L’Oréal Groupe has officially launched the first call for applications to its new Sustainable Innovation Accelerator, a five-year initiative aimed at fast-tracking progress towards more sustainable practices across the beauty industry.
With a total investment of €100 million, the programme is designed to tackle key sustainability challenges by identifying and supporting breakthrough innovations. L’Oréal is inviting start-ups, SMEs, and established companies to apply, offering successful applicants access to tailored support, mentorship, and the possibility of pilot projects and investment.
The accelerator will focus on several priority areas:
Low-carbon and climate-smart solutions
Water-resilience solutions
Nature-based approaches
Alternative ingredients and materials
The elimination of fossil plastic use and plastic waste
Circularity and resource management
Sustainable and inclusive business models
In partnership with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), the programme aims to scout, pilot, and scale commercially relevant solutions that could help shift the beauty sector towards a more responsible future. CISL’s extensive global network and expertise in sustainable business innovation will provide support through a cohort programme of up to 12 months.
“At L’Oréal, we have always embraced and nurtured innovation, co-creating with partners across our value chain to drive positive change within the beauty industry,” said Ezgi Barcenas, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer of the L’Oréal Groupe. “As we work with our ecosystem to pave the way for a more sustainable future, we know that we have to be even more intentional in seeking, advancing and scaling pioneering solutions. We are looking forward to collaborating with a growing number of innovators and problem solvers worldwide.”
The application window is open until 30 September 2025. More information and application details can be found here.
