Passengers walk past an advertisement for L'Oreal Paris skincare products at a metro station in Shanghai, June 16, 2013. [Photo/IC]

Rooted in China for 20 years, L'Oréal, as the world largest cosmetics group, released the progress report for 2015-2016 with the aim of demonstrating its sustainability.

From 2015 to 2016, L'Oréal China made important progress in terms of innovating sustainably. New formulas across all categories in China have improved their environmental impact through innovative formulation or natural raw materials, for example, "silicone-free formula" technology's application to various brands and product lines.

L'Oréal China has reduced CO2 emissions per unit product per km from cargo by truck, ship and airplane by 27 percent from a 2011 baseline, by means of using natural gas and optimizing truck utilization, which fulfills its 2020 target ahead of time.

The phase Ⅲ expansion of the Suzhou BeautyCos plant is certified as LEED Platinum, the top level of LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) of USGBC (US Green Building Council), which is the first LEED Platinum owner in the China cosmetic industry.

Regarding living sustainably, the paper packaging materials for Yue Sai products is completely certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).Ultra DOUX also makes its energy-saving measures information available on the label, which allows consumers to make sustainable choices.

L'Oréal China's "Beauty for a Better Life" program offered vocational training in the beauty sector for 1,452 beneficiaries.

"Sustainability Commitment for 2020 - 'Sharing Beauty with All' has strategic significance to L'Oréal. Through four pillars including innovating sustainably, producing sustainably, living sustainably and developing sustainably," said L'Oréal China chief executive Stéphane Rinderknech. "As a pioneer of China cosmetic industry, in cooperation with government, partners and social institutions, we will stick to our commitment and make continuous progress with innovation to achieve the beautiful vision eventually."