The population, and therefore your client base, is becoming more eco-conscious; therefore, it’s key to take sustainable action for your business now so you don’t get left behind. Making changes now shows you take this important issue seriously, and as a bonus, could attract new eco customers. Figuring out how to create the same stunning lash looks with less single-use plastics and waste is also a fun challenge to help keep your business fresh.
The packaging of lash products is vital in this shift towards sustainable beauty. When plastic is thrown away, the microplastics in it are missed by most filtration processes, so they end up in our drinking water and impact our health and aquatic life. Where possible, companies are investing in dissolvable packaging, which disappears entirely when submerged in water. This helps the planet and means you need to empty your salon bin less often; we call that a win-win. Where dissolvable packaging isn’t possible, materials that can replace plastic with the same practical benefits include bamboo and bioplastics. Choosing recycled plastic packaging isn’t completely sustainable, but it does deal with some of the plastic waste we currently have, so it’s a good step forward.
The move towards sustainable packaging is sure to continue to grow as lash businesses like yours embrace it. There are some significant brand leaders in this field, such as Sabbia Co. here in Australia, who offer skincare accessories like makeup removal pads that are biodegradable and can be repeatedly washed and used again. For smaller companies, it can be hard to scale up sustainable packaging, and the materials are more expensive. Removing single-use plastic from beauty packaging completely isn’t going to happen overnight, even with these great steps forward, so there are some other steps you can take in your salon to reduce your environmental impact.
How to Reduce Waste in Your Salon
If you haven’t already, put a recycling bin in your studio alongside general waste. This will remind you and your customers to recycle as much as you can. For your eye pads and spoolies, look for those that are reusable or biodegradable to ensure they aren’t stuck in landfill forever. Some companies offer plastic-free pads and spoolies made from recycled plastics or bamboo, so choose these if your bottom line supports it.
Most people don’t view the extensions themselves as single-use because they get weeks of good use, but choosing cruelty-free and/or vegan lashes will appeal to a wider client base and help eliminate animal cruelty from the lash industry. Many brands now offer synthetic lash extensions that mimic the softness of mink without the cruelty, so you can still get the great results you’re looking for.
Where possible, such as glue palettes, purchase options that you can wash and re-use to cut down waste. When buying supplies, consider buying non-perishable supplies in bulk so the shipping emissions and packaging are reduced. Buying from Australian companies instead of overseas helps reduce emissions too and supports the local economy.
Sustainable Tips for Client Aftercare
When advising clients on how to protect their extensions between appointments, you could suggest eco-friendly products. If possible, direct them to refillable products, so your commitment to reducing single-use plastic extends beyond your salon. If possible, consider emailing aftercare cards instead of printing them to limit energy and ink use. You could also offer discounts for customers who bring back product pots to ensure proper recycling.
At Lavilash, we’re with you on your journey to sustainability, as much of our catalogue is made in Australia, and we’re rapidly changing those that aren’t. We also offer many eco-conscious products, such as these reusable eye pads, to help you transform your studio into a green delight.
