Unilever’s Colman’s brand pivots to paper-based packaging

In partnership with Mondi, Unilever’s Colman’s brand has committed to using recyclable paper-based packaging across its entire sauces and seasonings range.

In the coming months, once the full rollout has been completed, Unilever expects that the new packaging will save over 220 tonnes of material from going to landfill per year.

Now more than ever, Colman’s believes that it is important to give consumers easy solutions to add flavour to meals but in a more sustainable way.

The company points to research reporting that 78% of consumers globally admit to feeling better after buying products that are sustainably sourced or better for the environment.

The new sachets are made with paper, and can be recycled by shoppers at home in paper waste streams. The packs will initially be rolled out across the brand’s Sausage Casserole flavour, with the full Colman’s range set to transition throughout this year.

Fikerte Woldegiorgis, foods marketing director Unilever UK&I, says: “At Colman’s, we’re big and bold when it comes to our flavours, and we’re keen to make equally bold steps when it comes to our sustainability commitments. We are delighted to launch this fully recyclable paper packaging, becoming the first big brand within the category to do so.

“The new packaging, which uses a paper base, ensures that shoppers can enjoy the same great tasting product they know and love, and now with the added benefit of being able to recycle the packs.”

This switch by Colman’s is the latest part of Unilever’s wider global packaging commitments, which include targets to halve its use of virgin plastic, as well as to ensure all its packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.