The age of disposable packaging in hair care is giving way to a thoughtful new approach: refillable shampoo. This innovation is about more than convenience; it's a meaningful shift toward mindful consumption. By embracing replenishable shampoos, we're not only nourishing our hair but also nurturing our connection to the planet. This isn't just a change in product design; it's a change in philosophy. Join us as we explore the top companies that are combining daily care with global awareness.
1. Bower Collective
At Bower Collective, we are on a mission to eliminate waste from your home and live a more sustainable life. With a keen focus on sustainability, we have introduced an innovative reuse and refill system that not only adds a touch of elegance to your home but also removes plastic from your hair care routine.
Imagine indulging in the tropical scent of coconut or the refreshing aroma of wild blossom as you step into the shower. Our range of eco-friendly shampoo refills offers these delightful scents and more. Each product is thoughtfully formulated to suit all hair types, including both sleek, straight hair and beautiful coils.
Moreover, our subscription service adds convenience to sustainability. With a 10% discount on best-selling Bower refills, you can enjoy regular deliveries of your favourite products right at your doorstep. The flexibility to adjust upcoming deliveries ensures that you always have what you need and when you need it.
Our commitment to ethical production is unwavering. Our cruelty-free and 100% vegan product range reflects a deep respect for the planet and its inhabitants. Our zero-waste packaging initiative further emphasises our dedication to preserving the environment. After emptying your gorgeous refills into our reusable dispensers, simply send back your empties for free in the prepaid envelope and we will reuse and refill them over and over again for the next customers!
Join us in our journey towards a greener, more beautiful world. Experience our range of natural and sustainable hair care products that marry beauty, well-being, and environmental consciousness.
2. The Body Shop
The Body Shop, known for its diverse beauty products, has introduced a refill scheme specifically for its Ginger and Shea shampoo range. This initiative is part of the company's global sustainability efforts, with refill stations available in 720 stores and an additional 130 planned for 2023.
Customers can purchase aluminium bottles and top them with the shampoo. The process is designed to be both environmentally responsible and customer-friendly. The scheme not only aligns with the principles of waste reduction and the circular economy but also offers an economic advantage, as each refill includes an extra 50ml of product. By encouraging customers to replenish rather than repurchase, The Body Shop aims to save over one million plastics by the end of 2023.
3. Love Ocean
Established with the aim of providing sustainable bathtime solutions for children, Love Ocean is reducing single-use plastic. The company, founded by Gabi Jennings, offers hair and body wash in one-litre refill pouches that are designed to refill their whale tail bottles more than three times.
Love Ocean's refill programme is both cost-effective and responsible. By delivering a three-month supply in one package, the company minimises the carbon footprint. Additionally, the recycling of pouches is facilitated through a pre-paid return envelope. Plus, the company's collaboration with Plastic Bank has contributed to the removal of 20 tonnes of plastic waste from rivers. Moreover, Love Ocean's products are formulated with a 99% natural formula, created to be gentle on sensitive skin.
4. Hairstory
Known for its refillable product, New Wash, Hairstory has developed a formula that cleans and conditions hair without using traditional ingredients. Hence, the company's commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients and refillable packaging. By replacing traditional shampoo and conditioner bottles, they aim to cut down plastic usage by 91% and emissions from plastic by 85%.
Furthermore, the company's method is integrated into a subscription service, not only providing customers with regular deliveries of their chosen products but also giving them a free bottle and pump with the first purchase. This service includes variations of New Wash, such as Original, Rich, and Deep, catering to different needs and offers savings of up to 20% on best-selling subscriptions.
5. L'Oréal
A global cosmetics company, L'Oréal has introduced the Elvive Dream Lengths shampoo refill pouch as part of its Elvive hair care range. The refill pouch aims to serve those who are environmentally conscious and are looking for responsible solutions. The product features a formula enriched with vegetal keratin, hair vitamins, and castor oil, designed to nourish and strengthen hair. It is particularly targeted at individuals with long, damaged hair.
Moreover, the pouch uses 75% less plastic compared to standard shampoo bottles, offering a planet-friendly alternative. L'Oréal's commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by its broader green initiatives, such as phasing out plastic microbeads and reducing its overall environmental footprint.
6. Kiehl’s
With a history dating back to its original apothecary in New York City, Kiehl's offers a range of grooming products. Among these, their refillable shampoo options stand out as a significant contribution to planet-friendly practices. Specifically, the Amino Acid shampoo, available in a one-litre option, exemplifies Kiehl's dedication to sustainability.
Kiehl's refillable pouches conserve approximately 80% more plastic compared to conventional single-use items and hold between two to five times the amount of a standard 250ml bottle. Furthermore, the pouches can be brought in-store once empty and recycled through their Recycle & Be Rewarded program.
7. Plaine Products
Founded by two sisters, Lindsey and Alison Delaplaine, Plaine Products sells vegan shampoo in sizes ranging from 2.5 oz to 16 oz. Alongside their shampoo, they also offer conditioners, body washes, lotions, and various other hair and skin care products. Customers can order refillable shampoo bottles, use them, and then return the empty bottles, with the company covering the cost of shipping for returns.
Additionally, Plaine Products provides opportunities for customers to engage with the brand through a referral program and an ambassador group called Plaine Promoters. Plus, they have earned several certifications, such as 1% For the Planet and Leaping Bunny.
8. Milly & Sissy
Founded by friends Milly and Sissy, who share a passion for the environment and animals, the eponymous brand was established to create vegan, cruelty-free products that are gentle on both hair and scalp. Taking a unique approach, the shampoo is presented in a powdered format. When mixed with water, it yields 500ml of a formula designed to leave hair feeling silky and well-nourished.
Their bottles are made from British-made glass or aluminium, and all refill sachets are compostable, leaving zero waste. The products are free from harmful chemicals and are made from 99.7% natural ingredients. Plus, the company provides incentives such as free shipping on orders over £35 and a 15% discount on the purchase of three or more refills.
Conclusion
The future of responsible hair care is in our hands, and these leading companies have set the path towards a world where beauty and responsibility coexist. Eco-friendly shampoo refills are more than a niche market; they are a call to action, a movement to make the world a more sustainable place. It’s time to rethink hair care, one refill at a time.