L’Oréal USA has joined the SmartWay Transport Partnership, an innovative collaboration between the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the freight industry to increase energy efficiency by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution associated with transportation.

“Measuring and reducing our carbon footprint is one of L’Oréal USA’s primary objectives,” says Emmanuel Plazol, senior vice president corporate operations, North America – Supply Chain. “This Partnership with SmartWay further reinforces our commitment to ship sustainably and to partner with carriers who share our same goals and objectives.”

The SmartWay Transport Partnership approach focuses on a combination of carrier-based green technology adoption which includes high efficiency engines, auxiliary power units and low resistance tires, along with shipper-based operational improvements like load consolidation, intermodal utilization, and no truck idling policies.

Since 2001, L’Oréal has been measuring its impact on global warming and, in reinforcing its commitment to climate change, joined the Global Compact in 2003. The company is also a member of the World Business Council on Sustainable Development, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), CDP’s Supply Chain Leadership Collaboration and the Pozań Communique.

Last year, the company announced three significant long-term environmental 2005-2015 targets for its factories and warehouses:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50%
• In 2005, the total CO2 emissions were 230.3 thousands of tons.

• Reduce water use per unit of finished product 50%
• In 2005, the water consumption was of 0.72 litre per finished product.

• Reduce waste generated per unit of finished product 50%
• In 2005, the waste generated per unit of finished product was of 32.2 grams.

L’Oréal has an established track record of significant environmental achievements over the last several years. For these accomplishments and others, the company has been recognized as one of the 100 most sustainable companies by Innovest and Corporate Knights in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Launched in February 2004, the SmartWay Transport Partnership brings together major freight shippers, trucking companies, railroads, logistics companies and trade/professional associations to pursue mutually beneficial efficiencies that result in emissions reductions and other environmental improvements, as well as cost savings to the companies. The Partnership currently has over 2,600 Partners. For more information about the SmartWay Transport Partnership visit www.epa.gov/smartway.com.