L’Oréal launches recycling programme across 13 brands in Hong Kong

L’Oréal Hong Kong has announced the launch of a new recycling programme that will span 13 of its beauty brands in the city. 

Starting from the end of March, Kiehl’s, Lancôme and L’Oréal Paris stores in Hong Kong will accept used containers for recycling. By Q2, the programme will expand to 10 other brands located in the city. Eligible products for recycling will include plastic bottles, glass and metal mascara tubes, brow pencil tubes, lipstick and compact cases, and more.

The recycling programme is a collaboration with local social enterprise V Cycle, which aims to create ecological and human solutions for Hong Kong's environmental issues.

"In offering people a platform to recycle and reuse valuable resources, we are creating a circular economy that benefits both the environment and our society, while changing consumption habits by stemming the inflow of plastic. We are confident that together with L’Oreal Hong Kong, we will raise consumer awareness on the need to recycle and that this initiative will inspire people to take action," said Eric Swinton, founder and CEO at V Cycle.

L’Oréal Hong Kong has also released the results of its Green Beauty Consumer Survey, which polled 1,000 male and female Hong Kong beauty product consumers aged 18 to 50 in February 2021. The survey revealed some interesting statistics about consumer views on sustainability and the environment.

According to the results, 70% of consumers claim to have a more serious attitude toward environmental issues and claim that they are more willing to reduce their use of plastic. Unfortunately, only 35% of consumers are aware of beauty brand recycling programmes, and just 23% have participated in these programmes.

The major reasons cited for low participation in recycling include poor access to facilities (41%) and a lack of recycling points in Hong Kong (32%).

On the plus side, 62% of respondents say they will be more likely to recycle products if in-store recycling is available.

"The survey has helped us better understand the local consumer attitude and behaviour towards sustainability. We are at a critical point with regards to the future of our planet, and we welcome the increased awareness on this front. As a leader in the beauty industry, our goal is to work closely with our local community to drive sustainability and take actions with consumers to preserve the environment. As such, our first-ever recycling campaign is designed to do exactly this," said Eva Yu, president and managing director of L’Oréal Hong Kong.

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