A few weeks ago, Marcel's team took a look behind the scenes of the new production of our deodorant sticks. Nice detail: our deodorants are only made a few kilometres 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 a good time to give you a look at the (deodorant) kitchen.
A FACTORY WITHOUT EMISSIONS
The factory where Marcel's Green Soap's deodorant sticks are produced, Natural Cosmetics Holland (NCH), makes natural cosmetics products on its own conveyor belt in their factory in Beverwijk. A factory without emissions. From selecting raw materials to the way they treat people, sustainability is at the heart of they do. For example, the products they produce are water-free, they use the energy of the sun (the entire roof is full of solar panels!), they use 100% recyclable packaging such as paper, glass and cans, and they work with natural ingredients. In addition, NCH only works with regular suppliers who also all work according to a sustainability policy.
“As far as we are concerned, the label should be as open as possible, we have nothing to hide.” - NCH
PACKAGING
Why do our deodorant sticks come in cardboard packaging? Cardboard is environmentally friendly, biodegradable and compostable. It is also one of the materials with the least impact on the environment. The production of cardboard uses 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.
Recycling paper and cardboard is part of the sustainability challenge. Reusing 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 know for sure that the origin of the ingredients is ethical. Human rights are not violated and the production itself is as sustainable as possible. We think that's important.
SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTION
It is 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, which can produce up to 197 kilowatts. Maybe this number doesn't mean a lot to you, but this amount can power 50 family homes. This enormous roof of solar panels gives NCH the opportunity to directly use electricity generated during the day for cosmetic productions, such as that of our deodorant sticks.
After reading these cool facts about our deodorant, you now know that: Marcel deodorant sticks are not only gentle on your skin, but also on the planet. A deodorant with no smell, says Marcel. That is actually not entirely true, because with scents such as Vanilla & Cherry Blossom, Argan & Oudh or Tonka & Muguet, our deodorant sticks smell super delicious. Unpleasant odours are neutralized by our deodorant in a natural way. For fresh armpits without nasty ingredients such as aluminum & alcohol and without aerosols or plastic. That's really fresh. Oh, and did we mention that our deodorant is cruelty-free and 100% vegan?