Lauder To Make Sustainability Upgrades at Belgium Manufacturing & Fulfillment Campus

The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) announces significant sustainability enhancements at its manufacturing and fulfillment campus in Oevel, Belgium.

“Oevel exemplifies how we’re committed to advancing sustainability for the long term,” said Chief Sustainability Officer Nancy Mahon. “Its leadership in biotech and ingredient sustainability, paired with innovative practices in a historic setting, reflects our dedication to reducing our environmental footprint and setting new benchmarks for sustainable operations.”

Key sustainability upgrades include: 

Water Treatment and Recycling Enhancements

ELC is actively deploying next-generation water treatment and recycling technologies that are expected to significantly enhance water recycling rates and reduce incoming water needs.

• Increased Water Recycling: Water recycling rates rose from 59% to 85%. Annual water reuse grew from 23 million to 29 million liters—enough for 12 Olympic swimming pools—primarily for cleaning activities.
• Reduced Water Use & Sludge Waste: Incoming water needs reduced by 46%, with potential to reach 93% through rainwater harvesting. Annual reduction of 3,000 tons of sludge waste, equivalent to 150 truckloads. 

Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction

The Oevel site has sourced 100% renewable electricity since 2007 and continues to invest in new alternative forms of energy. 

• Expanded Solar Power: Installation of new solar arrays with capacities of 1.165 kWp and 1.000 kWp—expected to power the equivalent of 195 homes per year.
• Green Mobility Initiatives: Oevel employees are supporting energy efficiency efforts through transitioning away from vehicles. Through the Oevel Bike lease plan, 350 employees bike the equivalent of 14 times around the world annually.

Waste Management Achievements

The Oevel site maintains a zero waste to landfill approach through emphasizing waste reduction and reuse. 

• High Waste Recycling: Oevel recycles 86% of waste at its manufacturing site and 98% of waste at its fulfillment site.
• Ongoing Waste Reuse: The site reuses 135 tons of its own waste each month, demonstrating a commitment to circularity and continually seeking new and innovative ways to repurpose materials.

At a site visit in April, Mahon also toured the nearby BioTech Hub in Olen, Belgium, which also contributes to ELC’s sustainability strategy by expanding its in-house capacity to manufacture proprietary, bio-based ingredients and technologies.

“We’re focused on advancing sustainability across our end-to-end value chain – as well as driving increased quality, performance and agility to best advance our business and serve our consumers,” said Roberto Canevari, chief value chain officer. 

The upgrades to the Oevel site are part of ELC’s broader commitment to social impact and environmental sustainability across its global operations. From climate action and emissions reduction to sustainable building operations, waste management, and water stewardship, ELC continues to make meaningful progress across its global manufacturing and fulfillment network. By setting ambitious targets, sourcing renewable energy, and striving for nearly-zero waste to landfill, the company is helping shape a more sustainable future for the beauty industry.