The kindest cut

Recycling Today, August, 2004

Recycline Inc., Waltham, Mass., has introduced the Preserve Razor Recyclable, what it calls "the first environment-friendly alternative to the disposable razor."

The Preserve Razor Recyclable is the latest addition to the Preserve brand, which includes the number-one selling toothbrush line in the natural product marketplace, according to Recycline.

The razors' handles are made from 100-percent recycled plastics, at least 65 percent of which are recycled Stonyfield Farm yogurt cups. The handles are completely recyclable through community programs that accept #5 plastics or by using Recycline's postage-paid mailer. Recycline's patent-pending design uses only one type of material in the handle, and its unique attachment mechanism enables the user to easily pop off the blade when finished.

Recycline President and founder Eric Hudson says disposable razors contribute nearly 2 million pounds of virgin plastics to U.S. landfills yearly, making it "important to look at the life-cycle of the product and design it so that it can be recycled again."

The razor, which will be available to natural product retailers and distributors nationwide in September, features an ergonomic handle, twin blades that flex and pivot to prevent nicks and cuts and a premium blade coating to ensure smooth strokes.

The suggested retail price for a four-pack of the Preserve Razor Recyclable is $6.99. Recycline will also offer $4.99 blade replacement five-packs that also fit Gillette Sensor razors.