Avon Raises Operational Recycling Rate to 97.1%

Avon has raised its operational recycling rate to 97.1% through steps taken toward a sustainable future. The brand uses 3% less plastic in its packaging compared to the previous year and aims to develop product formulas 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 in the quality of its products but also in the steps the brand has taken in line with its sustainability targets.

Hasan Uluturk, General Manager of Avon Turkey, emphasizing that beauty is not limited solely to outward appearance, stated: "Beauty, which holds a special place in all our lives, does not only express our outer 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 experiencing beauty 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 numerous projects in the field of sustainability, Uluturk stated: "Millions of cosmetic product waste are generated worldwide each year. According to research, many cosmetic products are discarded without being fully used, which significantly increases the amount of waste. In this context, we aim to develop product formulas 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, we target that 50% of all our plastic packaging will be made from recycled material by 2030."

800 tons of carbon emissions savings
Avon continues to increase energy and water efficiency through the steps it has taken toward a sustainable future, while continuing to reduce waste generation and promote recycling. According to its 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report, the brand reduced water and waste intensity beyond its targets and raised its operational recycling rate to 97.1%. Continuing to meet its sustainability targets through significant steps in waste management and energy efficiency, Avon did not send operational waste to a regular waste collection facility for the first time. Through the energy conversion it implemented at its facility in Poland, the brand reduced approximately 2,000 tons 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 tons of carbon emissions savings annually.

Use of recycled plastic
Avon has also taken significant steps to reduce the environmental impact of cosmetic product packaging. Throughout 2023, the brand implemented a series of innovative changes aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of packaging. Working with its Global Packaging Engineering team, it successfully implemented approximately 170 new innovations, ensuring that each new package advances further in terms of sustainability. According to the 2023 Report, the brand used 3% less plastic in packaging compared to 2022 and increased its recycled plastic usage rate to 4.1%. Avon targets increasing recycled plastic usage to 50% by 2030.

"The new generation reads content and labels"
Stating that they are focused on recycling and plastic reduction without commercial concerns, Hasan Uluturk said: "We offer some of our perfume bottle series to consumers in a way that can be reused as vases or decorative pieces after the perfume runs out. On the other hand, we are also looking for new ways to reduce our plastic usage. For example, we removed the transparent packaging from the outer boxes of all our perfumes and began using two protective bands instead. Today, sustainability holds great importance among consumers in the cosmetics sector. Particularly, new generation consumers are quite conscious about reading product contents and labels. Currently, 20% of our representatives consist of the new generation. Awareness and consciousness in consumption habits are becoming increasingly influential with each passing day," he added.

Firm stance against gender inequality
The company regularly brings together its employees and suppliers to raise awareness about sustainability and develop a joint action plan, and operates in line with its targets of protecting natural resources, supporting equality, providing equal opportunities, and empowering women. Viewing employee diversity as wealth, Avon adopts principles of equality, equity, and inclusion, creating a happier and more productive work environment. The brand absolutely does not tolerate gender-based wage inequality, demonstrating that all employees are of equal value. In order to better understand its workforce and provide data for equality efforts, it regularly conducts demographic surveys in specific markets. Additionally, through employee engagement surveys, it listens to employees' voices and provides solutions to meet their expectations.