Seatons green guide
Seatons is at the forefront of offering vegetable oils to the cosmetics industry.Vegetable oils, by virtue of their natural origins and renewable nature, are considered to be “green” ingredients. Our product portfolio consists of organic oils, impurity-free oils and sustainable oils produced in
developing countries that benefit local communities.
Since launching a range of cosmetic vegetable oils in 2003, Seatons has recognised the importance of offering organically certified oils.The trend is driven by concerns over green issues such as the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilisers on crops, genetic modification, chemicals used during processing, environmental impact and the use of artificial additives.
Seatons organic oils
These oils are accredited by a number of bodies including the Soil Association and Ecocert.The standards used by each body differ slightly, but with regard to Seatons' products they are derived from organically grown crops, that is, they are neither treated with pesticides nor synthetic fertilisers. After harvesting, the seeds, fruits or nuts are cold pressed to release the oil without the use of the solvents commonly used in commodity oils. Any refining process is physical rather than chemical in nature. Every step of the process is monitored and audited. No artificial additives such as preservatives, antifoams or biocides are added.
Impurity-free oils
Seatons also offers a comprehensive range of non-organic oils that are produced to the highest standards of production technology and quality control. With non-organic oils, the potential for contamination from man-made impurities such as pesticides, heavy metals and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is rightly a major concern for formulators of personal care products. In order to give confidence to both formulators and regulatory officers, Seatons has arranged for the systematic analysis of nearly all the products in the range, for a wide range of possible contaminants ranging from organophosphate insecticides to cadmium, and from DDT to PAHs. In all cases, results are below the limits of detection for pesticides and PAHs, or parts per million in the case of metals. Full analysis summaries are available on request for specific oils. As with the organic range, no artificial additives are present+.
Genetic modification
All of Seatons' product range for the personal care sector is free of GMOs*. Soyabean oil is an area of concern for formulators.To address these concerns, Seatons can supply a GMO-free (identity preserved) grade of refined soyabean oil, with a full audit trail starting at the bean before planting, through growth, harvest, processing, transport and storage.
Local communities
Seatons works with several European partners who are intimately involved with local suppliers in developing countries. One fine example is that of Seatons sheanut butter which originates in Burkino Faso, one of the world's poorest nations.Traditionally, local tribeswomen would gather the nuts and work them by hand in a laborious and back-breaking process. Unlike other producers, our supplier has invested in a locally run factory and infrastructure. This arrangement allows the local women more time to gather the nuts and hence earn more money without the pain. In addition the producer makes a donation for every tonne produced to a local non governmental organisation for humanitarian projects.
Sustainability
All of Seatons' range of cosmetic oils is derived from sustainable plant sources. Some oils such as baobab are derived from the fruit of trees that are the centre of village life and have been providing benefits to the villagers for hundreds of years.
Animal issues
Needless to say, no animals are harmed at any stage of processing and all Seatons' range is free of TSE (transmissible spongiform encephalopathy). Seatons does not commission animal testing either directly or indirectly.
In summary, we believe that the Seatons' range of cosmetic oils is not only a great range of natural cosmetic ingredients but also answers the concerns of the ethical formulator.
+ - Natural anti-oxidants such as vitamin E are added to some oils.
* - Seatons can supply standard GMO derived refined soyabean oil if required.
|
 |