Beauty retailer Ulta partners with circular shopping platform Loop to develop an online site and system for consumers to order products in durable, reusable packaging that can be returned for refill and reuse.
Customers across the U.S. can now shop online at Loop by Ulta Beauty for beauty and personal care products in durable, sustainable packaging that can be returned for refill.
From its recent launch in Canada with retail partner Loblaw to its work with Burger King and Tim Hortons to develop reusable packaging for fast food, the Loop circular shopping platform has been rapidly extending its reach as of late. In early March, the global reuse platform announced it has partnered with Ulta Beauty, the U.S.’s largest beauty retailer, to reduce beauty waste. Customers across the U.S. can now shop online at loopbyulta.com for beauty and personal care products in durable, sustainable packaging that will be refilled and reused.
After use, consumers simply place empty packages back into the exclusively designed tote and schedule a free pickup online.“As the nation’s leading beauty retailer, we have a responsibility to continuously improve and bring innovative solutions forward for the industry,” says Dave Kimbell, President, Ulta Beauty. “As we work to deliver more informed, conscious product choices to our guests, this first-of-its-kind partnership with the pioneers at Loop is an exciting step on our journey. We look forward to seeing our guests embrace Loop by Ulta Beauty as we all work together to create a lasting legacy for our world.”
Learn how Burger King and Tim Hortons are working toward a pilot with the Loop circular shopping platform in Canada to allow its fast-food customers to opt for reusable packaging for sandwiches and beverages. Read article here.
At launch, guests can order sustainable packaging options from brands such as Burt’s Bees, Plaine Products, and Mad Hippie, among others. Oneka Elements, Dermalogica, and L’ANZA will be coming to the platform soon.
“Rethinking packaging provides the industry with the opportunity to develop new, luxurious designs that are also sustainable,” says Tom Szaky, founder and CEO, Loop and TerraCycle. “Consumers are increasingly asking for more environmentally responsible options in this category, and this collaboration provides them with a solution that is simple and convenient."
Video: Tom Szaky of Loop and Kelly Murosky from Seventh Generation discuss returnable and reusable packaging options during PACK EXPO Connects last fall—watch the 8-minute video here.
Ulta Beauty announced its partnership with Loop within its Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty launch, a holistic initiative focused on delivering transparency, education, and choice. As part of the program’s Sustainable Packaging pillar, together the companies will work to help minimize the more than 120 billion packaging units produced globally annually within the cosmetics industry (according to Zero Waste Week) and fuel actionable improvements for the industry and the world.
Read what Loop by Ulta Beauty brand partners have to say:
Burt’s Bees:
Says Paula Alexander, Burt’s Bees Senior Director of Sustainability, “Burt’s Bees’ partnership with Loop is a vital part of our journey to achieve net zero plastic to nature by 2025. In addition to reducing use of virgin materials and increasing recyclability, the brand is launching our first waste-free packaging, with the Truly Glowing Gel Cleanser available with Loop by Ulta this March.”
From Burt’s Bees is a Gel Cleanser.
Mad Hippie:
Say Sam and Dana Stewart, co-founders of Mad Hippie, “Mad Hippie is thrilled to be in partnership with Ulta on their Conscious Beauty platform. As current TerraCycle partners, we are excited to expand on that platform with Loop x Ulta as we work towards a more sustainable future for the industry.”
Mad Hippie offers a Vitamin C Serum.
Meow Meow Tweet:
Tara Pelletier, co-founder, Meow Meow Tweet says, “We are so excited to be a part of Loop’s mission to make zero waste an accessible option to so many people—both brands and consumers. For us, it’s a way to get our deodorant into our customers’ hands without wasting an ounce of packaging. Not a single bit of plastic in sight! In other words, a dream come true.”
Meow Meow Tweet’s Loop by Ulta Beauty products include a Vitamin C Serum and a line of Deodorant Creams.
Plaine Products:
Says Lindsey McCoy, CEO & co-founder, “As Plaine Products is on a mission to get single-use plastic out of the bathroom, we’re thrilled to partner with Loop and Ulta to bring that mission to the masses and offer quality personal care products in sustainable, refillable packaging.”
Plaine Products’ hair and body care products, as well as hand wash can be found on Loop by Ulta Beauty.
Loop’s not the only place consumers can find reusable packaging. Read how Unilever designed new deodorant packaging for its Dove brand that is circular by design, with a reusable stainless-steel case that can be refilled with deodorant sticks. Access the article here.
Hiring remains a major challenge in packaging, with 78% struggling to fill unskilled roles and 84% lacking experienced workers. As automation grows, companies must rethink hiring and training. Download the full report for key insights.
After use, consumers simply place empty packages back into the exclusively designed tote and schedule a free pickup online.
