L’Occitane en Provence commonly known as L’Occitane, is an international retailer of body, face, fragrances and home products. The company was founded in 1976 by Olivier Baussan with the purpose to create a firm that celebrates and preserves the traditions of his native Provence.

As L’Occitane en Provence has grown, the founder’s values have remained at its heart which is to develop a commitments-driven brand where sustainability is at the core of the business.

Since its foundation, L’OCCITANE have been revealing and protecting the richness of our lands through its products, stores, experiences, people, know-how and culture. By introducing many initiatives, the company respects the lands biodiversity, supports the local producers, fights against pollution, empowers women and promotes craftsmanship.

L’Occitane wants to make a difference through concrete actions that are as far-reaching as possible, going beyond our own cultivations and regions. They have a global vision: in Provence, in the Mediterranean region, and wherever they can help to maintain the diversity of ecosystems, working with key players.

When it comes to the planet, the company focuses on three areas: Recycle, Reduce and REACT to fight plastic pollution. It all started with in-store recycling and the launch of the first bottle made from 100% recycled plastic. When it comes to in-store recycling, the brand is now inviting customers to bring back their empty products in-store so they could be recycled. Each customer who does so can receive an incentive of 10% on the day of drop-off. The programme is now live in all UAE stores and will be soon available in the other countries. The objective is to have all stores in the Middle East offering a recycling service by 2020. On the other hand, L’Occitane have been working to increase the percentage of recycled plastic in their bottles and are currently at 30%, with the objective of reaching 100% by 2025.

Besides, L’Occitane has a long-standing commitment towards the community, reflected in its actions and projects. A lifelong partnership with NGO’s all over the world to fight preventable blindness and raise awareness about visual impairment. Through a big range of products, the company intends to keep delighting those who have lost all their sight with exquisite textures and irresistible scents. For instance, with the L’Occitane x Unicef Solidarity Soap, 100% of the profits are donated to support avoidable blindness through a Vitamin A programme across different countries.

In addition to that, L’Occitane brings support to 30,000 women in Burkina Faso with their mission of empowering women. Indeed, the brand has enabled the women who make our shea butter to gain more independence. Our Foundation has helped them to have access to microcredits, literacy programs and education for their children. Every year, we sell fund-raising products to promote women’s leadership. These may seem like little steps, but they can make a big difference.

On a regional level, L’OCCITANE has been collaborating with local charities such as Al Jalila Foundation on a Ramadan fundraiser for ill children, with Emirates WWF on a beach clean-up action or with Jouzour Loubnan planting 50 cedar trees in Northern Lebanon. Today, the brand strives to enrich such collaborations in order to make the core commitments live in the region too.

At L’OCCITANE CAFÉ – which is now open in Citywalk, Dubai – the brand commitments are also emphasized via different touch points. All the straws are 100% non-plastic, made out polylactic acid (PLA) derived from corn starch, a renewable and natural plant-based source 100% compostable and biodegradable. The take away boxes are also plant-based and sustainable. These solutions have been provided by AVANI Middle East which specializes in plastic alternatives made from plants.

Apart from the packaging solutions, we also highlighted one of the brand’s star ingredient: the immortelle flower, the “gold of Corsica” part of a biodiversity conservation program and planted ethically in partnership with local producers. At L’Occitane Café, more than 1000 flower bunches have been suspended to the wall recreating the natural habitat of this exceptional flower.