L'Oreal reveals huge cuts in emissions

L'Oreal, the cosmetics giant, is claiming to have cut carbon dioxide emissions at its factories in China by 65 percent compared to a decade ago. It also said it now uses 62 percent less water in its production processes than in 2005.

Alexis Perakis-Valat, chief executive officer of L'Oreal China, said that its plant in Yichang, Hubei province, has been at the center of its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint in the country.

At the start of last month, the French firm revealed plans to expand and grow the Yichang plant's use of hydropower, at a ceremony in Toulouse witnessed by French Prime Minister Manuel Valls and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.