L’Oreal Achieves 100 Percent Renewable Energy in India Operations

L’Oreal India has achieved a major milestone by transitioning all its operations to 100 percent renewable energy. This includes manufacturing plants in Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) and Chakan (Maharashtra), research and innovation centres in Mumbai and Bengaluru, and offices in key metros.

"This accomplishment aligns with L’Oreal’s global 'L’Oreal for the Future' targets and supports India's Net Zero goals from COP 26. For over a decade, L’Oreal has been committed to sustainable growth, making energy-conscious decisions to minimise environmental impact," said the firm in its note.

As per the firm, it has ensured transparency and traceability in its renewable energy sourcing by tracking the origin of its electricity, including identifying specific windmills and solar farms contributing to its energy mix. At its Chakan plant, L’Oreal has transitioned to wind and solar energy through long-term power purchase agreements and replaced natural gas with biomass boilers. The plant also utilises solar panels to maintain a reliable energy supply. Similarly, the Baddi plant has switched to hydropower and electric boilers, reducing its reliance on diesel.

The firm further said that for locations where electricity is sourced from the grid, L’Oreal purchases certificates that verify the renewable nature of the energy. By October 2023, L’Oreal India had reduced carbon emissions from owned sources to zero (excluding safety and security installations) and achieved a 23 percent reduction in energy intensity across all locations from 2019 to 2023.

L’Oreal's strategy includes reducing energy consumption by upgrading to energy-efficient equipment, utilising renewable energy sources like solar water heating, and implementing energy-saving practices such as using waste energy from steam condensation. The company has also expanded its use of solar energy, installing over 2000 photovoltaic solar panels.

Aseem Kaushik, Managing Director of L’Oreal India, remarked that this achievement marks a significant step in their sustainability journey. He emphasised the company’s commitment to transforming business practices in line with science-based targets and empowering its ecosystem towards a more sustainable future.

The firm also noted that globally, the 'L’Oreal for the Future' program, launched in 2020, focusses on transforming business practices to minimise climate impact, support sustainability transitions, and tackle critical social and environmental issues. This includes assisting vulnerable communities facing climate risks and investing in nature regeneration and circular economy initiatives.