The Unilever beauty brand that has partnered with a US sustainable packaging firm establishing its UK base in Grimsby, has welcomed the investment.
Ren Clean Skincare has signed up with Boox as it lands in the country it launched in 22 years ago, having forged a strong bond across the pond.
As reported, the Californian start-up is using Tri-Pack as its manufacturer as it looks to invest £1 million in an operations base in the town and build its e-commerce clientbase, creating dozens of jobs.
Read more: Revenues retained by Ultimate Packaging in year ahead of US giant ProAmpac's swoop
AJ Patel, global head of e-commerce for Ren, said: “When it comes to the environment, Ren’s philosophy has always been collaboration over competition, and it is as much about employing sustainable processes, as it is about developing sustainable products. Ultimately, by being transparent and working with innovative and ethical partners, we can address the issues surrounding waste and emissions faster and more efficiently.
“Working with Boox has enabled us to employ more sustainable delivery practices, achieve our zero-waste pledge and provide consumers with the best tools to be able to effect long-term environmental change.
“We’re excited to be expanding our partnership to the UK to help continue keeping our packaging out of landfills.
“We take a holistic approach to sustainability and look forward to continuing making changes around product, ingredients and packaging to bring more world firsts to the beauty consumer.”
Launched in East London in 2000 by Rob Calcraft and Antony Buck to fill a niche in the market for clean skincare products after Mr Buck’s wife had suffered reactions while pregnant, Ren - Swedish for clean - went on to secure listings with John Lewis, M&S and Selfridges, alongside hotels, spas and a space in British Airways’ first class gift bag.
Unilever swooped in 2015, and it now sells in 50 countries worldwide.
Boox aims to take cardboard waste out of the equation by introducing the returnable cartons, and bags, to retailers selling direct to customers.
It told how it was impressed with Grimsby’s green credentials having worked with Tri-Pack in the design phase, with the ultimate aim to replicate US operations in the town with a 20,000 sq ft facility.
Tri-Pack, a long-standing packaging firm based on South Humberside Industrial Estate, has played a strong role in the removal of single use polystyrene from the seafood industry, while also working in wider food markets.
Keep up-to-date with all the latest developments - follow BusinessLive Humber on Twitter and LinkedIn.
