Rocher Group, the first international group to adopt the status of mission-driven company, announced that the SBTi (1) had approved its short-term carbon emissions reduction targets (2), based on scientific data. This program aims to significantly reduce the group’s greenhouse gas emissions, thus reinforcing its commitment to combating climate change.
Always convinced that the carbon offset system is not the solution, the Rocher group, which brings together 9 brands (Yves Rocher, Arbonne, Petit Bateau, Stanhome, Kiotis, Dr Pierre Ricaud, ID Parfums, Sabon and Flormar), is committed to an approach based on carbon sobriety. Compensating to give themselves a clear conscience is not an option for the groupcarbon sobriety has indeed very quickly appeared as obvious, both in its viability and its sustainability. This strategy is based on the direct reduction of energy consumption and the transition to renewable and decarbonized energies.
A rigorous decarbonization trajectory
The Rocher group has been managing its carbon footprint since 2010 and has already reduced its CO emissions.2 by 43% over the last five years on scopes 1 & 2, and by 32% on scope 3. Significant investments have, for example, been made to increase the share of renewable energies, which now represent 34% of the energy consumed by the group. The Rocher group has thus committed to a rigorous decarbonization trajectory of its value chain, validated by the SBTiThe objective for 2030 is to reduce its carbon emissions by 42% on scopes 1 & 2 and by 25% on scope 3 compared to 2022 levels.
« I am particularly proud to see our ambitious carbon reduction trajectory thus approved by SBTi. This validation confirms the relevance of our vision to guarantee sustainable development for our group and its brands. To achieve these objectives, we have chosen carbon sobriety, and to exclude compensation systems, which go against the scientific consensus and do not encourage companies to change their business models. “, commented Marie Marache, the group’s mission & impact director.
Concrete actions followed by tangible results
To achieve its sustainability goals, the Rocher group has defined a clear carbon sobriety trajectory, adopted by all its brands. This approach is based on collaboration with its stakeholders, a learning dynamic and continuous improvement across its entire value chain. The group is thus working to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and to increase the share of use of renewable energy.Each site (industrial, tertiary, stores) deploys an environmental management system (EMS) in order to identify and deploy levers for reducing its energy consumption.
Investments are also made each year to acquire less energy-consuming equipment and adapt industrial processes to optimize their consumption. At the same time, the group promotes the use of renewable energy, particularly through the installation of equipment such as wood-fired boilers, solar or photovoltaic panels, etc.
The hunt for plastic
As part of its product innovation strategy, reducing the use of plastic, which has a significant carbon footprint, is a major challenge. The launch of rechargeable products is a perfect example of this.The Stanhome brand is thus offering its customers a new refillable deodorant: by using 1 deodorant and 2 refills, nearly 50% of plastic is saved compared to the use of 5 classic deodorants.(3). The use of less impactful materials is also a key lever. The Yves Rocher brand is one of the leaders in the solid cosmetics market, allowing the use of cardboard packaging. Swapping a classic 300 ml product from the brand for a solid equivalent, packaged in FSC-certified paper, reduces the CO impact by 5 times.2 you packaging.
A transport strategy
A group-level transport policy was formalized in 2023 in order to reduce emissions linked to this activity. The group thus manages its transport flows in order to reduce the distances traveled, to optimize the filling rates of trucks and containers while using alternative energy modes of transport. A selection of committed partners and close collaboration with these transport suppliers make it possible to support and accelerate this collective dynamic.This policy is part of the continuation of the FRET 21 approach, in which the Rocher group committed in 2020.
The “La Gacilly, low carbon territory” project is an emblematic example of the Rocher group’s decarbonization policyon the scale of its historic territory of La Gacilly. The group is committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 75% by 2025 compared to 2019 on scopes 1 & 2, to reducing energy consumption and maximizing the use of renewable energies. All this is made possible by numerous projects carried out on site (adoption of renewable energy sources, promotion of the use of wood from local and sustainable sources, encouragement of ecological modes of transport, etc.) and by raising awareness among employees of the challenges of carbon sobriety.
(1) The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a climate action organisation that defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting and independently assesses companies’ targets to achieve net zero by 2050.
(2) Available on https://sciencebasedtargets.org/target-dashboard.
(3) By using 1 Stanhome Deo Smart 50 ml and two Stanhome Deo Smart 100 ml refills, 48.7% of plastic is saved compared to using 5 Stanhome non-refillable 50 ml roll-on deodorants.
Source: www.ecommercemag.fr
