Lush cosmetics forms recycling partnership to minimize its environmental impact

The cosmetics firm is outsourcing its plastic cosmetics pots, made from polypropylene (PP) from its shops in the North of England to Remarkable. Packaging from the South of England is sent to local manufacturers in Poole.

“The PP pots are converted into different forms of plastic which Lush reuses. This recycled packaging is then sent back to the manufacturer once it has served its purpose resulting in another conversion cycle that keeps on continuing​,” Remarkable managing director Edward Douglas Miller told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com.

Recycling initiative​

It all forms part of Lush’s recycling initiative to reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills by the company, the cosmetic maker’s creative buyer Maria Feast told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com. This includes an in-store take-back scheme for its black plastic pots that are then sent to Remarkable.

Not all local recycling collections in the UK accept all seven of the main types of plastic despite being recyclable, resulting in approximately three tonnes of plastic waste.

In line with this, Lush approached Remarkable who is able to recycle all the main plastic types including PP, Feast added.

Continuous process​

The eco-manufacturer’s recycling process consists of the pots being washed, dried and made into small plastic flakes that are then melted down. The melted plastic is reprocessed into PP sheets and injection moulding.

The recycled material is then remanufactured into other packaging for Lush, which includes a bath products’ tube called the Pillar of Fizz. Sold separately, this ensures reusability. According to the company, other remanufactured materials include plastic backing to badges.

Lush is also involved in other recycling initiatives which includes sending organic waste from its UK factory to a local composting company that turns it into compost.