The beauty division of Procter & Gamble (P&G) said it is moving its packaging targets forward to 2021 from 2030 and plans to introduce the new “Refill the Good” system for its shampoo brands “Pantene ProV”, “Head & Shoulders” and “Herbal Essences” in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in April 2021. The consumer goods giant also plans to increase the recycled content in its plastic bottles.

Complementing the existing packaging portfolio, the new refill system consists of an aluminium bottle with a pump dispenser and a stand-up pouch made of mono-polyethylene. “Our goal is to both reduce plastic and provide a durable option that is safe to use in the bathroom. Aluminium does not rust and is recyclable,” said Jürgen Dornheim, director of sustainable packaging and innovation at P&G.

P&G Beauty had started reducing the use of primary plastics in its packaging in 2016. From April 2021, 40% of HDPE will be replaced by recycled plastic for the shampoo and conditioner bottles of Pantene Pro-V and Head & Shoulders. The bottles of Herbal Essences will be made of 100% rPET April 2021 onward. These measures will affect around 300m bottles per year in Europe. Recently, P&G also introduced recyclable “Planet Kind” packaging for its “Gillette” brand (see Plasteurope.com of 10.03.2021).