With Christmas only a month away, people are already starting to think about the season of gift giving; but with plastic pollution and environmentally conscious choices increasingly on people’s minds, how can the gift bearer make the best eco-ethical decisions?
This is where Lush Cosmetics is again leading the industry. Known for being both cruelty free and having a strong focus on ethical suppliers, Lush looks at not just the products themselves, but how they are packaged, to ensure their products are good for the planet. They have recently even focussed ongoing “naked” or providing no packaging at all for about half of their products, which has seen them save nearly six million plastic bottles globally from selling shampoo bars alone.
But for those items that need packaging, Lush uses a range of environmentally friendly options, from 100% recycled paper for gift tags made at a mill in France to using handmade Lokta based paper from Nepal and Recycled Cotton Rag Paper from India, Lush has definitely considered all the ways to ensure their packaging is as sustainable as possible.
“If people could see the full operations in place in terms of Lush packaging, I think they would be pleasantly surprised,” said Anita Baker, the Managing Director for Lush Middle East.
“For our popular gift boxed items, for example, we used 489 tonnes of recycled cardboard in 2016/17 with our popular Stardust and Star Gazing boxes printed and handmade in China made from 100% recycled pulp and covered with 100% recycled cocoon paper, where technically possible.”
But it’s not just about packaging either. There are things like water-based inks, ribbons, knot wraps and canvas bags to consider which helps to make the presentation of your gift extra special. Lush’s GOTS certified organic cotton wraps are made in India and help artisans retain their skills, while also equipping economically disadvantaged women with sewing skills and enabling them to earn a fair wage.
“Our 2018 gift packaging focus is all part of our ambitious three-point plan, announced by Company Founder, Mark Constantine recently at a two-day showcase in Manchester, which is simply to make products for every need, to be number one in every category and to create a cosmetic revolution to save the planet,” Ms Baker said.
“Lush really does work hard at not only taking care of the environment but ensuring that we offer a great place to work, are sustainable and drive positive change.”