Zero waste body care brand Uni has launched its body care line with a US$4mn investment from That 70’s Show star Ashton Kutcher and entertainment manager Guy Oseary.
The investment from Oseary and Kutcher comes through SOUNDWaves, a sustainability-focused ESG investment vehicle that is part of investment firm Sound Ventures, which the two co-founded.
"The hospitality industry is far too reliant on single-use packaging," commented Kutcher.
"The shift to reusable, refillable, and ocean-safe solutions should be adopted by every player in the industry.”
According to the brand, one-third of the plastic that ends up in our oceans or landfills comes from the personal care industry.
Founder and daughter of former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating, Alexandra Keating, launched Uni with the aim of leaving no environmental impact from the brand's formulations and ingredients.
The Uni body care range features a shampoo, conditioner, body wash, serum and hand wash and is formulated with a blend of ocean hydrators, antioxidants and minerals.
The Hydrating Shampoo contains aloe vera, glycerin and olive oil, while the conditioner contains avocado oil, Kakadu extract and radish root.
Meanwhile, the brand's Exfoliating Hand Wash is formulated using up-cycled Australian olive pips and gives a chamomile and hazelnut scent.
Reef safe
Uni products do not include any ingredients on the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory list, a non-profit organisation that specialises in marine and aquatic ecological health.
In partnership with Coral Gardners, the Australian brand is donating 1% of sales to the Coral Gardeners organisation that protects and restores coral reefs and is also participating in the UN Climate Neutral Now initiative.
Made out of bio-resin, the refillable pumps last for two years, according to the brand, and then should be sent back to be disassembled and recycled.
To shoot the brand’s campaign, Keating enlisted photographer Nabil Elderkin, who is known for his work with Kanye West, fashion and beauty photographer Amanda Charchian and NFT artist Taehoon Park to create (non-NFT) digital renderings of the products.
All products are reef safe, vegan and leaping bunny certified and are available via the brand’s website weareuni.com with price points starting at $25.20 and a starter kit for the full line priced at $179.