How Sustainable is the Lash Industry Today?

The Packaging Revolution: How London Lash is Leading the Way in Sustainable Beauty

At London Lash, we are acutely aware of the beauty industry’s environmental impact, and sustainability has become a cornerstone of our philosophy. 
A 2019 report from  Commercial Waste highlights that the beauty industry is responsible for 146 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. To help combat this, we've made significant changes to our packaging and the way we deliver parcels to our customers.

Cruelty-Free and Vegan-Friendly Products

The lash extension industry as we know it emerged in the early 2010s. Back then, it was common to use extensions made from mink fur or silk. Today, lash extensions are crafted from a synthetic fibre known as PBT, which is also used in wiring due to its durability. 

For us, this means lashes that retain their curl between sets. While you might still see terms like ‘mink’, ‘silk’, or ‘cashmere’ used, these refer to different product lines, not the materials. We’re proud to say that our lash extensions have always been 100% vegan and cruelty-free. 

In the past, products like under-eye pads often contained animal-derived ingredients such as collagen. We’ve addressed this by discontinuing those products or working with developers to create alternatives that deliver the same high-quality results while being kind to the environment.

Product Development & Packaging Innovations

Our journey to reducing plastic began in 2018 when we replaced plastic eyelash extension trays with cardboard boxes—an industry first at the time! Since then, many lash companies have adopted similar magnetised lash trays. 

However, we soon discovered that the magnet and UV spotting inside these trays made them non-recyclable in some areas, so we redesigned them into the fully recyclable matchbox-style packaging we use today. 

We've also transitioned from plastic to glass bottles wherever possible, which not only reduces waste but also looks more stylish on a Lash Technician's trolley! Additionally, we’ve introduced reusable stainless steel brush handles for Lash Prep, reducing plastic waste by about 80% compared to using fully plastic brushes. 

While our lash trays have traditionally been wrapped in protective plastic, we’ve now switched to a plant-based, compostable material, maintaining the protective function without contributing to plastic waste.

Sustainable Procurement Practices

Our Procurement Team plays a crucial role in minimising waste by carefully managing stock levels. In the business world, ordering in bulk is often cheaper, but this can lead to excess stock and waste when unsold products are discarded. We believe it’s better to absorb some extra costs by placing smaller orders, even if it means very occasionally running out of stock. This ensures that you always receive the freshest, highest-quality products, and helps us avoid unnecessary waste. 

By closely analysing sales trends and product shelf life, we order just what we need, benefiting our customers, our business, and the planet. 

Products without a strict shelf life—like tweezers or lash extensions—that are being discontinued, or aren’t completely perfect are moved to our outlet at reduced prices, giving new Lash Technicians and bargain hunters a chance to buy quality products while reducing landfill waste.

Beyond Products: Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

Our Operations Team is also dedicated to sustainability. We pack all orders in cardboard boxes, paper envelopes, and biodegradable mailer bags, and have replaced bubble wrap with a paper alternative. Our packing peanuts are made from starch and dissolve in water. 

By opening distribution centres in the EU and mainland USA, we reduce reliance on air shipping and ensure faster delivery times for our customers. In 2022, we invested in a Shopify app that calculates the CO2 emissions of each and every parcel, and we then make a monthly donation to fund CO2 removal projects, making all our shipping carbon-neutral—a fact we’re incredibly proud of!

What’s Next?

In today’s world, sustainability is an ongoing effort. There are always new improvements to be made, better alternatives to adopt, and innovative research to guide us. We’re fortunate to have a dedicated team constantly seeking out these advancements, and we’re grateful for our customers who support and embrace these changes!