5 Things You Didn’T Know About Who Owns The Body Shop

The Body Shop is a household name when it comes to ethical beauty products. Known for its commitment to sustainability, cruelty-free practices, and community trade, many are curious about who actually owns this iconic brand. In this article, we'll explore five surprising facts about the ownership of The Body Shop, shedding light on its fascinating journey. 🌍✨

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1. The Body Shop Was Founded by Anita Roddick

The story of The Body Shop begins with its passionate founder, Anita Roddick. In 1976, Roddick opened the first shop in Brighton, England, selling natural products made from essential oils and ingredients sourced from around the globe. 🌿💄

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Anita's vision was not just to create a beauty line, but to promote ethical business practices. She was a pioneer in the world of socially responsible business, emphasizing sustainability long before it became a mainstream concern. This commitment laid the groundwork for what The Body Shop would become.

2. Acquired by L'Oréal in 2006

In 2006, The Body Shop made headlines when it was acquired by the French cosmetics giant L'Oréal for £652 million. This acquisition raised eyebrows, as many wondered how a brand so dedicated to ethical values could align with a corporation like L'Oréal, known for its size and traditional business practices. 💰🏢

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Despite concerns from loyal customers, The Body Shop continued to promote its mission under L'Oréal's ownership. Roddick herself stated, "The Body Shop was an idea that made sense as a business, but also, it made sense to change the way we do business." This statement highlighted her commitment to maintaining the brand's values.

3. Acquired by Natura & Co in 2017

In a twist of fate, The Body Shop was sold again in 2017 to Brazilian cosmetics company Natura & Co for approximately £880 million. This acquisition marked a new chapter for the brand as Natura is renowned for its dedication to sustainability and social responsibility. 🌱🌏

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Natura’s philosophy aligns closely with The Body Shop's original values, and many viewed this acquisition as a return to its roots. Natura’s commitment to using natural ingredients and ethical sourcing has allowed The Body Shop to reintegrate its core principles more effectively.

4. The Body Shop’s Community Trade Program

One of the most compelling aspects of The Body Shop is its Community Trade program, which has been in place since 1987. This initiative connects the brand with marginalized communities, ensuring they receive fair trade for their products. 🤝🌍

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The program supports farmers, artisans, and communities in different countries, sourcing ingredients such as shea butter from Ghana or aloe vera from Mexico. This ethical approach not only helps empower communities but also fosters a sense of global responsibility.

5. Ongoing Commitment to Sustainability

Under Natura's ownership, The Body Shop continues to champion sustainable practices and environmental initiatives. The brand has ambitious goals to become more eco-friendly, including plans to use 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025. 🌱♻️

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Additionally, The Body Shop is taking significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint and has made a pledge to become a carbon-neutral company by 2030. Their ongoing efforts aim to not only meet consumer demands but also to ensure a better future for our planet.

<table> <tr> <th>Key Milestones</th> <th>Year</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Founded by Anita Roddick</td> <td>1976</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Acquired by L'Oréal</td> <td>2006</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Sold to Natura & Co</td> <td>2017</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Commitment to Sustainability Goals</td> <td>2025/2030</td> </tr> </table>

In conclusion, The Body Shop’s journey is more than just about beauty products; it represents a commitment to ethical business practices and sustainability. With each change of ownership, the brand has maintained its dedication to these principles, adapting to new opportunities while holding onto its roots. The story of The Body Shop serves as a reminder that businesses can thrive without compromising their values. 🌸🌍

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