1. Better Paper


We are committing to use only paper from recycled sources or from responsibly managed forests.


Our Own Brand of sustainable dry paper products

2. Less and Better Plastic


We are constantly exploring and developing alternative packaging materials with the goal of using plastic that is recyclable and having less of it overall.


New Plastic Economy Global Commitment 


Watsons is joining its parent company, A.S. Watson, a signatory of the New Plastic Economy Global Commitment and pledges to reduce the overall impact of its own brand packaging. Learn more here.

All our packaging is optimised even in the development stage

We are working on removing unnecessary plastic packaging or replacing it with more sustainable alternatives

Investigation reuse models

Increasing recyclability and stopping the use of PVCs

Utilising post-consumer recycled plastic materials as much as possible

We will introduce products made wholly or partially of recycled plastic such as rHDPE or rPET

Minimising plastic bags in stores

We have introduced bags with a minimum of 5% post-consumer recycled plastic. We will increase this percentage in the years to come

Reusable bags are available for sale in all our stores

We have introduced paper bags in some of our markets and we plan to extend this practice to all other markets

We have introduced bags with a minimum of 5% post-consumer recycled plastic. We will increase this percentage in the years to come

Reusable bags are available for sale in all our stores

We have introduced paper bags in some of our markets and we plan to extend this practice to all other markets

Improving the sustainability of our products

Microplastics are tiny non-biodegradable plastic particles

Microplastics are harmful to humans as they can enter the food chain and even be found in drinking water

Since the end of 2019, we have banned all brands with rinse-off products that contain microplastics rom our stores.

Microplastics are tiny non-biodegradable

plastic particles

Microplastics are harmful to humans as they can enter the food chain and even be found in drinking water 

Since the end of 2019, we have banned all brands with rinse-off products that contain microplastics rom our stores.

Eliminating microplastics form all our cosmetics and personal products.


Microplastics are solid synthetic polymer (plastic) particles, insoluble in water. Due to their small size (<5mm) they often pass through sewage water filtration systems and can pollute waterways.


Microplastics impact the food chain as they can be ingested by marine organisms. Cosmetics and personal care products account for 2% of microplastic pollutants in the ocean*. In 2014, far ahead of legislation, Watsons banned the use of microplastics in all rinse-off Watsons Own Brand Personal Care products.


At the end of 2019, we extended the ban to all rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products and stopped selling all such products in all our markets (or earlier where required by legislation).


*Source: Boucher, J. and Friot D. (2017). Primary Microplastics in the Oceans: A Global Evaluation of Sources.

3. Responsible Palm Oil


As part of our commitments to promote sustainable and responsible own brand products, A.S. Watson has taken a group membership to the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (“RSPO”), a leading organisation promoting social and environmental compliance in the palm oil industry. As a part of our strategy, we are expanding the selection of Watsons own brand products to be produced with RSPO-certified palm oil, offering more sustainable choices to our customers.

Watsons supports the United Nation’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) for a fair globalization and a better future for all. Learn more about the SDGs here