Zero Waste with REN Clean Skincare

In 2018, REN Clean Skincare pledged to become zero waste by the end of 2021. Changing packaging that is designed to be recyclable, using recycled materials or is reusable and through education, positive activism, education and being sustainable - it was achieved and if this one small brand can manage it, then so can the global brands with bigger budgets, bigger product lines and bigger workforces.

I am a huge fan of REN Clean Skincare and am really proud of their achievements, many scoffed it would be an impossible feat, but time and time again there was many industry firsts. 

We made our Zero Waste Pledge in 2018, to only produce packaging designed to be recyclable, containing recycled materials or being reusable by the end of 2021. And we achieved it!

Here is how REN achieved their aims:

• 2018 - Ocean Plastic Packaging - partnering with TerraCycle to create an industry first. A bottle made from 80% recycled plastic and 20% reclaimed Ocean plastic for use in the Atlantic Kelp Range.
• 2019 - PCR Plastic Pack. Known as Post-Consumer Recycled plastic, these materials are obtained from recycling packaging that has been used by consumers and placed in their recycling bins.
• 2020 - Infinity Recycling - another industry first for REN. Pioneering this new certified plastic packaging with the re-launch of EverCalm Global Protection Day Cream. Infinity Recycling  repurposes plastic destined for landfill.
• 2021 - 100% Recyclable. Launching Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic in packaging that is 100% recyclable from PCR Plastic.
• 2021 - A world first this time and that is the Aluminium sample sized products. REN stopped the use of single use plastic sachets back in 2018 and fast-forwarding to 2021, we now see a world-first recycled and recyclable aluminium sample tube.

The sample tubes are absolutely genius and it is one of those inventions that you question why it hasn’t been thought of before.

If that isn’t enough, as of the beginning of 2022 REN went that one step further with Recyclable Glass Jars which feature an aluminium lid.

All of that might not sound like such a big deal, but it really is. Throughout the last 4 years, in changing and upgrading their packaging, REN has been able to:

• Remove 400kg of litter from outlet waterways
• Saved 900kg of plastic with a world-first 100% recyclable aluminium tube
• Repurposed 3 tons of plastic waste with just one product - the Brightening Eye Cream
• Saved 16 tons of plastic from entering landfill by designing packaging to global recycling guidelines that supports the circular economy
• Recycled 45 tons of plastic by repurposing waste from landfills and giving it a second life.

As well as their own brand, through the #WeAreAllies campaign and by working together with other brands such as Caudalie, Biossance, Herbivore and Youth To The People, the hope is that by working together, sharing ideas and pioneering new solutions while at the same time raising awareness that will inspire other brands to follow suit with their own sustainable efforts.

If we can go to supermarkets and refill bottles, and containers to save the need for excess packaging, use shampoo and conditioner bars and if we can refill beauty products - then we should be able to make Zero Waste much easier and much more achievable than it currently is and I really hope to see more brands look at what REN has achieved, champion them and learn from them!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aldi Lacura Vanilla Honey Golden Bath Nectar

It is no secret that I happen to think Aldi has some pretty amazing beauty offers, having recently upped their K-Beauty collection, they have now just released another incredible product that you are going to want to try and it is the Aldi Lacura Vanilla Honey Golden Bath Nectar.  It will be back on sale online and in store this week!!

Now looking at this Bath Nectar, you might notice that it is very much inspired by the Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille Honey Bath, which retails at £45 for 300g, so as a product, it is very much on the luxurious side of things. The Aldi Lacura Vanilla Honey Golden Bath Nectar is priced at just £5.99 for the same 300g, which is a saving of almost £40!

Relax and unwind in complete luxury with Aldi Lacura Vanilla Honey Golden Bath Nectar (£5.99), the latest launch from Aldi’s Health and Beauty brand. With calming scents of vanilla and honey, the indulgent nectar comes complete with a wooden honey dipper to leave skin soft and smooth and in complete serenity. What’s more, shoppers can save up to 82% compared to Laura Mercier.

To look at, the packaging is completely different to Laura Mercier in that Aldi's version has a much more rounded plastic jar with a silver lid and Laura Mercier is less Jam Jar and very sleek, though both have silver lids. For fans of Laura Mercier it is all about the honey dipper and that scent. Well the Aldi Bath Nectar also comes with the wooden honey dipper and surprisingly it is really well made and slightly more rounded.

The Aldi Vanilla Honey Golden Bath Nectar does have the most wonderful golden colour to it and when removing the lid there is an immediate vanilla and honey scent that wafts past, like the very first opening of a jar of fresh honey, that wonderfully sweet scent that is just so moreish, very much like a freshly opened bar of honey!

The directions for using this Bath Nectar is swirl the wooden honey dipper into the jar and then place it under the running tap to create lovely honey vanilla scented bubbles.  The honey dipper itself works really well with the bath nectar and does a great job at helping you to use the product without getting it everywhere.

If you love the sound of this and want to try the Aldi Lacura Vanilla Honey Golden Bath Nectar, then get ready to get your hands on it.  The Aldi Lacura Vanilla Golders Bath Nectar will be available to pre-order online from the 23rd January, and you can find in stores from the 27th January.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.