The initiative, Waste Free World, is the first of its type and could accelerate the process of returning high grade plastic back into a closed-loop recycling system.
There are currently 20 of the recycling machines installed in offices and community spaces in Shanghai and Hangzhou.
During the course of 2021, 500 of the deposit machines will be put into market, mainly in the Shanghai and Hangzhou area, collecting up to 500 tonnes of plastic.
The project will also contribute to changing consumer behaviour through the incentive of Unilever coupons and AliPay rewards.
