Millions of tons of industrial and commercial waste is generated in the UK annually and Holland & Barrett is on a mission to reduce what it sends to the landfil by selling beauty past their best before date—and offering cosmetic discounts on the items.
According to Holland & Barrett’s Group Innovation Director Hilary Leam, "In recent years we have seen an increasing demand from our customers who wish to buy products that have past their best before end date." Leam also notes that best before end dates are only quality indicators that tell customers that products may no longer be their "best." After introducing this concept at 25 stores in Devon and Cornwall, Holland & Barrett may introduce it across hundreds of stores in the UK.
Holland & Barrett is continually taking steps to reduce its environmental impact, as it stopped using plastic bags in 2010, banned microplastics from products in 2012 and stopped selling wet wipes earlier this year.
Waste-Reducing Cosmetic Discounts
Holland & Barrett is Selling Beauty Goods Past Best Before Dates
Trend Themes
1. Reduced Cosmetic Waste - Selling beauty products past their best before dates reduces cosmetic waste and promotes sustainability.
2. Demand for Expired Products - Increasing customer demand for products past their best before end date presents an opportunity for retailers.
3. Environmental Consciousness - Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of cosmetic products, creating a market for sustainable alternatives.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Introducing the sale of beauty products past their best before dates presents an opportunity for retailers to tap into a new market segment.
2. Beauty & Cosmetics - The beauty industry can leverage the demand for sustainable and expired beauty products by developing innovative solutions for extending product shelf life.
3. Sustainability - The trend of reducing waste through the sale of expired beauty products aligns with the sustainability movement, providing opportunities for businesses in the sustainability industry.