certified organic egyptian geranium from the nile delta essential oils for winter health is it time to step up your manufacturing?

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1 WINTER EDITION 2015 certified organic egyptian geranium from the nile delta essential oils for winter health is it time to step up your manufacturing?

2 THIS ISSUE winter WINTER EDITION 2015 The last few months have seen some terrible tragedies occur around the globe. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tropical cyclones and deaths at sea are just some of the disasters that have unfolded before us. During these times we can feel helpless and somewhat removed from our fellow inhabitants of this world, but it is also during these times that we are motivated to reach out and make a difference to people in need. Whilst we may not be there to help rebuild structures or care for the injured, we can give our support to people closer to us. Next time you cross paths with someone less fortunate than yourself consider how you can help, even if it is just a pleasant good morning or a simple smile, remember that you can have a positive impact on someone else s life. Lucille Wilson, Editor Winter cover: Vanilla Vanilla planifolia Luxurious, gourmand Vanilla is an impressive aromatic that is extremely popular in perfumery and natural cosmetics. Extracted from the vanilla bean, it offers a rich, opulent, almost sensual scent profile to your chosen formulation. Available in Certified Organic or Conventional oleoresin or in a Certified Organic CO 2 extract. Visit for more information. 04 Harvest: Geranium oil (Egypt) Certified Organic From the rich, fertile Nile delta 12 SME Forum: Cosmetic Manufacturing From bench top to beyond Lifestyle: Winter Essentials Keep your home happy & healthy this season 20 News: New Product Release Essential oils for you to try 22 Product Specification: Geranium oil (Egypt) Certified Organic Specification for manufacturers 23 Formulation: Soft & Smooth Lip Balm Geranium oil (Egypt) Certified Organic

3 HARVEST Pelargonium Graveolens Abundant black land farms produce the sweet, luxurious Geranium essential oil. Geranium grows vigorously in the fertile soil of the Nile Delta. The region s year round sunshine provides the flowering plant with ideal conditions to flourish. 4 5

4 HARVEST The richly fertile Nile delta stretches from south of Cairo to the Mediterranean Sea. It is an agricultural paradise for many different crop farmers and it is from this region that we source our sweet, luxurious geranium oils. Sydney Essential Oil Co. s supply partner has been a leading essential oil producer for over 60 years and offers world class geranium with exceptional quality. Historic South African Origins The Pelargonium graveolens plant is native to countries on the southern tip of the African continent. It is believed that plant cuttings were exported from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa to Europe around Initially popular in Great Britain, it was subsequently introduced to the south of France where the perfumery industry, in Grasse, embraced the new aromatic. From France, it was re-exported across the French colonies in North Africa during the mid-1800 s. It was particularly successful in Algeria, before it was finally introduced to Egypt in the 1930 s. Since this time, despite experiencing some interruption to production during the Nasser coup d état in the 1950 s, Egypt has grown to become the world leader in geranium essential oil. The Algerian oil has all but disappeared from the world market and whilst there is some production in China and other countries, the bulk of the global stock is Egyptian in origin. Above: Sydney Essential Oil Co. s supply partner has dedicated plantations for their Geranium crop. These farms are tended to by skilled local workers and are maintained for up to 3 years. Opposite: The large Certified Organic distillation facility is close to the Geranium fields to ensure prompt processing once the plant material is harvested. The Nile Delta There are 2 main growing regions for Geranium in Egypt and two very different styles of farmer involved. The larger growing region is in the Beni-Suef province, south of Cairo, where there are many small farm owners who treat geranium as their cash crop. In some instances farmers will sell their oil immediately after production, > 6 7

5 HARVEST Clockwise from above: Originally from South African countries, Geranium has proven to be successful in Egyptian agricultural regions and today Egypt produces over 200 tonnes of oil a year. The gentle pink, purple coloured blossoms begin to appear on the plants in June. This is when the harvest takes place and the aerial portion of the plant is removed for essential oil extraction. The majority of the oil is sourced from the leaves and stems although the entire plant is processed, including flowers. Steam distilled essential oil is collected and prepared for international export. HARVEST whereas others might wait to sell until they have a particular expense requirement. The sale of oil can occur anytime before the next season s harvest. For example, the farmer will access their geranium funds when it comes time for their son or daughter to wed, or when a child is due to start school, or even to add an extension to the family house to fit more members. Geranium is an important source of revenue that is extremely beneficial for these farmers. The other geranium farms are in the centre of the Nile delta, in a region called Tanta. These farms are owned by Sydney Essential Oil Co. s supply partner. They are managed and maintained by skilled local workers employed all year round. Many of whom, themselves, are land owners seeking to increase their income. Both Beni-Suef and Tanta regions experience similar climatic conditions that suit the needs of the geranium plant. Whilst there is little to no rainfall, the Nile River provides all the water required for successful plantations. And even though the species originates from wetter climates, the plants perform tremendously well in the year round sunshine, as it can be sensitive to rain induced rot. In Tanta, cuttings are pruned during October and November and are immediately replanted into well tilled fields. These plants are tended for 8 months, until the harvest season arrives the following July. The semi-perennial crops are harvested for a second time in October and this cycle continues for 3 years. The Beni-Suef farmers also plant their crops in October but their harvest occurs slightly earlier in June. At that time the entire plant is removed to make way for their next crop which is commonly corn. Small nursery plots of geranium are maintained for the following year in order to sow the next season. The whole aerial part of the plant is utilised for essential oil production and approximately 1½ to 2 tonnes of fresh plant material is required to extract 1 kilogram of essential oil via > 8 9

6 HARVEST steam distillation. Post distillation the remaining plant matter is composted and utilised on the farms. Organic Certification and Community Projects Sydney Essential Oil Co. s supply partner is certified organic through CERES GmbH Happurg and also COAE. Their commitment to sustainability and a positive global footprint is reflected through all facets of their business. Within their community they have established their own aid foundation dedicated to improving the lives of locals. They offer their employees primary school support and have successfully enrolled over 70 children in their classrooms. They also offer extensive medical assistance to employees and immediate family members ensuring they have access to doctors in both Cairo and Alexandria when required. Geranium Essential Oil With a rich, sweet scent that is reminiscent of rose, Geranium is an exceptional aromatic ingredient. It performs superbly when blended with many different notes, including citruses, florals and woods. Aromatherapeutically it is recognised for its ability to balance the body s systems. It supports the female cycle and can offer a tonic effect when feeling congested. When incorporated in massage, the oil can improve lymphatic function and help minimise fluid retention. In natural skincare products, Geranium is a beneficial cleansing oil that balances sebum production and helps keep the skin soft and supple. It offers a strong scent profile that is perfect for moisturisers, body washes and even soap formulations. 1 For a bulk quote or more information contact our sales team on or sales@seoc.com.au. Certified Organic Geranium essential oil is an excellent natural cosmetic ingredient. Its rich aromatic profile is popular popular in face and body products. It helps to keep the skin soft and supple. 10

7 SME FORUM Cosmetic manufacturing: starting small yet thinking big Handmade, artisan, crafted or natural, when you first start bench top manufacturing it can be an exciting new world of oils, emulsifiers, raw materials and more. You ve researched your ingredients and you are confident that your product s texture, aroma and functionality will appeal to your target market, even if in the beginning, that is just your close friends and family. But what happens when your business starts to grow? Do you have the space to grow with it? Do you have time to dedicate to building your brand and maximising your profits? It is important to consider the path that best suits you and your business in order to succeed now and into the future. > Utilising professional industrial style equipment can help increase your batch sizes and produce excellent consistency in your popular handmade products

8 SME FORUM Bench Top Equipment Most home based manufacturing starts out with a set of stainless steel pots or an electric bains marie. Small batches are relatively easy to produce in this manner and it s likely that you feel very comfortable spending a few hours every weekend making and bottling 10 to 50 units of your product. This is certainly a manageable method in the short term and is a great way to stock up in preparation for a market stall or to keep your new online shop running smoothly. With a small customer base your production demands are unlikely to become excessive but if you are keen to extend your reach and are considering alternative sales channels you could find that the demands of bench top manufacturing become too laborious. This is when you could consider upgrading your equipment to a more professional range of machinery. Professional Batch Equipment When your batch sizes are growing to over 10L it is worth investing in some larger equipment that enables you to increase your production volume easily. Often you will find appropriate machinery through commercial kitchen suppliers and can opt to rent rather than buy the equipment outright. This will help your cash flow as a large investment can be financially challenging during business growth periods. If your products are formulated using pre-made bases or are room temperature oil blends then an industrial dough mixer is the perfect choice. With heavy duty stainless steel fixtures and various specialised attachments you will find it relatively easy to scale up your batch size. For hot process product making of emulsions or balms, extra equipment will be required. Urns or heated tanks are suitable for this method of manufacture but you will need multiple vessels as your water and oil phases heat separately. Another great option is a hand held industrial mixer to easily emulsify and blend. Packaging and labelling your finished product is an important element to consider. Bottling or filling machines can make light work of a few hundred units and you will find that wastage is minimised through the controlled mechanisms. Plus, a bench top labeller can produce consistent results to make your product look first class when it sits on shelf. Again, consider renting rather than purchasing outright. Contract Manufacturing Once the demand for your product exceeds these mid-size batch capabilities it could be time for you to engage the services of a professional contract manufacturer. These facilities can produce thousands of units at lower costs than you can achieve at home or in a dedicated manufacturing space. With high end equipment and specialist staff, the move to contract manufacturing can be your step up into the larger retail sales environment, or exporting. Some manufacturer will be able to help you source bulk ingredients at economic pricing and some will also have a network of packaging, labelling and shipping contacts to assist you with these stages. We recommend that you consult with a number of different manufacturers to find the one that offers the exact services you require. At this point, allow something in your budget for your formulation and method of manufacture to be reviewed and modified to suit larger-scale production, as a 200kg batch will behave very differently to the 1L batch you started with at home on your bench top. A cosmetic chemist or product developer would be able to assist you with this fine tuning. Quality Assurance Finally, it is imperative that your product is safe for your consumer to use. Quality assurance is essential whether you are producing bench top products, professional batches or contract manufacturing. So we always recommend having your finished product tested for stability and preservative efficacy through an independent laboratory. Whether new to the industry or an experienced manufacturer, SEOC can help you with information on ingredients, packaging, labelling and more. If you have any questions feel free to contact our sales team at sales@seoc.com.au. 14

9 LIFESTYLE These are the top 6 essential oils we recommend 1 Eucalyptus An absolute must in every household s essential oil collection, Eucalyptus is renowned for its cleansing properties. Utilising the oil in your laundry and also adding a small amount to your surface spray will keep your home feeling healthy. The crisp, clean aroma will lift your senses and have a purifying effect on the atmosphere. Eucalyptus is a common choice for steam inhalations when your sinuses feel clogged, or you can keep a few drops on a tissue up your sleeve for quick relief. Vaporising the oil in the office is a great way to revive your work space plus it can also aid concentration which is an added bonus if a cold is making you feel mentally clouded. To maintain a healthy complexion during Winter make sure you have a sound skincare regime that includes cleansing, moisturising and the occasional scrub. Editor s tip: Add up to 50 drops to your washing cycle, 10 drops to a steam bath for inhalation or combine 1mL with 100mL of water vinegar solution. Keep this in a spray bottle to clean down your kitchen bench. > Colder weather often brings sneezes and sniffles. Find some relief from cold symptoms as well as warding them off this year by utilising essential oils around your home or workplace. Winter essentials 16

10 LIFESTYLE 2Tea Tree Tea tree oil is another favourite to have handy during all seasons, and in Winter it is particularly useful for its strong antiseptic properties. When incorporated in hand and body wash products, it offers powerful cleansing benefits that will help minimise the spread of nasties between family members. It is also an ideal choice for a massage oil blend to relieve muscular aches and pains. When combined with Lavender and Marjoram in an unscented oil base, the efficacy of the massage treatment will be enhanced. 3 4 Editor s tip: Add up to 3% to a gel base and store in a pump bottle for an easyto-use hand or body cleanser. Lavender Lavender is a universal oil that should always be included in your aromatherapy kit. It is one of the few essential oils suitable for use with babies and can help soothe a restless child to sleep. You can vaporise in their bedroom or incorporate it in a gentle night time chest balm for comforting results. Soaking in a warm bath is an excellent way to ease seasonal chills and support your overall health and wellbeing. It is especially effective when you include Lavender in the tub. Mixing it with a water dispersible bath oil or epsom salts and dissolving under running water will promote a state of relaxation and encourage deep sleep to allow your body to recuperate. Editor s tip: Add drops to a bedroom vaporiser 10 minutes before bedtime for a soothing night s rest. Rosemary The refreshing, herbaceous aroma of Rosemary is a fantastic scent to inspire you through cold Winter days. It will enliven your spirit and keep you motivated even when the clouds are dark and gloomy. The chemotype (CT) Cineole oil is perfect for inhalations, as the 1,8-cineole content is comparable to Eucalyptus. In a blend or on its own you will find it extremely helpful. Alternatively, the CT Camphor essential oil is ideal for use in massage applications as it can have a warming effect, especially for the feet. 5 Editor s tip: Add 10 drops to a warm foot bath to help ease any stiffness and give your body a recharge. Marjoram The calming nature of Marjoram will be a kind relief when you re feeling a little under the weather. It will bring strength and reassurance whilst supporting the emotions. With a warm, slightly spicy scent, it is a great addition to a balm or body oil and is remarkably beneficial when combined with Lavender. Marjoram is an impressive all rounder that can be used to soothe and centre many of the body s systems and is recognised for its ability to promote female health. 6 Editor s tip: Add 2% to a nourishing balm base and apply to your chest when you are feeling congested or stuffy. Lemon Lemon is another excellent Winter essential oil as it provides a cheerful effect on the body during periods of illness and can restore mental fortitude. It acts as a tonic whilst lifting the spirits and gives you the extra boost you need when feeling fatigued. The fresh, zesty aroma blends well with medicinal scents such as Eucalyptus and Tea Tree and its cleansing properties offer extra benefits when incorporated in body wash or soap formulations. Facial cleansers that include Lemon will help brighten your complexion and give you a natural glow. Editor s tip: drops in a bedside vaporiser whilst convalescing will help lift the melancholy. Integrating aromatherapy oils into your lifestyle is a great way to surround yourself with sweet scents. Plus your body will appreciate the natural benefits they provide. Keep them close during the cooler months and enjoy the support they give you and your family

11 NEWS New essential oils from distant lands We are constantly searching the globe for essential oils to add to our portfolio and this season we have three wonderful new products for you to try. Basil CT Chavicol oil (India) 100% Organic ACO/USDA 100% Pure Essential Oils Certified Organic Steam distilled from the flowering herb Ocimum basilicum, Basil CT Chavicol oil has a fresh herbaceous aroma that is sweet and clean. The high Chavicol content of the Certified Organic oil produces an uplifting scent that blends well with citrus and other herbal notes. It is an excellent oil for improving concentration and is ideal for use in your office or study to enhance focus and information retention. Basil CT Chavicol acts as a natural insect repellent and performs well when incorporated in aloe gel formulations. It is also suitable for use in unisex body wash or hand cleanser as the pleasant aroma appeals to both men and women. Clary Sage oil (Russia) 100% Pure Essential Oils Conventional The sweet herbal, slightly smoky aroma of Clary Sage oil can be euphoric in its effect. The heady scent can create an immediately calm environment and help centre your thoughts when feeling flighty or scattered. Clary Sage oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the Salvia sclarea plant. Two of the key chemical constituents present in the oil are Linalyl acetate and Linalool which are also commonly found in Lavender oil and as such Clary Sage offers some similar properties. When incorporated in natural skincare products, Clary Sage cleanses the skin and hair whilst balancing sebum production, however it is important to identify any contra-indications and the oil should not be used during pregnancy. Mandarin oil (Argentina) 100% Pure Essential Oils Conventional One of the most popular essential oils in the world, Mandarin is a must have in every collection. Its gentle, sweet citrus aroma will bring a smile to your face as the fresh, friendly scent washes over you. Cold pressed from the peel of the Citrus reticulata fruit, the essential oil is a vibrant orange colour and will add a yellow to orange hue to your finished product. The refreshing scent of Mandarin oil is extremely appealing in essential oil blends as it helps to lift the aromatic profile with bright, happy tones. Mandarin s mild action makes it a popular choice for many different skincare applications. It is a great addition to hand and body washes and is also ideal for use in moisturising products as it can help soften the skin

12 PRODUCT SPECIFICATION FORMULATION Soft & Smooth Lip Balm Performance: keeps lips moisturised and smooth, minimises chapped appearance. Appearance: soft, pale yellow balm with a rich matt finish. Aroma: warm, sweet, exotic aroma with zesty undertones. Stability: expected shelf life 12 months subject to manufacturing practice. Recommended use: apply directly to the lips when required. Product Geranium oil (Egypt) Certified Organic Phase Raw Material % w/w Botanical Name: Pelargonium graveolens Origin: Egypt Appearance: Clear mobile liquid Colour: Pale to mid-yellow Odour: Characteristic, floral geranium Plant part used: Flowering plant Extraction method: Steam distillation Physio-chemical properties Specific 20 C: Refractive 20 C: Optical rotation: to Flash Point: 65 C in closed cup Typical Analysis Oil components Citronellol 20 to 50% Geraniol 10 to 23% Linalool 2 to 15% Menthone Trace to 10% Iso-Menthone Trace to 10% A Lime Distilled oil 0.3 Geranium oil (Egypt) Certified Organic 0.2 Ylang Ylang Complete oil (Madagascar) Certified Organic 0.2 B Sunflower oil Certified Organic 48 Coconut oil Certified Organic 20 Cocoa butter Certified Organic 10 Beeswax Natural 9.3 C Shea Nut Butter Certified Organic 11 Natural Tocopherol 50 1 Method of Manufacture 1. Combine ingredients in Phase A and mix well. Allow to synergise for 30 minutes. 2. Combine ingredients in Phase B and heat to 70 C. 3. Allow to cool to 50 C. 4. Add Phase C to Phase B and mix well. 5. Add Phase A to mixture while stirring constantly. 6. Allow to cool to room temperature in lip balm jar before sealing lid. For ingredients contact Sydney Essential Oil Co % w/w Other Information Packaging: As required. Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place without direct sunlight or heat. Handling: Well ventilated area and avoid open flame or other sources of ignition. Shelf Life: Three (3) years from date of manufacture (when stored in appropriate conditions). Disclaimer Product formulations are included as illustrative examples only. Whilst all care has been taken in presenting example formulations, Sydney Essential Oil Co. accepts no responsibility concerning any product manufactured using such formulations. The responsibility for the performance for marketing claim and adequate testing for stability of any product prior to sale lies with the manufacturer thereof. For more information contact Sydney Essential Oil Co

13 Sydney Essential Oil Co. Pty Ltd. ABN Burrows Road South, St Peters NSW 2044 Australia PO Box 226 St Peters NSW 2044 T: F: E: sales@seoc.com.au Order online Office hours: 9am-5pm Monday to Friday Copyright 2015 Sydney Essential Oil Co. Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher. Contact marketing@seoc.com.au with any requests. Oily is printed responsibly by our Forest Stewardship Council Chain-of-Custody certified printers. They use vegetable-based inks on Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) pulp paper sourced from sustainable forests. Oily is also available to view online. If you d prefer to opt-out of receiving a print copy, please let us know.