Plastic is a big problem. It is estimated that half of all the plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 15 years.

At current rates, by 2050 annualised production of plastics will approach 1 billion tons. Every year, 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from costal nations and it is estimated that globally only 9% of all plastic is actually recycled.

Plastics also account for 6% of global oil consumption which is on a par with the global aviation sector and many plastics contain hazardous chemicals, which along with microplastics can concentrate organic pollutants and contaminate environments. It is also estimated that 40% of all plastics manufactured in 2015 were used in consumer packaging.

Unilever is also very aware that it (and the FMCG sector more generally) is a significant part of the current problem and while the business has worked hard to reduce its reliance on single-use plastics, it also acutely aware that there is still much to be done to reduce its overall environmental impact and make a...