MAC Revamps 'Back To MAC' Recycling Program

MAC Cosmetics has news to share for Earth Month. The company has revamped its "Back-To-MAC" takeback program, which collects back its empty packaging from consumers.

The changes ensure the program has an even greater impact, MAC states—and now, the company expects to collect up to 300,000 to 500,000 kilograms of cosmetic packaging each year. That's equal to nearly a million pounds. 

Aïda Moudachirou-Rébois, senior vice president, global chief marketing officer at MAC Cosmetics, spoke to us about the reason for the changes, explaining:

"Back-To-MAC has been around for 30-plus years, and we have found new ways to improve the program. We shifted the free product incentive to investments that are making a real impact in reducing plastic waste."

A new partnership with Close the Loop North America is one of the program's changes. The company will process all the MAC empties the brand receives back from consumers in the U.S. 

Close the Loop Has a Zero-Waste-to-Landfill Solution 

Close the Loop is the end-to-end solutions provider that MAC is partnering with to process all the empty packaging collected back from consumers. "Partnering with Close the Loop in the U.S. will enable us to make sure we recycle as much of the packaging customers return to us as possible," says Moudachirou-Rébois.

Close the Loop's advanced recycling technology will ensure a high percentage of the returned packaging gets recycled—even materials typically not recyclable through municipal streams.

MAC states that Close the Loop will convert the remaining waste to energy using its waste-to-energy technology, providing a zero-waste-to-landfill solution.

The Impact of MAC's Back-To-Mac Program

MAC was always ahead of its time—and began its Back-To-MAC takeback program in 1990 when recycling and an eco-conscious mindset were not yet part of the national conversation.

At the time, most cosmetics packaging was not—and still isn't—able to be recycled curbside. MAC's founders came up with a solution to recycle MAC packaging, and Back-to-MAC was born. 

Back-to-Mac is making a difference. Last year, more than 340,000 pounds of empty MAC containers were processed in the U.S. That’s the equivalent of 9,300,000 lipsticks.

MAC Supports Plastics for Change

MAC Cosmetics is also announcing its support of Plastics for Change with an initial $100k donation. "Plastics for Change is a trusted source of fair trade-verified recycled plastic," says Moudachirou-Rébois.

The donation will enable the collection of over 550k pounds of plastic from coastal areas—equivalent to 12.5MM plastic bottles. "The money will also support the the livelihoods of the plastic collectors and their communities," she adds.  

Where To Return MAC Cosmetics' Packaging

MAC Cosmetics states on its website: "We encourage you to continue to bring back your empties in-store or online to be processed through the program."

Consumers are encouraged to bring empty packaging to MAC counters, stores or mail to— 2053 Meridian Place Hebron, KY 41048.

"These are just some ways that we are evolving our efforts for greater action and impact,” says Moudachirou-Rébois. 

Stay tuned for more.