D-PAK™ carton revolution cleans up in the UK

The D-PAK™ carton revolution is gathering momentum in the UK as more retailers and global brands switch from plastic bottles to fiber-based cartons for laundry and liquid soap products. The new era in packaging for the laundry and home care sector is growing due to the drive to reduce plastic waste.

The Co-op is the latest retailer to place plastic packaging for fiber-based cartons for its laundry detergents. Two products, a bio and non-bio laundry detergent are launched in 750ml D-PAK™ cartons in January 2025 across the Co-op’s UK stores nationwide. The move from plastic bottles to cartons will create the Co-op a saving of 80% plastic packaging, the equivalent to circa 30 tons annually.

Co-op’s laundry detergents in cartons are launched with a newly concentrated formula providing 30 washes per pack (compared to 24 from previous 960ml plastic bottle). The D-PAK™ carton brings more benefits to the Co-op as it is 45% lighter than the previous plastic bottle packaging therefore providing logistics savings, and the carton is fully recyclable where facilities exist.

Research from Elopak has shown that not having to separate parts of the packaging before placing it in the recycling bin and the ability to reduce waste volume are all key factors for consumers.