Case study
L'Occitane
1
The French cosmetics company illustrates the challenges companies face in trying to manage the environmental risks inherent in ingredient sourcing, especially for those with a strong focus on nature protection through natural and clean ingredients.
![](https://media-s3-us-east-1.ceros.com/loim/images/2023/07/28/0107837ba932ab948af71f9f25be2892/processed-svg-loccitane-en-provence-white.svg)
Case study
L'Occitane
1
The cosmetics industry uses many raw materials, sourced through complex supply chains. L’Occitane sources 10-15% of its natural ingredients – including shea butter, almond oil and essential oils – directly from local producers, which ensures full traceability and close cooperation with suppliers on regenerative agriculture initiatives.
![Healthy raw nuts still growing in the farmer's orchard](https://media-s3-us-east-1.ceros.com/loim/images/2023/07/28/411144681e6c17a90597e15dfaf84045/image-of-almond-nut-trees-in-an-orchard-image.jpg)
Case study
L'Occitane
1
only working with suppliers that are certified under the global RSPO certification system. The company is also looking at exploring palm oil alternatives to ensure a 100% deforestation-free path.
Palm oil, which is among the commodities linked most directly to deforestation, is widely used in the cosmetics industry. L’Occitane follows European Commission guidelines in
![Deforestation in Malaysia destroys rain forest for oil palm industry. Palm oil is used in making biofuel to replace fossil fuels. Environmental issue contributing to climate change and global warming](https://media-s3-us-east-1.ceros.com/loim/images/2023/07/28/757c95756f1a25ebb43add90549f58cd/palm-oil-plantation-at-rainforest-edge-image.jpg)
Case study
L'Occitane
1
A key challenge is that companies can struggle to find enough volumes of certified deforestation-free commodities because of insufficient frameworks and a shortage of certification providers.
![Close up bottle of essential oils with fresh flower. Lab research for scent extract for the new skincare product.](https://media-s3-us-east-1.ceros.com/loim/images/2023/07/28/f72c07d6f74aa53c42bab3d8ded4e630/close-up-bottle-of-essential-oils-with-fresh-flower-lab-research-for-scent-extract-for-the-new-skincare-product-image.jpg)
Case study
L'Occitane
1
Some are being proactive and attempting to find their own ways to assess the quality and environmental integrity of commodity sources. L’Occitane, for example, has developed a risk scorecard for each ingredient. Through engagement we are investigating this initiative with the company to understand how it changes the commodities it uses.
![Young woman scientist zoologist writing down data from trap camera to notepad, observing wild animals in reserve taiga forest, monitoring of rare endangered animal species, ecology World Wildlife Day](https://media-s3-us-east-1.ceros.com/loim/images/2023/07/28/d566526c07eb241586a63f0b7c93f47e/young-woman-scientist-zoologist-writing-down-data-from-trap-camera-to-notepad-observing-wild-animals-in-reserve-taiga-forest-monitoring-of-rare-endangered-animal-species-world-wildlife-day-image.jpg)