Editor’s note: This content is sponsored by Unilever and was produced by BrandRap, the sales and marketing arm of Rappler. No member of the news and editorial team participated in the production of this piece.

Plastic use has been on an upward trajectory worldwide for decades, and we need to act fast to keep up with mitigating the waste we produce. 

According to the UN Environment Programme, we had already generated more plastic waste in one decade in the early 2000s than the previous 40 years. However, only 10% out of the seven billion tonnes of plastic produced globally has been recycled so far.

At this rate, as single-use plastics and improper waste disposal continue, the world needs to be on top of waste management to keep these virtually indestructible materials out of our oceans. 

We have our work cut out for us, but not all hope is lost. We can still make a change once we commit to being mindful of our plastic waste and cultivate an eco-conscious culture – and Unilever’s vision is to contribute to this with their Linis Pilipinas campaign.

For a cleaner Philippines

The company wants to make good on their consumers’ belief that manufacturers have the most responsibility to protect the planet. That’s why, Unilever’s Home Care unit has committed to a clean future by injecting sustainable technology into their products. 

The company will begin the project by utilizing biodegradable cleaning agents, naturally-derived stain removers, and 100% recycled sachets & bottles. They also promise to continue developing new ways to improve their products’ sustainability.

The initiative took off from the initial 2021 launch of their Linis Pilipinas campaign, which tied in a Haribon Foundation tree planting reward for online purchases with participating brands. Now, the campaign’s second iteration signals a more inside-out progression on sustainability for the company. 

Empowering Filipinos to think eco-consciously

Additionally, the company wants to empower its consumers to dispose of waste responsibly. For Linis Pilipinas, Unilever will implement a Reduce, Upcycle, Recycle model that households can participate in. 

To reduce plastic waste, Unilever will offer incentives like promos and discounts for consumers who choose to buy their Home Care products, most of which now come in 100% recycled plastic packaging. 

Shoppers who purchase from Unilever or participating supermarkets Puregold, Robinsons, or Waltermart can enjoy exciting promos like getting a free “eco-bayong” with purchases of the participating brands’ big packs, buy-two-get-one deals on Unilever Homecare products, and other special offers. To add to the hype, shoppers who purchase the most from Linis Pilipinas brands also get the chance to win a free washing machine.

Unilever Homecare’s shift to upcycled packaging helps shoppers easily choose more eco-conscious products for their home. “Our campaign’s leading brands are Domex and Breeze, which have saved an equivalent of 8 million bottles and 20,000 supermarket bags a year, respectively, through their shift to recycled plastic,” shares Amor Prieto, Unilever Philippines’ Homecare Philippines research and development lead.

For the other two legs of the campaign, Unilever will educate its audience on the importance of upcycling along with how to incorporate it into everyday life. Finally, to push consumers to take action and recycle, Unilever has launched the Breeze x The Plastic Flamingo plastic drop off point at UP Town Center. Through this avenue, Breeze aims to collect 16,000 kilograms of plastic, which will then be turned over to The Plastic Flamingo (PLAF) for upcycling into eco-lumbers and furniture. A beneficiary public school will receive the upcycled work as a donation.

With more engaging and accessible ways for households to participate in Unilever’s bid for change, the Linis Pilipinas campaign aims to make sustainable living commonplace. 

To participate in the campaign, drop off your plastics at the Breeze x PLAF drop off, or visit Unilever’s Home Care shop or its participating retailers Puregold, Robinsons, and Waltermart supermarkets online or in-store. – Rappler.com