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The report that follows discusses operations management and how it gives a business a
of its fundamental operations. In light of this, the report uses case analysis to emphasize the two
therefore brings them together with practical value. L'Oreal is the target firm in this analysis,
which focuses on the cosmetics business. In order to emphasize competitiveness, the study also
Taking L'Oréal as a case study, its strategic direction profoundly influences its
green supply chain solutions, such as ethical sourcing and waste reduction initiatives.
customer experiences and operational efficiency, staying ahead in the competitive landscape.
However, the beauty and personal care industry also faces challenges in sustainable operations
significant hurdles. By adopting strategies like investing in R&D for sustainable technology,
collaborating with ethical suppliers, and educating consumers, the industry can address these
direction and operational management practices serve as a model for the beauty and personal
care industry in contrast of other companies. By integrating sustainability and technology into its
operations, L'Oréal ensures its long-term success while addressing current challenges in
Summary........................................................................................................................................1
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................3
5. Current Issues and Challenges for Sustainable Operations Management within Beauty
Industry........................................................................................................................................15
References.....................................................................................................................................18
1. Introduction
The multibillion dollar beauty and skin care sector offers a wide range of goods, including
bases, powders, colors for lipstick, eye liners, eye shades, blushers, & mascara types, in addition
to cleanser, toners, serums, and lotions (Chin & Harizan, 2017). The list continues to expand as
more and better, more recent goods become available on the market. In addition, the market for
cosmetics has grown to encompass men and toddlers in addition to women. Euromonitor
International (2016) reports that the worldwide beauty business was valued at $444 billion in
2016, with skincare items holding a dominant market share of around $120 billion. According to
Allied Market Research (2017), the market for personal care and beauty goods is predicted to
grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.64% over the following five years, from an
anticipated USD 525.61 billion in 2023 to USD 659.32 billion by 2028 (Ghosh & Lever, 2020).
The general increase in the standard of living and the movement in consumer preference toward
more upscale and luxurious cosmetic products like L'Oreal are to blame for this continuous rise.
L'Oreal Group has been committed to the beauty industry for more than 105 years. With 36
global brands, the Group employed 87,400 people worldwide in 2013 and had an annual revenue
standards, it provides an extensive and captivating backdrop for delving into the nuances of
managing operations in the beauty and private care sector (Xiong, 2024). The strategic
orientation of organizations in the personal care and beauty sector is the main focus of this paper,
and it has a significant influence on operations management. This report aims to clarify how
major industry participants' strategic efforts are developed, directed, and optimized to meet
overall corporate objectives. To do this, it will critically analyze these initiatives. Furthermore,
this paper will examine two particular facets of operations management that were carefully
chosen for their industry-specific relevance and significance. To highlight important findings,
L'Oréal, a significant player in the beauty sector, has a strategic plan that forms the basis of
its operational management approach (Withisuphakorn et al., 2019). The targets and aims of
L'Oréal's strategic plan are its most crucial components, since they are all linked to the business's
approach to running its affairs. The company's mission is to provide the finest possible beauty to
everyone on the planet in terms of effectiveness, security, honesty, and accountability in order to
fulfill the limitless variety of beauty demands and wants (Dmitrievna, 2021). To put it briefly,
L'Oréal's approach in this area is predicated on paying close attention to customers and having a
great deal of regard for their unique demands, preferences, lives, and customs. Additionally,
L'Oréal has proven to be very committed to long-term viability understanding the value of
ethical and ecological awareness in the beauty and cosmetics sector (Smith & Johnson, 2020).
material sourcing a lot of attention while developing its cosmetics (L'Oréal, 2022).
Environmental Goals: Strong environmental targets have been set by L'Oréal (L'Oréal,
2022), including a 2025 deadline for the corporation to become carbon neutral. The
Group has pledged to achieve no emissions at all by 2050 as a participant in the 'Business
Ambition for 1.5°C' project. Furthermore, L'Oréal's main goal for 2030 is to cut its
emissions of greenhouse gases across the board by 50% for each completed product.
Efforts for the Circular Economic: The firm wants to make sure that all of its
to reuse and recycle all of the water that is generated by industrial operations.
product compositions are bio-based, meaning they come from circular processes or
plentiful minerals. Every recipe we use will be completely considerate of every aquatic
ecology.
L'Oréal is committed to leading the Beauty Tech industry and creating the beauty
products of the future. The pursuit of inclusion and customisation lies at the core of L'Oréal's
beauty innovation method. The firm's dedication to stretching the limits of creativity in the
beauty business is demonstrated by its Beauty Tech sector, which led the way in the development
of greatly customized and diverse beauty products (Dmitrievna, 2021). The corporation wants to
achieve a number of its technological goals, which are displayed in the figure below.
2022). The company's vision is to "Offering all women and men worldwide the best of cosmetics
innovation in terms of quality, efficacy, and safety, all of our brands and all our ranges."
(L'Oréal, 2021) This goal statement emphasizes L'Oréal's commitment to offering superior, eco-
friendly beauty goods with cutting-edge tech and improved developments to a worldwide
consumer base. The firm's core operational management approaches are outlined in this vision
phrase (Withisuphakorn, Batra, Parameswar, & Dhir, 2019). The company is developing ethical
beauty goods and creating high-quality technological goods that are accessible to all people,
companies may adapt to evolving marketplace circumstances and achieve their goals while
preserving a durable economic edge. The following explains these two potent operational
management techniques that L'Oréal employed to accomplish its strategic objectives (Santos,
supports economic, social, and environmental goals. Green goods are a concept that the
environment has brought to the marketplace for the beauty sector, offering many businesses new
avenues for expansion (Chen & Chang, 2012). According to a research, the projected $34.5
billion market value for organic and natural beauty products is predicted to grow to $54.5 billion
globally between 2018 and 2027 (Future Market Insights, 2019). Skin care (34.8%), colored
cosmetics (makeup) (27.6%), hair treatments (19.9%), and additional items (oral care, toiletries,
hygiene products) (17.7%) are the item groups. (IBISWorld, 2019). Customers demand personal
care and beauty goods to be developed and supplied in accordance with moral and sustainable
practices, and they also anticipate goods to contain organic components, based to a latest
wellness and health research (Shimul et al., 2022). L'Oréal has introduced a number of
environmentally friendly lines of goods, for instance, its 'L'Oréal Paris Botanicals Fresh Care'
brand, which uses sustainably sourced components and container (L'Oréal, 2022).
Furthermore, L'Oréal's commitment to sustainability goes beyond the creation of its products
to encompass ethical sourcing and production methods. To ensure that raw products are acquired
legally and produced responsibly, the firm works with partners who understand its dedication to
responsible environmental care (L'Oréal, 2022). Furthermore, L'Oréal has reduced energy use
and trash production in its production plants by implementing sustainable technology (L'Oréal,
2022). For L'Oréal, these shifts in the company's operations toward sustainability have presented
advantages as well as obstacles. In 2012, L'Oréal did an analysis of materiality as part of the
discussions held to build the Sharing Beauty with All initiative. By going through this method,
the company was able to compare its current plan with the concerns of sustainable growth that
were significant to both inner and outer stakeholders. L'Oréal revised its materiality matrix in
2016 by following the guidelines set forth by the ISO 26000* standard. This updated grid
identifies 25 subjects, of which 10 are strategic for the company and its stakeholders (Belussi,
Early on, L'Oréal realized how important sustainability was, therefore to overcome its
problems, it developed a number of operational plans to match its strategic choices with
sustainability objectives (L'Oréal, 2022). As part of this, it set high goals to lessen its influence
on the environment, including cutting back on waste production, water use, and emissions of
solutions, L'Oréal was able to meet its environmental targets. The business maintains tight
relationships with its suppliers in order to guarantee ethical sourcing procedures, which include
raw materials tracking. This dedication includes making certain that ingredients are procured
with regard for biodiversity and without causing deforestation. Additionally, it has started
initiatives to promote biodiversity preservation and sustainable agriculture in the supply chains
L'Oréal has also made a lot of significant progress in what has grown to be a significant
eco-mission. It decreased emissions of carbon by 78% in 2019 as opposed to its intended 60%
reduction using a starting point from 2005. It is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 80%
this year. Furthermore, L'Oréal is aggressively promoting a circular economy in the beauty sector
(L'Oréal, 2022). In order to achieve greater economic gain, this entails decreasing debris,
boosting reuse, and utilizing more ecological wrapping choices. These effects are quantified at
every phase of an item's life period, taking into account customer use and packaging end-of-life
The company had a solid collection of brands starting in 1925, which included Maybelline,
Lancôme, La Roche Posay, Vichy, Garnier, and L'Oréal Paris, and promoted them with
physical stores, try on, and purchase their goods. Since then, L'Oreal has developed into what is
likely the world's most technologically advanced beauty brand. Over the last couple of years,
L'Oreal has gone through a significant transition, driven by its aim to combine digital into its
core business strategy in order to strengthen its competitive advantage in the beauty sector.
The introduction of the first digital mirror application by L'Oréal Paris in 2014 cleared the path
for the use of AI and AR technology in business. Additionally, in 2018, Lancôme's Le Teint
maximum of 72,000 potential combinations instantly through the use of an innovative color
matching algorithm. Launched in 2019, Custom D.O.S.E. combines 48 distinct mixtures and is
designed to scan, assess, and assess each customer's individual skin needs before combining
active components into a custom-made correction serum (Gilbert, 2021). The Water Saving
framework, which uses 80% less water than traditional hair cleaning, is introduced in 2021 and
uses rocket engine science to deliver an opulent and effective hair products treatment both at
Furthermore, L'Oreal is supporting NFTs and blockchain technology to provide web3 initial
economic benefit, as stated by L'Oreal Chief Digital & Marketing Officer Asmita Dubey.
Although safeguarding the confidentiality and safety of data is an important concern for L'Oréal,
the firm faces several issues with these fresh transformations and breakthroughs, such as the
information. Furthermore, in order to successfully attract customers and increase sales, L'Oréal
needs to improve its digital capabilities given the trend toward online shopping and the growth of
events, and intuitive user interfaces are necessary investments to compete in the digital
marketplace. Furthermore, maintaining product genuineness, thwarting the sale of fake items,
As an organization that prioritizes digital, L'Oréal uses technology to help teams and
customers alike, meet current issues, spark curiosity about a hyperconnected world, and cultivate
connections built on trust. L'Oréal has made significant contributions to the digital playground
by integrating this mindset into the core of its business. This can be attributed to the company's
Anticipating future obstacles, the organization established its "Connected Beauty Incubator" in
the US in 2012 (Lunt, Staves, & Weyman, 2019). This unit, part of the research division, is
solely focused on technological advancement and market impact. L'Oréal closely observed their
customers and discovered right away that the market they were targeting was always linked, had
gone through a multi-touchpoint research procedure, and was using video clips to look for beauty
solution and see things become reality. "In 2021, we again extended our digital lead: e-
commerce grew by +25.7%, accounting for 28.9% of sales," stated Nicolas Hieronimus,
L'Oréal's CEO.
Remodeling the company with common goals was the initial phase in incorporating
digital into the business plan. Additionally, there are about 3,000 IT specialists spread throughout
plans for its brands, tailored to certain target markets. The primary objective of this initiative is
to "enhance availability even further and assist customers in finding the appropriate products on
preferred platforms." In 2020, the COVID-19 epidemic caused a significant shift in L'Oreal's
online sales platform for the cosmetics brand, leading to the highest growth in overall sales in
electronic commerce. By 2020, e-commerce accounted for more than 25% of L'Oréal's overall
sales. Only 15.6% of this stake was present in 2019, by 2021 the company's online sales share
had increased to 28.9 percent and it fell to about 28 percent in 2022 (Belussi, Ganzaroli, & Orsi,
2015).
In addition, the business introduced L'Oréal Paris Féria Wild Ombré, a kit for at-home
hair coloring designed especially for ombre lovers who value economy. Five distinct tones were
offered to accommodate a wide range of hair hues, from bright to dark. The revenue generated
by this hair color product category increased by up to 50% as a result of its successful debut
(Filho, 2022).
Aveda is a vegan cosmetics brand that was the first to employ recycled recyclable
materials in its packaging. Additionally, since 1999, the brand has contributed USD $60 million
cosmetics industry with its unique goods and creative marketing. Additionally, CHANDO is
drawing in an increasing number of customers that care about ethics through initiatives like
New York is the second-fastest expanding beauty brand of the year, with a brand worth of up to
US$4 billion (a 30% increase). Maybelline, a brand owned by L'Oréal, started its global
sustainability initiative, "Conscious Together," in 2022 with the goal of promoting sustainability
Customers have benefited in many ways from nanotechnology's new directions in the
beauty as well as personal care goods industries. For example, the Indian cosmeceutical skincare
business Nano Au Veda created a nano-gold serum in December 2021 that will enhance the
benefits of ayurveda on the skin while also delivering its advantages. Throughout the forecast
time frame of 2022–2027, the incorporation of nanotechnology into personal care and beauty
products is expected to be a major contributor of the market for these goods (Lorenzo & Romo,
2020).
Emerging innovations like AI and AR are also being incorporated by L'Oréal into their e-
commerce offerings. Vichy, one of its prominent trademarks, has upped its ante in e-commerce
with the release of Vichy SkinConsult AI, an AI-based service. In collaboration with twelve
care that can precisely identify skin conditions and suggest appropriate skin care treatments.
Vichy, or L'Oréal, has gained clients from the first interaction by digitizing the products.
5. Current Issues and Challenges for Sustainable Operations Management within
Beauty Industry
For L'Oréal, the sustainability debate and the rising demand for cruelty-free and eco-friendly
significance of this issue from a strategic standpoint and how it affects different stakeholders:
Regulatory and Compliance Issues: Issues with Regulation and Compliance Stricter
environmental and consumer protection laws are being implemented by countries and
regulatory bodies around the globe. There may be monetary and legal repercussions for
breaking these rules (Smith & Johnson, 2020). Regulation noncompliance carries
monetary hazards for L'Oréal's stockholders in the form of fines and legal expenses.
Workers might have more responsibility to make sure that goods adhere to legal
developments, consumers gain from safer and more environmentally friendly products
Credibility and Brand Image: Throughout the years, L'Oréal and all other companies
have invested a lot of effort into developing a solid name and image. If environmental
problems and digital media issues like cybersecurity are not addressed, brand's image
Purchasing and Supply Network: Beyond long-term viability supply chain in beauty
Johnson, 2020). The organization's total cost profile as well as effectiveness are impacted
things they use and how those products affect the natural world. Since it clearly affects
the market demand for L'Oréal's items, this development has consequences for the
company (Greenberg, 2019). Income and share of the market could be wasted if this
gives customers options that are consistent with their ideals. If organziations can satisfy
these needs, its good name and customer loyalty will grow. But if L'Oréal doesn't change,
it might lose clients to rivals that have greener options (Greenberg, 2019).
L'Oréal has become an international innovator in the ever-changing cosmetics and beauty
sector thanks to its constant dedication to creativity, flexibility, and business insight (Smith &
Johnson, 2020). With an extensive record spanning more than a century, L'Oréal has seized
many chances and persevered through many setbacks (Brown & Lee, 2019). However, the
current strategic challenge surrounding the growing market for eco-friendly and sustainable
beauty goods was not just another phase of the market's development; rather, it was a turning
point that required creativity and strategic resilience. Our investigation into the matter has
clarified how L'Oréal approached this problem with an eye toward the years to come. Since they
directly affect the needs of customers, productivity, compliance with regulations, perception of
the brand, productivity, and longevity, technological and environmental concerns have a strategic
importance for L'Oréal (Brown et al., 2020). Ignoring these problems could lead to hazards and
lost chances that could harm the company's image and standing in the beauty sector. Thus,
different strategies which will help them in achieveing their goals. Firstly, to satisfy customer
needs and legal requirements, spend money on R&D of sustainable technology and ingredients.
in addition, to guarantee an ethical and transparent supply chain, work together with suppliers
who place a high priority on sustainability and ethical sourcing methods. Utilize supply chain
and win over customers. Encourage the demand for eco-friendly products by educating and
involving customers in marketing campaigns and activities about the value of sustainability.
ingredient sourcing, and a smaller carbon impact. Then, openly monitor your progress. in
addition, work together with colleagues in the business to exchange best practices and tackle
sustainability issues in the beauty sector as a group. Lastly, promote a culture of ongoing
development and encourage staff members to find and carry out sustainability projects
throughout.
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