The Tamesis
“The first selected partners are not only ready in terms of pilot and scalability potential, but also benefit from strong business sponsorship within the company,” she said. “So this should allow us to bring them to market very quickly, subject of course to the results of the pilot.”
The 13 companies, which were assessed during the selection process by L’Oréal, CISL sustainability experts and external parties, will now enter an intensive support phase led by CISL’s innovation team, focusing on pilot preparations, and will also be able to launch six to nine-month pilot projects with L’Oréal’s support, with solutions that have the potential to be rolled out across the Group’s international operations.
Going forward, the organization plans to begin soliciting candidates for the next round of innovation programs later this year. The beauty giant is expected to work with small innovators to contribute to its own sustainability goals and help 13 companies, as well as the next wave of innovators, find their way.
“It’s sometimes difficult for startups when they don’t have a good entry point into a big company like L’Oréal,” Barre said. “For us, the idea is really to speed up the process of evaluation, adoption and scalability, and by bringing these scalable, sustainable solutions to market, it will definitely help us accelerate towards our 2030 goals.”
Below is an overview of the first 13 companies.
Next generation packaging and materials
blue ocean closed
Founded in Sweden in 2021, Blue Ocean Closures produces fiber caps and caps as an alternative to plastic. The company uses a first-of-its-kind technology to press dry materials into high-density 3D objects, turning plant fibers sourced from responsibly managed forests into hats or lids, materials that have been lacking recycled alternatives. They are compatible with existing production lines, making them a practical and scalable alternative to plastic. Blue Ocean Closures solutions consume only 10% of the energy of traditional plastic molding and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80%.
biofactory
Founded in Kyoto in 2015, Bioworks develops bio-based and biodegradable materials to replace traditional plastics in cosmetic packaging, aiming to bridge the gap between sustainability and performance. To this end, it develops powerful plant-based additives that enhance the functional properties of bio-based materials. PlaX, its next-generation bio-based packaging material, is made from sugar cane and is stronger, more heat-resistant and easier to form than competitors in the space. It emits 62% less CO2 than traditional petroleum-based plastics, while supply chain compatibility makes it easier for brands to reduce their environmental impact.
Kelpi
Seaweed is key to the recyclable, low-carbon packaging Kelpi creates. Founded in 2020 and certified as a B Corp, the UK-based sustainable materials company combines biomaterials scientific research with commercial development to produce seaweed-based alternatives to traditional plastic packaging. Kelpi has pioneered a transformative biomaterial coating derived from renewable seaweed and natural plant oils that provides a plastic-like barrier to water, oxygen, grease and acids while remaining fully biodegradable and recyclable. The main ingredient is responsibly sourced seaweed, requiring no land, fresh water or fertilizer.
