Harrods initiated a packaging recycling program at its 'H Beauty' store in Milton Keynes in early 2023. The successful trial, collecting 200kg of waste, led to the expansion of recycling points to four additional locations, becoming a permanent feature.

The trial's success, driven by loyalty rewards and user-friendly processes, attracted regular shoppers, as stated in a Harrods announcement.

At H Beauty Milton Keynes and stores in Bristol, Edinburgh, Gateshead, and Lakeside, customers can now deposit packaging in bins near tills. For every five items returned, shoppers receive 500 bonus reward points under Harrods' 'MyBeauty' scheme, equivalent to £5.

The packaging scheme covers skincare, shampoo, conditioner bottles, lotion pumps, vitamin bottles, mascara containers, eyeshadow palettes, and makeup compacts.

Specialist waste management firm MYGroup processes collected packaging in Hull. Anything unrecyclable, including cosmetic residue, transforms into biofuel.

Global cosmetic packaging production is estimated at 120 billion units annually. Research suggests one-third of single-use plastic packaging in UK households is from bathroom products.

Most cosmetic packaging is not recycled; only 9% is through conventional household collections. The rest often ends up in landfills.

Mia Collins, Harrods' director of buying for beauty, sees the recycling scheme as a beauty industry example, leading towards circularity.

In related news, The Perfume Shop invests £2.5m to automate its online order packaging for speed and environmental benefits. Breathe Technologies' machines ensure precise box sizing, reducing cardboard use. The Perfume Shop anticipates a 40% reduction in cardboard use and emissions.

The Perfume Shop recently piloted the UK's first multi-brand, in-store fragrance refill station with L'Oreal, located in its Nottingham store, offering eight fragrance options.

Recycling options, part of the firm's revamped program, grant a 15% discount coupon for same-day purchases when customers return empty bottles. Recycled glass from the bottles contributes to creating chandeliers.