In 2018, REN Clean Skincare pledged to become zero waste by the end of 2021. Changing packaging that is designed to be recyclable, using recycled materials or is reusable and through education, positive activism, education and being sustainable - it was achieved and if this one small brand can manage it, then so can the global brands with bigger budgets, bigger product lines and bigger workforces.
I am a huge fan of REN Clean Skincare and am really proud of their achievements, many scoffed it would be an impossible feat, but time and time again there was many industry firsts.
We made our Zero Waste Pledge in 2018, to only produce packaging designed to be recyclable, containing recycled materials or being reusable by the end of 2021. And we achieved it!
Here is how REN achieved their aims:
- 2018 - Ocean Plastic Packaging - partnering with TerraCycle to create an industry first. A bottle made from 80% recycled plastic and 20% reclaimed Ocean plastic for use in the Atlantic Kelp Range.
- 2019 - PCR Plastic Pack. Known as Post-Consumer Recycled plastic, these materials are obtained from recycling packaging that has been used by consumers and placed in their recycling bins.
- 2020 - Infinity Recycling - another industry first for REN. Pioneering this new certified plastic packaging with the re-launch of EverCalm Global Protection Day Cream. Infinity Recycling repurposes plastic destined for landfill.
- 2021 - 100% Recyclable. Launching Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic in packaging that is 100% recyclable from PCR Plastic.
- 2021 - A world first this time and that is the Aluminium sample sized products. REN stopped the use of single use plastic sachets back in 2018 and fast-forwarding to 2021, we now see a world-first recycled and recyclable aluminium sample tube.
The sample tubes are absolutely genius and it is one of those inventions that you question why it hasn’t been thought of before.
If that isn’t enough, as of the beginning of 2022 REN went that one step further with Recyclable Glass Jars which feature an aluminium lid.
All of that might not sound like such a big deal, but it really is. Throughout the last 4 years, in changing and upgrading their packaging, REN has been able to:
- Remove 400kg of litter from outlet waterways
- Saved 900kg of plastic with a world-first 100% recyclable aluminium tube
- Repurposed 3 tons of plastic waste with just one product - the Brightening Eye Cream
- Saved 16 tons of plastic from entering landfill by designing packaging to global recycling guidelines that supports the circular economy
- Recycled 45 tons of plastic by repurposing waste from landfills and giving it a second life.
As well as their own brand, through the #WeAreAllies campaign and by working together with other brands such as Caudalie, Biossance, Herbivore and Youth To The People, the hope is that by working together, sharing ideas and pioneering new solutions while at the same time raising awareness that will inspire other brands to follow suit with their own sustainable efforts.
If we can go to supermarkets and refill bottles, and containers to save the need for excess packaging, use shampoo and conditioner bars and if we can refill beauty products - then we should be able to make Zero Waste much easier and much more achievable than it currently is and I really hope to see more brands look at what REN has achieved, champion them and learn from them!
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