Procter & Gamble (P&G), one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, is making notable strides toward achieving more sustainable packaging solutions. With growing global concerns about plastic waste and environmental degradation, P&G is focusing its packaging innovation strategy around recyclability, the reduction of virgin materials, and the expansion of circular systems.

By the end of fiscal year 2024, P&G reports that 80% of its consumer packaging is now designed to be recyclable or reusable, a significant leap from just 55% in 2020. The company is committed to reaching 100% recyclability or reusability by 2030, in line with its broader sustainability targets.

Key Packaging Innovations and Reductions

• Reduction in Virgin Plastic Use: P&G has cut virgin petroleum plastic by 21% per unit of production and 14% overall since 2017, moving toward a 50% reduction by 2030.
• Paper-Based Alternatives: Popular products like Gillette and Venus razors now come in consumer-preferred paper packaging, reducing plastic dependency.
• Lighter Bottles: The new Head & Shoulders BARE bottles use 45% less plastic than the standard 300mL version, maintaining functionality while minimizing material use.
• Improved Recyclability: Expanded polystyrene (EPS) has been completely removed from Oral-B packaging, enhancing its recyclability.
• More Recycled Content: Since 2018, P&G has doubled its use of recycled resin in plastic packaging.

These advancements not only address regulatory and consumer expectations but also build a foundation for circular packaging systems.

Collaborative Efforts and Infrastructure Investment

Recognizing that packaging sustainability cannot be solved in isolation, P&G is also investing in industry-wide partnerships and technologies. One of its most promising developments is a proprietary plastic dissolution process created by its scientists. This technology enables more efficient cleaning and recycling of plastics and has already been licensed to PureCycle and Dow, enabling broader application across industries.

The company is also tackling the unique challenges of small-format and flexible packaging – materials that are notoriously difficult to recycle. Through alliances with Closed Loop Partners, The Recycling Partnership, and the Film & Flexibles Recycling Coalition, P&G aims to improve both the collection and sorting systems and boost demand for recycled flexible films.

“We want to help build a circular future where more materials are recycled and reused rather than ending up as waste,” says a P&G spokesperson. “While we can’t solve every challenge alone, we are accelerating progress through collaboration, innovation, and accountability.”

Looking Ahead

As it advances toward its 2030 goals, P&G is committed to a sustainability journey that extends beyond packaging design into broader systemic change. The company’s initiatives highlight a comprehensive approach: one that balances material reduction, infrastructure investment, and consumer-focused usability. In doing so, P&G not only redefines its packaging but also helps shape the future of circularity in the consumer goods industry.