L'Oréal, a leader in the beauty industry, has announced the launch of its Product Impact Labeling in the United States, which will provide consumers with information on the environmental impact of goods based on a wide range of ecological parameters throughout the product lifecycle.
The impact labeling system is being rolled out alongside the findings of a new survey of 2,000 American adults conducted by L'Oreal USA in partnership with Morning Consult. According to the study, most respondents expect to find information about sustainability-related factors on company websites, and nearly all believe that companies have become more sustainable over the past year.
According to Marissa Pagnani McGowan, L'Oreal's chief sustainability officer for North America, the system is a central component of the company's sustainability program, "L'Oréal pour l'avenir," with the U.S. rollout having the "potential to help change consumer behavior and accelerate the beauty industry's progress toward greater sustainability."
Pagnani McGowan added:
"This comes at a time when more and more American customers are focusing on sustainability. This tool will educate consumers, encourage more informed purchasing decisions, and foster a culture of greater brand openness by applying environmental science concepts.
The Product Impact Labelling system, which will debut in France in 2020, evaluates 14 planetary impact factors, ranging from greenhouse gas emissions and water scarcity to ocean acidification and impact on biodiversity, across the product lifecycle, from ingredients to packaging, manufacturing process, transport, use, and disposal. Products receive a grade ranging from A (best in class) to E.
Carbon and water footprints are often the most significant environmental considerations for cosmetics. In addition to presenting the overall environmental score, the organization gives precise information regarding its carbon and water footprints.
The labeling method is initially available on L'Oreal's Garnier haircare products and will be implemented gradually across the company's brand portfolio, which includes Kiehl's, L'Oréal Paris, Redken, and CeraVe.
According to the company, the system was co-created with eleven international and independent experts, with the methodology and data accuracy verified by independent auditor Bureau Veritas and the methodology aligning with the Product Environmental Performance recommendations of the European Commission.
Sanford Browne, L'Oreal's President of Research and Innovation for North America, stated:
"By 2030, we hope that 100 percent of our products will contain design advances in formulae, production, packaging, and other areas that lessen their environmental effect compared to earlier product generations."
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