Research and Innovation
A new generation of biodegradable shampoos
To reduce the environmental footprint of products that consumers rinse off(1), one of the avenues L’Oréal Research and Innovation is exploring is how to improve their ability to break down in nature – their biodegradability. Let’s take a closer look with the new Biolage R.A.W. haircare line by Matrix.
Between 95 and 99% biodegradable
For several years, L'Oréal has been working on improving the biodegradability of products that consumers rinse off, like shampoo, hair dye and shower gel. The goal is to limit their impact on biodiversity – particularly on aquatic species – by using ingredients that degrade quickly. Among the new products launched by the group’s brands in 2016, many formulas are between 95 and 99% biodegradable.
Listen to the interview of Laurent Gilbert, Sustainable Innovation Director – Research and Innovation (3'51).
The Biolage R.A.W. example
The new Biolage R.A.W. haircare line was sustainably designed and developed, in response to consumers’ growing expectations in this area. Raw materials of natural origin are preferred, with percentages of natural ingredients between 70% and 100%. Eight of the range’s formulas are 95% biodegradable. According to the method approved by the OECD(2), the total percentage biodegradation was calculated from that of each of the ingredients: 95% of ingredients are more than 60% biodegraded in 28 days.
See also
(1) Such as shampoo, hair dye and shower gel.
(2) Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.