Biodegradable disposable razor for eco-friendly shaving

The Beautique Group introduced BeauRaze biodegradable single-use razors earlier this year as a viable alternative to plastic disposable razors.

Plastic disposable razors are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to plastic pollution. While plastic bags, plastic straws and the like have drawn a lot of attention, disposable razors often get lost in the single-use plastic conversation. One of the main reasons is because there hasn’t been a feasible and affordable alternative – until now. 

While non-disposable safety razors have risen in popularity amongst the eco-conscious buying public, the reality is that not everyone can afford a more expensive permanent razor. When it comes to the beauty industry, only disposable razors can be used for hygiene and safety reasons. Which presents an enormous environmental challenge. 

Tzvia Hermann, owner of Beautique brands, explains: “Before and between laser hair removal, one needs to shave. So every laser hair removal clinic uses at least one single use, two-blade razor per client which is thrown away. That’s at least 15 razors day, 105 razors a week, 420 razors a month and a whopping 5 040 razors a year, per branch – which is unacceptable.” 

With even more research, Tzvia learned the frightening truth that there are no recycling plants in Africa that accept and recycle disposable razors. The sad reality is that at this time, there is simply no straightforward way to dispose of plastic razors in an eco-friendly way. 

The bigger picture

There are almost 60 million people in South Africa. Let’s say half the population shave using disposable razors and they use one razor per week. That’s 120 million disposable razors a month and 1.44 billion a year.

According to Stats SA, 90% of an estimated 59 million tonnes of general waste produced in South Africa in 2011 ended up in landfills, while only 10% was recycled. Studies reported in 2016 showed that as little as 12.9% of households actually recycle compared to one year before of only 5.2%. 

Although in recent years certain municipalities have initiated some kind of recycling programme, they’ve struggled with implementation due to a lack of capacity or infrastructure. So South Africa is running out of space for waste disposal despite the small acts of recycling introduced. 

Tzvia feels that companies and the general public have a responsibility to address the plastic pollution problem.

“I want to see improved measures from our government”, she says, “but in the meantime, I’m not going to sit back and do nothing. SMEs and individuals can make a change, demand change and put pressure on each other and large companies and the government to do better. We just need to stick together.” 

Introducing the BeauRaze 

To play her part, Tzvia began researching viable alternatives to plastic disposable razors, and came across the perfect solution – disposable razors made from wheat straw. Unlike most plastic disposable razors, this green razor consists of a handle and three replacement triple blade heads.

“Have you noticed how most disposable razors don’t come with changeable heads? Why? We believe it’s all bottom line driven. Looking at BeauRaze, you would never know that this razor is made from 100% degradable wheat material”, she says. 

Since Tzvia’s discovery, Beautique Brands has welcomed BeauRaze with open arms as a natural shaving solution. BeauRaze offers the following benefits: 

– 100% biodegradable 

– three premium blades 

– three replaceable razor heads 

– natural and comfortable non-slip grip 

– bio-material from wheat straw, used for the handle and blade holder 

– cost is on par with most plastic disposable razors.  

The Beautique Group now not only be uses and retails BeauRaze at The Laser Beautique but also wholesales them to other laser clinics, home salons, medical institutions, pharmacies, and other retail stores. 

“As an eco-conscious business owner I am always looking for environmentally friendly options”, says Tzvia. “We are thrilled to introduce the BeauRaze and I am delighted that our company will be able to dramatically reduce our plastic waste. This is an absolute game changer.”