L’Oréal Is Cooking with Gas

L'Oréal will test products that result from the launch of  bio-isobutene plant. Isobutene is a platform molecule that can be converted into gasoline, rubber and other materials, and which is also used in various applications by the chemical and cosmetics industries. Fifteen million tonnes of isobutene are produced every year from fossil resources. Since 2008,Global Bioenergies has been developing a process to produce isobutene from renewable resources (residual sugar, agricultural and forestry waste). This innovative process will reduce the carbon dioxide footprint for isobutene manufacture, according to the company. The plant is a joint effort between Global Bioenergies, IBN-One, Cristal Union and L'Oréal.


L'Oreal will test batches of compounds derived from bio-sourced isobutene, with a view to becoming an IBN-One client once the plant operational.


“Isobutene is a molecule whose derivatives are widely used in cosmetics,” explained  Laurent Gilbert, sustainable innovation director at L'Oreal. “Accessing sustainable, bio-sourced products is in line with our commitments toward protecting the environment.”