reducing plastic waste.
