The Agence du Don en Nature (ADN) collects new, non-food items from businesses to redistribute them to people in need. Hygiene and personal care products are the items it is most in need of. Salwa Bosvy, the organisation’s corporate partnerships manager, explained how it works during a webinar organised with Cosmébio on 29 October 2026.
In mainland France, 9.8 million people live below the poverty line (15.4 per cent of the population). 12.7 per cent of the population experiences material and social deprivation. These people do not have regular access to certain essential goods. For them, hygiene and cosmetic products make a real difference. “These products help them regain their dignity and self-esteem,” emphasises Salwa Bosvy.
How ADN works
Founded in 2008, ADN is a recognised charity. It works with 350 partner companies. Donations are delivered to one of its three warehouses, then sorted and listed in an online catalogue reserved for partner organisations. These organisations pay a contribution of around 5 per cent of the products’ market value, which helps to fund part of ADN’s logistics costs.
In 2025, the organisation redistributed 7 million items, with a market value of 52 million euros. These benefited 1.5 million people, via 1,540 organisations across 95 departments. Accommodation centres account for 35 per cent of these organisations. They give the products to residents free of charge, often in the form of kits. Social and solidarity grocery shops account for 24 per cent. They offer the products in exchange for a contribution of 5 to …
