Estée Lauder Companies Celebrates 60 Years of Innovation at Oevel Campus in Belgium

A Diamond Anniversary for Estée Lauder's Belgian Hub

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) recently celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of its Manufacturing & Fulfillment Campus in Oevel, Belgium. The event, held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, brought together hundreds of Oevel Campus employees, Belgian government officials, media, and leadership from across The Estée Lauder Companies to commemorate six decades of operational excellence and innovation.

Established in 1965, the Oevel Campus has evolved into a state-of-the-art manufacturing, fulfillment, and biotech hub, serving as a cornerstone of the company's global value chain.

Legacy of Growth and Global Reach

The Oevel Campus stands as one of Estée Lauder Companies' largest manufacturing units by volume, annually producing over 100 million prestige beauty products that are distributed to more than 100 countries. The facility, which has grown to over 100,000 square meters—five times its original footprint—supports more than 20 brands within the company's portfolio. It is designed to facilitate rapid new product launches and personalized manufacturing, integrating advanced technologies and artificial intelligence throughout its operations.

William P. Lauder, Chair of the Board of Directors, reflected on the campus's origins, stating, 'Nearly sixty years ago, my grandparents, Estée and Joseph Lauder, laid the cornerstone of our first facility here in Oevel, establishing what would become a vital part of our global operations.' He added, 'This anniversary is both a celebration of our people and a tribute to the enduring partnerships that have shaped The Estée Lauder Companies' legacy in Europe.'

Pioneering Biotech and Sustainability Initiatives

Further underscoring its commitment to innovation, The Estée Lauder Companies recently opened a new BioTech Hub in Olen, Belgium, near the Oevel campus. This hub focuses exclusively on manufacturing cutting-edge bio-based raw materials, aiming to create proprietary alternatives to traditional ingredients and advance sustainability in product development. Commercial production at the BioTech Hub is slated to begin in 2025, with Caroline Paulussen, PhD, leading the site.

The Oevel campus itself is a leader in sustainable operations. It has sourced 100% renewable electricity since 2007 and has implemented significant water treatment and recycling enhancements, expanded solar power, and green mobility initiatives. The site maintains a zero-waste-to-landfill approach, emphasizing waste reduction and reuse. Stéphane de La Faverie, President and Chief Executive Officer, remarked, 'As one of our most advanced and sustainable manufacturing sites, our campus here exemplifies how we are reimagining beauty through innovation, quality, and responsibility - driven every day by the passion and expertise of our people.'

Economic Impact and Future Outlook

The Oevel Campus's long-standing presence has made a significant economic contribution to Belgium. Matthias van Diepenaele, President of Flanders, acknowledged this, stating, 'The Estée Lauder Companies' site in Belgium has become a global benchmark in innovation, sustainability and beauty.' He further noted, 'Flanders is proud of this long-term partnership, which creates economic added value, but also demonstrates confidence in our people, our expertise and our future.' The celebration included a heritage exhibit, tours of the manufacturing plant, and the unveiling of a commemorative sixtieth-anniversary mural.