A TRIP TO OUR INDIAN SUPPLIER
We regularly visit our suppliers to get an idea of the cultivation of the plants, the production of the oils or the sustainable commitment of our partners. For us, a close exchange is the basis for the joint further development of our cooperation and is very close to our hearts. A few months ago, we were on the road in India and got to know the production of our organic castor oil and our organic neem oil better.
Our partner in India
The family business has been in existence for over 40 years and specialises in the extraction of vegetable oils. With growing awareness for organic, the production and export of certified organic oils was started there ten years ago. Eleven people are employed in the three oil mills and in the administration of our supplier. From the port in Nhava Sheva or the airport in Bombay, the oils are exported all over the world.
Our partner obtains the raw plant material for the oils from controlled wild collections or from organic farmers. For example, the seeds of the neem tree for our neem oil are mainly harvested by women, who thus receive their own income. For our castor oil, the castor trees are cultivated organically by small Indian farmers in the Maharashtra region.
After harvesting, the seeds are gently cold pressed and filtered in one of our supplier's three oil mills. The press cakes are reused for compost and fertiliser and thus returned to the agricultural cycle. Thanks to the local production of the oils, a large part of the added value remains in India.
In India, our partner supports rural communities, promotes school education and enables small Indian farmers to convert to organic farming.
Social commitment
When selecting our partners, it is not only the high quality of the organic oils that is decisive, but also the philosophy of the company. We prefer to select suppliers who are committed to sustainability and are socially engaged.
Through the cooperation of our Indian partner company with small farmers and women in rural regions, the standard of living of farmers and their families in India has improved. Children have access to schooling and vocational training. With the help of NGOs (non-governmental organisations), our partner fights child labour and works to ensure that children can go to school. School children are provided with school bags, books and uniforms every year.
In addition, insurance for employees as well as medical assistance, including for family members, is provided by our partner. As basic hygiene measures - especially for women - are often lacking in rural areas in India, our supplier supports the construction of sanitary facilities and toilets for women. In winter, jumpers and blankets are distributed to over 100 farmers and villagers to protect them from the cold.
Our partner also checks the standards of the Indian suppliers of the raw goods, such as compliance with laws on labour protection and child labour or fair payment and protection against harassment of female employees. In addition, underserved suppliers are prioritised by our partner company: Depending on their needs, farmers in need receive financial and medical support.
In production, attention is paid to the use of standard quality water and good air quality. For our organic castor oil, our supplier is aiming for Fair for Life certification in the future. The seal is used to monitor the fair income and living conditions of small producers and workers.
Promoting organic farming
Our partner aims to promote organic farming in India and supports the three-year conversion to organic farming. To raise awareness among the farmers, he offers monthly trainings or seminars on organic farming for the farmers. They are educated about the advantages of organic and sustainable standards and receive information about natural fertilisers or natural pest control, for example.
Waste management is also an important issue: avoiding and recycling waste is a high priority for our supplier, and resources should be used optimally. This also applies to the area of energy: solar energy is used for basic consumption such as charging lamps.
By working closely with our Indian partner, we are also committed to promoting organic farming worldwide.
