REN achieves global sustainability first with sample sachet breakthrough

REN Clean Skincare has broken new sustainability-ground after pioneering the launch of the world’s first sample tube made from 100% recycled aluminium.

The breakthrough move has been designed to help stem the flow of unrecyclable or difficult-to-recycle mixed-material sachets into landfill, where they contribute to harmful greenhouse gases.

Made in partnership with Tubex, REN’s recycled aluminium sample tube features a re-closable break-off nozzle, which is also made from aluminium - further reducing the use of plastic and making the tubes easier to recycle.

The re-closable break-off nozzle also avoids the use of tamper seals or mini plastic caps.

Commenting on the innovation, which follows years of research and development, REN Clean Skincare Chief Executive Officer Arnaud Meysselle said: “REN Clean Skincare is the first beauty brand to have developed, in collaboration with Tubex, a unique re-closable and recyclable sample size tube made using 100% recycled aluminium.

“While more costly, we are committed to using these new tubes to reduce plastic waste and hope to encourage other beauty brands to rethink their sample packaging with the planet in mind.”

The development is a milestone step towards REN’s Zero Waste goal for all packaging designed to be recyclable, containing recycled materials or being reusable by the end of 2021.

The skincare brand stopped the production of its sample sachets in 2018 as it sought to transition into different solutions - saving four and a half million sample sachets in the process.

Aluminium is infinitely recyclable and also widely recycled, with an average recycling rate of 69%.

The use of recycled aluminium also saves 95% of the energy needed to produce virgin aluminium.

Globally, the beauty and personal care industries produce more than 122 billion sample sachets annually, which are potentially incinerated or reach landfill every year.

Earlier this year, REN formed a ground-breaking alliance with four rival brands –Biossance,  Caudalie, Herbivore and YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE – to help reduce packaging waste across the beauty industry.

The #WeAreAllies initiative saw each of the participants sign up to a pledge to introduce planet-friendly packaging by the end of 2025.