Sustainable lighting
Sensitive to environmental conservation, Groupe Leblanc has been committed since 1996 to limiting the impact of its operations in order to contribute to a better environment.
Carbon offsetting
Groupe Leblanc is actively involved in a carbon offsetting program replanting trees in the Mediterranean forest of Sainte-Victoire near Aix-en-Provence in France and in the Mata Atlântica rainforest in Brazil.
For each order, Groupe Leblanc neutralizes the CO2 emissions produced by the decorations during one year of use.
Developed by EcoAct and supported by UNEP (United Nations Environmental Program). This program has already enabled Groupe Leblanc to plant 4,500 trees.
Energy saving: The LED revolution
Since 1996, Groupe Leblanc has focused on efficient electrical technologies such as LED, which allows energy savings of 70% in light output and longer life well in excess of standard bulbs.
All LED products are compliant with the RoHS directive and therefore contain no hazardous chemicals.
Recycling
The best waste - is no waste! Groupe Leblanc makes decorations that are 95% recyclable and designed around LED products that are more energy efficient. As part of their rental agreements,
Groupe Leblanc is committed to taking back light decorations at the end of their use and it takes responsibility for recycling materials and components and then reintegrating them into the production process.
Partnership with organizations for recycling
As part of the DEEE Directive which concerns waste recycling electrical and electronic equipment, Groupe Leblanc subscribes to approved recycling organisations such as ERP (European Recycling Platform) for garlands or Récylum (of which it is a partner and founder member) for the collection and recycling of used lamps.
Waste that is sorted on-site (aluminium, paper, cardboard ...) is recycled and recovered by the company WDM, Le Mans, France. Groupe Leblanc subscribes to a local recycling effort and uses local recycling organisations within 10 km of its manufacturing site.
Environmental compliance
All products sold by Groupe Leblanc comply with all European standards and directives applicable to lighting products and components.
In addition, Groupe Leblanc offers products in line with new EU directives:
The RoHS directive 2002/95/EC (Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances) regarding the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances (lead, mercury, cadmium) in electrical and electronic equipment. The DEEE Directive, 2002/96/EC (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) concerning waste from electrical and electronic equipment. The directive mandates the recovery of DEEE and establishes the principle of producer responsibility. Consumers are involved in the process through an eco-participation fee which is included in the purchase price of new equipment.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
In collaboration with ADEME, the Region Pays de la Loire and the CCI of Le Mans, Groupe Leblanc has put in place a program to support collective energy. Following an independent diagnostic survey, Groupe Leblanc has reduced its energy consumption while moving towards the use of renewable energy. In parallel with efforts to raise awareness within the company, Groupe Leblanc has established activity increasing natural energy sources and renewable energy.
Key fact: 35.5 tons of CO2 per year are avoided.
Ethics
Employment
Committed to positive action in favour of the right to work and employment of people with difficulties, Groupe Leblanc works with many institutions to help integrate people into the workplace:
- CAT : ARY - Carmaux (81) for the manufacture of decorative balls
- CAT : CATMANOR - Le Mans (72) for packaging operations and production of collars of Christmas baubles - CAT des Prairies - Le Mans (72) for returns, modifications and tools specific to the maintenance of our business premises
- ADAPEI : PREST 2000 – Le Mans (72) for the cleaning of offices and workshops
- Entreprise d’insertion : ALDECLIC – Allonnes (72) for the maintenance of our green spaces
Suppliers Policy
Groupe Leblanc ensures that suppliers adopt and maintain a set of core values involving human rights, labour standards, environment and anti-corruption within their sphere of influence. Groupe Leblanc requires (for all its own products, raw materials and components sold and / or used), of its suppliers and subcontractors that they do not use:
- forced or compulsory labour
- Child labour (under 16 years)
The Partnership with The Blouses Roses
The holiday season is a time for sharing and generosity. Unfortunately, many children especially those in hospital cannot enjoy the magic of Christmas light decorations. Groupe Leblanc wants to change this and help children smile during a difficult time.
Since Christmas 2010, along with the association ‘Les Blouses Roses’, Groupe Leblanc has decorated their places of care.
Founded in 1944, the association's mission is to entertain the sick, elderly, or those with a disability. Today, 632,000 people throughout France benefit from the work of ‘Blouses Roses’ and their 3,900 volunteers.