Gillette and TerraCycle Launch Razor Recycling Scheme

Gillette and TerraCycle Launch Razor Recycling Scheme

Shaving giant Gillette has launched the UK’s first razor recycling scheme in partnership with the recycling company TerraCycle.

The company is calling on its millions of loyal customers to help keep razors out of landfill. Razors are one item which actually can be recycled despite being made from a combination of materials; metal and plastic.

Razors are broken down to make new products

Gillette say that blades, razors, and disposable razors from any UK brand will be accepted as part of the programme. Customers who want to take part in the scheme can register their details online and get a freepost envelope so they can return used razors, blades, and disposable razors for recycling. Once received by TerraCycle, the razors will be broken down into their separate materials. The plastic will be turned into pellets so new products can be made, and the metals will be sent away to be turned into new alloys.

Gillette launch ‘sustainable’ razors

Gillette is set to launch four new sustainable packs of razors alongside the recycling campaign, for its Mach3, Fusion5, SkinGuard Sensitive and ProGlide razors. The razors will be completely plastic-free and 100% recyclable.

The new sustainable packs will be sold only at major Tesco stores across the country from this week, and the company’s sister brand Gillette Venus are set to follow suit and produce its own sustainable packs from January 2020.

Leading the way in sustainable innovation

A spokesperson for Gillette said the company is very excited to work with TerraCycle and give its customers the opportunity to buy 100% recyclable Gillette products across the UK. He added that the company believes it’s their responsibility as the world’s leading razor brand to make sure that it’s leading the way in the search for sustainable innovations in the industry.

The razor recycling scheme is the latest in a line of similar recycling programmes where TerraCycle have made it its mission to collect and process hard to recycle products that are not usually accepted in kerbside recycling schemes. Earlier this year, it launched a crisp packet recycling scheme in partnership with snack giant Walkers.