4.11 Transparent labelling and shift towards responsible consumption (S4)
4.11.3 Action plans in place4.11.2.2 Specific governance arrangements
Within the Corporate Social Responsibility department, the Sustainable Consumption department is responsible for developing and rolling out a transparent labelling system (Product Impact Labelling). It also participates in the EcoBeautyScore Association, which aims to create a common labelling system for the beauty industry.
4.11.3 Action plans in place
4.11.3.1 Developing a Product Impact Labelling system for displaying products’ environmental impact
Since 2017, L’Oréal has been working with the SPOT eco-design tool (see section 4.4.3.3) to help determine the environmental profile of all products with revised formulas as well as new products launched by the Group.
PRODUCT IMPACT LABELLING: A UNIQUE APPROACH WITH MULTIPLE BENEFITS
Product Impact Labelling: A Unique Approach with Multiple Benefits
- For Consumers
- Clarity and understanding
- Simplified decision-making
- For L'Oréal
- Acceleration of product eco-design
- Strengthening of brand image
- Transparency and leadership
- For the Beauty Industry
- Inspiration and best practices
- Ongoing improvement dynamic
To help consumers better understand the environmental impact of their choices, L'Oréal has developed the Product Impact Labelling system, based on SPOT environmental assessments (see section 4.4.3.3). This draws on a scientific method using EU-recommended product life cycle assessments to determine Product Environmental Footprints (PEF). It assigns a rating from "A" to "E" that reflects a product’s environmental performance, where within a given category, “A” represents the lowest impact. Designed in collaboration with independent scientific experts, the environmental impact label is aimed at encouraging consumers to make more sustainable choices, and is now available on the product pages of the websites of 12 Group brands, in 12 skincare or haircare categories, in 32 countries across Europe, North America and China.
Products are classified according to their overall environmental footprint. In a given category (e.g., shampoos or face care products), the 10% of products with the smallest footprint are rated “A”, while the 10% of products with the greatest footprint are rated “E”. Other products are distributed from “B” through “D” on a linear basis. The “A” rated products are significantly better than the “B” rated products, themselves significantly better than products rated “C”.
L’Oréal continues to roll out this scoring system in collaboration with its distribution networks, so that the ratings are presented in a clear and accessible way for consumers. At the same time, the Group is stepping up its advertising campaigns and marketing materials, both in-store and online, to promote its commitment to sustainability and ensure transparent communication with consumers.