LUSH Cosmetics to Make Its Containers from Ocean Trash

This week, LUSH Cosmetics partnered with materials manufacturer Urban Resource Group (URG) to turn plastic waste sourced from the ocean into cosmetic containers. Motivated by a harrowing prediction—that by 2050, plastic in the oceans will outweigh fish—LUSH collected 25 tons of plastic from the ocean in six months from the shores of Vancouver Island in Canada, with the help of environmental group Ocean Legacy Foundation. URG was able to repurpose the plastic into eco-friendly packaging that will be used by LUSH. “We are keen to be pushing the frontiers of material recovery and recycling with leaders like LUSH,” URG’s senior executive Mark Badgers said. “Together, we are providing creative solutions to global problems.” The vegan-friendly company has previously taken strong stances against animal testing in the beauty industry. In February, the company relaunched its shampoo bars with a more prominent “cruelty-free” label in both English and Chinese to promote a campaign initiated by Humane Society International to end animal testing. Other beauty industry giants have turned to the ocean to source more eco-friendly materials, including designer Stella McCartney and London-based footwear company Vivobarefoot.