Unilever, Earth911 Start Recycling Program

Recycling resource Earth911 and Unilever have kicked off a project that will test the hypothesis that deodorant sticks can be economically recycled.The project team, with supporting partners Nextlife and FundingFactory, will look to demonstrate that the many millions of deodorant sticks currently thrown in the trash represent a significant raw material resource to communities that recycle plastics.

The project will enlist the help of students within 50 high schools and colleges to collect deodorant sticks for the recycling test.

“Our program partners are committed to working with Unilever to recycle complex plastic packaging,” said Michael Hughes, Unilever’s senior manager, packaging research and development for North America. “If the program is successful, we will be able to provide the recycling industry with information that shows multi-resin deo-sticks can be profitably recycled. National recycling of deodorant sticks will reduce the environmental footprint of our brands as well as our competitors.”

FundingFactory, a fundraising-by-recycling program for schools and nonprofits, will facilitate the collection of deodorant sticks and send the products to Nextlife for processing into recycled polypropylene resin.

“It’s the perfect outcome of companies working together to reach a common goal. Earth911, using our network, facilitated a solution for Unilever to fulfill a product stewardship initiative,” said Earth911 president Corey Lambrecht.
“FundingFactory and Nextlife get valuable recyclable materials out of the waste stream. And, as an added bonus, schools will get fundraising opportunities until enough sticks are collected for the project. It is a true triple bottom-line win for everyone.”

The deodorant recycling program is a step for Unilever to fulfill the goals set forth in its Sustainable Living Plan.


Established in 2010, the Plan involves more than 50 targets under three main initiatives.By 2020, Unilever has committed to:
•helping more than one billion people improve their health and well-being;

•halving the environmental footprint of its products; and

•sourcing 100% of the company’s agricultural raw materials sustainably.

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