BLOG SPOT with Paul Frasca

Embracing Transparency and Sustainability in Salon Recycling...

We live in an exciting era where conversations about the environment and social issues have taken centre stage, allowing us to positively impact the world. As we embrace our role in contributing to a brighter future, there’s one essential element we aim to address: transparency.

Transparency within the recycling industry is challenging to come by. We often wonder where our recycling ends up and if it is genuinely recycled. Being environmentally responsible takes effort, sorting materials, only to wonder if your recycling efforts are worth it. When you become a Sustainable Salons member, we don’t leave you scratching your head; we want to answer all of your questions and share the facts.

As industry leaders, incorporating the journey of material processes from start to finish is crucial. By understanding the complete journey of recycled materials, such as plastics or hair, you can make informed and sustainable choices for your salon.

Plastics recycling is not a new concept, but we have taken it to a new level. At Sustainable Salons, we are committed to creating a closed-loop system that diverts salon resources away from landfill and transforms them into innovative, sustainable products. Let me take you through our endto-end recycling process and show you how we are embracing this journey with our network.

The First Step Towards Sustainability

It all begins with the collection. As a salon professional, you know first-hand how many resources can accumulate daily, from product packaging to foils and plastics. At Sustainable Salons, we have created a comprehensive system that allows you to separate and collect these resources effortlessly. When you choose Sustainable Salons for your business, you become part of a network dedicated to making a real and measurable impact.

Working Hand-in-Hand for a Greener Future

Once the resources reach our depots, the real magic happens. Our team sorts and processes each material, ensuring they are handled with care.

Once these materials are processed by our team, they are recycled and repurposed or sold to manufacturers. Our plastics are processed into new products through partnerships with manufacturers like Defy Design. Defy Design are experts in plastics recycling and have paved the way for closed-loop plastic manufacturing by creating innovative products like The Sustainable Salons Comb. This collaboration allows us to both pool our knowledge and resources, bringing cutting-edge sustainable solutions to your salon.

Creation of Innovative Products

As hairdressers, you are experts in creating beauty, and we share the same passion for recycling - plastics are just one example. Our closed-loop process transforms the plastics collected from your salon into inspiring and beautiful products. Each item exhibits the true value of recycled materials, from coasters to plant pots and pet leashes, giving them a new lease on life.

To begin the product development process, we collect and store a specific volume of that material before the manufacturing process begins.

Sustainable Salons even give hair clippings a second life. We have multiple methods of processing hair to create products like Hair Booms, Hairy Soil or Hairy Tech. Our Hair Booms are manufactured throughout our local depots by Sustainable Salons team members. As more salons sign up to the program, more hair comes in, and we can expand production. We have also found a way to utilise hair in soil. The development of Hairy Soil stems from the fact that hair contains a multitude of nutrients that, when extracted, can enrich your soil and help plants grow. Our mission to Make Sustainability Reality drives these innovative processes, helping us produce products that are a force for good.

“Recycling processes are dependent on the infrastructure available where the materials are recycled. As society becomes more educated in recycling processes, more local manufacturing facilities will open, which will then fast-track the production of materials. Encouraging local recycling and closed-loop manufacturing reduces the need for overseas production in countries like China. Resulting in the stimulation of the economy and a better future for the next generations.” - Paul Frasca, Co-Founder of Sustainable Salons

The Power of Your Choices

We believe in empowering you with information so you can make informed decisions. Our member education enables you to understand the steps needed to ensure resources are sorted correctly for collection. Additionally, we keep you informed about the processes of each material. Whether they are sold to manufacturers, with proceeds donated to OzHarvest & KiwiHarvest, or contributing to the circular economy like our Sustainable Salons Comb, our goal is transparency. We firmly believe that knowledge is power, and your choices hold immense value.

At Sustainable Salons, we have diverted over 1,700,000kg of total resources from landfill, and with your support, this will continue to grow. We are committed to leading the way in the circular economy, and by sharing our impact, we aim to inspire others to join us in this journey. Together, we can continue to elevate the industry’s commitment to sustainability and drive real change for a more sustainable future.

Scan the QR code to learn more about our materials and processes in The Green Chair. You may be surprised by how transparent we are.