A peek into the (deodorant) kitchen

A few weeks ago, Marcel's team took a behind-the-scenes look at a new production of our deodorant sticks. Fun fact: our deodorants are made just a few kilometers from our office! Even better: the factory producing our deodorant sticks operates in a highly sustainable manner. That's why we thought it was high time to give you a glimpse into the (deodorant) kitchen. Are you ready to take a look?

A FACTORY WITHOUT EMISSIONS

The factory where Marcel's Green Soap deodorant sticks are produced, Natural Cosmetics Holland (NCH), manufactures natural cosmetics products on their own assembly line in Beverwijk. A factory without emissions. From selecting raw materials to how they treat people: sustainability is the standard. The products they produce are water-free, they use solar energy (the entire roof is covered with solar panels!), they employ people with disabilities, they use 100% recyclable packaging such as paper, glass, and tin, and they work with natural ingredients. In addition, NCH works exclusively with fixed suppliers, all of whom also operate according to a sustainability policy.

"As far as we're concerned, the label should be as big as possible, we have nothing to hide." - NCH

PACKAGING

Why do our deodorant sticks come in cardboard packaging? Cardboard is environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and compostable. Additionally, it is one of the materials with the least environmental impact. The production of cardboard emits 60% less CO2 compared to other materials. Also, recycling cardboard saves a lot of energy: 90% less water and 50% less electricity are needed. Did you know that the Netherlands does quite well in terms of paper recycling? The average European percentage was 72% (2019). With a recycling rate of 89% (2019), the Netherlands can rightly be called a leader! And that's important because paper and cardboard recycling is part of the sustainability challenge. Reuse reduces the demand for new raw materials, prevents waste, and ensures that CO2 remains stored in paper and cardboard for longer.

Source: Papier Recycling Nederland

NATURAL INGREDIENTS

One of the ingredients used in our deodorant sticks is natural and organic coconut oil. Coconut oil, extracted from the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), is edible and has been consumed in tropical countries for many years. The coconut oil, traditionally produced in West Africa, is made by crushing and pressing copra (dried pulp) to extract the oil.

By having our deodorant sticks produced at NCH, we ensure that the origin of the ingredients is ethically responsible. Human rights are not violated, and the production itself is as sustainable as possible. We consider this important.

PRODUCTION WITH SOLAR ENERGY

It's reassuring to know that your deodorant stick is made with the power of solar energy, isn't it? On the roof of the factory in Beverwijk, you'll find a total of 430 solar panels, providing a capacity of 197 kilowatts. This number may not mean much to you, but this amount can power 50 family homes. This enormous roof full of solar panels gives NCH the opportunity to use electricity generated during the day directly for cosmetics production, such as our deodorant sticks.

DEODORANT WITHOUT A HITCH

After reading these cool facts about our deodorant, you'll know that Marcel's deodorant sticks are not only gentle on your skin but also on the planet. A deodorant with no catch, as Marcel would say. Well, that's not entirely true because with scents like Vanilla & Cherry Blossom, Argan & Oud, or Tonka & Muguet, our deodorant sticks smell super nice. But you understand: unpleasant odors are neutralized by the ecological deodorant, and all this in a natural way. For fresh armpits without nasty ingredients like aluminum & alcohol and without aerosols or plastic. That's truly refreshing. Oh, and did we mention that our deodorant is cruelty-free and 100% vegan?