Sustainability update: recycled plastic

As a manufacturer of toiletries, we’re continually looking for innovative packaging concepts and ways to reduce our impact on the planet. Although we use various materials to contain our body care and home fragrance (paper, aluminium, glass, cardboard etc.), plastic is still commonplace in many bathrooms. Therefore, as part of our sustainability programme, we’re introducing recycled plastic (PCR) where possible to become part of a circular economy.

What is a circular economy for plastic?

A circular economy for plastic refers to a system in which plastic is used, reused, and recycled in a closed loop, rather than being used once and then discarded. The goal of a circular economy for plastic is to minimise the use of virgin materials, maximize the use of recycled materials, and reduce waste and pollution. 

Why is plastic harmful?

Although plastic as a material is inexpensive to produce, safe to handle, lightweight to transport and can be easily recycled, so far humans have done a shocking job of dealing with it afterwards. Therefore, plastic has gained a bad reputation over recent years, made using non-renewable energy sources, it takes years to break down, and when not recycled, it’s a massive polluter of our planet. Unfortunately, plastic pollution has devastatingly impacted marine life, and worryingly, it’s now getting into our food chain.

What is Plastic Tax?

To incentivise the use of recycled plastic, the UK government introduced a tax on virgin plastic packaging (for more prominent manufacturers) that came into effect on April 1st 2022. The tax aims to increase the demand for recycled plastic, reducing the need for landfill and incineration. The tax applies to plastic packaging that does not contain at least 30% recycled content. We believe this is a positive step within our industry and will encourage companies to produce products using recycled plastic (PCR).

What is Recycled Plastic (PCR)? 

PCR means ‘Post-Consumer Recycled material’ and generally refers to plastics such as PET, PP and HDPE, which are widely recycled and then reprocessed to make new packaging. Over the past few years, we have been introducing PCR into plastic bottles within our popular collections such as Naturally European and AAA. However, it will take a while to filter through completely as we use up existing componentry and avoid creating extra waste. 

Look out for the logo on on our website to identify packaging made using PCR  including all fragrances of: 

• Naturally European Hand Wash
• Naturally European Body Lotion
• Naturally European Shower Gel
• Naturally European Mini Hand Wash Gift Set 
• Naturally European Mini Shower Gel Gift Set 
• Naturally European Hand Caddy
• AAA Travel Collections
• AAA Hand Wash
• H2EAU Body Serum
• H2EAU Body Wash
• H2EAU Body Scrub
• H2EAU Hand Wash

Sustainable swaps in Aromas Artesanales de Antigua (AAA) 

Throughout this year, we are planning to revamp our existing AAA brand to remove black plastic pumps and caps, as they can often be difficult to recycle. We will also move away from our existing silver tubes as the combination of aluminium and plastic can also be challenging to recycle. Watch out for these fresh new contemporary upgrades later this year!

Why is black plastic difficult to recycle?

Black plastic is difficult to recycle because it cannot be easily detected by the sensors that are used in most sorting facilities. These sensors use infrared technology to identify the different types of plastic based on their unique reflectivity. However, black plastic absorbs nearly all of the infrared light, making it appear the same as the conveyor belt or other materials that are being sorted. This can cause the sensors to miss the black plastic, or to confuse it with other materials, resulting in it not being properly sorted and directed to the correct recycling stream.

Moving forward we’re adding recycled plastic to our product packaging wherever we can, including components such as caps, triggers and pumps. Watch this space and please follow our journey.

The Somerset Toiletry Company was founded in 1999 and has been developing beautiful body care and gifts ever since. Please read our about us page to find out more, or explore bath & body care, home fragrances and more on our website.