Garnier launches zero plastic waste shampoo bars into mainstream market

Garnier has claimed the mantle of the first major mass market beauty brand to launch solid shampoo bars with zero plastic waste, in a bid to give eco-conscious shoppers greater choice in the affordable and sustainable beauty sector.

The launch follows research, gathered from over 2,000 UK consumers earlier this month, which revealed that 31% of people have been more interested in being environmentally friendly this year and 24% would consider swapping out current beauty products to ones that had no plastic footprint if they had the opportunity to do so, Garnier said.

On sale now, with an rrp of £7,99, the range of four Ultimate Blends Solid Shampoo Bars represent 18 months of research and development in perfecting the solid shampoo format.

Garnier scientists evaluated more than 60 formulas in the process, before settling on the new solid bar format, which they say replicates the wash experience of a liquid shampoo that cleanses and nourishes hair, without stripping it or weighing it down.

The four blends (Revitalising, Strengthening, Hydrating, Softening) are all made with 94% plant-based ingredients and are soap and silicone-free.

The bars are also 97% biodegradable, and use 80% less packaging than traditional bottled formats.

They have also been developed with “fast-rinse” technology that can help save up to one bottle of water per wash.

The launch also represents a significant milestone in Garnier’s Green Beauty initiative, unveiled earlier this year.

Garnier’s original Ultimate Blends shampoo and conditioner bottles are already 100% recyclable and will be made from 100% recycled plastic by 2021.

Garnier international scientific and sustainability director Aurelie Weinling said: “We truly believe sustainability needs to be accessible to all and we think products like this have the wider potential to influence and trigger other shifts in behaviour – small changes, big collective impact.”

Garnier global brand president, Adrien Koskas, said: “Sustainability has always been at the heart of Garnier; producing more natural formulas, using sustainable and fair-trade ingredients, even being the first to bring certified organic products to the mass skincare market. "