According to Sephora, it has collected more than 45 tonnes of empty cosmetics packaging since the launch of its Beauty (Re)Purposed take-back system, diverting it from landfill. Sephora has been operating the programme together with Pact Collective in all freestanding stores in North America since 2023.
Beauty (Re)Purposed is aimed at consumers whose cosmetics packaging often cannot be recycled via municipal collection systems.
According to the company, around 95 per cent of packaging from the cosmetics segment is disposed of because it does not fit into conventional sorting processes due to small formats or material combinations. Sephora's programme is intended to create a low-threshold return option and provide clear guidance on how to handle the so-called „empties“. Customers can return their cleaned packaging regardless of where it was originally purchased. According to Sephora, the sorted materials are then reprocessed for applications such as pallets, carpet fibres, asphalt, new packaging or energy generation.
Circulation to be further expanded
The company sees Beauty (Re)Purposed as part of its long-term sustainability strategy. According to the company, the aim is to provide practicable solutions for packaging that is difficult to recycle and to involve consumers more closely in the circular economy. According to Sephora, the amount collected is equivalent to around 6,000 shopping trolleys full of beauty packaging. With every piece of packaging handed in, customers should help to conserve resources and reduce waste.
Source: Sephora
