73 BUSINESS ADVICE the nation, LUSH has created the Bring it Back scheme. This allows customers to return used containers in exchange for new products. The Fresh Face Mask scheme, for example, gifts customers a free facemask for every five pieces of packaging recycled in store. Taylor’s of Harrogate Taylor’s of Harrogate is an established business based in Yorkshire. The company, which manufactures a selection of teas and coffees, is completely carbon neutral. To reduce its carbon footprint, Taylor’s utilises carbon offsetting programmes, compensating for necessary greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing. In recent months, Taylor’s Yorkshire Tea has become a zero-waste product. The teabags are now made from plant-based plastic (PLA), a renewable replacement to the traditional oil-based alternative. Everything in this product is recyclable, such as the cardboard boxes, and the company is working towards using only recyclable goods to manufacture this product. There are other products, however, that are not zero waste. Taylor’s ground coffee currently uses flexible plastic packaging, but the company is exploring monopolymer alternatives that can be recycled. For now, Taylor’s is collaborating with the Flexible Packaging Consortium, which will ensure flexible plastics can be recycled in households from 2023. UpCircle Beauty Last but not least, UpCircle is another British business adopting a zero-waste strategy. The company, which produces beauty products, is kind to animals and the planet. The coffee face scrub, for example, is made out of recycled coffee grinds and sold in a recyclable glass jar. In addition to this, the innovative beauty brand has created the Return, Refill, Reuse scheme. This allows customers to return used packaging. The materials will then be cleaned, refilled, and returned back to an eagerly awaiting customer. UpCircle is also certified as plastic negative. In partnership with rePurpose Global, UpCircle combats plastic waste around the world. This has ensured the business removes more plastic than its production line creates. Overall, businesses across Britain are continuing to adopt zero-waste strategies. This does not mean that company itself is completely zero waste. At this moment in time, we can only expect a corporation to work within its means, choosing sustainable waste management wherever possible. Do you think the nation is doing enough to reach zero waste? www.mediaworks.co.uk
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