How Google Cloud AI Helped LUSH Slash Its Packaging Waste
Every year, the global cosmetics sector produces over 120 billion units of packaging. LUSH, a British brand renowned for its natural, cruelty-free products, is doing some to reduce that number.
LUSH is well known for being a first-mover when it comes to ESG, but its latest zero-packaging initiative is particularly bold.
This sustainable approach, however, is presenting some challenges at the checkout.
In preparation for this initiative, staff had to memorize a vast array of products for manual entry at the register, which naturally resulted in long waiting times and mild frustrations among customers.
“As the concepts of the products began to evolve and because we had no money for packaging to begin with, a list of products that could be made solid began to come into view," says Helen Ambrosen, the company's Co-Founder.
“The first was a solid bath oil. Then came the henna brick I worked through my list realizing that products in this form did not require preservatives.
“All our careers have been spent considering this and working to make products without preservatives.
“This work and all that by the other Founders and Inventors, has led to the development of what is now a very extensive patent portfolio, of which we are very proud.”
To tackle the checkout challenges, LUSH has enlisted the services of Google Cloud, and its AI solutions.
How Google Cloud is helping LUSH
Google Cloud seemed a natural choice for LUSH as the firm looked to solve this new problem.
In recent years, the American tech giant has built a reputation for helping retailers to totally change their business operations through the use of customer data.
In the case of LUSH, Google Cloud is allowing customers to scan products in-store using their phones, with that data being transferred directly and instantaneously to the checkouts.
LUSH's cash registers can also instantly recognise unpackaged items that are held before a camera that is affixed to the checkout, speeding up the whole process through automation.
It's a process that is being received very well by customers, while also helping LUSH to cut its operational expenses and, of course, boost its efficiency.
A push for zero packaging
Shifting away from packaging, particularly single-use plastics, mitigates landfill issues and reduces oceanic pollution.
Reducing packaging also lessens the energy consumption and resources necessary for manufacturing and transport, thereby decreasing carbon footprints.
LUSH reports that eliminating packaging has globally prevented nearly six million plastic bottles from being discarded, with shampoo bars alone. The cost efficiency translates to lower product prices or the incorporation of higher-quality ingredients.
LUSH's relationship with AI
Enhancing LUSH's checkout efficiency has curtailed onboarding time for new employees, fostering a more inclusive workplace environment. The AI initiative also yields substantial water conservation, with LUSH saving 440,000 litres of water by reducing the frequency of in-store product demonstrations.
The precise identification capabilities improve billing accuracy and inventory management. During Glasgow's bustling Christmas season, LUSH staff report significant reductions in queue times, from waiting out-the-door to approximately three minutes.
Justin Keeble, Managing Director for Global Sustainability at Google Cloud, says: “LUSH is leveraging Google Cloud AI to champion sustainability in their retail operations.
“They're using AI to identify unpackaged products at checkout, cutting down transaction times and saving water by reducing the need for in-store product demonstrations.
“It's a great example of how technology can support eco-conscious practices while enhancing the customer experience.”
