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The Story of the Essence



In southern India, women from marginalized backgrounds are crafting various natural fragrance products using organic botanical ingredients. In an old school building, sits the women rolling the plant powders into incense

sticks while chatting and laughing. In the morning the women commute by bike and bus, from their villages to craft the fragrant products with their hands. With a focus on fair trade and organic raw materials, this unit creates natural wellness and aromatherapy products while empowering the women through economic growth, skills and a safe working place to expand their confidence.



Raw Materials

Natural oils, herbs and spices are sourced from around India with strict attention to fair trade practices and organic farming. In fact, the essential oils are each tested as per the ICEA (Environmental and Ethical Certification Institute) standards for meeting organic farming and fair trade standards.


Natural Ingredients | Organic | Fair Trade Certified | Handmade| Vegan| Minimal Environmental Impact

Oils available: Basil, Bergamot, Chamomile, Cedarwood, Citronella, Clove, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Lemon, Lemongrass, Orange Bitter, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rose Absolute, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Tea Tree, Vetiver, Ylang-Ylang

Natural Mosquito Deterrents| No pesticide or chemical additives

Natural Mosquito Deterrents| No pesticide or chemical additives

Laundry: no build-up or residue | Compostable | Reusable| No Scent| No Chemical Additives

Made from the Leaves of the Indian Gooseberry | Can be mixed with a carrier oil for topical application| Supports: skin, hair and nail health | Protective for: skin, hair and nails

Made from the leaves of the Henna Tree | Traditional dye: skin, hair, fabric | Moisturizes, Conditions and Protects: skin, hair and nails


Production

The vast availability of organically grown essentials makes this a perfect location for creating naturally scented products and offering ICEA tested essential oil products.


After testing the oils, they are bottled or used to create other products by the women. Incense sticks are made using oils and powdered botanical ingredients. This creates a paste which the women effectively rolls around small sticks forming the various incense sticks. Blending natural oils into various scents is a science that is often more complicated than when using synthetic chemicals since it has to be the perfect formulation to get the desired benefits without using synthetics.


In addition to our rigorous checks, this producer has committed itself to meeting international ethical and quality standards. They have been committed to meeting these goals and standards since 2007. They are a member of the World Fair Trade Organization and were former members of IFAT. Currently, production is located inside a former school building, yet our partners hope to grow their business and expand into a larger facility.


ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

This group strives to reduce their own impact on their environment by responsibly sourcing raw materials that are organically farmed. Their products are natural helping reduce the use of synthetic materials and they strive to reduce plastic in their packaging and supply chain.


UN Sustainable Development Goal

By sourcing raw materials responsibly and utilizing organically farmed ingredients the producer is contributing towards goal 15 "...promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems."





SOCIAL IMPACT

This producer employs women and follows the World Fair Trade Organization principles and criteria to provide a high-quality workplace and capacity building to the local women. This way they contribute to empowering women and promoting women's rights in the community.


UN Sustainable Development Goal

By promoting safe and stable employment opportunities for women, this producer contributes, in their community, to target 5.1 "...helping to end discrimination against women and girls."





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