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Ocean or Plastic? The Choice Is Ours.
By 2050, if no action is taken, there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans. This alarming prediction underscores the urgency of tackling the global plastic crisis. Every minute, 19 tons of plastic waste find their way into the ocean, causing devastating effects on marine life. Even more concerning, microplastics have infiltrated our daily lives, with the average person unknowingly ingesting approximately 5 grams of microplastic weekly—equivalent to the size of a credit card.
In Malaysia, the scale of plastic waste is staggering. The country generates 39,078 metric tonnes of plastic waste daily, amounting to approximately 14.26 million tonnes per year (The Star, 2024)1. With an estimated 73,098 metric tonnes of plastic waste ending up in the ocean annually (Visual Capitalist, 2023)2Malaysia remains one of the top global contributors to marine plastic pollution.
The Plastic Odyssey: A Journey for Change
L’Occitane en Provence is proud to support Plastic Odyssey, the first global expedition dedicated to combating ocean plastic pollution at its source. The mission is clear: “To Fight Against Plastic Pollution at Sea, We Must Act Ashore.” By addressing the issue where it begins, Plastic Odyssey aims to both clean up the past and build a sustainable future by promoting innovative recycling solutions and raising awareness worldwide.
“Sustainability is at the core of everything we do, from supporting impactful initiatives like Plastic Odyssey to designing eco-conscious products and prioritizing responsible sourcing and waste reduction. Our global commitment to achieving carbon net-zero by 2050 is reflected in our local efforts. In Malaysia, one of our proudest initiatives is the Big Little Things (BLT) Recycling Program—a simple yet powerful movement that encourages customers to recycle beauty empties and contribute to a circular economy,” said Elida Wong, General Manager of L’Occitane SEA & India.
Think Globally, Act Locally
In Malaysia, L’Occitane continues to lead the charge against plastic pollution through its Big Little Things Recycling Program. Since its launch in 2019, the program has:
- Collected over 4.9 million beauty empties from Malaysian customers.
- Diverted 260 metric tonnes of beauty waste from landfills, giving new life to used materials.
These efforts demonstrate that small, consistent actions can create significant change when individuals and communities come together.
L’Occitane en Provence has set two main green goals locally in Malaysia: first, to collect as many beauty empties as we sell, achieving net zero impact, and second, to engage 100,000 active participants in our Big Little Things (BLT) recycling program, fostering a culture of waste reduction in Malaysia.
Be the Cultivator of Change
Every decision matters. Whether it’s recycling, reducing single-use plastics, or supporting initiatives like L’Occitane’s Big Little Things, we all have the power to make a difference. Together, we can ensure a future where our oceans thrive with life—not plastic.
About L’Occitane & Plastic Odyssey Malaysia Stopover
Plastic Odyssey is a global expedition committed to tackling plastic pollution at its source—on land—before it reaches the ocean. Since March 2019, L’Occitane has been proud to be the main sponsor of this groundbreaking journey. The expedition has arrived in the APAC region, making stops in Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, before finally reaching Penang, Malaysia. Here, it aims to inspire local communities to clean up the past and build a sustainable future through an eye-opening onboard experience. The initiative includes best- practice sharing, hands-on training, and meaningful collaborations with social entrepreneurs to advance the circular economy.
About Penang No Plastic Bag Every Day Campaign 2025
“Penang No Plastic Bag Every Day Campaign 2025 builds upon the success of the State’s No Free Plastic Bag initiative, first introduced in 2009. As Malaysia’s leading green state, Penang is taking a bold step forward in strengthening its commitment to reducing single-use plastics— starting with plastic bags. For over a decade, Penang Green Council has been at the forefront of environmental education and awareness, empowering communities to embrace sustainable practices. Through this campaign, we continue our mission to cultivate a greener, plastic-free future for Penang."Penang! It’s time to ‘Ditch & Switch’ to reusable bags!" – Ms. Josephine Tan, General Manager, Penang Green Council. Let’s take action together for a cleaner, more sustainable Penang!
Skip a Paper Bag & Be Rewarded
L’Occitane en Provence is proud to support the Penang No Plastic Bag Every Day Campaign 2025 through a dedicated initiative that complements our ongoing Big Little Things (BLT) recycling program. From 1st March to 30th April 2025, customers at our Gurney and Queensbay stores who choose to skip a paper bag will receive a complimentary gift* as a token of appreciation for their conscious choice.
Terms & Conditions:
- This will replace the usual BLT stamp reward.
- Complimentary gift is available while stocks last.
- If the complimentary gift runs out of stock, the BLT stamp reward will be given instead.
Let’s be the Cultivators of Change to make a BIG impact with the LITTLE things we do.
For more information, visit L’Occitane’s Malaysia Big Little Things - https://my.loccitane.com/pages/big-little-things.
