Unilever joins PaperFlex Consortium to develop paper-based flexible packaging

Unilever has become a founding member of the PaperFlex Consortium, set up by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and consultancy (Re)set to develop paper-based alternatives to plastic flexible packaging such as sachets, wrappers and pouches. Colgate-Palmolive, Mars, Nestle, PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble are also founding members, funding joint trials of materials intended to protect products and run on existing filling lines.

Why this mattersSix of the largest consumer goods groups backing paper flexibles as a group could accelerate converter investment in fibre-based barrier packaging for sachets and pouches.

• Unilever joined the PaperFlex Consortium in September 2026.
• Founding members also include Colgate-Palmolive, Mars, Nestle, PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble.
• The consortium was formed by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and environmental consultancy (Re)set.
• Members will jointly fund and run trials of paper-based flexible packaging as a plastic alternative.
• Unilever says it has doubled its packaging R&D investment and employs more than 60 material scientists working on paper-based materials and barrier coatings.