Ulta Unveils First-of-its-Kind Circular Beauty Packaging Platform

Beauty retailer Ulta partners with circular shopping platform Loop to develop an online site and system for consumers to order products in durable, reusable packaging that can be returned for refill and reuse.

From its recent launch in Canada with retail partner Loblaw to its work with Burger King and Tim Hortons to develop reusable packaging for fast food, the Loop circular shopping platform has been rapidly extending its reach as of late. In early March, the global reuse platform announced it has partnered with Ulta Beauty, the U.S.’s largest beauty retailer, to reduce beauty waste. Customers across the U.S. can now shop online at loopbyulta.com for beauty and personal care products in durable, sustainable packaging that will be refilled and reused.

After use, consumers simply place empty packages back into the exclusively designed tote and schedule a free pickup online.After use, consumers simply place empty packages back into the exclusively designed tote and schedule a free pickup online.“As the nation’s leading beauty retailer, we have a responsibility to continuously improve and bring innovative solutions forward for the industry,” says Dave Kimbell, President, Ulta Beauty. “As we work to deliver more informed, conscious product choices to our guests, this first-of-its-kind partnership with the pioneers at Loop is an exciting step on our journey. We look forward to seeing our guests embrace Loop by Ulta Beauty as we all work together to create a lasting legacy for our world.”
When placing an order, Loop shoppers pay a deposit on each package that is fully refundable upon return. After use, consumers simply place empty packages back into the exclusively designed tote and schedule a free pickup online.

Learn how Burger King and Tim Hortons are working toward a pilot with the Loop circular shopping platform in Canada to allow its fast-food customers to opt for reusable packaging for sandwiches and beverages. Read article here.

At launch, guests can order sustainable packaging options from brands such as Burt’s Bees, Plaine Products, and Mad Hippie, among others. Oneka Elements, Dermalogica, and L’ANZA will be coming to the platform soon.

“Rethinking packaging provides the industry with the opportunity to develop new, luxurious designs that are also sustainable,” says Tom Szaky, founder and CEO, Loop and TerraCycle. “Consumers are increasingly asking for more environmentally responsible options in this category, and this collaboration provides them with a solution that is simple and convenient.”

Video: Tom Szaky of Loop and Kelly Murosky from Seventh Generation discuss returnable and reusable packaging options during PACK EXPO Connects last fall—watch the 8-minute video here.

Ulta Beauty announced its partnership with Loop within its Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty launch, a holistic initiative focused on delivering transparency, education, and choice. As part of the program’s Sustainable Packaging pillar, together the companies will work to help minimize the more than 120 billion packaging units produced globally annually within the cosmetics industry (according to Zero Waste Week) and fuel actionable improvements for the industry and the world.