Unilever and Saica Group have strengthened their collaboration to cut plastic use in promotional packaging, unveiling a new paper-based band for Axe deodorant duopacks sold in France.
The launch marks another milestone in both companies’ push toward circular and sustainable packaging solutions.
Replacing the conventional plastic shrink film, the new design uses a recyclable paper band engineered by Saica Group. The shift supports Unilever’s broader target to reduce virgin plastic use in its packaging by 40% by 2028, compared to 2019, while also helping Saica achieve its goal of cutting overall plastic output by 20%.
The change comes ahead of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which will restrict single-use plastic for promotional bundling. Both partners view the move as a proactive step toward regulatory compliance while preserving product performance and brand visibility.
Drawing on decades of fiber-based packaging expertise, Saica delivered a complete technical solution, from material development to industrial validation. The self-adhesive paper band was designed to ensure mechanical strength, durability during transport and ease of consumer handling, while maintaining premium shelf appeal through high-resolution print quality.
Saica also supported the industrial rollout, including equipment integration and commissioning across Unilever’s promotional product lines. The low-energy banding process replaces heat-driven shrink-wrapping, delivering energy savings without compromising production efficiency.
“This collaboration demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can come together to deliver real progress,” said Ibon Aznar, Sustainability Innovation Manager for Flexible Packaging at Saica. “We’re helping our customers anticipate regulatory changes while maintaining technical performance and design quality.”
The initiative reinforces the role of fiber-based solutions in the transition away from single-use plastic in promotional packaging, aligning material innovation with evolving regulatory and market expectations.
Saica Group delivers sustainable paper-based packaging and recycling solutions through its four divisions: Paper, Natur, Pack and Flex. The group employs over 12,000 people across Europe and the United States and reported consolidated revenues of €3.66 billion in 2024.
Source: Saica Group
