The Body Shop expands in-store refill programme to combat plastic waste

The Body Shop has launched its refill program in stores across the United States to help combat the global plastic crisis.

The in-store refill stations will allow customers to refill their favourite body, hair and hand care products including shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, and hand washes without requiring new packaging.

The selection of available products will vary from six to 12 depending on store size.

The Body Shop said it plans to have refill stations present in 49% of all US locations including Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and New York by the end of 2022.

Last year, UK-based beauty brand announced a five-year plan to roll out refill stations across 400 stores globally in an effort to reduce plastic use and become the most sustainable business possible.

According to The Body Shop, the program has helped the brand collectively save over 3.7 tonnes of plastic, the equivalent of 170,000 plastic bottles.

Hilary Lloyd, Vice President of Marketing and Values, North America said: "The foundation of The Body Shop's environmental activism was born out of ideas like these, when our founder, Dame Anita Roddick, refilled her first bottle out of necessity in 1976. Our customers have been eagerly awaiting for refills to return to The Body Shop. We're thrilled to be embracing a circular economy approach and provide this sustainable alternative."