L’Oréal is investing in a venture led by biotechnology company Genomatica to create sustainable alternatives to oil-based surfactants. L’Oréal will be a founding member of the venture alongside Unilever and Kao. The investment is made through L’Oréal’s corporate venture fund, BOLD.
The members of the consortium intend to create bio-based surfactants from the transformation of plant sugars by living microorganisms.
These new ingredients will be used across various personal care products, making a significant leap towards L’Oréal’s goal of 100% eco-designed formulas and ingredients that are 95% derived from renewable or abundant sources by 2030.
“At L’Oréal, we believe that science has the power to create a better world, and we are committed to using our expertise to drive positive change in the beauty industry. That’s why we have made Green Sciences the cornerstone of our research,” said Barbara Lavernos, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Research, Innovation and Technology, at L’Oréal.
L’Oréal stands on biotechnology to supply raw materials while respecting biodiversity, natural resources, and ecosystems, and thus further reduce the environmental footprint of the beauty industry.
“Welcoming L’Oréal to this incredible team of global brand heavyweights signifies just how important and urgent the need is for traceable, resilient and sustainable materials, at scale. L’Oréal’s commitment further accelerates Geno’s goal to reduce global carbon emissions by over 100 million tons in the upcoming years by targeting massive scale material markets. We’re energized to help L’Oréal’s achieve its bold 2030 goals,” said Christophe Schilling, Chief Executive Officer, Genometica.
