TRAILBLAZER
For Nègre , her biggest journey began when YSL Beauté discovered in 2013 that the saffron pistils grown in the plains ’ regions of Morocco ' s Atlas mountains were of the highest quality .
" Our potent botanicals are grown in Morocco , in the Atlas Mountains . We use a very precise extraction process for no compromise on ingredients efficacy and on the environment ," said Nègre , who spearheaded the project .
The company decided to pioneer a project combining cultivation and botanical research , creating the Ourika Community Gardens . The gardens are separated into three different spaces , inhabited by more than 200 botanical species to be utilised for manufacturing , preservation , experimental research and the development of new ingredients .
" Each and every raw material is selected , grown , sustainably harvested , and carefully extracted to meet the very highest standards of efficacy ," Nègre said .
The gardens utilise environmentally-friendly mechanisms in their operations — such as the drystone terraces , which allow traditional gravity irrigation techniques , and the gardens , which harness solar power to run operations .
Since 2017 , the gardens have been tended by a community of 32 local
Berber women that employ organic farming practices . The women are also provided with literacy classes , training courses on different aspects of gardening , as well as sales and administration .
" We need to respect the environment by respecting its limits ," said Nègre . " The world ' s leading scientists have warned that we only have ten years left to reduce our use of resources in order to combat climate change . Alongside our own in-depth transformation process to reduce our impact on resources , it is essential and urgent that we start deploying solutions if we want to restore and regenerate our ecosystems ."
The Gardens started its organic certification process in 2020 , and the company plans to restore over 1,000 hectares of land , in addition to the 335 hectares of existing restored ecosystems by 2025 .
Measurability and recognition YSL Beauté launched a new hybrid makeup and skincare range called Nu in September 2021 , introducing its actionable global standard for a healthy , equitable and sustainable future through its products . The brand recently achieved the globally recognised certification , Cradle-to-Cradle .
20 May 2022