L'Oreal survey reveals increasing consumer awareness on environmental issues

Around 70% claimed they are serious about such issues and are willing to act.

Consumers are now more aware of the heightened strain placed on the environment by the surge in use of non-recyclable face masks and gloves, as well as the increase in food delivery waste, according to the latest survey of cosmetics company L’Oreal.

The survey also revealed that whilst 80% of the respondents said they are more aware of the environmental issues, 70% claimed they are serious about such issues and are willing to take more action to reduce plastic use.

However, the increased awareness is yet to translate into action towards environmental protection. Only 30% of the respondents took proper measures to recycle used beauty containers and packaging, whilst 47% directly threw away used containers or just put them aside at home.

When asked for the reason, consumers showed uncertainty about the recyclability of beauty product packaging and containers. The 64% of the respondents are not clear about which beauty products’ packaging can be recycled in the market.

Moreover, only 35% are aware of beauty brand recycling programmes in the market, and only 23% of the respondents have participated in these programmes.

Major barriers towards recycling were poor access to recycling facilities (41%) and inadequate recycling points in Hong Kong (32%), according to the survey. Other reasons include the lack of details on the recycling programme (26%), unfamiliarity with the recycling process (23%), and not receiving or paying attention to such information (21%).

“We are at a critical point with regards to the future of our planet, and we welcome the increased awareness on this front. As a leader in the beauty industry, our goal is to work closely with our local community to drive sustainability and take actions with consumers to preserve the environment,” L’Oreal Hong Kong president Eva Yu said.