Cif is committed to enabling people to use their Cif Power & Shine trigger spray bottles for life. If the trigger spray breaks, customers can call the Cif careline to receive a new trigger spray delivered free to their home. In addition to its in-store refill trials, Unilever launched at-home refill product, Cif Ecorefill, in 2019 which has since become the UK’s leading cleaning refill solution 4. While triggers are technically recyclable, many recycling companies aren’t geared up to deal with them. Plus, they are designed to last approximately 15 times – about five years, on average – but instead, generally get disposed of after just one use. Some of Unilever’s best-known brands, including Persil, Simple, Radox and Alberto Balsam, will be available in reusable stainless-steel bottles in selected Asda and Co-op stores by the end of 2021

Cif Antibacterial | Cif

The design also makes them easier to use than many alternatives on the market, including refill pouches that can be difficult to pour and therefore quite messy. Almost a third of people worry about spillages when refilling household products, particularly cleaning supplies.In response to this combination of challenges, we created Cif ecorefill – a 10x concentrated refill that allows shoppers to buy one spray bottle, which they can then use for life. Insights from this initial trial, as well as Unilever commissioned research, is informing their expanded trials this year: Made with 75% less plastic, Cif ecorefill simply attaches to the current Cif Power & Shine bottles. Through its innovative technology, it seamlessly releases the super-concentrated product into the bottle, which is filled with water at home. The ecorefill contains a 10x concentrated formula, delivering the same superior clean for which Cif is known and loved. The ecorefill is 100% recyclable once the plastic sleeves are removed. By the end of 2020, we’re aiming for all ecorefill and spray bottles to be made from 100% recycled plastic.

Multipurpose Cleaning Products | Hello Beautiful | Cif

Almost a fifth of shoppers wanted a sealed product option (18%) and to be able to return empty bottles to store (16%). A quarter (25%) would be interested in a loyalty or reward scheme 3 Sharing what we’ve learnt is a start, and we hope it will be useful. But global change needs a whole system behind it. We know we can’t do this alone, it requires buy-in from retailers, manufacturers, delivery services, civil society organisations and, of course, consumers. We also see a critical role for governments, especially in helping promote innovation and encouraging investment. We’ll keep collaborating to help make this happen. The refill and reuse approach is in its early days. We’re all still learning. But experimenting in real-world conditions has given us a lengthy list of insights – and an even lengthier to-do list. Now we want to build momentum and do everything in our power to help bring about a refill–reuse revolution.The launch of Cif ecorefill is a game-changer when it comes to reducing plastic waste in the products we use to clean our homes,” says Gemma Cleland, VP, Homecare, Unilever UK & Ireland. “Our research shows that two-thirds of us feel guilty when we throw away plastic and shoppers are looking for easy switches that can have a positive impact on the world around us. With our broad portfolio, we’re well placed to trial a range of refill–reuse models across various product categories and formats, including personal care, beauty, laundry, home, hygiene and food. Since 2018, we have launched over 50 pilots. The appetite for refillable and reusable products has spurred Unilever to expand its refill & reuse activities through a series of trials in the UK, delivering and testing convenient and sustainable solutions to help shoppers cut plastic consumption The expanded trials are in seven stores across the country, including Glasgow, York, Rugby, Milton Keynes and Leeds. Unilever is working with retail partner, Co-op, to test refills amongst convenience shoppers, in addition to customers at larger Asda supermarkets, and will be announcing plans for more stores and trials later in the year. As we are committed to people using their Power & Shine spray bottles for life, if the trigger spray breaks, we will deliver a new one free of charge. Good for consumers, the planet and our business