L’Oréal is making bold moves toward a more sustainable beauty industry with its Sustainable Innovation Accelerator. Under the global “L’Oréal for the Future” plan, this initiative helps quickly develop technologies. These technologies aim to lower the environmental impact of cosmetics production and L’Oréal’s carbon footprint.

The beauty company aims to lower carbon emissions, reduce waste, and form eco-friendly partnerships. These efforts seek to change the beauty industry. They also aim to meet the growing demand for sustainable products.

By working closely with startups and scientific innovators, L’Oréal plans to push boundaries in green technology. Ezgi Barcenas, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at L’Oréal, remarked:

“This accelerator will help address the solution gap and help steer the catalytic adoption of breakthrough technologies.”

This marks a shift in how beauty companies think about growth—balancing performance with responsibility.

Innovation Engine: The Accelerator at Work

The €100 million Sustainable Innovation Accelerator helps boost new ideas that make cosmetics more sustainable. L’Oréal is directing substantial investment toward this initiative, focusing on two main goals: carbon emissions and waste reduction.

The program supports technologies that lower emissions throughout the supply chain. This includes everything from sourcing ingredients to packaging and delivery. It also encourages solutions that cut down on plastic, packaging waste, and excess materials in manufacturing.

L’Oréal has big green goals. By 2030, it wants to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% for each product. This is based on 2016 levels and follows science-based targets from the UN.

The accelerator doesn’t work alone. It builds partnerships with startups, researchers, and suppliers, creating a network of innovation. In 2023, L’Oréal helped over 70 startups. These startups worked on climate solutions, biotechnology, and sustainable packaging.

Carbon Goals: From Reduction to Net Zero

L’Oréal’s path to sustainability isn’t just about products—it’s about long-term responsibility. The company plans to be net zero by 2050. This means it aims to balance the emissions it creates with what it takes out of the atmosphere.

In 2023, L’Oréal’s Scope 3 emissions were about 11,406 thousand tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. The biggest sources were purchased goods and services, which accounted for 5,170 thousand tonnes. Also, the use of sold products contributed 4,297 thousand tonnes.

Despite the overall increase in emissions, L’Oréal managed to cut emissions from its operated sites (Scopes 1 and 2) by 74% since 2019. This was achieved even with a 12% rise in production during that time.

The company cut greenhouse gas emissions from product transport by 9.7%. It aims for a 50% reduction per finished product by 2030, using 2016 as a baseline.

Additionally, 83% of L’Oréal’s operated sites globally had reached 100% renewable energy by the end of 2023, up from 34% in 2019.

To get to net zero, L’Oréal set clear science-based targets, including:

• By 2025: All L’Oréal sites—including factories, distribution centers, and offices—will be carbon neutral.

• By 2030: A 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per finished product compared to 2016 levels.

• By 2050: Net zero across the entire value chain, including suppliers and consumers.

To support these goals, L’Oréal is investing in renewable energy, green building design, and transportation alternatives. As of 2023, over 70% of its industrial sites had already achieved carbon neutrality by using solar, wind, biomass, or hydroelectric power.

In addition, L’Oréal has created a €50 million Climate Fund for Nature. This fund helps carbon offset projects. It supports reforestation, wetland restoration, and soil regeneration. These efforts absorb carbon dioxide and boost biodiversity.

L’Oréal partners with organizations like the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This helps ensure its progress is clear and accountable.

Biotech Breakthroughs: A Cleaner Chemistry

One of the most exciting frontiers in sustainable beauty is biotechnology. L’Oréal is using biotech to find new options. These alternatives can replace traditional ingredients that often harm the environment or use too many resources.

The Beauty Tech Challenge 2025—part of the accelerator’s broader mission—invites startups to submit ideas that use biotechnology to make skin and hair care products with lower emissions and waste. Biotech can make biodegradable ingredients from renewable sources like algae or yeast. This replaces chemicals that come from petroleum or rare plants.

One successful example of this is L’Oréal’s partnership with Genomatica, a U.S. biotech company. They are working together to create sustainable alternatives to palm oil. This ingredient is commonly used but is linked to deforestation. The partnership can lower the beauty industry’s environmental impact by making palm oil substitutes in labs using fermentation.

In 2023, L’Oréal launched a shampoo with biotech surfactants. These compounds clean hair gently, avoiding harsh chemicals. These new formulas are not only more sustainable but also gentler on skin and scalp, adding value for consumers.

Beauty Tech on the Rise

L’Oréal’s ambition goes beyond ingredients—it includes how products are made, delivered, and experienced. The company’s Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program helps startups. It focuses on smart packaging, circular systems, and digital tools. These tools promote responsible consumption.

Examples include:

• Smart refillable packaging. A startup supported by L’Oréal developed a system that tracks usage and reminds consumers to refill, reducing plastic waste.

• AI-powered skin diagnostics. Tools that assist customers in selecting the right product for their skin. This helps cut down on waste and avoid unnecessary purchases.

• 3D printing for custom cosmetics. L’Oréal is experimenting with 3D printers that can create makeup on demand, minimizing inventory waste.

These innovations help L’Oréal cover the entire lifecycle of its products and cut carbon emissions where possible. This includes production, consumer use, and disposal. They also attract tech-savvy and eco-friendly buyers.

The company has also launched “SPOT” (Sustainable Product Optimization Tool), a system that measures the social and environmental footprint of each product. As of 2023, SPOT has evaluated over 95% of L’Oréal’s portfolio, helping the brand design cleaner, greener items.

A Green Future in Focus

The beauty market is booming. Analysts expect it to reach $750 billion globally by 2025. But this growth comes with responsibility. Consumers today are asking tough questions: Where do ingredients come from? Is the packaging recyclable? Does the brand support climate action?

Market research supports this shift. According to IBM’s Institute for Business Value, 58% of consumers are willing to change their buying habits to help the environment. Moreover, companies that adopt sustainable practices see long-term benefits. A study by NYU Stern found that sustainably marketed products grew 2.7x faster than their conventional counterparts.

The global sustainable beauty market could grow at an annual growth rate of 9.1% through 2030. That means demand for eco-friendly, ethically sourced products will only increase.

L’Oréal’s investments today position it to lead tomorrow. Its Sustainable Innovation Accelerator isn’t just a project. It’s a guide for beauty brands to grow and change. By combining biotechnology, smart packaging, and digital tools, the company is showing that beauty and sustainability can go hand in hand.

• READ MORE: Amazon Unveils Carbon Credit Investment Service: A Game Changer for Corporate Sustainability

The post L’Oréal’s €100M Green Glow-Up: Where Beauty Meets Sustainability appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Carbfix has made a big move in Europe’s battle against climate change. It received the first permit for onshore carbon dioxide (CO2) storage under EU law. This project, based in Iceland, makes history by allowing the underground storage of CO2 in line with the EU’s strict climate policies. It is the first time the EU has formally approved an onshore geological storage project under its 2009 CCS Directive.

Carbfix’s storage method uses Iceland’s natural basalt rock to turn captured CO2 into solid minerals. This innovative approach supports the EU’s Green Deal, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

The mineral storage operator shows that carbon capture and storage (CCS) can work well on land. This sets a strong example for other European countries.

Understanding the Science Behind Carbfix’s CCS Tech

The Carbfix process is both simple and groundbreaking. First, carbon dioxide is captured from industrial sources or directly from the air. Then it is dissolved in water and injected into underground rock formations.

In Iceland, natural basalt rock reacts with CO2 solution. This forms solid carbonate minerals that trap carbon permanently. Carbfix’s method is different from other carbon storage methods. Instead of keeping gas trapped under rock layers, it turns gas into stone. This process removes the risk of leakage in the long run.

Key features of the project include:

• Location: The site is in Iceland, where volcanic basalt is plentiful and ideal for mineralizing CO2.

• Technology: The CO2 reacts with minerals in the rock to form stable solids in under two years.

• Safety: The National Energy Authority of Iceland (Orkustofnun) checked the project to ensure it follows EU safety rules for geological storage.

Carbfix’s innovative technology has already been used in smaller pilot projects in Iceland, including at the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant. Getting a permit under the EU’s tough rules is a major step for wider use in Europe.

Highlighting the growing importance of CCS technology in Europe’s climate strategy, Carbfix CEO, Edda Sif Pind Aradóttir stated:

“With this first onshore storage permit in Europe, Iceland also retains a certain leadership role in building a new industry that is essential to both the EU’s and IPCC’s climate goals.”

Why the EU Supports Carbon Capture and Storage

The European Union is focused on cutting greenhouse gases to fight global warming. Technologies like CCS play a key role in achieving this.

The European Commission’s Industrial Carbon Management Strategy says that by 2050, the EU will store around 250 million tonnes of CO2 each year. This will be in underground storage.

Total carbon capture could reach around 450 million tonnes yearly, which includes some CO2 that is used instead of stored. This could account for 7-8% of the region’s emissions.

The EU’s climate plan encourages both public and private investment in carbon storage projects. Experts estimate that suitable sites in Europe could store up to 300 million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2030.

The European Climate Law requires net-zero emissions by 2050. This law pressures all sectors, including heavy industry, to cut or offset their emissions.

While the company is pioneering onshore CCS, most EU CCS capacity and projects focus on offshore storage, especially in the North Sea region.

By 2030, Europe might reach a storage capacity of 140 million tonnes per year. However, only about 66 million tonnes per year is expected in EU member states. Most of the onshore projects are small, mainly in Denmark and the Netherlands.

Iceland’s Carbfix project is unique as an onshore basalt mineralization site. The Carbfix permit allows storage of up to about 106,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, totaling around 3.2 million tonnes over 30 years.

• RELATED: Shell, Equinor, and TotalEnergies Expand Northern Lights CCS with $714 Million Investment

It proves that onshore CO2 storage is possible within the EU’s legal framework. It opens the door for similar projects in other member countries. By proving that this kind of storage is safe and effective, Carbfix is leading the way for other innovators to follow. It also opens opportunities for generating carbon credits.

The Growing Role of Carbon Markets

With more companies and governments trying to lower emissions, the demand for carbon credits is growing. These credits allow companies to pay for carbon reductions elsewhere if they cannot cut emissions directly.

Projects like Carbfix generate carbon credits by permanently removing CO2 from the atmosphere. This makes them especially attractive to buyers seeking high-quality, verifiable carbon offsets.

Recent projections indicate the average EU carbon price could reach about €92/t CO2e in 2025. It could rise to €130/t by 2026 and €195/t by 2030.

Analysts expect the global carbon market to more than double in size by 2030, possibly reaching $100 billion. More storage projects like Carbfix are starting up that can increase the supply of high-quality carbon credits. As a result, the market will stabilize and new investment opportunities will arise.

Carbon credit markets help create a circular carbon economy. In this system, captured emissions are reused or stored permanently, preventing them from entering the atmosphere. As countries strengthen their climate commitments, demand for such credits will likely increase.

A Model for Future Projects

Carbfix could serve as a model for future carbon storage projects across Europe and beyond. Other European countries are already exploring similar opportunities. Reports say that up to 10 new onshore storage projects might start in the next five years. This is especially true in areas with volcanic or sedimentary rock formations.

To support this growth, the EU is working on clearer rules and funding support for carbon capture projects. This includes easier permitting, better carbon pricing, and more public-private partnerships. The Innovation Fund and Horizon Europe are two major EU programs supporting climate technology, including CCS.

Experts agree that CCS must grow quickly to meet climate targets. Renewable energy and energy efficiency are vital. However, technologies like Carbfix can cut emissions in tough industries, which include cement, steel, and chemicals.

The Carbfix carbon storage permit marks the beginning of a new phase in Europe’s climate journey. As the EU looks to scale up CCS efforts, the success of onshore projects will be crucial. With the right policies and technologies in place, the region could become a global leader in carbon storage innovation.

• READ MORE: Netherlands Invests $726 Million in Aramis CCS as Shell and Total Shift Strategies

The post Carbfix Secures First EU Permit for Onshore Carbon Capture and Storage appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Bitcoin began as an idea shared by a small group of technology enthusiasts. In the last ten years, it has become a global digital asset. It draws interest from big investment firms, governments, and regular people.

Today, Bitcoin is not just a digital currency used for online payments. It is also seen as a new type of asset, similar to gold or stocks, that people can invest in. However, this transformation has come with significant challenges, particularly regarding energy use and environmental impact. As the Bitcoin mining industry matures, the focus is shifting toward more sustainable practices.

The Digital Pickaxe: How Bitcoin Mining Actually Works

In 2024, a major event for Bitcoin took place. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This decision made it much easier for regular investors and big institutions to buy and sell Bitcoin.

More companies and financial firms now offer Bitcoin to their clients. So, the digital asset is becoming more accepted in mainstream finance. Here’s how its market value compares with other cryptoassets and traditional assets. 

Bitcoin depends on a process called “mining” to keep its network secure and to create new coins. Mining is done by powerful computers that solve complex math problems. When a computer solves a problem, it adds a new “block” to the Bitcoin blockchain. The miner then gets new bitcoins and transaction fees as a reward.

This process is called “Proof-of-Work.” It is designed to make sure that no one can cheat the system or take over the network. The more computers, or “hashrate,” that are working to mine Bitcoin, the more secure the network becomes.

Mining has changed a lot since Bitcoin started. At first, anyone with a home computer could mine Bitcoin. Now, most mining is done by large companies using special machines called ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). These companies often have mining farms with thousands of machines running day and night.

The Cambridge Digital Mining Industry Report states that a recent survey covered 49 mining companies. These companies control almost half of the total computing power for Bitcoin mining. These companies operate in 16 countries. The United States is now the biggest mining hub, accounting for over 75% of mining activity.

The Energy Debate: Powering Bitcoin

One of the biggest debates about Bitcoin is how much energy it uses. Bitcoin mining is a high-energy process. Because mining requires so much computing power, it also needs a lot of electricity. Some people worry this might hurt the environment. This is a concern, especially if the electricity comes from fossil fuels like coal or natural gas.

The Cambridge report estimates that Bitcoin mining uses about 138 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity each year. This is similar to the annual electricity use of a country like Sweden.

• The mining activity also produces about 39.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year. However, this share of global emissions remained under 0.1%.

However, the report also shows that the energy mix for Bitcoin mining is changing. More than half (52.4%) of the electricity used by miners now comes from sustainable sources. This includes hydropower (23.4%), wind (15.4%), nuclear (9.8%), and solar (3.2%). Still, natural gas remains the single largest energy source at 38.2%, followed by coal (8.9%).

Many mining companies are trying to use more renewable energy and to find ways to reduce their environmental impact. Some are even using energy that would otherwise be wasted, such as gas flaring from oil fields. These efforts are important as the industry faces growing pressure to be more environmentally friendly.

Meanwhile, the survey shows a possible scenario when miners want to offset the emissions of their activities by buying carbon credits. The chart below compares the cost of removing Bitcoin’s carbon emissions using two methods: nature-based solutions like planting trees, and high-tech solutions like direct air capture (DAC).

Nature-based methods cost about $5 to $9 per ton of CO2, while DAC costs much more—between $134 and $344 per ton. Lower emissions mean lower total costs, and higher emissions mean higher total costs for offsetting.

Wall Street Meets Blockchain: Institutions Dive In

Bitcoin’s price has seen big changes in recent years. In early 2025, Bitcoin reached a new high of about $109,000 before dropping to around $74,000 in April. By May, it had recovered to about $95,000. These price swings show how quickly the market can change.

However, the broader market trend shows growing maturity:

• Institutional adoption is rising. Major firms—including BlackRock, Fidelity, and MicroStrategy—have invested directly in Bitcoin or launched crypto-related products.
• Spot Bitcoin ETFs approved in early 2024 have brought mainstream exposure, unlocking billions in capital inflows.
• Bitcoin’s market cap briefly surpassed $1.5 trillion in early 2025, signaling continued investor interest even amid macroeconomic uncertainty.

RELATED: BlackRock Bets on Abu Dhabi for Strategic Growth. Is Crypto Part of the Plan?

Experts have different predictions for where Bitcoin’s price will go next. Some believe it could reach $150,000 or even $200,000 by the end of 2025, especially as more institutional investors enter the market.

The approval of Bitcoin ETFs has made it easier for large funds and retirement accounts to invest in Bitcoin. Even a small investment from these big players could have a big impact on Bitcoin’s price.

The growing interest from companies is also important. Some businesses, like MicroStrategy, have bought large amounts of Bitcoin as a way to store value. This shows that Bitcoin is being used not just as a currency, but as a financial asset.

These trends point to Bitcoin’s growing acceptance as both a store of value and a portfolio diversifier. This financial legitimacy is helping drive the push toward more sustainable and compliant mining practices. And one name stands out in this direction – American Bitcoin Corp. 

Stars, Stripes, and Satoshis: The Rise of American Bitcoin

American Bitcoin Corp. is a majority-owned subsidiary of Hut 8 Corp., one of North America’s leading digital asset mining companies. In early 2025, Hut 8 teamed up with American Data Centers to launch American Bitcoin. This partnership includes investors Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. American Bitcoin will focus on large-scale Bitcoin mining and creating a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

Hut 8 serves as American Bitcoin’s exclusive infrastructure and operations partner. American Bitcoin uses Hut 8’s strong data center skills, energy setup, and large-scale operations. They do this through long-term business agreements.

Hut 8’s CEO, Asher Genoot, highlights that separating American Bitcoin helps it raise growth capital on its own. This move also keeps Hut 8 shareholders connected to Bitcoin’s potential gains.

Just recently, American Bitcoin announced a merger with Gryphon Digital Mining. This stock-for-stock deal will take them public. They plan to trade on Nasdaq with the ticker symbol “ABTC.” This move aims to scale American Bitcoin as a low-cost Bitcoin accumulation vehicle, unlocking new capital to expand mining capacity and Bitcoin holdings.

The combined company will be led by a board including Hut 8 CEO Asher Genoot and other key executives such as Mike Ho and Eric Trump. American Bitcoin aims to be the largest and most efficient Bitcoin miner globally. They plan to achieve over 50 exahashes per second (EH/s) of mining power. Their goal is also to maintain an average fleet efficiency below 15 joules per terahash (J/TH).

By combining Hut 8’s operational excellence and infrastructure with strategic capital and market access, American Bitcoin is positioned to lead the U.S. Bitcoin mining industry and build a robust Bitcoin reserve for long-term growth.

Hurdles on the Hashrate Highway

Bitcoin’s future hinges on overcoming several key challenges. Regulatory uncertainty is a big problem. Governments have different rules for digital assets, which makes it hard for mining companies to plan for the long term.

Energy costs are a big concern. Mining only makes money when Bitcoin’s price is higher than electricity and equipment costs. If energy prices keep rising, miners might lose and shut down.

Additionally, as more miners join, mining becomes harder and requires continuous equipment upgrades to remain competitive. Environmental impact remains a concern, but innovations like AI are improving efficiency.

Despite these challenges, Bitcoin mining continues to evolve, with new technologies emerging to enhance sustainability and possibly even support power grids. The balance between growth and these hurdles will shape Bitcoin’s future in the global economy.

• READ MORE: The Energy Debate: How Bitcoin Mining, Blockchain, and Cryptocurrency Shape Our Carbon Future

The post Bitcoin’s New Gold Rush: ETFs, Energy Battles and the Rise of American Bitcoin appeared first on Carbon Credits.