Unilever Unveils Fresh Initiative to Enhance Packaging Circularity

Unilever has announced the launch of a new public-private partnership focused on advancing packaging circularity and reducing plastic waste. The initiative, known as the CIRCLE Alliance, was co-founded by Unilever, USAID, and EY and introduced in June 2023. Backed by a $21 million commitment, the alliance aims to support small businesses and entrepreneurs operating within the plastics value chain. CIRCLE’s primary objectives include reducing plastic usage, improving waste management, and fostering circular economies, with a strong emphasis on empowering women in the informal waste sector across the Global South.

Rebecca Marmot, Unilever’s Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted the initiative’s unique approach to scaling solutions for packaging circularity. "CIRCLE’s collaborative model of enterprise acceleration – delivered through a mix of grant funding and bespoke business support – will help scale both new and existing solutions for packaging circularity, whether that’s driving collection and recycling or reuse-refill models,” she said. Marmot also noted that the program would particularly benefit small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs who provide impactful, market-based solutions but currently lack the resources to operate at the scale needed.

The CIRCLE Alliance is initially concentrating its efforts on India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with plans to expand its reach by attracting new partners and additional investments. The initiative builds upon the successes of the TRANSFORM enterprise accelerator, which was spearheaded by Unilever, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and EY.

Unilever’s contribution to CIRCLE includes financial backing from its Climate & Nature Fund, which is part of a broader €1 billion investment plan by 2030 aimed at driving systemic change. Additionally, Unilever is investing in Circulate Capital’s Ocean Fund, which focuses on enhancing infrastructure and investments in regions severely impacted by ocean plastic pollution, including South and Southeast Asia and Latin America.

These efforts align with Unilever’s broader sustainability goals. The company has already reduced its virgin plastic use by 18% compared to its 2019 levels and increased the use of recycled plastic to 22% across its global packaging portfolio. Through the CIRCLE Alliance and other initiatives, Unilever continues to drive forward its mission to create a more sustainable and circular future for packaging.

Unilever, established over a century ago, has grown into one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies. The company is recognized for its extensive portfolio of trusted brands and its commitment to responsible business practices. Unilever believes that operating with integrity and prioritizing sustainability not only benefits society but also drives long-term business success. This ethos is reflected in its efforts to create positive social impact while delivering strong performance. With a presence in over 190 countries, Unilever continues to shape the global market with innovative products that align with its core values of purpose and performance.