Dear Body Shop, this is why we love you.
Our story with The Body Shop began in a remarkable way. Picture this: our founder, Andrew Almack, chased down Lee Mann at a conference. He pretty much asked Lee, "Hey, why don't you guys become the first beauty brand to use recycled PET from India?" Most brands would greenwash and say they cared about plastic while continuing to do nothing. Not The Body Shop, they knew it's what consumers cared about, they were ahead of the curve seeing how using recycled plastic was the future. They decided to take a chance on us. It felt like all our dreams came true.
Back in 2016, they teamed up with Plastics For Change, kicking off the use of Community Trade recycled plastic. It wasn't just about cutting plastic waste; it was about empowering marginalised waste pickers in India. We immediately clicked with their entire team, they all wanted to change the world - from marketing to procurement, we knew they had our back.
For eight years, The Body Shop and Plastics For Change have been the dynamic duo, fighting for waste pickers – the unsung heroes in the fight against plastic pollution. Waste pickers are often from marginalised caste systems, called ‘the untouchables’ or ‘the Dalits’, who depend on collecting plastic to make ends meet. The Body Shop helped offer fair prices and fair trade work standards, which genuinely changed their lives.
So in honour of our love and to help continue our world-changing partnership, Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane:
2016: Seeding Funding
The Body Shop started by giving us a grant, this allowed us to start our work in India and begin our partnership.
2017: Community Trade Takes Root
The Body Shop provided in kind support to Plastics For Change and embraced the concept of Community Trade recycled plastic. This meant ensuring fair prices and safe working conditions for the waste pickers who collect plastic waste in India.
2018: The First Shipment Sets Sail
A momentous year! The first container ship filled with Community Trade recycled plastic set sail from India, marking a turning point in sustainable packaging for The Body Shop.
2019: A Sustainable Launch
The year saw the official launch of The Body Shop’s Community Trade recycled plastic packaging. This wasn’t just about bottles; it was a symbol of our commitment to tackle plastic waste responsibly, while empowering people and the planet.
2020: Building a Brighter Future
The Body Shop’s impact extended beyond packaging in 2020. Partnering with Plastics For Change, The Body Shop helped build plastic houses for waste picker communities, providing them with safe and secure living spaces.
2021-2024: Exponential Growth
The past four years have been phenomenal! We’ve witnessed a remarkable 3x growth in the use of Community Trade recycled plastic. This translates to millions of recycled bottles used in our packaging, diverting plastic waste from landfills and oceans while also uplifting the lives of thousands of informal waste pickers in India.
The Body Shop’s commitment to Plastics For Change isn't just a PR stunt. They were the first big brand to really stand up for what's right and shake up the industry.
Even though times are tough, we stand beside The Body Shop to keep changing the world. We need their plastic initiatives to keep going strong. That way, we can:
Lift Up Communities: Fair trade practices mean waste pickers get fair prices, making for a brighter future.
Protect the Planet: Using recycled plastic means less new plastic, which is a win for the environment.a
Build a Sustainable Future: The Body Shop and Plastics For Change are leading the way to a greener tomorrow, inspiring others to do the same.
Create Profit Through Purpose: Recycled plastic is important to consumers and brands that pollute are decreasing their likability score. Brands must innovate or they too risk extinction.
Looking ahead, The Body Shop’s legacy is all about inspiring change. It’s not just about saving a brand; it’s about holding onto the values that matter – a cleaner planet, fair treatment for all, and a beauty industry that’s as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. Let’s keep fighting the good fight! We need The Body Shop to create the earth we and our children need.