The beauty industry produces more than 120 billion units of packaging and packets every year, so every business would do well to try to reduce its plastic waste.
Hair salons have reopened and are required to protect themselves and their clients with appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks and even aprons, which are often disposable and made of plastic).
Although Greece has a long way to go to effectively reduce plastic pollution, according to a new report by WWF Hellas (World Wide Fund for Nature) in view of the consultation on the incorporation of the EU’s single-use plastics directive…. we can help by doing our part.
Personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, etc.), now and after quarantine season, is essential and all hairdressers must adapt to this.
Several international companies such as A Plastic Planet and international packaging innovators Reelbrands and Tams Packaging have created lightweight, clear, plastic face shields to protect staff without adding plastic pollution.
The covers, which are CE certified, are made of FSC cardboard and wood pulp cellulose for comfort and completely clear vision and are recyclable.
The use of special reusable masks, feet, etc., can also be a solution.
In cases where you cannot avoid using plastic personal protective equipment, learn to recycle. There are companies that could help you.
In hairdressing salons abroad it is now fashionable, the refill service. Specifically, you refill your bottles with whatever shampoo, conditioners, oils, etc. you need, without having to buy another one…and your client buys a bottle, brings it to the salon, refills it and pays according to what they got.
If you find it difficult to recycle for whatever reason, there are now products that are made of glass.
Reduce or replace plastic in other items you may use in your salon, such as plastic cups, straws, bags.
In the UK, Karine Jackson Hair & Beauty, already operates without using any plastic items at all. Specifically, the owner of the 1st salon without the use of plastics, said “I am now looking for alternatives to everything. In the group now everything is bought properly and there is nothing disposable,” adding, “We have introduced a plastic-free shelf so that customers can buy water bottles, coffee cups and more. We also talk to all our suppliers and refuse every piece of plastic packaging.”
