L’Oréal Australia and Foodcube Cultivate Sustainability and Wellbeing with Innovative and Abundant Urban Farm
L’Oréal Australia, in collaboration with Foodcube wicking beds, proudly introduces an innovative urban farm at their Distribution Centre in Dandenong South, transforming an unused staff carpark into a thriving community garden. This initiative is a testament to L’Oréal’s commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and employee wellbeing, embodying the ethos of Foodcube’s cutting-edge urban farming solutions.
The Story Behind the Urban Farm
In 2022, L’Oréal Australia embarked on a biodiversity project by installing beehives at their Distribution Centre. Inspired by the interconnectedness of nature, they envisioned a thriving community garden. This evolved into the creation of a vegetable garden, providing fresh and organic produce for L’Oréal staff and fostering partnerships with local government and disadvantaged communities.
The Farm’s Scale and Impact
The urban farm spans a section of the front car park, utilising 60 Foodcubes – a testament to L’Oréal’s commitment to sustainable urban farming.
Primary users include L’Oréal staff and local disadvantaged community groups such as Sisterworks and Africare, who all get the opportunity to maintain the garden and enjoy the produce, as part of their collaboration and connection to nature.
The Foodcube wicking beds boast tomatoes, beans, peas, zucchinis, beetroot, onions and a wide variety of leafy greens, root vegetables and herbs, which can all be harvested and taken home to enjoy with families and friends.
Cultivating Sustainability and Wellbeing
Brendan Condon, Director of Foodcube, adds, “We are delighted to see the positive impact of Foodcube in collaboration with L’Oréal. The efficiency and sustainability of these cubes align perfectly with our vision of making urban farming accessible and productive. This initiative showcases how innovative agricultural solutions can contribute to both corporate and community goals.
“This 60 Foodcube farm, designed and built by The Sustainable Landscape Company, has the potential to produce well over one tonne of fresh produce for the local community. It is very practical initiative to improve food availability in our cities and communities and in the current cost of living crisis we hope to see these initiatives replicated widely.
“We are proud to continue to grow our collaborations worldwide, working with a suite of organisations and groups such as Athol Road Primary School, Wallara, The Cape in Cape Paterson and Tuvalu communities – all to amplify food security.”
Efficient Farming Practices
The Australian designed and manufactured Foodcubes, offer an ergonomic and water-efficient solution to traditional farming methods. With 60 cubes in use, the farm minimises manual labour, enhances water efficiency, and provides an invaluable platform for learning and socialising, including staff conducting meetings in the urban farm as well as community groups coming together to garden and cultivate.