M18
More than a Brand: a Story of Commitments
L'OCCITANE was born in 1976, when its founder, Olivier Baussan, began distilling essential oils and selling them in his much-loved land of Provence. Built on strong principles and true stories, the brand has grown (a lot!), but its philosophy has always remained the same. Nature matters. People matter. And that's why L'OCCITANE has 6 clear commitments, focused on protecting our precious planet and treating people with respect.
Respecting Biodiversity
A Story Of Generosity
Naturally, a brand that loves nature cares about conservation and sustainability. At L'OCCITANE, we use traceable, sustainably sourced ingredients, making sure that plants are cultivated and harvested without harming the environment or biodiversity. We've even developed supply chains that protect local plant species!
Among our many actions, we've launched the first organic immortelle plantation in Corsica, helped to bring almond trees back to Provence, and are working to protect Provençal lavender, which is under threat from climate change. We're also involved in planting hedgerows, promoting local plants, and protecting old and rare varieties.
Our aim: to have contributed to protecting 1,000 species and varieties of plants by 2025.
Supporting Producers
A Story Of Fairness
Our relationship with our producers is precious, and built on trust and mutual respect. They're the ones who grow the locally sourced, traceable ingredients that lie at the heart of our products. We have long-term, non-exclusive contracts with our producers, pay them a fair price, and provide them with technical and financial support. But we want to go even further…
Our aim: to have a Fair Trade relationship with all our direct producers by 2025. Can we do it? Yes we can!
Reducing Waste
A Story Of Respect For The Planet
Have you heard of the L'OCCITANE three Rs? Recycle, Reduce, React ! L'OCCITANE is concerned (to put it lightly…) about the impact of plastic pollution. So we're trying to make a difference. We offer a recycling service in many of our stores and have a partnership with TerraCycle® for difficult-to-recycle packaging. We sell refills and strive to make our packaging as environmentally friendly as possible.
Our Aim: to ensure that 100% of our bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic by 2025, and that 100% of our owned stores offer a recycling service. And we're on track!
Empowering Women
A Story Of Emancipation
At L'OCCITANE, we believe in gender equality and empowering women to achieve their goals. Through our work in Burkina Faso, we've enabled the women who make our shea butter to gain more independence. Our Foundation has helped them to have access to microcredits, literacy programmes and education for their children. And every year, we sell fund-raising products to promote women's leadership. These may seem like little steps, but they can make a big difference.
Our aim: to support over 26 000 women in their socio-economic development by 2020.
Caring for Sight
A story of Vision
Have you noticed the Braille on our packaging? Or the fund-raising products we sell to help fight preventable blindness? Through partnerships with NGOs and UNICEF, and through the work of our Foundation, we act on several fronts to support the blind and visually impaired. We've been helping to prevent blindness in children through Vitamin A supplements, and enabling more people around the world to have access to eye tests and eye care. The future's looking brighter.
Our aim: to enable 10 million beneficiaries to have access to eye care by 2020.
Celebrating Craftsmanship
A Story of Talent
Artisanal skills are disappearing, and yet they're so important! When you think of L'OCCITANE, you think of authenticity, expertise, traditions and, of course, Provence. L'OCCITANE has always been passionate about craftsmanship and creativity, so it makes perfect sense for the brand to work with local artisans. We'll be showcasing their talents and know-how in our stores and working with them to develop exclusive creations and products so that you, too, can appreciate all the beauty of their traditional, artisanal skills.
Our aim: to support artisans, and share their skills and stories with others.