In addition to its in-store refill trials, Unilever launched at-home refill product, Cif Ecorefill, in 2019 which has since become the UK’s leading cleaning refill solution 4. Some of Unilever’s best-known brands, including Persil, Simple, Radox and Alberto Balsam, will be available in reusable stainless-steel bottles in selected Asda and Co-op stores by the end of 2021 Daily updates on the latest design and architecture vacancies advertised on Dezeen Jobs. Plus occasional news. Dezeen Jobs Weekly While triggers are technically recyclable, many recycling companies aren’t geared up to deal with them. Plus, they are designed to last approximately 15 times – about five years, on average – but instead, generally get disposed of after just one use.

The ecorefill’s space-saving design also comes with a smaller price tag, retailing less than the price of Cif spray bottles. It is currently available at Sainsbury’s across the UK. In response to this combination of challenges, we created Cif ecorefill – a 10x concentrated refill that allows shoppers to buy one spray bottle, which they can then use for life. The design also makes them easier to use than many alternatives on the market, including refill pouches that can be difficult to pour and therefore quite messy. Almost a third of people worry about spillages when refilling household products, particularly cleaning supplies. The launch of Cif ecorefill is a game-changer when it comes to reducing plastic waste in the products we use to clean our homes,” says Gemma Cleland, VP, Homecare, Unilever UK & Ireland. “Our research shows that two-thirds of us feel guilty when we throw away plastic and shoppers are looking for easy switches that can have a positive impact on the world around us.We think there's no better place to start than in the home," Cleland added. "By keeping a bottle of Cif and refilling and reusing it over and over again, consumers can reduce their consumption of single use plastic." With our broad portfolio, we’re well placed to trial a range of refill–reuse models across various product categories and formats, including personal care, beauty, laundry, home, hygiene and food. Since 2018, we have launched over 50 pilots. According to research from marketing consultancy firm Edelman cited by Unilever, UK consumers are increasingly demanding more refillable and reusable solutions. Once the original bottle of cleaning product is finished, users can attach the Cif ecorefill to the bottle to release the highly concentrated product into the bottle, which they then fill with water to dilute.

News from Dezeen Events Guide, a listings guide covering the leading design-related events taking place around the world. Plus occasional updates. Dezeen Awards China The need for an absolute reduction in plastic use is abundantly clear. A report by The Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIQ – Breaking the Plastic Wave – found that ocean-bound plastic is set to triple by 2040 unless radical action is taken. Insights from this initial trial, as well as Unilever commissioned research, is informing their expanded trials this year: Changing how we make, distribute, use and dispose of everyday products is one of the biggest environmental challenges the world is currently facing. It’s also an issue where consumption habits are just as important as business models.The appetite for refillable and reusable products has spurred Unilever to expand its refill & reuse activities through a series of trials in the UK, delivering and testing convenient and sustainable solutions to help shoppers cut plastic consumption All prices quoted are Recommended Retail Prices. Retailers are free at all times to set their own retail prices. Unilever UK’s new Five Point Plastic Plan – Get Plastic Wise #GetPlasticWise Cif ecorefill provides the answer to these problems. They are small and light, so can be bought in bulk, and they take up less space in cupboards and recycling bins. The launch of Cif ecorefills is a game-changer when it comes to reducing plastic waste in the products we use to clean our homes," said Gemma Cleland, vice president of homecare at Unilever.

The refill and reuse approach is in its early days. We’re all still learning. But experimenting in real-world conditions has given us a lengthy list of insights – and an even lengthier to-do list. Now we want to build momentum and do everything in our power to help bring about a refill–reuse revolution. That’s why we’re now focusing on developing our refill and reuse strategy while scaling up the common successes and synergies.

A solution that tackles multiple problems

While trigger sprays are designed to last for 15 uses, which would be an average of five years, instead they are generally thrown away after just one use. But solutions do exist. The same report found that this amount can be reduced by 80% if major transformational change takes place. Made with 75% less plastic, Cif ecorefill simply attaches to the current Cif Power & Shine bottles. Through its innovative technology, it seamlessly releases the super-concentrated product into the bottle, which is filled with water at home. The ecorefill contains a 10x concentrated formula, delivering the same superior clean for which Cif is known and loved. The expanded trials are in seven stores across the country, including Glasgow, York, Rugby, Milton Keynes and Leeds. Unilever is working with retail partner, Co-op, to test refills amongst convenience shoppers, in addition to customers at larger Asda supermarkets, and will be announcing plans for more stores and trials later in the year. News about our Dezeen Awards China programme, including entry deadlines and announcements. Plus occasional updates.

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as 'will', 'aim', 'expects', 'anticipates', 'intends', 'looks', 'believes', 'vision', or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions of future performance or results, and their negatives, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and assumptions regarding anticipated developments and other factors affecting the Unilever Group (the 'Group'). They are not historical facts, nor are they guarantees of future performance. Gemma Cleland, Vice President, Homecare, Unilever UK & Ireland, said: “The launch of Cif ecorefills is a game-changer when it comes to reducing plastic waste in the products we use to clean our homes. Our research shows that two-thirds of us feel guilty when we throw away plastic and shoppers are looking for easy switches that can have a positive impact on the world around us. We think there’s no better place to start than in the home. By keeping a bottle of Cif and refilling and reusing it over and over again, consumers can reduce their consumption of single use plastic.” Our research shows that two-thirds of us feel guilty when we throw away plastic and shoppers are looking for easy switches that can have a positive impact on the world around us," she continued.Unilever aims to produce all its ecorefill and spray bottles from 100 per cent recycled plastic by the end of 2020. Almost a fifth of shoppers wanted a sealed product option (18%) and to be able to return empty bottles to store (16%). A quarter (25%) would be interested in a loyalty or reward scheme 3 As we are committed to people using their Power & Shine spray bottles for life, if the trigger spray breaks, we will deliver a new one free of charge. Good for consumers, the planet and our business Sharing what we’ve learnt is a start, and we hope it will be useful. But global change needs a whole system behind it. We know we can’t do this alone, it requires buy-in from retailers, manufacturers, delivery services, civil society organisations and, of course, consumers. We also see a critical role for governments, especially in helping promote innovation and encouraging investment. We’ll keep collaborating to help make this happen.