A few weeks ago, Marcel's team took a look behind the scenes during a new production of our deodorant sticks. Nice detail: our deodorants are only made a few kilometers from our office! An even nicer detail: the factory that produces our deodorant sticks works in a very sustainable way. We therefore thought it was high time to give you a glimpse into the (deodorant) kitchen. Are you watching?
A FACTORY WITHOUT EMISSIONS
The factory where Marcel's Green Soap deodorant sticks are produced, Natural Cosmetics Holland (NCH), makes natural cosmetics products on its own assembly line in their factory in Beverwijk. A factory without emissions. From selecting raw materials to the way they treat people: sustainable is the standard. For example, the products they produce are water-free, they use the sun's energy (the entire roof is full of solar panels!), they work with people who are at a distance from the labor market, they use 100% recyclable packaging such as paper, glass and tin, and they work with natural ingredients. In addition, NCH works exclusively with regular suppliers who all work according to a sustainability policy.
“As far as we are concerned, the label should be as large as possible, we have nothing to hide.” -NCH
PACKAGING
Why do our deo sticks come in cardboard packaging? Cardboard is biodegradable and compostable. It is also one of the materials with the least environmental impact. Cardboard production produces 60% less CO2 emissions compared to other materials. Recycling cardboard also saves a lot of energy: it requires 90% less water and 50% less electricity.
Did you know that the Netherlands does pretty well in terms of paper recycling? The average European rate was 72% (2019). With a recycling rate of 89% (2019), the Netherlands can rightly call itself the leader! And that's important, because recycling paper and cardboard is part of the sustainability challenge. Recycling reduces the use of new raw materials, prevents waste and ensures that CO2 is stored longer in the paper and cardboard.
Source: Paper Recycling Netherlands
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. Traditionally produced in West Africa, coconut oil is made by crushing and pressing copra (dried pulp) to extract the oil.
By having our deodorant sticks produced at NCH, we can be sure that the origin of the ingredients is ethically responsible. Human rights are not violated and the production itself is as sustainable as possible. We think that is important.
SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTION
It's nice to know that your deodorant stick is made with the power of solar energy, don't you think? On the roof of the factory in Beverwijk you will find a total of 430 solar panels, good for 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 directly use electricity generated during the day for cosmetics production, such as that of our deodorant sticks.
DEODORANT THAT DOESN'T HAVE ANY SMELL
After reading these cool facts about our deo, you will know: Marcel's deo sticks are not only gentle on your skin, but also on the planet. A deodorant with no smell Marcel then says. This is actually not entirely true, because with scents like Vanilla & Cherry Blossom, Argan & Oudh or Tonka & Muguet, our deodorant sticks smell super nice.
