We are proud to highlight our key partner, a dedicated castor oil supplier based in India, who shares our commitment to sustainable practices and the well-being of the planet and its people.
Over the past year, Hailey Bieber’s DIY castor oil hair masks have sparked a social media frenzy that translated into a real-world surge in demand. Online searches for castor oil doubled between March and October 2023, leading to an 87% increase in global sales (Mintel).
Amidst this booming demand, our supplier continues to prioritize the welfare of their employees and farmers. Annually, they allocate a portion of their profits to these hardworking individuals, emphasizing their appreciation for partnerships like ours at O&3. Their dedication to shared success and growth enables them to support their team and cultivate incredible progress.
Commitment to Environmental and Social Responsibility
Our supplier’s dedication extends beyond business growth, focusing on environmental responsibility and social impact. Their projects aim to create sustainable improvements for their employees and farmers, addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions.
Education Initiatives
In the scattered villages where many farmers reside, school dropout rates remain high despite government-funded primary education. To combat this, our supplier's education initiative distributes educational kits and uniforms to excite children about learning. They also engage parents through meetings highlighting the importance of education.
This initiative provides full financial support for higher education to staff and farmers facing financial hardship. Additionally, it covers real-world topics such as agriculture, environmental protection, cleanliness, and campaigns to reduce plastic and tobacco use. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a generation of responsible, well-educated citizens invested in societal and environmental well-being.
Conservation Agriculture
Associated Organic Farmers in the region rely heavily on rainfall, but inconsistent and decreasing precipitation has led to a drop in crop production. This financial strain hinders their ability to invest in soil health practices, such as composting.
In response, our supplier launched a sustainable initiative in 2017. They purchase animal waste from local shelters during severe droughts, distributing it to farmers free of charge and tailored to their land needs. This supports animal shelters financially and empowers farmers with resources to enhance soil fertility and crop yields.
Solar Energy Initiatives
Recognizing India's potential for rooftop solar, our supplier installed a 50KW rooftop solar PV plant at their production facility, reducing reliance on conventional electricity and benefiting from net metering.
Extending their commitment, they also equipped employee residences with 1KW rooftop solar PV plants, funded by the company. This initiative not only lowers employee electricity bills but also contributes to a broader reduction in conventional electricity consumption.
Protecting Crops from Nilgai
The thriving Nilgai antelope, protected under wildlife laws, often feed on castor crops, forcing farmers to guard their fields continuously. To address this, our supplier collaborated with a solar installation company to fund low-intensity electric fences and high-intensity alarms.
Farmers, responsible for providing the fencing wire and support structures, received training for proper installation. This collective effort led to the distribution of 130 systems, empowering farmers to protect their livelihoods.
A Shared Mission
The partnership between O&3 and our castor oil supplier exemplifies our mutual commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and community support. Their dedication to empowering farmers, promoting education, and implementing innovative environmental solutions reflects their core values. As we continue sourcing their oil, we stand together in our mission to positively impact both people and the planet.
Partnering for a Sustainable Future: Our Castor Oil Supplier's Inspiring Initiatives
