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Nordstrom Will Now Take Empty Beauty Product Packaging

Nordstrom says it is the first major retailer to launch a beauty packaging recycling program

By Nat Rubio-Licht October 1, 2020

Makeup cosmetics tools and beauty cosmetics gift, products and facial cosmetics package lipstick with yellow lily flower on the white background, top view and copy space.  Lifestyle Beauty Concept
Makeup cosmetics tools and beauty cosmetics gift, products and facial cosmetics package lipstick with yellow lily flower on the white background, top view and copy space. Lifestyle Beauty Concept

Ever wonder how to dispose of all those pouches and bottles that come with cosmetics? Well, Nordstrom has just launched a recycling program for hard-to-recycle beauty packaging.

Called “Beautycycle,” the service launched Oct. 1. The Seattle-based retailer, which has partnered with recycling management company TerraCycle, says only 9% of the 120 billion units of plastic packaging produced by the beauty industry annually gets recycled.

Customers can recycle their beauty product packaging of any brand by bringing them to any full-line Nordstrom store in the country, as well as Nordstrom local service hubs. 

Beautycycle aims to take in 100 tons of beauty packaging by 2025. The program also aims to reduce use of single-use plastic by 50% and make 15% of all products sold considered sustainable. 

“We understand our customers care about sustainability, and we want to help them move toward a zero-waste beauty routine so they can look great and do good at the same time,” says Gemma Lionello, Nordstrom’s executive vice president and general merchandise manager of accessories and beauty.

Nordstrom says it is the first major retailer to offer such a service.

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