Cosmetic Companies Recycling Initiative

For these reasons, we, the undersigned concerned cosmetics consumers, request that cosmetics companies assume responsibility and commit to the following steps:

1) KNOW your product packaging, including its composition and recyclability (including visible and easily accessible resin codes).

Many companies are unaware of the recyclability of their own packaging because they do not know their composition, and make no efforts to look into this information for the concerned consumer. In remaining ignorant, it only propagates the wastefulness of these companies, and in turn, the consumer. Moreover, it is common practice to hide these resin codes under heavy glue and metal plates, which the average consumer who does not depot or dismantle the casings would not otherwise see.

2) Make the necessary steps to MAKE YOUR PACKAGING RECYCLABLE.

This step includes both containers, as well as paper packaging.

3) Move to MAKE YOUR PACKAGING FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS.

In the long run, if companies move to use recycled materials (such as recycled paper and recyclable plastic casings) instead of cheap, unrecyclable plastics, aside from helping the environment, they could stand to save money and potentially pass the savings onto their customers.

4) Begin RECYCLING AND/OR INCENTIVE PROGRAMS to a) inform and b) encourage consumers to recycle through your company.

MAC’s Back 2 MAC (B2M) program is a successful incentive program that encourages consumers to return six empty containers in exchange for their pick of one lipstick, or in some cases a lipgloss or eye shadow. This allows them to recycle their containers and encourage customers to do the same, while being mutually advantageous. Similar programs wherein companies offer discounts, coupons, or even free products for recycling would be invaluable. However, if this is not a reasonable option for certain companies, then they should, at the very least, offer information regarding their packaging’s composition, as well as ways to properly recycle their containers, be it through the companies themselves or local recycling facilities, on their packaging and/or websites.

We request that all cosmetics companies adhere to all of the abovementioned proactive steps to ensure the most productive, least harmful expenditure of their products. While some companies may already comply with some of these steps, we hope that each company will take the necessary steps to follow all of the steps in both recycling and facilitating (or making campaigns encouraging) the proper ways to recycle their products.