Beauty Industry

Kiehl’s Celebrates National Recycle Day with Sustainability Efforts

As a part of its Mission Renewal initiative, Kiehl’s strives to eliminate single-use virgin plastic.

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By: Rachel Klemovitch

Assistant Editor

Kiehl’s Since 1851 is committed to promoting healthy skin and a healthier planet through its Mission Renewal initiative

With a focus on circularity, renewable sourcing, and reducing environmental impact, Kiehl’s is leading sustainability efforts across product innovation, packaging, and energy use. 

The brand continues to eliminate single-use virgin plastic and empower consumers to make more sustainable choices, while continuing to deliver high-performance skincare.

Sustainable Achievements

To date, 38% of Kiehl’s plastic packaging is made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. The brand has collected 828,330 empty products through the Recycle & Be Rewarded program in the U.S. (2023). 

Additionally, Kiehl’s optimizes brand packaging across its portfolio. 

For example, the 125ml Ultra Facial Cream Jar reduces plastic by 40%, saving 16 tons annually.

Refillable options for customer favorites include:

  • Ultra Facial Cream
  • Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
  • Creme de Corps
  • Grapefruit Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser
  • Amino Acid Shampoo and Amino Acid Conditioner

This allows customers to minimize waste and support sustainability.

Kiehl’s aims to ensure all products and packaging are designed to be reused or recycled by 2030.

The brand also harnesses green science innovation, utilizing environmentally friendly processes to extract potent ingredients like plant-based Squalane and hydroponically grown Calendula petals. 

Beyond products, Kiehl’s empowers its community through education and hands-on sustainability efforts, inspiring meaningful action for a more sustainable future.

By 2030, Kiehl’s Mission Renewal aims to: 

  • Formulate 100% of products with renewable ingredients, utilizing sustainable sourcing and manufacturing processes that conserve resources, minimize waste, and ensure key natural resources are replenished, healthy, and thriving. 
  • Eliminate single-use virgin plastic by designing 100% of packaging to be reusable, refillable, or made from recycled materials. This includes ensuring products are made with more sustainable materials and making it easier for customers to dispose of over 15 million more packages through recycling programs. 
  • Empower its global community by providing education focused on sustainability and encouraging action through community service initiatives aimed at creating a circular impact and driving positive change.

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