A Supplier Story: Castor Oil

A key partner, sharing our dedication to sustainable practices and the well-being of the planet and its people, is one of our castor oil suppliers based in India.

Over the past 12 months, the social media frenzy fuelled by Hailey Bieber’s DIY Castor oil hair masks was not just online hype. Online search interest for castor oil doubled between March 2023 and October 2023, translating into real-world demand, resulting in Castor oil sales skyrocketing by 87% globally (Mintel).

Alongside this increase in demand, our supplier remains dedicated to supporting those involved in their production of castor, and each year, they distribute a portion of their profits to employees and farmers. In their farmer welfare report, they also mentioned that they deeply value partnerships like ours at O&3, which enable them to achieve this impact. Recognising the hard work of their team and the farmers who cultivate their raw materials, our supplier’s dedication to shared success fuels their growth, allowing them to continue to do incredible work.

However, their commitment goes beyond growth with all their projects prioritising environmental responsibility. They channel their success into projects that create lasting improvements for their employees and farmers, with initiatives that solve immediate needs, as well as long-term, sustainable solutions that empower a brighter future.

Education Projects

Scattered villages, home to most farmers, have a constant issue of high dropout rates in schools, and despite government-funded free primary education, both children and their parents often show a lack of enthusiasm for schooling.

The education initiative overcomes this by distributing educational kits and uniforms, adding excitement for the children, and prompting parent engagement through dedicated meetings that highlight the value of education.

The initiative goes beyond primary school and offers full financial support, funded internally, for higher education to staff and farmers facing financial hardship. They also learn about real-world topics, such as agriculture, environmental protection, cleanliness, and campaigns to reduce plastic and tobacco use in daily life.

Ultimately, the initiative aims to cultivate a future generation of responsible citizens who are not only well-educated but also deeply invested in the well-being of their society and the environment.

Conservation Agriculture

In the region, the Associated Organic Farmers heavily depend on rainfall for their farming but the inconsistent and decreasing rainfall has caused a continuous drop in crop production year after year. As a result, farmers are facing financial strain as their incomes decrease, making it more difficult to invest in practices, such as composting to maintain soil health. And although they have dairy cattle, the manure they produce isn’t sufficient for composting, resulting in a lack of essential nutrients in the soil.

To tackle this issue sustainably, they launched an initiative in 2017. During severe droughts, the region’s many large animal shelters take in more male animals, relying mainly on public donations and generating substantial annual animal waste. This waste is then purchased and distributed it to farmers at no cost and tailored to their land requirements through discussions.

This initiative supports the animal shelters by offering them a revenue source for their waste, as well as empowering the farmers by giving them resources to enhance soil fertility, leading to improved crop yields in the long run.

Solar Energy Initiatives

Recognising India’s potential for rooftop solar and aligning with government initiatives, a 50KW rooftop solar PV plant, complying with current regulations, was installed at the production facility. This significantly reduces reliance on conventional electricity, further enhanced by net metering benefits.

The company’s commitment extends beyond the production site. Employee residences were equipped with 1 KW rooftop solar PV plants, funded by the company. This not only reduces employee electricity bills but also contributes to a broader decrease in conventional electricity consumption.

The thriving Nilgai, a breed of antelope protected under wildlife preservations laws are one of the only animals that can safely digest castor and it is their favourite winter and early summer food source, leaving farmers needing to protect their fields day and night.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, a collaborative effort was launched with a solar installation company, to fund a project to install low-intensity electric fences and high-intensity alarms to protect the crops.

Farmers, responsible for the fencing wire and support structure (often using readily available wooden poles), received practical training for proper installation. This collective effort resulted in the distribution of 130 systems, empowering farmers to protect their livelihood.

The partnership between O&3 and our castor oil supplier is more than just business; it’s a shared commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and community support. Their dedication to empowering farmers, promoting education, and implementing innovative solutions for environmental challenges exemplifies their ethos. As O&3 proudly continue to source their oil, we stand together in our mission to make a positive impact on both people and the planet.