On January 15th, 2025, at the EcoWASTE conference, Waseem Jeenah, our Head of R&D for Unilever Personal Care in Pakistan, Turkey, Arabia, and Bangladesh, presented on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the pivotal role it plays in fostering a circular economy within the FMCG packaging sector. This conference, part of the annual Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), brought together experts to address the complex challenges facing the waste management sector as urbanization and population growth continue to rise.
Waseem highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with EPR implementation, including design for recyclability, waste diversion, and overcoming waste management hurdles. Drawing from his experience on the Board of PETCO, South Africa’s leading Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), Waseem shared valuable insights and lessons that can be applied to our region.
At Unilever, we are committed to making significant strides towards a circular economy for plastics. Our efforts are geared towards reducing plastic waste, enhancing recyclability, and promoting sustainable practices across our operations. We believe that by leading the way in these initiatives, we can contribute to a more sustainable future for our communities and the environment.