The independent organization unites academics, governments, NGO’s and businesses focused on developing an index to measure the sustainability of consumer products through the creation of a global database of lifecycle information.
According to the Consortium, the index will examine the lifecycle of a product in order to quantify its sustainable attributes, looking at factors such as energy consumption, climate effects, and material efficiency.
L’Oreal claims that joining the Consortium is an important step in reinforcing its position as an environmentally responsible company.
“We believe, as a leader in our industry, that we need to be an authentic model for sustainability and we intend to set the bar high and work hard to meet the challenge,” said Francis Quinn, director of sustainable development for L’Oreal.
As a member, L’Oreal will provide a team of experts to focus on ‘a scientific approach to sustainable consumption’, according to co-director of the Sustainability Consortium, Dr Jay S. Golden.
“Together we will spur a new generation of products and supply networks that address environmental, social and economic imperatives,” he said in a statement.
Other Consortium members include BASF, Colgate-Palmolive, Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble.
The Sustainability Consortium is jointly administered by the University of Arkansas and Arizona State University.
L’Oreal recognized for sustainability efforts
L’Oreal has been committed to reducing its environmental impact for several years and its efforts have been recognized by various institutions
In 2003, L’Oreal joined Global Compact, an international sustainable development initiative launched by the United Nations.
The company has twice been recognized as being amongst the top 100 most sustainable corporations by influential Canadian magazine Corporate Knights, and more recently was praised for its sustainability by environmental organization The Canopy Foundation.