She calls the trend "feel-good capitalism" and "environmental chic." Many firms offering refills of products like lotion in customer's existing package, or a program where consumer turns in three empty lipstick tubes and receives a free product. Some of these programs have backfired, with returns creating more waste with mailing tubes, bubble wrap, etc. While recycling might be worth the effort if retooled, redesigning packages with friendlier materials is the real key.
Source: Newhouse News
Source: Newhouse News