Tamanu, Kakadu Plum And Frankincense Face Wash

Sustainability of Kakadu Plum and Frankincense Face Wash

1. Ingredients:
   • Kakadu Plum: This fruit is known for its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties. It is often wild-harvested, which means it does not require intensive farming practices that can lead to soil degradation and high water usage.
   • Frankincense: Sourced from the resin of the Boswellia tree, frankincense is traditionally harvested by making incisions in the bark. This method allows for sustainable resin extraction without harming the trees.
2. Sourcing and Ethical Practices:
   • Wild Harvesting: Both Kakadu plum and frankincense are often wild-harvested, which can contribute to biodiversity conservation and support local communities that rely on these practices for their livelihoods.
   • Fair Trade: Ethical sourcing practices, such as fair trade certification, ensure that the local communities benefit economically from the harvesting processes.
3. Natural and Biodegradable:
   • The use of natural ingredients means that the face wash is likely to be biodegradable, reducing its environmental impact when washed off.

Low Carbon Footprint of Kakadu Plum and Frankincense Face Wash

1. Minimal Processing:
   • Both Kakadu plum and frankincense require minimal processing compared to synthetic ingredients. This results in lower energy consumption during production.
   • For example, Kakadu plum can be processed by simply extracting its juice or pulp, while frankincense resin can be distilled to obtain the essential oil.
2. Reduced Transportation Emissions:
   • If the ingredients are sourced locally or from regions with efficient transportation networks, this reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping and logistics.
3. Eco-Friendly Packaging:
   • Sustainable packaging, such as recycled or biodegradable materials, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the final product. This includes using materials like recycled plastic or glass.

Scientific Explanation and References

1. Carbon Sequestration:
   • Trees like the Boswellia (from which frankincense is sourced) play a role in carbon sequestration. The process of photosynthesis allows these trees to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, which helps mitigate climate change.
2. Energy Consumption in Production:
   • The production of natural ingredients generally requires less energy than synthetic alternatives. For instance, the extraction of essential oils through distillation is less energy-intensive compared to the chemical synthesis of similar compounds.
3. Lifecycle Assessment:
   • Lifecycle assessment (LCA) studies have shown that products with natural ingredients typically have a lower environmental impact. This includes factors like energy use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.
   • For example, a study on the lifecycle of essential oils found that their production has a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic fragrances .

1. Ingredient Sourcing:
   • Estimate the emissions from cultivating, harvesting, and processing the Kakadu plum and frankincense.
   • Example: Let's assume Kakadu plum requires 0.5 kg CO2e per kg and frankincense 1 kg CO2e per kg.
2. Production:
   • Estimate the energy used in manufacturing the face wash.
   • Example: Assume the production of 1 kg of face wash emits 2 kg CO2e.
3. Transportation:
   • Estimate emissions from transporting raw materials to the production site and the final product to consumers.
   • Example: Assume the transportation of ingredients and the final product emits 0.3 kg CO2e per kg.
4. Packaging:
   • Estimate the emissions from producing and disposing of packaging.
   • Example: Assume the packaging (recycled plastic or glass) emits 0.2 kg CO2e per kg of product.
5. Usage:
   • Estimate emissions related to the use phase, such as water heating.
   • Example: Assume the use of face wash emits 0.1 kg CO2e per kg.

Calculation Example

1. Ingredients:
   • Kakadu plum: 0.5 kg CO2e
   • Frankincense: 1 kg CO2e
2. Production:
   • Manufacturing: 2 kg CO2e
3. Transportation:
   • Transportation: 0.3 kg CO2e
4. Packaging:
   • Packaging: 0.2 kg CO2e
5. Usage:
   • Usage: 0.1 kg CO2e

Notes

• These values are hypothetical and should be replaced with actual data for precise calculation.
• The carbon footprint can vary significantly based on the specific practices and efficiencies of the production and supply chain.

Conclusion

References

1. Carbon sequestration by trees: FAO Report
2. Lifecycle Assessment of Essential Oils: ResearchGate Article
3. Wild harvesting and sustainability: Journal of Sustainable Agriculture
4. Ethical sourcing and fair trade: Fairtrade International