In 2018, Ren responded to the growing environmental crisis with an ambitious promise to produce only packaging designed to be recyclable, containing recycled or reusable materials. The time factor being crucial, a deadline of 2021 has been set in an attempt to reduce packaging-related waste, 70 % of which ends up in landfill.
In December 2021, Ren delivered on its commitments zero waste
What Ren has achieved so far on his sustainability journey:
- The recycling of 45 tonnes of plastic by reusing landfill waste and giving it a second life.
- The use of packaging that complies with global recycling guidelines and support for the circular economy to keep waste out of landfills, preventing 16 tonnes of plastic from entering landfills.
- The association works with Surfrider Foundation activists around the world to clean up the world's beaches and oceans. In 2021, over 413 kg of waste was collected. REN has also supported activists including Lizzie Carr, founder of Planet Patrol and environmental campaigner.
- The use of recycled plastic certified by Infinity Recycling technology and the reuse of around 3 tonnes of plastic waste in 2021 for the Anti-Dark Circle Radiance Eye Care product alone.
- Since 2018, Ren has stopped using single-use samples, saving 4.4 million samples from landfill or incineration. In 2021, Ren developed a world-first 100 % aluminum tube sample, saving 900 kg of plastic and sharing this technology with competing brands.
- Ren has become the first beauty partner of LOOP, the circular home delivery solution for refillable consumer, household and skincare products.
- The brand has initiated the #WeAreAllies campaign, which defies the conventions of the cosmetics industry by forming an alliance with four competitors: Biossance, Caudalie, Herbivore and Youth To The People, to combat the environmental crisis linked to beauty product packaging waste. The company was recently recognized by WWD (Woman's Wear Daily) with a Beauty Inc Awards as the sustainability initiative of the year 2021.
And tomorrow?
The journey to zero waste continues into 2022 and beyond with the appointment of Ren Clean Skincare's new President, Michelle Brett, who intends to take the Clean to Planet mission to the next level. This means a renewed commitment to refillable and reusable packaging alternatives and solutions, phase 2 of "We Are Allies" with new brands and commitments, the meticulous selection of even more sustainable ingredients, as well as a thorough review of shipping processes to customers from the website and E-commerce offering to target waste reduction through reusable packaging.
