The beauty industry’s plastic problem is no joke. But while some blissfully ignorant brands continue to peddle plastic-heavy bottles in layers upon layers of packaging, there’s clever eco-pioneers changing the way we shop for beauty forever. Case in point, Lush and its latest move to reduce the environmental impact of our beauty routines — a new, completely plastic packaging-free store.
Opening on Manchester’s Market Street this Friday 18 January, The Lush Naked Shop will sell the brand’s insanely popular products, from solid shower gels to shampoo bars, bath bombs to the recently launched wax-handled make-up products, without a scrap of plastic packaging. Instead, customers are encouraged to bring their own recycled bags and boxes, otherwise there will be cork tubs and fabric wraps available to safely transport the goods back home.
The store will also house the brand’s new naked skincare collection, set to launch on the same day. All in solid form, the range of facial cleansers, oils and a hydrating eye mask don’t require bottles or tubs, making them eco-friendly. Like mini bars of soap that melt slightly as you swipe across the skin, they’re super easy to use, too.
Of course, packaging doesn’t just play the (albeit now redundant) role of housing the product, but it’s usually where you’ll find out about a product’s ingredients and benefits. Unsurprisingly, Lush has thought of that too. It’s developed a new feature, Lush Lens, on its #LushLabs app that allows you to scan a product and it’ll present you with all the related info.
Recycled packaging and refillable products are cute and all, but it’s these kind of drastic moves we need to truly make a lasting difference. We’re into it.