A long time ago, the “final product” mattered more than the process.
The initial peak of globalization in the 1990s saw Hummer SUVs, Concorde airplanes, Oreo O’s cereal, and other extravagant forms of production take center stage.
But this concept was slowly phased out in the 2010s—the era of green-led business.
As people debated on social media, sustainability consciousness came to the forefront of consumer choices. So, in this era, it's crucial to consider the whole process, from raw material to final product:
- Raw material
- Cultivation style
- Transport requirements
- Consumption standards
In the rich, intoxicating world of essential oils, their sourcing and production methods can make a big difference not only in environmental effects but also in their impact on our bodies.
In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey into the world of eco-friendly essential oils, exploring how we source and produce our natural remedies.
The 5 Solvable Sustainable Issues
Essential oils are basically concentrations of plant extracts that smell like the plant itself, i.e., they give out the “essence” of the plant. The essential oil of lemon, derived mostly from the fruit’s rinds, will give out the essence of the lemon—that fresh, citrusy, and astringent smell.
However, the medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) that are cultivated for this only contain anywhere from 0.01 to 10% of essential oil. This means cultivators have to cut down a large number of plants to just make a small bottle of essential oil. For example, 1.5 kg of lavender petals are needed to produce only 15 ml of lavender essence.
What does this entail?
In terms of sustainability issues, there are five major problems:
- Dangers of overharvesting
- Monoculture can cause cascading failures
- Controlled climate conditions are carbon-intensive
- Pesticides corrupt the water table and low-lying areas
- A large volume of water is needed for pesticides and steam distillation
So, how does a brand like Oilori solve these issues?
For starters, we can use a habitat with rare, colder settings: the Kashmir Valley.
In the Valley of Kashmir, the Journey Begins
At the heart of our commitment to eco-friendliness lies our dedication to sourcing essential oils responsibly, and one of the prized sources is the picturesque Kashmir Valley in India. This region not only boasts a rich cultural heritage but also a pristine environment that nurtures some of the finest botanicals.
In the Kashmir Valley, our journey begins with the cultivation of lavender, rose, and cardamom, among others. The valley's unique geographical characteristics, including its high altitude and pure air and water, create an ideal environment for the growth of these aromatic plants.
From this region, we source our essential oils for insomnia, stress, nausea, and more, while supporting local farming communities and contributing to the region's sustainable growth.
Organic Mixed Farming: No Monoculture Near the Mountains
Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us; it's a commitment that extends to our farming practices. We work closely with local farmers and artisans who employ mixed-farming methods. Monoculture usually requires large tracts of land, which is unavailable in the valley.
Our farmers do away with this by cultivating several plants at once: cardamom, damask rose, borwellia, lavender, lemon, orange, deodars, and more. By avoiding synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and chemicals, we protect this Himalayan ecosystem, ensuring the long-term health of the environment.
Our partnership with Kashmiri farmers who cultivate roses and lavender, for example, emphasizes seasonal pruning that prioritizes the long-term well-being of the plants. This approach not only produces superior-quality oils but also promotes the ecological balance of the region.
Less is More: Ethical Harvesting and Distillation
In the heart of our eco-friendly essential oil production lies the careful harvesting and distillation process. We ensure that the plants are harvested at the peak of their potency, preserving their essential oil content while minimizing waste. By doing so, we reduce the environmental impact and make the most of the resource nature provides.
In the case of rose essential oil, the petals are hand-picked to ensure the plant's continued vitality. We prioritize responsible harvesting methods that do not harm the plants or their surrounding ecosystems, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. And in the process of steam distillation, we make sure we only steam the plants in season and not throughout the year.
This entails a less frequent product but a more responsible one.
Carbon-Neutral Cultivation & Manufacturing
The journey from plant to bottle is a critical phase in our eco-friendly approach.
Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities adhere to carbon-neutral practices, reducing our carbon footprint. We utilize energy-efficient technologies and sustainable packaging options to minimize waste and energy consumption.
Our dedication to sustainability extends beyond the production process. We employ innovative recycling and waste management practices to ensure that every aspect of our operations aligns with eco-friendly principles.
For example, we also use eucalyptus plants for our eucalyptol oil, which is a renewable resource that is quick to harvest. When harvesting, fresh growths in the bark are needed to create the essential oil—this means that, unlike other intensive cultivations such as sandalwood, the roots can remain underground before being primed to re-harvest in two years.
Community Empowerment and Fair Trade
We strongly believe that true sustainability goes hand in hand with community empowerment. By partnering with local communities in the Kashmir Valley and other regions where we source our essential oils, we provide fair employment opportunities, ensuring that the people who tend to the land and harvest these precious botanicals receive fair compensation for their work.
Additionally, we support local businesses that manufacture the essential oils, fostering a holistic approach to sustainability that enhances the well-being of both the environment and its inhabitants. We support Khyber Bio-culture Pvt. Ltd., a firm based in Srinagar, tasked with hydrosol manufacturing.
Roll-ons for the Essential Oil Renaissance
One unheralded problem with essential oils is their poisonous nature to other plant and animal life. These liquids are so concentrated that they have dangerously low median lethal doses, i.e., they can kill a large number of animals despite their small volume.
Essential oil in liquid form can trickle into the food chain, the land, the water table, the oceans, and more. This is a danger not only to the animals but also to humans if it is not monitored. And the base of each Oilori blend is almond oil, a non-toxic substance that further reduces danger.
However, in roll-on form, this waste problem is mitigated. Oilori’s essential oils are in solid roll-on form, which can be used to completion and disposed of easily. The form of the product ensures that it won’t go into the wrong hands and mouths easily!
Conclusion: Nurturing Nature, Nurturing Wellness
The “essence” of our essential oils is in the process.
That’s how we’ve built this brand—by trusting the long, patient, honest farmland process.
The journey from plant to roll-on is a testament to our commitment. From sourcing our botanical treasures from the pristine Kashmir Valley to employing organic farming practices, ethical harvesting, and carbon-neutral manufacturing, every step of our process aligns with eco-conscious principles.
When you choose our essential oil products, you not only invite natural remedies into your body but also contribute to one pan-Indian, salt-of-the-earth enterprise that weighs lightly on the earth, the air, the waters, and your conscience.