By the year 2025, consumers of washing-up liquid will be urged to make sustainable changes to mitigate the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans. Millions of plastic bottles are disposed of annually by UK households, leading to severe ecological consequences.
According to Ecover, the figures are quite alarming: less than half of plastic bottles made for household use are collected for recycling, and only about 7% of those retrieved are actually repurposed. This lack of effective recycling contributes to the staggering statistic of approximately 12.7 million tonnes of plastic ending up in our seas every year, causing devastating consequences for marine wildlife.
Ecover is taking action to encourage consumers to stop purchasing new plastic bottles for washing-up liquid and instead utilize refill stations. This initiative is part of their broader strategy to reduce plastic waste generated by household cleaning products. Ecover stated, "The resulting impact on waterways and marine life is, to put it bluntly, horrifying – with an estimated 12.7 million tonnes ending up in oceans each year." The company's proposition raises the rhetorical question: "Why melt a bottle to make a bottle, when you've already got a bottle? Does seem kinda crazy when you say it out loud.”
To promote their refill culture, Ecover offers over 700 refill stations situated at local health food stores, zero waste shops, and larger supermarkets, making it easier for eco-conscious shoppers to minimize their plastic footprint.
For those who prefer traditional brands like Fairy, there’s also good news. Fairy is offering consumers eco-friendly options with their refillable products. For just £4.50 at Ocado, shoppers get access to Fairy’s refill carton, which can refill standard bottles more than twice, potentially saving up to 85% of the plastic normally used.
Fairy emphasized, "The Max Power bottle with no flip cap provides you Fairy's ultimate cleaning experience, helping you get out of the kitchen faster by making washing dishes fast and easy."
These initiatives come at a pivotal time when consumer awareness about sustainability is on the rise, and many consumers are increasingly supportive of environmentally friendly product options. Ecover's message is clear: shift toward refilling and reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles.
With their campaigns, both Ecover and Fairy are setting the stage for more environmentally responsible consumer practices, encouraging everyone from individual households to larger retailers to rethink the impact of plastic on our oceans.