DESIGN OUT WASTE
As part of our journey to circularity, we’re committed to reducing waste at every step along the way—from how we design our packaging to the materials we use in our stores.
RE-DESIGNING THE FUTURE
We could “trash talk” other industries for creating waste, but the beauty industry is part of the problem. Skincare unquestionably contributes to the enormous quantities of plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
Globally, over 300 million metric tons of plastic are discarded annually, nearly the equivalent weight of the human population.i Only an estimated 10% of the plastic ever created has been recycled.ii When plastic waste is sent to landfills, it takes over 450 years to decompose.iii
So, we’re taking action with clear goals to reduce our impact by 2030.
OUR GOALS FOR 2030
OUR MISSION IN PROGRESS*
We are working to transition 100% of our products to reusable and refillable packages, while incorporating
post-consumer recycled materials instead of virgin plastic to keep materials in play longer.
JOIN THE REFILL REVOLUTION
Fill Up at Home: Some of Kiehl’s most bellowed formulas are now available in refillable pouches to reduce single-use packages.
Fill Up at Kiehl’s: Visit the Kiehl’s Refillery to replenish your favorites. You’ll enjoy a complimentary refillable aluminum bottle (that even holds extra formula) and earn points with Kiehl’s Family Rewards. Learn more about our participating locations.
GIVING NEW LIFE TO OLD JARS
Nearly 120 billion units of packaging are produced each year by the personal care and beauty industry, however, only 10% of plastic ever created has been recycled.i, ii While less packaging is the best way to reduce single-use plastic, recycling is a good way to keep materials in play longer. Recycling practices vary around the world, and even plastic intended for recycling can end up in landfills or oceans if not handled properly. Since navigating recycling can be complicated, we strive to make it easier by giving you a drop-off location in your neighborhood with Recycle & Be Rewarded.
RECYCLE & BE REWARDED
Kiehl’s first launched Recycle & Be Rewarded in 2009 and we have collected 14 million empty packages to date. Help us recycle another 15 million products by 2030 by bringing back your empties to your local Kiehl’s. You’ll even receive complimentary samples and rewards.
At Kiehl’s, we take empty beauty packaging from any brand. We’ll gladly take your:
- Plastic bottles (including pump and spray closures)
- Glass bottles (including dropper closures and caps)
- Foil packaging from sachets and masks
- Tubes of any color
- All black packaging
- Colored glass
- Caps
As of today, we unfortunately cannot take:
- Bottles and jars with formula still inside
- Cardboard, plastic wrap, or other external packaging
- Makeup products or brushes
- Fragrance or perfume bottles
KNOW YOUR IMPACT
Take a 2-minute quiz to learn more about the effect your daily choices have on the earth.
i Lindwall, Courtney. “Single-Use Plastics 101.” National Resources Defense Council. 2020. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/single-use-plastics-101#:~:text=We%20produce%20300%20million%20tons,to%20plastic%20production%20and%20use. ii ‘Our Planet is Choking on Plastic.” UN Environment Programme. https://www.unep.org/interactives/beat-plastic-pollution. iii “The Lifecycle of Plastics.” WWF Australia. 2021. https://www.wwf.org.au/news/blogs/the-lifecycle-of-plastics.
Goal targets are for 2030. Progress based on figures from Kiehl’s 2021 performance data and baseline established in 2019.
