Garnier is launching a range of shampoo bars in the UK, marking the first move by a major mass market beauty brand to offer consumers ‘alternatives to traditional liquid shampoo products with zero plastic waste’, it says.
The bars are packaged in 100% recyclable FSC certified cardboard, blended with 94% plant-based ingredients and are ‘97% biodegradable’ (as per OECD test 301 or equivalent, according to Garnier), have 80% less packaging and use 70% less fossil energy for transportation compared to a conventional shampoo bottle.
As a result of the small and concentrated format, one solid Shampoo Bar can last up to 2 months, the brand says, and can save up to one bottle of water per wash because of the incorporated fast-rinse technology.
In a full lifecycle analysis, this accounts for a reduction in environmental impact of 25% versus classic liquid shampoos, it says.
Aurelie Weinling, International Scientific and Sustainability Director, Garnier said “We hope product developments such as this will lead to a genuine democratisation of the solid shampoo category in mass market terms.
The first formula trials started in July 2019 and we are thrilled to be able to now bring this new range to market today. We believe sustainability needs to be made accessible to all so we can achieve real impact at scale
“The first formula trials started in July 2019 and we are thrilled to be able to now bring this new range to market today. We believe sustainability needs to be made accessible to all so we can achieve real impact at scale.”
Garnier’s original Ultimate Blends shampoo and conditioner bottles are already 100% recyclable and will be made from 100% recycled plastic by 2021. Garnier produces 1.8 billion health & beauty products each year across 64 countries and hopes its considerable reach will lead to more consumers making sustainable choices.
The L’Oréal-owned brand launched its Green Beauty Initiative alongside a publicly-available sustainability progress report this year as part of the Group’s L’Oréal For the Futureii sustainability programme, which defines quantifiable targets for 2030 to improve packaging, fight climate change, preserve biodiversity and sustain water management.
As part of this, alongside transforming its own products and packaging, L’Oréal has ambitions to influence both consumers and suppliers to reduce their own environmental footprints, it says.
The Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo Bars will be available in four blends, Revitalising Ginger, Strengthening Honey, Hydrating Coconut and Softening Oat Milk. Garnier says its scientists spent 18 months evaluating more than 60 formulas to achieve all the care, foaminess and creaminess of a liquid shampoo in a new solid format.
Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo Bars are now available in Boots and will be rolled out to other retail stores in 2021.