Avon Boosts Operational Recycling Rate to 97.1%

Avon, which stands out for its steps towards a sustainable future, has increased its operational recycling rate to 97.1%. The brand, which uses 3% less plastic in its packaging compared to the previous year, aims to develop product formulations that are over 95% biodegradable by 2030.

Adopting the vision of "a better world for everyone," Avon integrates environmental and social responsibility across all its operations. This vision manifests not only through product quality but also through the steps the brand takes in line with its sustainability targets. 

Hasan Ulutürk, General Manager of Avon Turkey, who emphasizes that the concept of beauty is not limited to external appearance, stated: "Beauty, which holds a special place in all our lives, does not only express our external appearance. It also represents the responsibility we carry toward the world we live in and toward each other. As Avon, for 139 years we have been bringing beauty to life in a different way. This vision manifests itself in every area, from our products to our production processes, from our social projects to our partnerships."

"Our main target in sustainability is 2030"
Noting that they have signed off on many projects in the field of sustainability, Ulutürk stated: "Millions of cosmetic product waste are generated every year in the world. According to research, many cosmetic products are discarded without being fully used, which significantly increases waste quantities. In this context, we aim to develop product formulations that are over 95% biodegradable by 2030. We aim to ensure that 100% of our packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Additionally, we plan for 100 new formulas to have a lower life cycle environmental footprint compared to their previous versions. Furthermore, by 2030, we target 50% of all our plastic packaging to be made from recycled material."

800 tonnes of carbon emissions savings 
Avon continues to increase energy and water efficiency while reducing waste generation and promoting recycling through the steps it takes toward a sustainable future. According to the 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report, the brand reduced water and waste intensity beyond its target, increasing its operational recycling rate to 97.1%. Continuing to achieve its sustainability targets through important measures in waste management and energy efficiency, Avon did not send operational waste to regular waste collection for the first time. Through energy conversion implemented at its facility in Poland, the brand reduced approximately 2,000 tonnes of carbon emissions and strengthened its environmental performance, increasing energy efficiency by optimizing production planning. By consolidating production into fewer shifts, the company continues to achieve approximately 800 tonnes of carbon emissions savings annually.

Recycled plastic use
Taking important steps to reduce the environmental impact of cosmetic product packaging, Avon implemented a series of innovative changes throughout 2023 aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of packaging. Successfully implementing approximately 170 new innovations with its Global Packaging Engineering team, it ensured that each new package takes another step forward in sustainability. According to the 2023 Report, compared to 2022, the brand uses 3% less plastic in packaging and has increased its recycled plastic usage rate to 4.1%. Avon aims to increase recycled plastic usage to 50% by 2030.

"The new generation reads content and labels"
At this point, Hasan Ulutürk, noting that they focus on recycling and plastic reduction without commercial concerns, stated: "We offer some of our perfume bottle series to our consumers in a form that can be reused as vases after the perfumes are finished. On the other hand, we are looking for new ways to reduce our plastic use. For example, we removed the transparent packaging on the outer boxes of all our perfumes and started using two protective bands instead. Today, sustainability in the cosmetics sector is of great importance to consumers. Particularly, the new generation of consumers is quite conscious about reading product contents and labels. Currently, 20% of our representatives are from the new generation. Awareness and consciousness in consumption habits are becoming more influential with each passing day."

Firm stance against gender inequality
The company regularly brings together employees and suppliers to raise awareness on sustainability and develop joint action plans, and operates in line with its objectives to protect natural resources, support diversity, provide equal opportunities, and empower women. Viewing employee differences as richness, Avon adopts principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a happier and more productive work environment. The brand, which absolutely does not tolerate gender-based pay inequality, demonstrates that all employees are of equal value. It regularly conducts demographic surveys in certain markets to better understand its workforce and provide data for diversity initiatives. Additionally, through employee engagement surveys, it listens to the voice of employees and provides solutions for their expectations.