Plastic disposable razors are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to plastic pollution. While a lot of attention has been brought to plastic bags, plastic straws, and the like, disposable razors often get lost in the single-use plastic conversation. One of the main reasons is that there hasn’t been a feasible and affordable alternative – until now.
While non-disposable safety razors have risen in popularity amongst the eco-conscious buying public, the reality is that not everyone can afford a more expensive permanent razor. And, when it comes to the beauty industry, only disposable razors can be used for hygiene and safety reasons.
Which presents an enormous environmental challenge. Tzvia Hermann, the owner of Beautique brands, sat down and did the math just within her own company. According to her “Before and between laser hair removal, one needs to shave. Every laser hair removal clinic uses at least one single-use, two-blade razor per client which is thrown away. That’s at least 15 razors a day, 105 razors a week, 420 razors a month, and a whopping 5040 razors a year, per branch.
And that’s unacceptable.” After a bit more research and Tzvia learned the frightening truth that there are no recycling plants in Africa that accept and recycle disposable razors! The sad reality is that at this time, there is simply no straightforward way to dispose of plastic razors in an eco-friendly way. There are almost 60 million people in South Africa. Let’s say half the population shave using disposable razors and they use a razor a week. That’s 120 million disposable razors a month and 1.44 billion a year.
According to the official Stats SA website, 90% of an estimated 59 million tonnes of general waste produced in South Africa in 2011 ended up in landfills, while only 10% was recycled. Studies reported in 2016 showed that as little as 12.9% of households actually recycle compared to one year before of only 5.2%. Although in recent years certain municipalities initiated some kind of recycling program, the municipalities struggled with the implementation due to a lack of capacity or infrastructure, which means that South Africa is running out of space for waste disposal despite the small acts of recycling introduced.
Armed with this information, Tzvia feels that companies and the general public have a responsibility to take matters into their own hands. “I want to see improved measures from our government”, she says, “but I’m not going to sit back and do nothing in the meantime. SMEs and individuals can make a change, demand change, and put pressure on each other and large companies and the government to make the necessary changes.
We just need to stick together.” Introducing the BeauRaze With the above statistics in mind, Tzvia immediately began researching viable alternatives to plastic disposable razors and came across the perfect solution – disposable razors made from wheat straw. Unlike most plastic disposable razors, this awesome new green razor comes with one handle and boasts three replacement triple blade heads. “Have you noticed how most disposable razors don’t come with changeable heads?
We believe it’s all bottom-line driven. Looking at BeauRaze, you would never know that this razor is made from 100% degradable wheat material”, says Tzvia. So Beautique Brands welcomes the BeauRaze with open arms.
BeauRaze has the following benefits: – 100% biodegradable – 3 premium blades – 3 replaceable razor heads – Natural and comfortable non-slip grip – Bio-material from wheat straw, used for the handle and blade holder – Cost is on par with most plastic disposable razors Best of all The Beautique Group will not only be using and retailing BeauRaze at The Laser Beautique but will also be wholesaling BeauRaze to other laser clinics, home salons, medical institutions, pharmacies, and other retail stores.
“As an eco-conscious business owner I am always looking for environmentally friendly options”, says Tzvia, “we are thrilled to introduce the BeauRaze and I am delighted that our company will be able to dramatically reduce our plastic waste. This is an absolute game-changer.” For this reason, The Laser Boutique is currently running a social media challenge to raise awareness of the difference eco-friendly beauty products can have. Go take a look and even join the challenge: #TLBChangeChallenge #ShaveYourWays
