Thursday 18 February 2021

Burt’s Bees buzzing over 2025 net zero plastic goal

Natural skincare brand Burt's Bees has made a commitment to support a climate-focused future with a target for 'net zero plastic to nature' by 2025.

It is implementing several large-scale initiatives such as cutting the use of virgin packaging materials, i.e. plastic and fibre, by 33% by 2025 and by 50% by 2030 and striving towards 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging for all products.

Burt's Bees is also launching its first waste-free product in partnership with Loop that includes a reusable glass bottle with waste-free delivery and return.

It follows the recently launched Rescue Lip Balm, packaged in a new hybrid tube featuring bioresin from upcycled potatoes and post-consumer recycled content.

To improve recycling rates outside of its value chain, the company is also joining forces with The Recycling Partnership to fund infrastructure improvements in US municipal recycling systems.

In addition, it plans to invest in plastic waste collection and recycling credits that would lead to recovery and recycling of at least as much plastic as their own plastic footprint.

Burt's Bees also transitioned to 100% renewable electricity as of January 2021, primarily following a 12-year, 70MW virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) between parent firm The Clorox Company and Enel Green Power for solar electricity.

Paula Alexander, Burt's Bees Senior Director of Sustainability said: “Our focus has long been centred on the wellbeing of people and the natural world. The challenges of the pandemic have only heightened the importance of protecting nature as a resource, for the health of people and all life on Earth.

“That's why we've chosen to focus on systemic changes across our supply chain while working toward a circular economy – to enable a more connected and stable relationship between people and nature.”