US personal care ingredient maker Inolex has joined the Sustainable Castor Association (SCA), which enhances the environmental, social, and economic profile of the crop throughout the supply chain.
The SCA enables a more traceable and verified supply chain through certification, and building programmes to support the livelihood of castor farmers.
The castor standard code, SuCCESS, which is managed by the SCA, is the standardized certification criteria for sustainable castor.
Currently SuCCESS certified supply represents about 1% of global castor oil supply and includes over 6,200 farmers and 6,000 hectares, including in India.
In addition to building traction in the certified castor supply chain, the community around SCA supports farmers through educating on good agricultural practices that boost yields, create water reduction efficiencies, and improve safety and community health practices.
Inolex said the opportunity to help farmers develop professionally and enhance the quality of life for their families resonates with the Philadelphia firm’s mission to source raw materials in a socially responsible manner.
“When we look at the work that SCA members are doing, all of these actions are positively impacting farmer livelihood, local ecosystems, and the security and sustainability of the value chain,” added Audrey Wesson, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Inolex.
“We understand…how a more sustainable castor crop starts with the farmer, is carried through our feedstock, and pulled through the supply chain all the way to beauty care consumers.”
