Assessment of Environmental Impact
The assessment of impact of the manufacture of skincare products at Redgum Soaps product is divided into four categories:
Ingredients
The main ingredient used is extra virgin olive oil which is currently imported from Greece. This is not ideal because of the energy and packaging concerns required in transportation. This issue will be addressed when the Australian olive industry has grown enough to be able to supply our needs. Australia currently imports 98% of its olive oil requirements.
Caustic soda (NaOH),the next significant ingredient is manufactured from sea water in a process developed in 1789, and is a commonly found compound that is used widely in industry and even in some households. Its main industrial uses include pulp and paper, soaps and detergents, and organic chemicals.
While the manufacture of caustic soda has significant impacts (it is co-produced with chlorine) and supports many environmentally damaging industries, there is no suitable alternative available.
The remaining ingredients consist of cold pressed vegetable oils, essential oils and plant matter (chamomile, calendula, etc.), all of which are sourced locally when available. These are also less environmentally damaging than the mineral oils and synthetic substitutes found in most skincare.
Manufacture
The process is extremely simple with the only energy input being used in the mixing process, and this energy is supplied by a solar power system.
Solid waste mostly consists of packaging materials from the ingredients and are disposed of by composting onsite (cardboard, paper) or through the local government waste recycling and disposal services (glass, plastics, steel cans etc.).
Liquid waste is treated and used onsite for irrigation.
Packaging & Transportation
Packaging is mostly seen as waste that contributes to the cost of a product, however it does serve two important purposes. Firstly it protects the product from damage and deterioration during transportation and storage, and secondly it provides consumers with essential information such as product description and an ingredient listing.
It is also extremely important that a product be marketable and look presentable enough to attract people's attention.
These issues have been addressed by:
- using minimal packaging that is all biodegradable, reusable or recyclable;
- encouraging others to make soap to supply their communities, reducing the need for any packaging or transportation;
- Australia Post is used for the delivery of over 95% of orders. Utilising an existing high volume national and international transportation system means that very little additional energy is required to deliver products to consumers.
Business Overheads
Business overheads includes office consumables, vehicle use and support infrastructure. Our office is solar powered, paper use is minimised (electronic media is preferred) and support infrastructure is selected based on environmental credentials.
The main environment impact comes from vehicle use, necessitated by the rural location of Redgum Soaps and this is being addressed by developing better internet and other communication services.
