Clarins invests in greener transport with new sailing ship agreement

Clarins has embarked on a new partnership with French sailing ship owner Neoline, as it works towards making the shipping of its goods as environmentally-friendly as possible.

The French beauty major has just signed a letter of commitment to maritime transport with Neoline, which is developing a merchant fleet of ships which use sails as their main propulsion system.

Starting in 2023, the agreement will see 20% of all Clarins’ exports to the US transported aboard Neoline’s sailing cargo ships between Saint Nazaire in France and Baltimore in the US.

The move, which allows for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to a conventional ship of the same size, would pave the way for more responsible movement of freight in the cosmetics industry, Clarins said.

Clarins executive vice president Virginie Courtin-Clarins added: “Guided by our ClarinsWeCare CSR promise to care for people and to care for the planet, we are acting with determination to reduce our carbon footprint by 2025.

“With this partnership, we are pioneering the way forward for our sector and are proud to support Neoline and to take a new step towards making life more beautiful and passing on a more beautiful planet.”

Neoline president Jean Zanuttini added: “We are very pleased to provide Clarins with the cleanest shipping solution to reach its market in the Americas.

“Clarins' range of premium and responsible cosmetics will cross the Atlantic to Baltimore on board our sailing cargo ships, reducing its environmental footprint by 90% compared to conventional shipping.

“As we enter the final phase of negotiations with financiers and the shipyard and prepare to launch the construction of our first Neoliner this Summer, Clarins’ commitment to us is a strong signal.”