L'OCCITANE en Provence and Loop Industries Pilot Project: A new bottle from 100% recycled PET using groundbreaking technology

L’OCCITANE en Provence has carried out a successful trial of 100% recycled PET using Loop Industries’ innovative technology at their factory in Terrebonne, Quebec. The pilot project, which was trialled on a mini-series of 2,000 bottles of shower oil in the Almond range, is a significant milestone in the partnership between the two companies.

While the new bottles look identical to the standard ones, they have a lower environmental impact. Loop Industries’ technology allows PET and low-value polyester fibres to be recycled into high-purity, virgin-quality, infinitely recyclable materials. Using the same process on other product lines will help L’OCCITANE en Provence to achieve one of its objectives: 100% of bottles will be made from 100% recycled PET by 2025.

How does it work?

Loop’s ground-breaking technologies transform and recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester fibre waste into a virgin-quality PET resin which is suitable for use in food-grade packaging. The process begins by breaking down the materials into their base building blocks, called monomers – a process known as depolymerisation. These monomers are then filtered, purified and polymerised to form a 100% recycled material.

Unlike conventional recycling, Loop is able to recycle a wide variety of low-value plastic waste, regardless of colour, condition and degree of transparency. Its technology significantly increases the volume of waste that can be recycled, saving plastic waste from incineration, landfill or polluting the natural world. Loop is contributing towards a circular plastic economy, turning low-value waste into a virgin-quality material which can be infinitely recycled with no loss in quality.

A key milestone for L’OCCITANE

This trial run of 2,000 bottles is by no means trivial: it represents the culmination of a landmark project and a significant milestone for L’OCCITANE, which has long been committed to limiting its environmental impact as far as possible. The brand continues to explore new avenues in its packaging in line with its three key pillars:

• Reduce – the brand’s number one goal. By designing eco-friendly packaging and promoting reuse through alternatives like eco-refills and refill fountains.
• Recycle – moving towards a circular economy. By promoting the use of recycled materials and ensuring that all remaining waste can become a resource.
• React – working together to create a sustainable future

A process involving partnerships with key players and innovative initiatives.