Page 37 - Plastics News August 2022

capsules will be packaged in a ground-breaking plastic-free cardboard box. The
innovative box conceived in partnership with Graphic Packaging International, figurations and dimensions.
underwent years of development to lock out moisture better than current plastic Deposit return systems add a depos-
packaging and prevent capsules from sticking to each other. The box is easier to it on top of the price of a beverage,
open and close, is child-proof and fully recyclable. 50% of the cardboard comes which is refunded to the consumer
from recycled sources and the rest from FSC-certified forests. when they return the empty contain-

The new product, which will launch first in France before rolling out to other markets, er for recycling. This incentivizes the
is another example of Unilever’s Clean Future strategy. Announced in September return of containers, which drives
2020, the strategy aims to fundamentally change the way that some of the world’s higher collection rates and combats
best-known cleaning and laundry products are created, manufactured and packaged, litter. Deposit return systems often
supported by a €1bn investment over 10 years. include "return-to-retail" legislation
that requires stores selling beverages
Dr Keith Rutherford, Head of Global Innovation, Unilever Home Care R&D
said: “Through our Clean Future programme, our ambition is to make sustainable to also collect the containers for re-
cleaning the compelling choice for every consumer by bringing real innovation to cycling after use.
established mass market products. The research, development, and manufacturing "TOMRA M1 makes recycling pos-
skill that is required shouldn’t be underestimated. The new proprietary formulation sible in every store. A key challenge
and child-proof cardboard packaging is the work of so many people. This is our best we heard from small retailers in new
and most sustainable laundry capsule yet – it is truly industry leading.” markets was a lack of space for a re-
Ralf Mack, Director New Business Development, EU Consumer Products at Graphic verse vending machine. However,
Packaging International adds: “Working together with Unilever, we are delighted we believe that small retailers who
to see our innovative packaging solution launch under this iconic brand around the sell a higher volume of drinks could
world. Our combined expertise in carton design, product protection capabilities see benefits to their store efficiency
and understanding of consumer behaviour has enabled us to create this superior, and customer experience from au-
plastic-free and child-proof solution, enabling consumers and businesses alike to tomating container returns, so the
reduce their use of single-use plastic.” TOMRA M1 was born," explains
Lars Andersen, product manager for
TOMRA M1.

"This latest reverse vending machine
makes it easier for small and conven-
ience stores to offer container return
points for all of their shoppers, and
contribute to positive environmental
outcomes and a healthier planet. We
have been excited to collaborate with
retailers to develop TOMRA M1
specifically for their needs."

coo@aipma.net

37 PLASTICS NEWS August 2022