Articles

10.1.2011 Cosmetics giants tackle sustainability

Cosmetics giants L'Oréal and Clarins are heightening their focus on sustainability, in recognition of the rising importance of this area to future growth. L'Oréal has established ten specific objectives, incorporating the creation of environmentally-friendly formulas, ensuring it protects biodiversity and infusing these values within the entire innovation process. It is also hoping to slash plant emissions by 50%, through means like leveraging solar and wind power and enhanced packaging design. However, as L'Oréal attempts to reach an extra 1bn customers over the coming decade, new challenges will undoubtedly emerge. "When beauty is made accessible to a billion consumers, taking care of the beauty of the planet becomes a personal and professional quest," Francis Quinn, L'Oréal's director of sustainable development, told The Malaysia Star.

Clarins, a compatriot of L'Oréal, is moving to cut greenhouse gas output by 20% by the end of 2011. After conducting a detailed study of its environmental impact, the organisation found 40% of emissions could be attributed to promotional lines. "We measure our consumption of materials and packaging against our production, and we do a comparison every year," said Yvette James, head of Clarins' responsible development division.

B.L. 10.1.2011