World Environment Day inspires company to alter plastic use

To mark World Environment Day, the U.N.’s annual initiative to encourage awareness and action for environmental protection, June 5, Reckitt Benckiser Group (RB), Berkshire, England, known for brands like Lysol and Woolite, announced a series of commitments on the company's use of plastics.

Rakesh Kapoor, chief executive of RB, issued the following statement:

“Plastic has proved itself one of the most versatile materials ever invented. Unfortunately, one of the unintended consequences of its widespread use is that it causes enormous environmental damage if not appropriately reused and recycled.

“For many years, we have been reducing our packaging as much as possible and eliminating waste through innovation. We recognize we need to do more. That is why we will make 100 percent of our packaging recyclable or reusable and include at least 25 percent recycled plastic content in our packaging by 2025, where possible and where regulations allow. Responsibility is at the heart of our values, as without it we will not deliver on our corporate purpose of healthier lives and happier homes.”

RB says it plans to commit to several goals, such as:

• removing or reducing plastic packaging wherever possible and investing in research of alternative materials that can replace its use;
• ensuring that the plastic the company continues to use is made of at least 25 percent recycled plastic by 2025;
• striving to make 100 percent of the company’s plastic packaging recyclable or reusable—with labeling to help consumers recycle effectively—by 2025; and
• working with peers and governments to enable products in the company’s portfolio to meet above targets without compromising safety and efficacy for patients and consumers.

For more information, please see a detailed statement here.