Saica Group equips Unilever with paper band for Axe duopack
Key takeaways
- Saica Group has developed a recyclable paper grouping band to replace plastic shrink film on Unilever’s Axe deodorant duopacks.
- The recyclable paper band is designed for strength, transport, and shelf appeal.
- The solution supports PPWR readiness and Unilever’s plastic reduction targets.
Saica Group has supplied Unilever with a paper grouping band for its Axe deodorant duopacks, replacing the former plastic shrink film.
The band was developed using high-performance paper designed for mechanical strength, durability under transport conditions, and compatibility with high-resolution printing to ensure shelf appeal.
Ibon Aznar, sustainability innovation manager for Flexible Packaging at Saica Group, says: “Partnering with Unilever on this project shows how innovation and sustainability can come together to deliver real progress.”
“With this paper-based solution, we’re helping anticipate regulatory changes while maintaining the technical performance and quality that the customer requires. At Saica Flex, we remain committed to supporting our customers in their transition toward truly circular packaging solutions.”
The solution was optimized for ease of unpacking and consumer handling, according to Saica Group. The manufacturing giant also provided support to Unilever throughout the full process of making the paper band, including equipment specification, procurement, and installing banding machinery tailored to Unilever’s promotional products lines.
Last year, Saica Group committed €7.1 million (US$7.7 million) to new machinery for its UK flexible packaging facility, Saica Flex, aimed at enhancing production and efficiency while strengthening its market position.
PPWR ready
The recyclable paper solution has been on the French market since the last quarter of 2025 in anticipation of the EU’s upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
According to Saica Group, the paper band aligns with its sustainability strategy to reduce the plastic weight of total packaging produced for customers by up to 20%.
Last year, Saica Group began construction on its second US Saica Pack corrugated plant in Anderson, Indiana, following an investment of more than US$110 million. The plant, scheduled to open this year, will manufacture, convert, and produce recycled paper for use in corrugated packaging.
The collaboration between Saica Group and Unilever also aims to support Unilever’s commitment to lower its virgin plastic footprint by 40% by 2028.
In 2024, Unilever “unashamedly” revised a range of its environmental sustainability pledges, claiming it was a necessary and realistic update due to current geopolitical issues and the financial pressures on consumers.
Recently, Unilever, in partnership with Ball Corporation and Alcoa Corporation, announced the first use of Elysis carbon-free smelting technology to produce an aerosol can.
