Rethinking Plastic: Why Closed-Loop Recycling Is the Future of Skincare

Plastic, once hailed as a revolutionary material, has become a global concern due to its environmental impact. From oceans teeming with discarded plastic to microplastics infiltrating even the most remote corners of the Earth, the urgency to address plastic pollution is undeniable. 

However, an outright ban on plastic isn’t and shouldn’t be the sole solution. In this article, we explore the complexities of plastic and introduce Reia’s innovative refillable hand and body care solution.

Not All Plastic Is Created Equal

Before we start a war against all things plastic, let’s acknowledge that not all plastic is equally harmful. The real crook in the narrative is single-use plastic — items designed for one-time use before being discarded or recycled. (Think water bottles and grocery packaging.) These plastics pose a dual challenge:

• Longevity: They just don’t disappear once we’re done with them! Single-use plastics persist in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to pollution and harming wildlife.
• Low Recycling Rates: Despite recycling efforts, economic and logistical challenges keep recycling rates low. Consequently, a significant portion of plastics ends up in landfills or natural ecosystems. It's worth highlighting that even if these plastics are recycled, the process often degrades their quality, eventually turning them into waste.

How the Reia System Works

At Reia, we have developed a zero-waste hand and body care solution that is both closed-loop and genuinely sustainable. Our system ensures that every product you use is part of a sustainable cycle.

Step 1: Eco-Friendly Refills

• Starter Kits: Each starter kit includes a custom Italian glass Reia bottle designed to be treasured and reused repeatedly, reducing the need for disposable plastic bottles.
• Returnable Plastic Pouch: The kits also come with a returnable plastic pouch filled with natural, eco-friendly vegan formulations, which is lighter than standard plastic bottles and uses 60% less plastic.
• Refill Process: Once you have filled your forever bottle, rinse the pouch, screw the cap back on, and drop it into your nearest postbox. No stamp or envelope is needed as the pouches have a postage label printed directly on them.

Step 2: Recycling with Enval

Once the pouches are returned, our recycling partner Enval takes over. They ensure that the pouches are converted back into raw aluminium and virgin grade plastic oil, which can be repurposed into new products.

How Enval Works

Enval, a team originating from the Department for Chemical Engineering at Cambridge University over 15 years ago, stands at the forefront of recycling innovation. Their unique, patented process focuses on recycling flexible plastic waste – that was previously unrecyclable – ensuring a closed-loop, sustainable cycle.

Key Processes at Enval

Join the Reuse Revolution

By choosing Reia’s refillable products, you are actively contributing to reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainability. Our closed-loop solution marks a significant change in how we consume hand and body care products. Join the reuse revolution now and eliminate single-use plastic waste from your home, all while enjoying a great range of eco-friendly products.

Our small acts combined have a huge impact. Together, we can create a more sustainable future.

 

Introducing Our Natural Hand Wash

Our Hand Wash is an all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free formulation. It combines refreshing lime leaf, earthy vetiver, and warm amber to provide a nourishing hand washing experience. This hand wash not only cleanses effectively but also nurtures your skin with natural ingredients, free from harsh chemicals.

Benefits:

• All-Natural Ingredients: Made from naturally derived, plant-based ingredients.
• Vegan & Cruelty-Free: No animal products or animal testing involved.
• Eco-Friendly: Comes in a returnable plastic pouch to support our closed-loop system.