UK retail collection points now accept plant-based beauty packaging

MYGroup has partnered with UK materials company Shellworks to provide a new recycling option for packaging made from VIVOMER, a bio-based alternative to conventional plastic.

The collaboration allows consumers to return empty VIVOMER packaging through MYGroup's existing nationwide collection network for used health, beauty and cosmetics products.

Developed by Shellworks, VIVOMER is produced through a fermentation process that converts plant waste into bio-based polymers. The resulting material has properties similar to conventional plastic and is designed to biodegrade under composting conditions.

The new collection arrangement provides an alternative disposal route for consumers who do not have access to home composting facilities.

VIVOMER packaging can now be deposited in MYGroup collection boxes at more than 800 retail locations across the UK. Participating schemes include Recycle at Boots, MyBeauty at Harrods H beauty and Reselfridges Recycle at Selfridges.

According to MYGroup, its take-back network has recovered 31 million kg of used products and materials over the past five years.

Collected VIVOMER packaging is transported to MYGroup's processing facility in Hull, where it is incorporated into MYboard, a wood-replacement board material manufactured for applications including furniture, interior fit-outs and point-of-sale displays.

MYGroup has also been testing VIVOMER within its Insectology black soldier fly and worm bioconversion systems at its Bio-Park facility, where research is being conducted into the processing of bio-derived materials.

VIVOMER is currently used in products from brands including Wild, SURI, Bare la Terre, Clara's Corner, Dulcie, Hair by Sam McKnight, OceanSaver and Wildsmith. Products incorporating the material are available through retailers such as Asda, Boots, Tesco, Sephora and Whole Foods.

The partnership was announced during British Beauty Week, which is taking place under the theme The Impact of Beauty. Representatives from MYGroup and Shellworks attended the event's Industry Day in central London on 12 October.

More information on MYGroup’s beauty and cosmetics take-back schemes is available at mygroupltd.com/cosmetics-recycling.

Learn more about VIVOMER at shellworks.com.