British company King of Shaves to switch to aluminium and cork for recycling benefits

British company King of Shaves says it will ditch single-use plastic within four years to control environmental pollution and will switch to aluminium and cork for their recycling benefits. Aluminium, as a metal is infinitely recyclable and cork is a natural and biodegradable material made from the bark of Cork Oak Trees, which can be recycled into a range of products.  

King of Shaves said that the move will hit profits in the short term but the switch from single-use plastic will double annual revenues in the long term, from around £3million now to about £6million. The company has already spent £120,000 for shifting to refillable products, with its first range, Code Zero, to be launched in July.

Founder and executive chairman Will King said: “This is a hit we will absorb due to the responsibility we feel we owe the environment.”

He added: "As a responsible branded goods manufacturer, selling millions of units each year, we strongly feel it's our responsibility to future generations to help consumers make a sustainable change without it costing them more.”

The company currently spends around £1 million a year on packaging, but said the cost will increase once the company switches to durable packaging. The Code Zero range of lifetime use will have shaving, skincare, deodorants, lip balms, hair styling and oral care products.

The company will switch to aluminium and cork in production and packaging, with refills sold in fully recyclable or compostable formats.  The initiative is supported by the Surfers Against Sewage organisation that is working on reducing plastic pollution.

King of Shaves managing director Andy Hill added: “If the consumer engages with refills then over time the ongoing investment in packaging will reduce. But it will be a marathon, not a sprint in terms of cost reduction.”

The entire Code Zero shaving, skincare, deodorants, and hair product range will switch to aluminium and cork for production and packaging.