Marine biodiversity and local communities at the heart of Seppic's CSR strategy at the Pontrieux site

Seppic's production site in Pontrieux is dedicated to active cosmetic ingredients derived from marine biotechnologies and the extraction of seaweed or marine plants.

The site is located near the Bréhat archipelago where seaweed and various marine plants used by Seppic for the production of its ingredients are extracted.

Like the actions carried out in Madagascar, the Pontrieux site carries out actions in line with its commitment to the preservation of biodiversity, with its suppliers and with local communities.

Preserving marine biodiversity

Seaweed harvesting on the foreshore is done either by hand at low tide by harvesters who cultivate them, or at sea by seaweed harvesters approved by the French government authorities. The techniques used are reasoned and adapted according to the species, they are carried out at certain times of the year which ensures the regeneration of plant populations and the preservation of biodiversity.

100% of the seaweed sourced in Brittany is cultivated or harvested according to good practices authorized by the local authorities. All seaweed or sea plants sourced outside of France are also subject to traceability to the country of origin.

As for seaweed resources, Seppic favors local and sustainable sourcing.

At the end of the manufacturing process, plant waste is recycled through biomethanization.

Getting involved in Pontrieux communities

Seppic Pontrieux is also involved in the "Algue Solidaire" program: this is a supply partnership between Seppic and a Breton seaweed grower, who in turn has committed to subcontracting part of the processing of its production of one of the site's seaweed species to an ESAT. It is a win/win collaboration: Seppic secures the production outlet of this seaweed farmer, the seaweed farmer receives a qualified and reliable reinforcement during the high season of production and the people far from employment have the opportunity to be integrated into the world of work thanks to the implementation of a personalized accompaniment and by the implementation of tasks which are adapted to them.

Seppic Pontrieux has been working for a long time with several ESATs (“Etablissement et service d'aide par le travail”) in the Côtes d'Armor region for the landscaping maintenance of the site and for waste sorting. The ESAT of Plourivo is part of the Jardins de Cocagne network, which brings together collective organic gardens with a social and professional integration vocation. These gardens allow people on a professional path to find a job and get involved in a profession. Membership of the garden is a civic commitment to support an initiative of integration through economic activity.

This year, the employees of Seppic Pontrieux have chosen to get involved with the French Red Cross during the "Boxes of solidarity" operation. Boxes containing warm clothes, beauty products, food and games were offered for Christmas. The employees were able to say warm words to those who were offered these boxes.