The L’Oréal Group has been proactively taking steps towards a greener future, one brand at a time. The Garnier brand is evidence of this commitment. Its One Green Step initiative launched earlier this year promises the brand will use zero virgin plastic in its packaging and make 100% of its industrial sites carbon neutral by 2025, as well as supporting 787 communities globally through the Solidarity Sourcing program.
The latest Garnier initiative, launched successfully in the EU in 2020, is now rolling out to the US market. The digital labeling system ranks its haircare products against other L’Oréal Group products based on 14 environmental factors. Each product gets a ranking from A to E, “with A indicating the 10% of L’Oréal Group products in the same category with the lowest relative product impact.” This ranking takes into account each and every stage of a product’s life cycle―from the sourcing of ingredients to its disposal.
The scoring system was developed with 11 independent scientific experts taking environmental factors into account, such as water scarcity, ocean acidification, greenhouse gas emissions, and impacts on biodiversity. The scores and footprint data were then analyzed and verified by independent auditor Bureau Veritas.
"It seemed relevant to start with haircare products, not only because they are our most popular products, but because we have found that rinse-off products have a higher environmental impact due to the energy required to heat water," said Clémence Gosset, Head of Consumer Information, L'Oréal Corporate Responsibility. "The Product Impact Labeling System is based on the key impact assessments of the Sustainable Product Optimization Tool (SPOT)―a methodology that L'Oréal developed together with independent scientific experts."
The Product Impact Labeling System empowers customers with new information that will let them consider more sustainable choices within Garnier’s haircare product offerings. When viewing a product on Garnier’s website, all one has to do is click on the “Environmental and Social Impact” tab, and an overall score will be displayed alongside a lowdown of specific category ratings. There are plans to make this system more accessible for brick-and-mortar customers by adding QR codes on product packaging so the information is immediately available to inform and advise shoppers. In 2023, the initiative is set to expand and will cover products by Redken, L’Oréal Paris, Kiehl’s, and CeraVe.
L’Oréal for the Future is a multifaceted sustainability plan that articulates the conglomerate's commitments for 2030 that span across every aspect of the business. For example this year L’Oréal entered a multiyear tech and research partnership with BreezoMeter―a leader in environmental information surrounding air quality, fires, and pollen―and launched a €50,000,000. L’Oréal Fund For Nature. With a plethora of plans and initiatives grounded in bold measurable targets under its belt, it is clear that L’Oréal is committed to a greener future.
