How salon owner andrew mulvenna put sustainability at the centre of his business

Belfast-based L'Oréal Professional Paris Owner Andrew Mulvenna has made it his aim to become as sustainable as possible. For HJ's Sustainability Week, we talk to him about how going green has had a positive effect on his salon.

Why was becoming sustainable so important to you?

In a nutshell, we were passionate about reducing our carbon footprint on the planet and supporting our local community. It was important for us, as a salon, to align the beliefs and values of our clients with our own, so collectively we can make a positive impact.

What do you think puts other salon owners off moving to a sustainable business?

I feel that some businesses may see the challenge as too big, and not realise that small changes made can have a huge impact. We have introduced refillable cleaning bottles, which are filled weekly with eco-friendly, concentrated products. This small change is due to reduce our plastic bottle waste by approximately 612 bottles per year! Another great initiative is to monitor wastage within the salon – partnering up with a wastage company that shares the same values as you is a great way to start to impact change.

How can becoming sustainable benefit your business?

Reducing the negative impact our business has on the environment and community displays to our team and clients that we care, which creates a positive cultural change. While there are initial costs involved, there are also long-term financial gains to be had in being sustainable.

Do you have any future salon initiatives set in motion?

Our next salon initiative is to further reduce our use of plastic bottles. At present, we are outsourcing salon branded aluminium water bottles for our team members, who can then refill these bottles in the salon. We are also partnering with L'Oréal Professional Products Division, and we have introduced Kerastase refillables that use 82% less plastic. Our longterm goal is to build upon the successful initiatives we have implemented, always striving to be as sustainable as we can be.

What would you say to a salon owner that does not know where to start?

Carrying out an assessment of your business, looking at product usage and wastage, can enable you to identify where you can make a sustainable difference. Remember change, however small, when carried out consistently can have a massive effect!