MBDC, the firm behind the Cradle to Cradle certification program, is focused on developing “sustainable circular economy solutions around material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness,” according to a media release about the L'Oréal certification.
L'Oréal has become well-regarded in beauty as a sustainability pace setter. And the company’s vast public reach gives an initiative like Cradle to Cradle a level of visibility that is hard to achieve. “It is exciting to have L'Oréal supporting the momentum behind the Cradle to Cradle movement,” William McDonough, co-founder of MBDC, tells the press.
"Today we are seeing fragrances, personal care products, fashion and more consumer industries putting health for people and planet first by pursuing Cradle to Cradle Certified materials,” says McDonough. And he hopes that personal care and cosmetics companies big and small will see L'Oréal as an example: “We encourage other companies to follow L'Oréal's lead in this journey toward a circular economy defined by quality and beauty.”
A natural evolution
By making good use of its in-house ingredient database, which includes data on ingredient biodegradability and naturalness, as well as one of the company’s more environmentally friendly manufacturing facilities, L'Oréal was able to earn a silver certification for its Biolage R.A.W. Nourish shampoo and conditioner. And specific to the Cradle to Cradle Product Standard's Material Health Assessment, the same L'Oréal products earned platinum certification.
“Through L'Oréal's commitment to innovation and sustainability, we have been able to create a product line that truly combines our commitments to high performance hair care and environmental stewardship,” says Jonathan Maher, vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability for L'Oréal USA, in the company’s media release about the certification.
Maher goes on to say that, “We are extremely proud of this Cradle to Cradle certification because it exemplifies how our Sharing Beauty With All sustainability program encompasses every aspect of our product's value chain, from formulation to packaging and production."