L’Occitane en Provence has carried out a successful trial of 100% recycled PET using Loop Industries’ technology at their factory in Terrebonne, Quebec. The pilot project, which was trialed 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 fibers 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.
Loop’s technologies transform and recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester fiber waste into a virgin-quality PET resin that 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 depolymerization. These monomers are then filtered, purified and polymerized to form a 100% recycled material.
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.C/O LOOP INDUSTRIES
David Bayard, packaging R&D director, L'Occitane, stated, "L'Occitane en Provence understands the importance of sustainable packaging design. Over the last 13 years we have launched eco-refills, in-store collection, and recycling services and 100% recycled bottles, with more to come. We’re proud of our association with Loop Industries, whose technology will allow us to meet our goal of using 100% sustainable PET plastic in all our bottles by 2025. Loop Industries’ innovative technology is a game-changer. It can help us to play a part in addressing growing global concern over plastic pollution."
L'Occitane 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.
Daniel Solomita, founder and CEO, Loop, shared, “We are delighted to partner with L'Occitane en Provence and help the brand achieve its sustainability goals. The pilot project was a conclusive test, which not only validated our technology and demonstrated the infinite recyclability of our product, but also enabled L'Occitane to strengthen, alongside us, its efforts to promote the implementation of a circular plastic economy. We can only be delighted with the potential of our future Infinite Loop* installation planned in France as a plastic waste recovery solution."
More details regarding the partnership to come in an interview with Bayard alongside Loop Industries' European representative, Laurent Auguste. Stay tuned!
*Infinite Loop is a trademark of Loop Industries
