// M&S launches new beauty takeback scheme where empty product packaging can be dropped off at 40 stores across the UK.
// The initiative is estimated to collect over two tonnes of empty beauty packaging from participating, within the first 12 months
Marks & Spencer has unveiled a new partnership with beauty recycling experts, handle recycling to launch a Beauty Takeback Scheme in over 40 stores across the UK.
The retailer‘s scheme will enable hard to recycle beauty packaging materials and components that commonly end up in landfill to be recycled and turned into new packaging and products.
From this month, M&S customers will be able to return any form of plastic or aluminium beauty packaging – from bottles and tubes to caps, pumps, and tubs – from any retailer, by dropping their used beauty packaging into dedicated boxes located within the store’s beauty section.
The initiative is estimated to collect over two tonnes of empty beauty packaging from participating, within the first 12 months.
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In a statement, the business said its new programme is designed to build from a take back and recycling toward a circular system for M&S beauty where new products and packaging are created from the materials
Packaging is one of the biggest sustainability challenges facing the beauty industry with Zero Waste Week reporting that 120bn units of packaging are produced globally every year*, however, recycling rate estimates range from 9-50% in the UK due to certain packaging types specific to beauty not being processed through the infrastructure available in mainstream recycling.
Handle works with retailers, brands and manufacturers to plug these gaps and seek better end of life options for beauty packaging such as lids, tubes, pumps. sachets and pipettes that often fall out of mainstream municipal recycling.
To celebrate the launch of the scheme, until the 5th July, Sparks customers who recycle their beauty packaging will receive 10% off Beauty at M&S.
M&S head of ESG Carmel McQuaid said: “We’re passionate about creating simple solutions that help our customers live lower carbon lives. Plastic is one of the biggest challenges facing the beauty industry and whilst there is still lots more to do, we hope this scheme encourages customers to recycle their beauty empties to give them a second life and reduce the amount of packaging that goes to landfill. Alongside our other schemes, including Shwopping and plastic takeback, it’s one of the many ways we’re driving the circular economy on our roadmap to net zero.”
Handle Recycling co-founder Tom Murgatroyd added “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with M&S, our mission is to reduce the environmental impact of Beauty Packaging and this partnership helps to elevate awareness and action toward this mission to the next level. We seek partners who wish to engage in complex issues and that have talented and committed teams to help and support the goals they set out. We aim to support the M&S Plan A initiative with projects that promote reuse and circularity, as both are challenging yet critical aspirations for us all to attain for the sake our planet and future generations”.
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