L’Oréal, the global beauty giant, has unveiled its first cohort of startups participating in its new sustainable innovation program, L’AcceleratOR. The program chose 13 startups focused on climate, nature, and circularity. They were selected from nearly 1,000 applicants across 101 countries. It aims to find, pilot, and scale solutions that address key environmental challenges in the beauty industry and beyond.

The initiative is part of L’Oréal’s larger sustainability plan, called “L’Oréal for the Future.” This plan includes bold goals for climate action, resource use, and a shift to a circular economy by 2030 and beyond.

Inside L’AcceleratOR: Funding, Pilots, and Scale

L’AcceleratOR is a €100 million (about US$116 million) sustainable innovation program. The funding will be provided over a five-year period. The program helps startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that create sustainable solutions for L’Oréal and the beauty industry.

L’AcceleratOR is in partnership with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL). Selected startups will enter an intensive support phase led by CISL. They will receive funding, expert guidance, and access to L’Oréal’s research and testing capabilities. The aim is to help these companies become pilot-ready and scale their solutions for broader use.

The accelerator focuses on key strategic themes tied to L’Oréal’s sustainability goals:

• Next-generation packaging and materials
• Nature-sourced ingredients
• Circular solutions
• Data intelligence tools to measure and reduce environmental impacts

Startups may run six- to nine-month pilots with L’Oréal and its partners. Successful pilots may be scaled across global operations if they show measurable benefits.

Ezgi Barcenas, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, remarked:

“To accelerate sustainable solutions to market, we are being even more intentional and inclusive in our pursuit of partnerships through “L’AcceleratOR”. We are really energized to be co-designing the future of beauty with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, and these 13 change makers.”

The 13 Startups and Their Focus Areas

The selected startups and SMEs represent a range of sustainable innovations across climate, nature, and circularity. They fall into four main categories:

• Packaging and materials
• Nature-sourced ingredients
• Circular solutions
• Data intelligence

These 13 startups use different ways to cut environmental impact. They focus on product design, supply chain management, and manufacturing to promote circularity.

• SEE MORE: L’Oréal’s €100M Green Glow-Up: Where Beauty Meets Sustainability

How L’AcceleratOR Fits L’Oréal’s 2030 Strategy

L’AcceleratOR is part of L’Oréal’s broad 10-year sustainability roadmap, “L’Oréal for the Future.” The roadmap covers four main areas: climate, nature, materials circularity, and communities. It includes the 2030 goals that aim to transform operations while driving innovation in sustainable solutions.

Some of L’Oréal’s key targets under the roadmap include:

• 100% renewable energy for all operations.
• Sustainable sourcing of at least 90% bio-based materials in formula and packaging.
• 100% recycled or reused water for industrial purposes.
• Reducing virgin plastic use by 50%.
• Sourcing 50% of packaging from recycled or bio-based materials.
• Cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 57% and some Scope 3 emissions by 28% against a baseline year.

The L’AcceleratOR program expands these efforts by tapping external innovation. L’Oréal supports startups to speed up solutions that can cut environmental impacts throughout its value chain.

L’Oréal’s Scope 3 emissions are by far the largest part of its footprint, as seen below. This reflects impacts from sourcing, production inputs, logistics, product use, and end-of-life. In 2024, Scope 1 and 2 fell further to about 227,051 tCO₂e, showing continued reductions in direct and energy-related emissions. Total emissions, though, remained roughly stable at 7.41 million tCO₂e, increased with Scope 3 again the largest component.

L’Oréal also has other sustainability initiatives. For example, its Fund for Nature Regeneration has invested more than €25 million (about US$29.1 million) in projects like forest, mangrove, and marine ecosystem restoration. This reflects L’Oréal’s commitment to nature and biodiversity alongside climate action.

Water stewardship is another strategic focus. In 2024, 53% of the water used in L’Oréal’s industrial processes came from reused and recycled sources. This was supported through water recycling systems in areas facing water stress.

Implications for the Beauty and Consumer Goods Sector

L’Oréal’s accelerator initiative reflects a larger industry trend. Many global companies are increasingly investing in sustainable technologies through partnerships, incubators, and venture funds. These partnerships aim to speed up climate, nature, and circular solutions. They combine corporate scale with startup agility.

The L’AcceleratOR program connects L’Oréal with companies that use innovation and partnerships to achieve their environmental goals. It also shows that sustainability strategies can go beyond internal changes. They can support the larger ecosystem, too. Helping startups scale can benefit whole industries, not just single companies.

This trend is important in areas like packaging, materials science, green chemistry, and digital climate tools. Packaging waste and carbon emissions from supply chains are major problems for consumer goods. This is especially true in beauty and personal care.

The beauty industry accounts for about 0.5% to 1.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Most of these emissions come from the value chain, not from company factories. For many beauty companies, around 90% of total emissions are Scope 3, such as raw materials, packaging, transport, and product use.

Raw material sourcing, including agricultural inputs and plastics, can make up 30% to 50% of industry emissions. Consumer use also adds a large share, especially for products that require water and heat.

The industry produces about 120 billion beauty packaging units each year worldwide. Much of this packaging is single-use and hard to recycle. A typical beauty product can generate several kilograms of CO₂-equivalent over its life cycle, from production to disposal.

Notably, most emissions are in the value chain. So, new solutions in packaging, materials, and data tools are key to cutting the beauty sector’s climate impact. This is what L’Oréal seeks to address. By supporting solutions in these areas, it hopes to change old industry practices.

Early Expectations and Next Steps 

The 13 selected startups will now enter the pilot readiness phase of the L’AcceleratOR program. During this phase, the startups will refine their technologies with CISL guidance and L’Oréal support. The goal is to ensure their solutions are ready for real-world testing in commercial environments.

If pilot outcomes are successful, solutions may be scaled beyond initial tests. Some could fit into L’Oréal’s global operations or be used by industry partners. This would speed up sustainable progress.

L’Oréal and CISL plan future cohorts for the L’AcceleratOR program. Future rounds will create chances for more companies. They will also expand the pipeline of sustainable solutions.

By partnering with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and supporting startups across packaging, materials, ingredients, circular systems, and data tools, L’Oréal aims to fast-track real solutions that reduce environmental impacts.

The initiative boosts L’Oréal’s sustainability plan, “L’Oréal for the Future.” This plan sets bold goals for 2030, focusing on renewable energy, resource use, cutting emissions, and promoting circularity.

The pilot and scaling opportunities in the program can help new technologies join global supply chains. This support will aid L’Oréal and its partners in tackling climate, nature, and circular economy challenges towards its net-zero goals.

• READ MORE: Marks & Spencer and Schneider Electric Partner to Cut Supply Chain or Scope 3 Emissions

The post L’Oréal Taps 13 Global Startups to Boost Climate, Nature, and Circular Innovation appeared first on Carbon Credits.

On January 15, Indigo Carbon PBC announced one of the largest soil carbon transactions to date, marking a major milestone for regenerative agriculture in the voluntary carbon market. Under a 12-year agreement, Microsoft will purchase 2.85 million soil carbon credits generated through the Carbon by Indigo program, a large-scale, U.S.-based initiative focused on delivering high-integrity carbon removals.

This agreement underscores the increasing confidence of large corporate buyers in nature-based carbon removal pathways, particularly those that integrate climate impact with tangible on-the-ground benefits for farmers and ecosystems.

Third Transaction Strengthens Microsoft’s Carbon-Negative Path

Microsoft’s FY24 climate data reflects a 23.4% increase in overall emissions compared to its base year, largely due to rapid business expansion. Despite this, Microsoft retired 595,922 metric tons of carbon removals to meet its annual carbon-neutral target.

The latest purchase represents the third carbon credit transaction between Microsoft and Indigo. It follows earlier deals for 40,000 tonnes of credits in 2024 and 60,000 tonnes in 2025. Together, these agreements underscore Microsoft’s long-term strategy to meet its commitment to become carbon negative by 2030.

Looking ahead, Microsoft has contracted for nearly 22 million metric tons of carbon removals to be delivered over the next 15 years or more. This includes 2.8 million tons expected in FY30, the company’s carbon-negative target year, with additional volumes planned beyond FY31.

READ MORE: 

• Microsoft Buys 60,000 Soil Carbon Credits from Indigo’s Largest Carbon Crop
• Microsoft Strikes 2 Record-Breaking Carbon Credit Deals

Indigo Ag Strengthens High-Integrity Carbon Removal Supply

The broader regenerative agriculture market continues to gain momentum.

• Research showed that, valued at $1.52 billion in 2025, the market is projected to grow from $1.76 billion in 2026 to around $5.77 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 15.97%.

Practices such as cover cropping, rotational grazing, reduced tillage, and compost application improve soil carbon levels and microbial diversity. As voluntary carbon markets mature, regenerative agriculture is emerging as a durable climate solution and a scalable economic opportunity for farmers.

For Indigo, the deal further cements its leadership in scaling verified soil carbon removals, demonstrating that regenerative agriculture can deliver credits at volumes large enough to meet enterprise-level demand.

Regenerative Agriculture: Climate Impact Plus Farm Productivity

Governments and climate institutions increasingly recognize regenerative agriculture as a powerful carbon removal tool.

• Research suggests these practices could remove more than 3.5 gigatons of CO₂ equivalent annually, while also improving soil health, increasing crop resilience, and stabilizing yields.

Beyond carbon, regenerative practices deliver critical co-benefits. They enhance water infiltration, reduce erosion, and support water conservation—key advantages as drought and water scarcity intensify across agricultural regions. These outcomes also strengthen rural economies by improving long-term farm productivity.

New Revenue Streams for Farmers

At a time when farmers face rising costs, climate volatility, and market uncertainty, the Microsoft-Indigo agreement delivers meaningful financial incentives. By rewarding farmers for adopting regenerative practices, the deal improves farm resilience while creating new, non-government revenue streams.

Indigo currently works with farmers across more than eight million acres and has paid $40 million through its programs to date. These payments are independent of government subsidies, offering farmers greater financial flexibility and stability.

High-Integrity Credits Meet ICVCM Core Carbon Principles

Credit integrity is a defining feature of the agreement. It is among the first soil carbon deals to include credits approved under the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s (ICVCM) Core Carbon Principles.

Indigo has issued 927,296 carbon removal and reduction credits under CAR1459 using the Climate Action Reserve’s Soil Enrichment Protocol. The company relies on peer-reviewed science, field data, remote sensing, and machine learning to measure and verify soil carbon outcomes.

To address permanence risks, Indigo has added safeguards across the 40-year durability period agreed with Microsoft, complementing the protocol’s 100-year monitoring and reversal compensation requirements.

On an end note, Meredith Reisfield, Senior Director of Policy, Partnerships, and Impact at Indigo, said:

“Microsoft’s purchase highlights the transformative power of regenerative agriculture to support watersheds, support farming communities, and advance global net-zero goals. Indigo is a proud catalyst of today’s soil carbon market, with our long-standing history of farmer collaboration and proven impact, already saving 64 billion gallons of water and issuing nearly one million tonnes of CO₂e carbon removal credits since 2018.”

• ALSO READ: Microsoft (MSFT) Signs $2.6 Million Soil Carbon Credit Deal with Agoro Carbon to Meet its Net-Zero Goals 

The post Microsoft (MSFT) Signs 2.85 Million Soil Carbon Credit Deal With Indigo in Landmark Regenerative Agriculture Move appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Gold prices have climbed to historic levels in global markets, with Bloomberg reporting that spot gold hit an intraday all‑time high of 4,689.15 dollars per ounce on January 19, 2026. This milestone underscores intense safe‑haven demand as investors navigate ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and shifting expectations for future interest‑rate cuts.

Gold’s latest surge extends a powerful bull run. In 2025, the metal posted more than 50 new record highs and delivered a yearly return of over 60 percent, drawing in institutional investors, central banks, and retail traders seeking diversification and protection against market volatility.

Over the past two years, gold prices have roughly doubled, a rare feat for a major, highly liquid commodity, reinforcing its status as a store of value and hedge against inflation and geopolitical risk.

Why Investors Flock to Gold: Safe Haven and Policy Signals

A key driver of the gold rally is shifting expectations around monetary policy, especially in the United States. Many investors now expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates in 2026.

When interest rates fall, gold becomes more attractive because it does not pay interest or dividends. This lowers the opportunity cost of holding gold compared with bonds or savings.

The U.S. dollar has also shown signs of weakening against other major currencies at times, another factor that boosts gold demand. A weaker dollar makes gold cheaper for holders of non‑U.S. currencies, increasing global buying pressure.

During periods of market stress and geopolitical tension, investors often treat gold as a safe haven. These conditions have become more common in late 2025 and early 2026, driving flows into gold‑related investments.

Central Banks: The Steady Hands Behind Gold’s Rally

Central banks have played an unusually large role in supporting gold prices. According to World Gold Council data, global central banks added 1,044.6 metric tons of gold to reserves in 2024. This was the third year in a row that purchases exceeded 1,000 tons. This amount is much higher than the long-term average of about 473 tons from 2010 to 2021.

Gold as a percentage of total reserve holdings across select central banks

The trend continued into 2025, with central banks acquiring substantial amounts through the third quarter. Net quarterly demand from investors and central banks hit about 980 tons. This equals roughly $109 billion in gold inflows for Q3 2025.

Major buyers include emerging market central banks such as Poland, China, India, and Turkey, each adding significant quantities to their reserves. These purchases help reduce reliance on foreign currencies and support financial diversification strategies.

Strong central bank buying has limited the amount of gold available on the markets for other buyers. Because these purchases tend to be long‑term and price‑insensitive, they act as a stable base of demand, supporting higher price levels.

Supply Tightness Keeps Prices Elevated

Gold supply has struggled to keep pace with rising demand. Mining production reached a record 3,661 metric tons in 2024, a modest increase of 0.6% year‑over‑year.

Production gains happened in Mexico, Canada, and Ghana. However, rising costs have offset some of this growth. Overall cost to produce gold, measured as all‑in sustaining cost (AISC), rose to about $1,399 per ounce in 2024, up roughly 8% from the prior year.

Recycling and secondary supply help the market, but they have limits. These sources haven’t eased market tightness much. The combination of constrained supply and strong demand keeps pressure on prices.

Global Ripple Effects: From Central Banks to Exploration

Rising gold prices have real economic and financial impacts. In the Philippines, for instance, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas noted that its gold holdings jumped about 70% in 2025. They reached a record $18.6 billion. This rise was mainly due to a big increase in gold prices. Gold now makes up about 17% of the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves.

Around the world, strong gold prices have influenced central bank profits and balance sheets. The Swiss National Bank reported one of its highest profit levels in history in 2025, driven in part by gains on its gold holdings as prices rallied.

High prices have also affected exploration activity. Australia’s gold exploration spending jumped about 34% year-over-year in Q2 2025. This rise shows growing interest in new projects as prices have gone up.

• SEE MORE: Gold Price Today Surges to All-Time High at $3,671 as Miners Push ESG and Carbon Reduction Goals

What This Means for Investors and Markets

The current rise in gold prices shows a mix of economic risks, expectations about monetary policy, and high demand from official sectors. These forces suggest that gold’s role as a defensive asset remains important in the current environment.

While gold does not produce income, it continues to attract buyers seeking stability and diversification. Central banks are accumulating gold. This, along with strong investor demand and limited supply, pushes prices up.

Analyst forecasts suggest that gold may remain elevated in the coming year if these conditions persist. Some forecasts suggest gold might average around $4,753 per ounce until 2026, per J.P. Morgan’s forecast. It could rise more in 2027 if global economic stress grows.

In this context, gold’s rise is not just a short‑term spike. It highlights key changes in how investors, banks, and governments deal with uncertainty and risk. As these trends evolve, gold is likely to remain a key asset in global financial markets.

Beyond market forces and central bank demand, the gold industry is also under pressure to reduce its environmental impact and align with global climate goals.

Gold Goes Green: Mining’s Climate and Net-Zero Push

Gold mining produces greenhouse gas emissions, mostly from fuel and electricity used in mining and processing. In 2023, primary gold mines around the world released about 46.6 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) from direct (Scope 1) and electricity (Scope 2) emissions. This number reflects the energy‑intensive nature of mining operations.

Leading gold producers have set clear climate targets to reduce emissions and improve sustainability. For example, Barrick Gold aims to cut its own operational Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by at least 30% by 2030 from a 2018 baseline. It also plans to reach net‑zero emissions by 2050 as part of its long‑term climate strategy. The company is investing in big solar power plants to reduce the use of fossil fuels. One of these is a 200 MW solar farm for the Nevada Gold Mines complex.

Newmont Corporation, a leading gold producer, also plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. They also aim for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company is shifting its energy mix and investing in cleaner technologies to meet these goals.

Gold Fields has committed to cutting its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 30% by 2030 from a 2016 baseline and to reach net‑zero emissions by 2050. In 2023, the company reduced its emissions intensity to 660 kg CO₂e per ounce of gold, compared with 669 kg CO₂e per ounce in 2022. It plans further cuts through increased use of renewables, energy efficiency, and lower‑carbon mine equipment.

• MUST READ: Gold’s Enduring Value: How Sierra Madre Is Advancing Mexico’s Next Generation of Gold Projects

Renewables Powering Gold Production

Some producers are already deploying renewable energy at scale. For example, Barrick’s Nevada operations have reduced electricity‑related emissions by investing in solar power and renewable energy credits.

Other mines are testing battery-electric haul trucks. They’re also using renewable microgrids and off-grid solar and wind sites. This helps cut diesel use and lower carbon output.

These company commitments show that gold mining firms are integrating emissions reduction into their business plans. Many have set 2030 interim goals to lower emissions, and most aim for net‑zero emissions by 2050, in line with global climate targets.

Gold’s recent price rise shows global economic uncertainty. It also reflects strong demand from investors and central banks. At the same time, the industry is taking meaningful steps to reduce emissions and advance sustainability. This shows that gold can be both a safe investment and a cleaner, more responsible choice.

• READ MORE: Top Gold ETFs to Watch Now as Gold Prices Break $4,000 — IAU, GLD, and GDX Lead the Pack

The post Gold Prices Smash Another Record: Spot Gold Hits $4,689 All‑Time High as Central Banks Go on a Buying Spree appeared first on Carbon Credits.