FRUGAL INNOVATION
Rambutan programme highlights the potential of frugal innovation By its definition, the word ‘frugal’ points to reducing waste and using resources less wastefully. Ultimately, cost savings and a simplification of processes should come from this. In the context of the cosmetics industry, it has highlighted the need for more responsible sourcing of raw materials. BASF’s rambutan programme remains an excellent example of what frugal innovation can achieve.
A
S A SOCIALLY and environmentally
substances from the rambutan
responsible supply chain for the
plant material.
sustainable production of bio-actives, the
“Plants are at the heart of BASF’s value
rambutan programme sees BASF working in close
proposition. Our commitment to further improving
cooperation with partners in Vietnam.
our sourcing network drives innovation within
BASF sources the ingredients, which are
the business to develop new products from
extracted from rambutan trees (Nephelium
sustainably sourced plants,” says Lucilene Veira
lappaceum), growing in Vietnam’s first organically
Nunes, head of business management beauty
certified rambutan gardens. Through this
care solutions Europe. “We have harnessed the
programme, BASF has a positive impact on
experience gained from our argan programme,
Vietnamese rural society by upcycling different
which was started in 2005 in Southern Morocco,
parts of the tree, other than the fruit. The
to enhance the rambutan programme.”
programme also ensures gender equity among the Vietnamese workers, who receive a fair income, are guaranteed safer working conditions and provided with health insurance. For brand owners and manufacturers, the rambutan programme provides a means to respond to demands for responsible beauty and the ecoresponsible aspirations of today’s consumers.
The rambutan programme provides a means to respond to demands for responsible beauty In 2015, BASF set up the rambutan
Did you know? Approximately 200 rambutan trees grow in the two gardens selected by BASF for the programme. When cultivated well, the trees can live for up to 100 years, providing rural communities in the Dong Nai province, in Southeast Vietnam, with a reliable income stream for years to come. throughout the year, harvests fruit and prepares all the raw materials for the extraction of the bioactive ingredients. The rambutan is a close relative of lychee tree. In Asia, it is known for various powerful benefits. The tree’s juicy fruits are rich in iron, vitamin C, fibres and antioxidants, and have long been used to quell dysentery. The rinds contain various compounds with antioxidant properties and the seeds are known to decrease
IN SUPPORT OF RESPONSIBLE BEAUTY
programme, which involves a network of
unwanted fat. The pulp is said to boost energy
An interdisciplinary innovation platform
Vietnamese farmers. There is also a dedicated
and immunity, prevent disease and contribute
at BASF focuses exclusively on extracting valuable
rambutan team, which maintains the gardens
to eliminating free radicals.
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QUARTER 4 2021 // P&C AFRICA
