Reckitt has started replacing some of its plastic-heavy packaging for Finish thermoformed dishwashing tablets in Australia with a largely paper-based alternative that can be recycled at kerbside.
The new pack was developed over four years with packaging supplier Mondi and consists of 75% paper. The pack aims to substitute existing formats that rely more heavily on plastic.
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Reckitt states that this change could reduce up to 48 tonnes of plastic from its annual tablet packaging volumes, an amount it compares to more than 1.8 million plastic water bottles.
The format will be introduced on selected stock-keeping units, with the company expecting that roughly half of the Finish tablet packs sold in Australia will move to the paper-based option.
The updated packs began appearing last month in major national grocery chains.
Reckitt R&D packaging innovation manager Malgorzata Herman said: “We are immensely proud of what this innovation represents – not just for Finish, but for the entire home care category.
“Despite the many scientific and technical challenges we encountered, our teams remained committed. Today, we deliver a paper-based solution that protects the product, protects performance, and supports consumers in making more sustainable choices. This is a true testament to perseverance, partnership, and our commitment to driving meaningful environmental progress.”
Reckitt Australia sustainability head Laurie Ferland-Caouette commented: “Reducing plastic and improving recyclability is a key focus for Reckitt.
“This launch represents a real step forward for the entire home care category in Australia, as we transition some of our top-selling Finish packs to our new kerbside recyclable paper-based packaging. We anticipate 1-in-2 Finish tablet packs sold will now be on our paper-based packaging range, making it easier for Australians to make a more sustainable choice as part of their everyday routines.”
