Lush invests £2.3m in latest UK green hub

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
May 11, 2023

Ethical beauty products specialist Lush has invested £2.3 million in its new Green Hub at Fleets Corner Business Park in Poole, expanding and reinforcing its commitment to the circular economy.

Taking responsibility for materials that could be considered as waste, the Green Hub spans 40,128 sq ft of warehouse space “playing a crucial role in Lush’s commitment to creating a cyclical business model”. 

Green Hub is part of Lush's wider initiatives, under its mission of  "leaving the world Lusher than we found it". It also include its Woodshop where store furnishings are recycled and repurposed, Repairs and Maintenance that repairs equipment from across the business to prevent the brand buying new, and Donations that ensure surplus products from manufacturing are distributed to charities nationwide. 

Lush has also invested in a Dissolved Air Flotation unit, to process waste water created in the brand's spa laundry and manufacturing processes. Tackling over 500 tonnes of dirty water each year, this unit will bring Lush's waste water process treatment in-house, reducing transport emissions and allow Lush's waste water to be reused in a circular economy.

Last year, its existing Green Hub scheme recycled 12 tonnes of PP plastic through its ‘Bring it Back’ initiative, which encourages customers to bring back Lush plastic packaging to any of its stores for 50p credit. It also recycled 15 tonnes of PET product moulds in a closed loop, and recycled 998 tonnes of manufacturing waste, 81% of Lush’s total manufacturing waste for the UK.
 
Chase Clark, Lush Manufacturing Director, said: “We are designing for zero waste. Our brand-new Green Hub allows us to close the loop on our packaging and water as we re-use, repurpose and repair materials, welcoming staff, and the community with open arms into the world of zero waste. Fleets Corner has provided an ideal home for this, joining our warehousing and manufacturing units at the business park, it’s wonderful to have all these elements in one brilliantly connected location.”