Lush Cosmetics partners with Dubai composting startup

Lush Cosmetics has partnered with a female-led startup to reduce waste at its Dubai manufacturing facility. The Waste Lab in the UAE converts food scraps and leftovers from hotels, businesses, restaurants and communities into compost.

Lush’s Jebel Ali factory, located on the outskirts of Dubai, produces around 25 fresh products, according to the British beauty brand. Fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs are often used as ingredients in cosmetics.

“We are delighted to have found a partner like The Waste Lab, a company that aligns with our vision of a circular economy,” said Anita Baker, managing director of Lush MENA.

“Sustainability alone is not enough, it also requires regenerative practices, circular practices and permaculture,” she added.

Lara Hussein, CEO of The Waste Lab, co-founded the company with Ceylan Uren in 2021.

Hussain added: “Our collaboration at the Lush Manufacturing Centre in Jebel Ali exemplifies how innovative and nature-based waste management can transform food scraps into valuable compost. This compost not only reduces waste, but also supports local farms by enriching the soil and promoting regenerative agriculture.”

According to Hussain, Lush’s waste is being used to develop compost mixes (currently in the R&D phase) to support local farms, improve soil quality and promote regenerative agricultural practices.