RetailX Leading retailer L’Occitane is working to limit its environmental impact wherever possible – whether through the creation of its beauty formulas to the development of its packaging.
In October 2022, the luxury beauty brand carried out a successful trial of bottles made from 100% recycled PET using Loop Industries’ innovative technology. The pilot project, which was trialled on a mini-series of 2,000 bottles of shower oil in the Almond range, was hailed as a significant milestone in the partnership between the two companies.
While the new bottles look identical to the standard ones, they have a lower environmental impact. Loop Industries’ technology allows PET and low-value polyester fibres to be recycled into high-purity, virgin-quality, infinitely recyclable materials.
Using the same process on other product lines will help L’Occitane to achieve one of its objectives: 100% of bottles will be made from 100% recycled PET by 2025.
David Bayard, packaging R&D director at L’Occitane, says: “L’Occitane en Provence understands the importance of sustainable packaging design. Over the last 13 years we have launched eco-refills, in-store collection, and recycling services and 100% recycled bottles, with more to come.
“We’re proud of our association with Loop Industries, whose technology will allow us to meet our goal of using 100% sustainable PET plastic in all our bottles by 2025. Loop Industries’ innovative technology is a game-changer. It can help us to play a part in addressing growing global concern over plastic pollution.”
The French brand also continues to explore new avenues in its packaging in line with its three key pillars:
Reduce– the brand’s number one goal. By designing eco-friendly packaging and promoting reuse through alternatives like eco-refills and refill fountains.
Recycle– moving towards a circular economy. By promoting the use of recycled materials and ensuring that all remaining waste can become a resource.
React– working together to create a sustainable future, a process involving partnerships with key players and innovative initiatives.
This case study originally appeared in the DeliveryX Packaging 2023 report. Access the full report in which we examine the role of packaging design, personalisation and the unboxing experience in changing both consumers views, and retailer priorities. We also highlight how the introduction of QR codes is transforming packaging for the whole supply chain. Access the full report here.
