LUSH Cosmetics, Plastic Packaging, and Art

 

How Creative Solutions are Saving the Planet

LUSH is known best for their signature scents and extensive bath bomb range. From the olden days of ‘Granny Takes a Dip’ and ‘Space Girl’, to the cult classics of ‘Think Pink’ and the ‘Snow Fairy’ range, LUSH have always captured their market. But did you know that LUSH is also leading the way to a cleaner and ‘plastic free’ planet?

LUSH launched the first ever solid shampoo bar over 30 years ago, revolutionising the eco-friendly hair care industry. According to their website, LUSH has sold over 57.6 million shampoo bars, saving 167.5 million plastic bottles from landfill. LUSH’s affectionately named ‘naked’ products come without packaging and make up around half of their products.

Unfortunately, we still have a bit of a way to go before all products can come without packaging. However, when being naked isn’t a possibility, LUSH always opt for recycled materials where possible. 90% by weight of LUSH packaging is recycled, and they are actively working on the remaining 10%.

LUSH’s aim is to make all packaging recyclable or compostable, meaning that no materials will have to sit in landfill or be incinerated. Unlike Styrofoam, the packaging peanuts which come with online orders at LUSH are fully dissolvable. This means that they can be tossed onto compost pile or dissolved in the sink under running water.

Many of LUSH products come in black plastic pots which are not widely recyclable in the UK. To combat this issue, LUSH offer a recycling scheme that offers a free fresh face mask when you bring five clean pots back, as well as money off your shop for any plastic bottles returned. These pots are they recycled or re-used as art material.

LUSH is against animal testing and none of their products contain animal derivatives. The company regularly releases limited edition products with proceeds going towards the conservation of wildlife. The most recent is the ‘All Things Wild’ soap, which will be available to purchase in store on 24 January. Proceeds will go to the Australian Bush Animal Fund, which supports wildlife welfare and habitat restoration.

Even if you forgot your cute canvas tote, LUSH have your back covered with their 100% recycled paper bags and cotton canvas bags. The post-consumer recycled paper that makes up these bags saves 100 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide each year.

LUSH is making steps to creating a more environmentally friendly planet with a creative and fun approach. For this reason, LUSH is so far ahead of the environmental game.