Lush Cosmetics has partnered with a female-led start-up to reduce waste from its manufacturing facilities in Dubai.
UAE-based The Waste Lab transforms food scraps and leftovers from hotels, businesses, restaurants and communities into compost.
Lush’s Jebel Ali facility, located on the outskirts of Dubai, produces around 25 kinds of fresh products, according to the British beauty brand.
Fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs are frequently used as ingredients in the cosmetics.
“We were ecstatic to find a partner like The Waste Lab, a company that aligns with our vision for a circular economy,” said Lush MENA Managing Director Anita Baker.
She added: “Sustainability is simply not enough, regenerative practices, circulative practices and permaculture are all needed.”
Lara Hussein, CEO of The Waste Lab (pictured, right), co-founded the business with Ceylan Uren (pictured, left) in 2021.
Hussein added: “Our collaboration at the Lush manufacturing hub in Jebel Ali exemplifies how innovative and nature-based waste management can transform food scraps into valuable compost.
“This compost not only reduces waste but also supports local farms by enriching the soil and fostering regenerative agriculture.”
According to Hussein, Lush’s scraps are being used to develop compost mixes – currently in the R&D phase – to support local farms, enhance soil quality and promote regenerative agricultural practices.
The UAE has set a goal of achieving zero landfill waste by 2050.
