L’Oréal USA has announced that it is due to exceed its goal to reduce carbon emissions thanks to the construction of two large-scale solar projects.
The two facilities – located in North Little Rock, Arkansas and Florence, Kentucky – will help L’Oréal to reduce its CO2 emissions by 80% compared to 2005 levels.
“Reducing our CO2 emissions by 80% and achieving 100% renewable electricity for our US manufacturing is a major milestone for L’Oréal USA." — Fréderic Rozé, CEO at L’Oréal Americas
L’Oréal is also hoping to source 100% of the energy required for its manufacturing in the US from renewable sources, thanks to this project.
Fréderic Rozé, CEO at L’Oréal Americas, said: “Reducing our CO2 emissions by 80% and achieving 100% renewable electricity for our US manufacturing is a major milestone for L’Oréal USA.
“The achievement is a testament to our passionate, creative and innovative teams who have pushed us to go beyond our original ambitions. We are committed to being a sustainability leader in the US and are proud of the progress we have made.”
Florence, Kentucky
The project in Florence will be the largest commercial solar array in Kentucky with a 1.5MW capacity. Construction is due to start in late 2016 on the site, which is due to include aproximately 5,000 solar panels.
The plant will help cut emissions by 1,195 metric tonnes each year in Kentucky, where hair care products are made for brands Garnier, L’Oréal Paris, Matrix and Redken.
Eric Wolff, Plant Manager at L’Oréal’s Florence plant, said: “We’re proud to be leading the way for commercial renewable energies in Kentucky.”
North Little Rock, Arkansas
The project in North Little Rock will be the third largest commercial array in Arkansas, comprising 4,000 solar panels. It will be operational by mid-2017 and will reduce emissions in Arkansas by 1,326 metric tonnes each year.
The Arkansas site has been operational for more than four decades and is where cosmetics for brands including Maybelline, L’Oréal Paris, Essie and Lancôme are manufactured.
Eric Fox, Plant Manager at L’Oréal’s North Little Rock, said: “This next phase of our on-site solar installation not only paves the way for expanded low-carbon manufacturing, but can also serve as a catalyst for continued investment in renewable energy technology in the Natural State.”