Footprint shows development of recyclable plant-based packaging for line of Gillette razors

Footprint, a Gilbert, Arizona-based global materials science technology company focused on solutions to eliminate single-use and short-term plastics found in packaging, has released a case study highlighting its recent development of a custom plant-based fiber tray to package the GilletteLabs Razor with Exfoliating Bar. 

Under the umbrella of multinational consumer goods corporation Proctor and Gamble (P&G), the line of Gillette razors became the first brand to implement Footprint’s new dyed plant-based molded fiber in its packaging. The trays are sustainably sourced, plastic-free, feature an anti-dust coating and are certified recyclable, aiding in Boston-based Gillette’s goal to achieve 100-percent-recyclable packaging by 2030. 

Gillette says millions of GilletteLabs Razor with Exfoliating Bar units have been produced in one of its largest new product launches in the last decade, with the product first reaching stores in November 2021. The razors can be found on the company’s e-commerce site and at various retail outlets such as Target and Walgreens. 

“We’re proud that our team was able to develop a sustainable solution to aid in Gillette’s launch of its GilletteLabs Razor with Exfoliating Bar,” Footprint founder and CEO Troy Swope says. “Implementing new packaging technologies—that are designed to compete with plastic on both performance and price—in collaboration with a strong partner and industry leader like Gillette, is an important step towards meaningfully reducing our dependence on single-use plastics.” 

Footprint employs more than 2,700 people, with operations in the U.S., Mexico, Europe and Asia. The company says its team of engineers use plant-based fiber technology to design, develop and manufacture biodegradable, compostable and recyclable products that compete with plastic’s cost and exceed its performance.