For a product’s packaging to be recyclable, it must have the potential to be recycled into another useful product. However, this does not guarantee it will be recycled, as some materials are simply not cost-effective to do so.

Some materials are kerbside recyclable while others have to be taken to a specific collection location. Avoid products that use flexible thin and multi-layered plastics as they are very difficult to recycle, as are coloured plastics.

Small packaging items such as lipsticks and mascaras will also not be recycled if pu with household recycling. Look out for the ‘On Pack Recycling Label’ icons on packaging to provide a steer on what can and cannot be recycled at home, or check with your local council collection scheme as to which materials they will accept.

Where an item can’t, or it’s not clear, look out for a growing number of in-store take-back schemes– the WRAP Recycling Locator Tool is a great resource (filter on ‘Where to recycle a specific material’ and then ‘Beauty & grooming’).