April 15, 2024

Know Where Your Glycerin Comes From: Setting the Bar for Responsible Sourcing

 In a world where glycerin has been making waves as the hottest new beauty TikTok trend, it's crucial to dig deeper and understand its origins and environmental footprint. At NATIVE EXTRACTS, we take this responsibility seriously and lead the way in ethical sourcing practices. 


Proudly POFCAP Certified for Palm Oil Free Glycerin

NATIVE EXTRACTS is the world's first extract manufacturer to achieve POFCAP Certification for Palm Oil Free extracts. This isn't a new initiative; it's a confirmation of a commitment we've held since our business started a decade ago. Our certification underlines our dedication to making eco-responsible choices. 

Going beyond Responsible Sourcing of Palm Oil (RSPO) we choose to be Palm Oil Free, sourcing glycerin manufactured from Flaxseed, Rapeseed and Soybean. We are currently transitioning all sources to flaxseed for greater sustainability reasons in the next 12 – 24 months. 

 

More than Just a Solvent – a green solvent and a humectant 

Glycerin is a versatile ingredient that serves multiple functions. It is an efficient green solvent for a Cellular Plant Extraction. It is a type of carbohydrate known as a sugar alcohol that successfully captures and seems to protect a botanical's water-soluble phyto-compounds. It has an important role in ingestible and topical applications: 

  • It is one of the most effective humectants that serves to reinstate moisture in the skin, and as a plant extract solvent it is also an ideal delivery system for the natural molecules harvested form the cell of a botanical.  
  • A carbohydrate, it doesn't behave like sugar, leaving blood glucose levels unaffected. This makes it an invaluable ingredient for a variety of topical and ingestible products. 
  • NAITVE EXTRACTS advances in Cellular Extracts/ glycetracts are available in topical and ingestible formats. 

Question the Source: Why Palm-Based Glycerin Falls Short 

Palm-sourced glycerin might be economical, but the real cost is far too high for us to bear. The Palm industry has been linked to ecological damage, deforestation, and endangerment of species, particularly in Southeast Asia. Given these facts, our core values left us no option but to source glycerin responsibly, with complete respect for ecological balance and community well-being.  

Palm’s Complexity: A Sustainable Resource Gone Astray 

In its native lands, Palm is a beneficial plant that contributes to both culinary and medicinal traditions. The negative environmental impact begins when the global demand for Palm skyrockets, often leading to unsustainable agricultural practices. One devastating example is the dwindling orangutan population in Indonesia, which has shrunk to an alarming 112,000 from numbers much higher a century ago. 

Empower Yourself: Make Informed Choices 

Knowledge is the first step towards making responsible choices. At NATIVE EXTRACTS, our ethical decisions go beyond glycerin sourcing. They extend to other areas like using sustainably sourced plants and supporting biodiversity. By choosing our products, you're choosing to be part of a community committed to environmental sustainability. 

Consumer Demand for Transparency 

As ethical consumerism goes mainstream, 84% of surveyed individuals believe that manufacturers should be accountable for making eco-friendly supply chain decisions. Full transparency isn't just a buzzword for us; it's a principle we live by. If you'd like to learn more, we invite you to request our position paper, titled "Redefining Business As A Force For Good."  

At NATIVE EXTRACTS, we don't just talk about responsible sourcing; we act on it. Because when it comes to protecting our planet, every choice matters, and it starts with knowing where your glycerin comes from. 

 

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Written by Lyndall Murray