PERSONAL CARE
Adressing sustainability in the ingredients supply chain
Demands for sustainable and ethically sourced products are increasing. In response to this, IMCD is reshaping its product portfolio and optimising operations to minimise its impact. The group has strong sustainability policies and represents suppliers that are also committed to sustainability. By simplifying its suppliers’ supply chains, on a local and global scale, IMCD enhances process efficiency, leading to improved resource usage and reductions in carbon emissions, energy consumption and waste generation.
J
AN DEKKER, A subsidiary of IMCD, places
a by-product is transformed into highly pure
sustainability at the heart of its business.
tocopherols. Phytic Acid 50% solution is the
The subsidiary works hard to ensure that
product of a “double upcycling” process, whereby
sustainable practices are embedded in its
rice polishing results in a rice bran by-product
working culture, from optimising the use of
which is used to obtain rice bran oil. Jan Dekker
by-products to minimise waste to taking every
makes use of the defatted rice bran as a source
opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint. Its
of phytic acid, which is a COSMOS approved
conscious efforts also benefit communities in
ingredient with interesting cosmetic benefits.
developing regions, by creating opportunities for their economic empowerment. In the fight against resource exploitation,
ETHICAL AND SUSTAINABLE SOURCING To promote sustainable and ethical ingredient
Did you know? In 2020, IMCD’s large and diverse portfolio consisted of more than 43 000 products. Given this massive number, the group’s product quality and safety policies are focused on the assessment of suppliers’ products and compliance with applicable regulations on safety, quality and labelling.
Jan Dekker makes use of “ugly” fruits or nuts –
sourcing, Ashland, one of IMCD’s principals,
which don’t meet the incredibly high aesthetic
categorises its products according to the
aloe vera. Its initiatives help consumers make
standards established for fresh produce – to
following criteria:
ethical choices, assist brands to reduce their
extract oils and produce butters ultimately sold
• naturality (ISO16128)
environmental footprint and enhance the quality
as high-quality personal care ingredients. It also
• key raw material source
of life of several communities. These initiatives
offers upcycled materials ethically sourced from
• COSMOS standard validation
also ensure the long-term sustainability of
the processing streams of apricot kernel oil,
• biodegradability (OECD) and the likelihood of
Ashland’s product lines.
blackcurrant oil, peach kernel refined oil, rice bran oil and refined cocoa butter to name a few. For example, the Tocomix L series of
environmental persistence.
Ashland provides solutions that are readily
Ashland’s commitment to ethical and sustainable
biodegradable via standard OECD methods. Its
sourcing also includes rigorous standards for
Cellulosics portfolio includes cellulose ethers,
antioxidant and vegetable oil blends are obtained
cellulose traceability and zero-deforestation
which are natural-based substances and
from the refining process of soybean oil, where
practices, as well as Fair-for-Life Puraloe
biodegradable based on the specific starting
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QUARTER 4 2021 // P&C AFRICA
