R+COLOR, R+Co’s professional, sustainable hair color range is collaborating with Paper Not Foilto spread awareness surrounding an eco-friendly alternative to color foils, now available nationwide.

Why Paper Not Foil

According to Green Circle Salons, the beauty industry sends 877 pounds of waste to the landfill every single minute--and much of that is foil.

Paper Not Foil is a sustainable, paper solution to aluminum foil, plastic, and mesh. Made from recycled industrial by-products and produced with low carbon emissions, this unique paper alternative aligns with R+COLOR’s mission for a greener future.

R+COLOR x Paper Not Foil is produced using renewable, solar energy resources, without the use of water or trees and 86% less energy to significantly reduce carbon emissions. This paper foil alternative is degradable, recyclable and reusable. Simply rinse or machine wash with towels then allow to air dry for reuse. Unlike traditional foils, there is no need to fold these foils into parcels or over the tail of a comb. Place paper foil onto the hair, fold to encase any color or lightener application.

This co-branded collaboration focuses on providing exposure to this eco-friendly option for salons and colorists seeking sustainable alternatives to waste. The partnership also aims to raise awareness for consumers when requesting color services at their local salons.

Every Paper Not Foil strip is:

• Washable and can be reused several times reducing single waste.
• Made using significantly less energy than foil.
• Degradable in landfills without producing toxic waste.
• Produced without using water, acid or bleach in its manufacturing process along with renewable energy.
• Fully recyclable.
• Waste free – it is produced from waste materials and any reject paper is recycled into new paper or through recycling
streams made into new products.
• Faster and easier to use with many creative uses.
• More comfortable for the client.
• Quieter during application.

“Paper Not Foil is my go-to because it’s a game-changer for both the planet and the hair. It’s lightweight, easy to work with, and lets me keep the hair's natural texture and strength intact, which is everything when you’re focused on healthy results,” says Richy Kandasamy, vice president of color development and R+COLOR Collective Member.

“I feel very privileged to partner with such an innovative, disruptive, and high-performing color company with a focus on wellness and sustainability. To make a difference is to make a change, and making a change will make a difference,” says Amanda Buckingham, founder of Paper Not Foil.

Why R+Color

Environmental consciousness is a cornerstone in R+COLOR’s brand philosophy, as the range is free of fragrance, gluten, PPD, resorcinol, formaldehyde, parabens and silicones. It is the first hair color brand in the world to launch demi-permanent liquid using 100% recycled aluminum bottles. Pre- and post-color products are packaged using 50-100% PCR materials, and cartons are sustainably sourced, made from 100% PCR paper, certified by the FSC. R+COLOR is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, Leaping Bunny
certified.

Q and A with R+Co

Dan Langer, the president of R+Co, joined Kandasamy for a conversation with MODERN SALON on this partnership with Paper Not Foil. 

MODERN SALON: How do these help colorists keep the hair's natural texture and strength intact?  

RICHY KANDASAMY: Using alternatives to foil helps protect the hair's natural texture and strength.

Aluminum foil, as a heat conductor, can sometimes overwhelm the hair if not handled quickly, potentially damaging its texture.

Paper Not Foil is less aggressive, providing a softer, more controlled heat application. This makes the process gentler on the hair, which helps to preserve its integrity.

DAN LANGER: Richy has been using alternatives to foil and different types of meche for many years. It’s been part of his toolkit before it became a feature of R+Co’s offerings.

This approach, while benefiting the integrity of the hair, also aligns with sustainability goals, reduces waste, and lowers the carbon footprint, which is important to us and to modern stylists. It’s about doing good for the future.

MS: Is there any learning curve to using these?

RK: It’s really the same process, so it’s more understanding how they work and getting used to the feel.  If I’m working with very short hair, I will cut it to be shorter and if I have longer hair, I’m also customizing for the longer lengths of hair. 

Stylists appreciate how these don’t get stuck in the hair, and they have less noise. They can improve your overall workflow.  

Hairdressers are creatures of habit, but when you tell them the story behind it, and they start using it, they come to understand the value. 

MS: How do the two brands align?

DL: When we embarked on creating R and Color, it was a project many years in the making. We interviewed hundreds of colorists to learn what their dream color line would look like and what was most important to them. A key insight was their awareness of the waste they were generating, which became one of the central tenets of our approach: stylist wellness and sustainability.

Our collaboration reflects these priorities and offers alternatives. For instance, the packaging for R and Color is made entirely from post-consumer recycled materials, addressing a major concern for hairdressers. Stylist wellness is another point of difference—our products are fragrance-free and non-allergenic, meeting the needs of many colorists who were seeking healthier options.

Paper Not Foil has become an integral part of the brand’s DNA, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability. Of course, performance remains paramount. The color must deliver exceptional results and be best in class. We’ve prioritized creating an ammonia-free alternative that’s thoughtfully designed to make the experience as healthy as possible—not just for the environment, but for stylists and their clients as well.

MS: What does R+Co hear from salon clients about their  interest in sustainable solutions?

RK: The new generation is all about the experience. There’s a growing clientele that values not only the outcome but also the process. For example, in my own practice, I use both foil and Paper Not Foil. I take the time to educate my clients on why I’m using sustainable alternatives. It’s part of being a more professional and conscientious stylist.

DL: We serve a variety of clients—salon owners, stylists, and end consumers. When we think of our consumers as colorists and end users, there is a significant and growing desire for sustainability. It's not just starting; it’s already here and becoming increasingly important. The demand for sustainable options is clear.

This is a visible form of sustainability—clients see that we’re using something different on their hair, and it’s resonating with them. I’m seeing sustainability emerge more and more as a key driver of purchase intent. However, high performance remains the top priority. For instance, even with our ammonia-free lighteners, some stylists absolutely love the results they’re achieving.

We’re going to continue to innovate around the line. We offer a full complement of products to meet the diverse needs of hairstylists. Our goal is to provide the broadest range of tools for the widest range of stylists.