Close the Loop, in conjunction with Myer and with guidance from peak industry body Accord, is trialling a National Cosmetics Collection Scheme that will research new ways of recycling cosmetics.
This is expected to reduce the estimated 5,000 to 11,500 tonnes of cosmetic packaging from across the sector that is currently being landfilled in Australia each year.
Close the Loop Group said the trial is a key milestone for it to deliver a cosmetic stewardship scheme that is currently being developed by the company.
Packaging retrieved from dedicated Myer collection bins, as well as through MAC Cosmetics’ Back to MAC program during the eight-week trial, will be sorted into eight categories and processed by Close the Loop to be reused, recycled, or remanufactured into other products.
The National Cosmetics Collection Scheme has received grant funding of $999,019 from the Australian Government’s National Product Stewardship Investment Fund.
“With support from the Australian Government, we are partnering with Myer to inform the feasibility of a national product stewardship scheme for cosmetics. We are running a cosmetics collection trial for an eight-week period from 22 July to 16 September,” Close the Loop Group said.
“During this period consumers can bring any brand of used cosmetic makeup items to collection points in the twelve participating Myer stores. With guidance from peak industry body, Accord, the trial aims to test different processing methods and research new ways of recycling to achieve higher value end products.”
Close the Loop Group CEO Joe Foster added, “Close the Loop prides itself on being a leader in innovative solutions for the circular economy and the achievements made over the last months is a testament to this vision and the hard work of our team.
“In collaboration with Myer and with guidance from peak industry body, Accord, we have launched a cosmetics recycling trial that will see more cosmetics packaging out of landfill and instead recycled into TonerPlas and Reisin8 to create everyday essentials such as roads and building materials.”
“This support provides momentum in shifting the industry towards a circular economy to ensure higher rates of recycling of cosmetic products. Selected stores are Sydney, Melbourne, Chadstone, Highpoint, Parramatta, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Ballarat, Albury, Joondalup and North Lakes,” Myer said.
“Items that are acceptable include any brand of cosmetic makeup items. Not accepted will be sharps (such as scissors, shavers), electrical hair and skincare devices (such as blow dryers or straighteners) or any bio-medical or bio-hazardous waste.
“Once collected, your empties will be used to test different processing methods and research new ways of recycling. This includes separation and sorting into eight categories (based on material type) and either recycled or remanufactured into other products.
“For example, soft plastics will be used in the TonerPlas asphalt additive to make longer lasting roads, hard plastics will be used in the Resin8 concrete additive to improve the durability and climate resistance of concrete, and glass will be crushed for use as a sand replacement in building materials for the construction industry.”
