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.
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.
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
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.
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.
