Sponsored by DSM
Fair trade moves north
Mention fair trade and most people will think of ethical pricing, fair working conditions, education and sustainability, through partnerships between small-scale producers in developing countries and more affluent countries in the North.
But did you know that DSM PCA’s Alpaflor line recently received Fair for Life certification for its initiative with a farmers’ cooperative in Switzerland?
Support for rural economies
This quintessentially Swiss product range is already known for its high-efficacy actives produced from top-quality plant extracts, cultivated organically in a pristine alpine setting.
With socially and environmentally responsible production methods all along its supply chain, it is also a beacon of traceability and fair trade within the personal care industry.
François Paul manages the Alpaflor production site in Vouvry:
“To guarantee a reliable and sustainable supply of alpine plants for our bioactives, about 20 years ago we formed a unique network with a botanist, an agricultural research centre and a cooperative of mountain farmers in the Valais region. I see us as one big family and there’s a real sense of pride as everyone has an important role to play and we’re all working towards the same goals”.
In line with the Fair for Life philosophy, organic cultivation methods help protect and preserve the area’s distinctive biodiversity and the collaboration also helps balance the local economy by securing an income for farmers in the area.
DSM offers long-term contracts, pays a set price per square meter and assumes all risks. So even in the event of crop failure due to natural disasters, bad weather conditions or pest infestation, the farmers receive their wage.
The farmers behind the final product
Catherine Tornay is one of those farmers. She lives in heart of the Swiss Alps in the tiny mountain village of Reppaz, 10 km from Mont Blanc, and began cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants in 1990. Today, Catherine specializes in growing Edelweiss and Alpine Flax.
“Medicinal plants have become a real passion of mine over the years and the Edelweiss is such a beautiful flower, so when the local co-operative approached me about growing these plants for DSM I was delighted” she explains.
“It is hard, manual work, and I am learning new things constantly; but I really enjoy working with DSM’s people because they are so friendly, knowledgeable and supportive. At the same time though, they trust us do our best to grow the highest quality plants, so I genuinely feel that I’m part of the team.”
At a time when many people are moving away from rural areas, for economic reasons, Catherine appreciates receiving a guaranteed income from growing her plants: “I’ve lived in Reppaz for 35 years and want to stay here. This collaboration with DSM helps make that possible.”
She draws great satisfaction from knowing that her plants are going into beauty products all over the world but is even more pleased to see her children and grandchildren beginning to share her passion for this work. “If younger generations know where their ingredients come from and the work that’s involved, then hopefully they will share this understanding with their friends, who in turn will tell their friends and families”.
Meet us at in-cosmetics 2019 at booth G60 to know more about this program or visit us at the sustainability corner to get more in-depth details!
