Uni launches body care collection in recycled aluminum bottles and reusable dispensers
21 Feb 2022 --- Uni is unveiling the “first closed-loop system” for body care packaging across the US. The launch comes as a “high-performance unisex product line” of hand soap, haircare, and body care, formulated with “reef-safe” ingredients. The company has also recently received US$4 million in seed funding.
Alexandra Keating, Uni’s founder and CEO, says: “Uni was designed to eradicate future production of toxins and plastic waste that enter the ocean through our products. That meant looking at every aspect from upcycled ingredients to a new innovative system of reuse.”
“However, for Uni to make an impact, we had to make a product that people wanted, and it was clear to me that the opportunity was in performance-based products and innovative design.”
Reuse don’t dump
Uni says the personal care industry is responsible for one-third of plastic that ends up in oceans or landfill. However, if just 10% of personal care products are reused, it is possible to prevent almost half of the annual plastic ocean waste, it adds.
All the marine extracts are derived from ethically sourced resources.The Uni refill system was specifically designed for reuse: each of the 100% recycled aluminum bottles twists into a reusable dispenser. As part of the closed-loop program, Uni takes back the aluminum refills to be washed and refilled with carbon-neutral shipping.
“Uni’s design is [environmentally] sustainable but doesn’t compromise on elegance. It is unique, minimal and timeless,” says Marc Atlan, Uni’s creative director.
The company says the two-and-a-half-year development process incorporated every aspect of its packaging, concepted and crafted to provide a unique refillable system.
Seed round funding
Uni’s seed round was led by SoundWaves, an Environmental, Social and Governance investment vehicle dedicated to environmentally sustainable supply chain management.
“The hospitality industry is far too reliant on single-use packaging. The shift to reusable, refillable, and ocean-safe solutions should be adopted by every player in the industry,” says actor Ashton Kutcher, one of SoundWaves’ investors. “Uni has created an [environmentally] sustainable offering that’s better for you and the environment.”
The Uni body care line focuses on hydration for hair and skin. All five formulas include Uni Marine Complex, Uni’s unique combination of marine actives and ingredients with a 24-hour hydrating effect. This complex is paired with Australian “super plants” to deliver antioxidants and vitamins for all skin and hair types.
All marine extracts are sourced ethically from environmentally sustainable resources, formulated exclusively with skin and planet-safe ingredients, along with natural scents.
Uni has partnered with Coral Gardeners, contributing 1% of online sales to coral restoration projects.
Market products
The Uni body care line includes Exfoliating Hand Wash, Skin Shield Body Wash, 24 Hour Body Serum, Hydrating Shampoo and Hydrating Conditioner with price points starting at US$25.20, and a starter kit comprising the full line is available at US$179.
Uni has partnered with Coral Gardeners to contribute 1% of online sales to coral restoration projects that actively repair the damage to coral reefs caused by the personal care industry.
The company is also a participant in the UN Climate Neutral Now initiative, which recognizes organizations working to achieve a climate-neutral world by 2050, as enshrined in the Paris Agreement. Through this initiative, it has committed to measuring, reducing and reporting business-related emissions annually.
Edited
By Natalie Schwertheim
