Marks & Spencer launches beauty takeback scheme
Marks & Spencer has launched a beauty takeback scheme in over 40 stores across the UK.
In a partnership with beauty recycling expert Handle, the initiative 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.
The scheme will allow M&S customers to return any form of plastic or aluminium beauty packaging from any retailer by dropping their used beauty packaging into dedicated boxes in its stores’ beauty sections.
Recycling rate estimates for beauty packaging range from 9% to 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 any gaps and find better end-of-life options for beauty packaging items such as lids, tubes, pumps, sachets and pipettes.
M&S said it expects to collect over two tonnes of empty beauty packaging within the first 12 months of the scheme launching.
To mark the launch, Sparks customers who recycle beauty packaging will receive 10% off Beauty at M&S until 5 July. Customers will be required to scan the QR code on the Beauty Takeback box in-store for the offer to be added to their Sparks’ Hub.
