Gattefossé is strengthening its environmental performance through Poseidon, a cross-functional programme that integrates water management across the entire product life cycle.
From product design to manufacturing and end-of-life, the programme demonstrates how responsible science can deliver measurable environmental impact while supporting industrial performance.
At its headquarters in Lyon, Gattefossé has reduced water consumption by 14% per tonne produced over two years.
In 2024, 800,000 litres of water was saved through optimized production campaigns and 400,000 litres saved via optimized cooling system shutdowns.
In addition, it has seen a 32% reduction in gas consumption thanks to heat recovery.
Gattefossé expects a 60% to 80% water savings for industrial cleaning with the deployment of CIP (Cleaning-In-Place) systems.
Water is a strategic resource for Gattefossé’s industrial activities, primarily used in equipment cleaning and manufacturing processes.
Poseidon is built on the ambition to make water efficiency a core industrial practice rather than an isolated initiative.
The programme is focused on three complementary pillars; firstly, reducing water withdrawals by optimizing manufacturing and cleaning cycles.
Secondly, maximizing the reuse of water and energy already mobilized in production processes; and thirdly, integrating water considerations at the design stage, through eco-design principles.
This approach mobilizes teams across R&D, HSE, quality, production and industrial maintenance, driving long-term changes in operational practices and fostering a shared culture of continuous improvement.
“Poseidon reflects Gattefossé’s commitment to protecting water resources, a key environmental and societal responsibility for industrial players. This program is fully aligned with our CSR roadmap, Gatt’Up&Act, and addresses one of our priority environmental challenges,” said Laurent Schubnel, Group CSR Leader at Gattefossé.
Beyond environmental gains, Poseidon has transformed industrial practices by actively engaging teams on the ground.
Operator training, reassessment of existing standards and the testing of new cleaning methods have helped to embed water management sustainably into daily operations.
“Poseidon has reshaped operating procedures while improving the reliability of our installations. The project demonstrates that reducing water use can go hand in hand with industrial performance, through responsible innovation that reflects Gattefossé’s purpose: We stand for caring science,” added Elisa Ropagnol, group director of Industrial Operations at Gattefossé.
A €2.2m, two-year investment phase starting this year will scale up the initiative and further reduce the company’s water footprint.
