Guerlain protects Orchids
With over 30,000 species, orchids represent an inestimable biological resource. Certain species of orchids live to over 100 years old. To discover their properties and the secret of their longevity Guerlain created the Orchidarium, a 360° research platform that spans three entities, each playing a key role in the preservation of orchids and ensuring access to the benefits of their unique properties.
The Guerlain Orchidarium represents a comprehensive environmental, ecological and scientific initiative, spanning three entities: the biodiversity nature reserve in China, the Experimental Garden in Geneva and the Basic Research Laboratory in Strasbourg, France. All pursue excellence in their respective areas for a better understanding and protection of the rare flower that defy time effect.
In China, in the TianZi nature, Guerlain protects and replant wild orchids in their natural habitat. Un long term commitment express through an environmental patronage partnership signed for 10 years. It has enabled the reserve to revitalize the natural habitat of orchids native to the region through a reforestation method known as jungle farming. Cultivation spans the entire ecosystem, from subsoil to the forest canopy, introducing a multitude of plant species and micro-organisms in each stratum. More than 500,000 trees have been planted since 2007 and 880,000 young tree shoots have grown since 2011. A total of 120 plant species have been identified in the reserve, which is the only environment where certain types of orchids can grow. The recreated environment has enabled the reintroduction of 25 different species of orchids and more than 12,000 specimens of wild orchids, ensuring a sustainable supply of this precious raw material for Guerlain. Among those is he Gold Orchid, certified natural and organic by Ecocert, the flower is cultivated with no fertilizer or pesticides and picked by hand. The House ensure a perfect traceability of this exceptional resource.
In Switzerland, The Guerlain Experimental Garden has a unique collection of wild orchids, cultivated in greenhouses. The most precious longevity molecules are selected here to be incorporated in Guerlain’s formulas.
In France, the Basic Research Laboratory, located in Strasbourg, collect the samplings provided by the two other entities. Researchers decode, isolate, select and compare the biological properties of each preselected specimen.