L’OCCITANE Group celebrates B Corp™ Month 2025, reflecting our milestones and future goals

As L'OCCITANE Group marks its second year as a Certified B Corp™, we are proud to celebrate B Corp Month 2025 alongside nearly 10,000 other Certified B Corporations worldwide. Celebrated every March, this annual global campaign has chosen the "Gen B" (Generation B) theme this year, which underscores the commitment of B Corps to raise standards, take action, and shape a better future for generations to come. Since achieving B Corp™ certification in August 2023, L'OCCITANE Group has made further strides in sustainability and corporate responsibility. Achieving certification is not just a milestone - it is a pledge to ongoing progress, sustainability, and ethical business practices that positively impact both people and the planet.

People power

We have continued to support our employees, strengthen supplier partnerships, and increase community engagement. At the heart of our efforts lies our commitment to ensuring fair wages and employee benefits. By March 2024, L’OCCITANE Group affiliates were certified as living wage payors for over 50% of employees. Just one year later, we are proud to have surpassed 90%, and the remaining affiliates are in the process of certification as we work towards 100%.
Our dedication to employee well-being is further reflected in expanded retirement plans in the USA, new life insurance options in APAC, wider access to Employee Assistance Programmes, and enhanced health and safety programmes in Japan. Additionally, we launched a global Human Rights Policy and Ethics Training programme to reinforce responsible business practices at every level of the organisation.

Sustainable partnerships

Beyond our internal commitments, we continue prioritising sustainability across our supply chain through our #NotJustSuppliers programme. This initiative ensures that more than 600 of our valued business partners are assessed by a third party and acknowledge our strict Code of Business Conduct. This covers more than 65% of our global purchasing spend. Our responsible programme covers all categories, either manufacturing or services.  Strengthening these partnerships has been instrumental in improving ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility throughout our operations. 
 

Community matters

Our commitment to social impact is also evident in our employee volunteering initiatives around the world, which have reached new milestones. All the employees in our global offices and retail stores dedicate their time to participate in voluntary schemes. By engaging with local communities and supporting initiatives focused on biodiversity conservation, regenerative agriculture, and social inclusion, we continue to drive meaningful change beyond our business operations.

Powering a greener future

By the end of 2024, 97% of our operations were powered by renewable electricity, bringing us closer to our goal of 100% by 2025. Significant progress has also been made in logistics, where efforts to minimise airfreight and optimise deliveries have helped reduce our carbon footprint. Waste reduction initiatives are also at the forefront of our sustainability strategy, with improved recycling programmes and responsible waste management practices implemented across our manufacturing and distribution centres. 

In order to accelerate the circular economy, we are continuing to partner with specialist organisations in key global markets. Innovation in sustainable packaging remains a major priority for our brands, as we seek to minimise our environmental footprint while maintaining the highest quality standards. For example, our brand, Maison L’Occitane en Provence is committed to 100% eco-designed packaging this year, and is constantly seeking new and sustainable design solutions such as that used for the 30ml Shea Butter Hand Cream. This lighter design with plastic pop closure is made from recyclable HPE plastic, offering a 23% reduction in GHG emissions. 

Brand, Melvita, has also introduced an innovative plastic refill for its single glass jars for all face cream products which helps avoid an estimated 91% of packaging materials in manufacturing, compared to the previous version. Meanwhile, brand, Dr Vranjes Firenze, offers sustainable refills for its glass diffusers and candles using 100% recyclable HDPE plastic, designed to extend product life and reduce waste.

Ambitious biodiversity roadmap

A key component of our ongoing B Corp™ journey has been our active engagement in previous years, with the One Planet Business for Biodiversity (OP2B) coalition which began in 2020, aiming to promote regenerative agriculture and biodiversity conservation. In October 2024, we unveiled an updated Biodiversity Strategy at COP16 in Cali, Colombia. It serves as a comprehensive roadmap to address biodiversity loss, embrace nature-positive business practices, and catalyse change in the corporate world. 

Preparing for B Corp recertification

As we prepare for B Corp™ recertification in 2026, we remain focused on expanding our impact. We greatly respect the exacting standards set by B Lab, the founder of B Corp™, which underline the key leadership role played by the B Corp™ movement globally. The group will work towards certification of more recently acquired brands, Sol de Janeiro, and Dr Vranjes Firenze, by 2026.

Joining the B Beauty Coalition: strength in collective action

This year marks an exciting new chapter in our sustainability journey as Maison L’Occitane en Provence officially joins the B Beauty Coalition as a member. This growing collective, with more than 90 Certified B Corp™ beauty brands – including our own brand, ELEMIS - aims to drive systemic change in the beauty sector through collaboration and shared best practices. By open-source sharing and working alongside like-minded beauty brands, we are committed to accelerating progress in sustainable beauty.  The coalition will also advocate for policy changes and address shared challenges such as ethical ingredient sourcing and waste reduction in packaging.

A future rooted in purpose

Since its inception, L'OCCITANE Group has been a sustainability pioneer, and our commitment to creating a positive impact remains stronger than ever. Being a Certified B Corp™ is not just about meeting standards; it is about being a force for good, continuously pushing the boundaries of responsible business. As we celebrate B Corp™ Month 2025, we reaffirm our dedication to leading by example, raising the bar for sustainability, and inspiring the next generation of purpose-driven companies. The journey continues, and together, we are shaping a better future for all.