Our Sustainable Salons Impact Report: Everyday Actions, Real Results at H&B Christchurch
At H&B in St Albans, sustainability isn’t a campaign. It’s how we work every day. Since partnering with Sustainable Salons in 2021, our team has been quietly sorting, saving, and sending materials for a second life. This year’s Impact Report puts real numbers behind those small daily habits and reminds us why they matter for our clients, our community, and Aotearoa.
Our Results Since 2021
- 1,700+ kg of salon waste diverted from landfill
- 455 kg of plastics recycled into new products
- 589 kg of paper and cardboard returned to the circular economy
- 561 kg of metals, helping fund 449 meals for people in need
- 100 kg of hair transformed into 83 oil booms to clean up oil spills
What Sets H&B Apart in Christchurch
- Integrated systems, not one‑off efforts: Sustainable Salons sorting is built into every appointment. Foils, colour tubes, clippings, and packaging are separated as we go, so sustainability never slows your service.
- Award‑recognised leadership: Industry Awards Sustainable Salon of the Year winner (2022), finalist (2023), AHIA NZ Salon of the Year and Best Eco Salon finalists (2025), and Most Outstanding Social Impact winner (2024). Consistent recognition signals systems that last.
- Local impact, real numbers: We publish our Christchurch results and translate them into outcomes like meals funded and oil booms created.
- Client experience first: Your visit feels seamless. The difference is what happens behind the scenes in our St Albans salon.
Why We Chose Sustainable Salons
Sustainable Salons is a certified resource recovery programme across Australia and New Zealand. They collect and repurpose materials many salons throw away—foils, metals, plastics, hair, and more—turning waste into resources, supporting community initiatives, and providing verified reporting so salons and clients can see the difference.
Everyday Actions That Add Up
- Hair clippings become oil booms that help protect coastlines after spills.
- Metals and foils are recycled, with proceeds contributing to meals for people in need.
- Plastics, paper, and cardboard are processed into new materials, keeping resources in circulation.
How This Benefits Our Clients
- Cleaner, lower‑waste services without compromising results.
- Confidence that your appointment supports environmental and social outcomes here in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
- A salon that aligns with your values around climate, community, and care.
FAQ: Sustainable Salons and H&B
Q: What is a sustainable salon?
A: A sustainable salon reduces waste, saves resources, and supports community outcomes through certified recycling and recovery systems. At H&B, this includes recycling foils and colour tubes, repurposing plastics and paper, and transforming hair into oil booms.
Q: How much waste has H&B diverted?
A: Since 2021 we’ve diverted over 1,700 kg, including 455 kg plastics, 589 kg paper, 561 kg metals, and 100 kg hair.
Q: Where do the metals and hair go?
A: Recovered metals help fund meals for people in need. Hair is felted into booms used to absorb oil in spill response.
Q: Does sustainability change my appointment or the price?
A: Your service experience remains the same. We manage sorting and collections behind the scenes. There is a $3 green fee on your appointment, which directly supports recovery and community outcomes, and it will be noted on your bill.
Q: Why choose H&B over another sustainable salon in Christchurch?
A: Many salons recycle. H&B pairs daily systems with verified results and industry recognition, delivered by a trained team in St Albans. We track year‑on‑year impact and keep improving, not just complying.
Tips You Can Take Home
- Bring products back: Return empty salon bottles or aerosols during your next visit. We'll ensure they are recycled properly, and you will receive a small credit on your account.
- Space out wash days: Professional products mean fewer wash days, less water, and longer‑lasting colour.
- Choose refills: Ask about refill options and concentrated formulas that reduce plastic.
Our Commitment, Next Steps
This year’s numbers are a milestone, not a finish line. Next we’re reviewing water and energy usage, product lifecycle choices, and low‑waste retail packaging. We’ll keep sharing our data and the stories behind it, so you can see how your appointment continues to make a difference in Christchurch.
Want more info? Read our Sustainability page here. If you have any questions, reach out to us at info@hairart.co.nz
