The Sustainability Of Our Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Have you ever heard of the island of Nosy Be? It has year round sunshine, a climate that rarely dips below 20°C, rich soils, lush forest and perfect tropical white sand beaches with the clearest blue sea and tall palm trees. It’s such a great name and it sounds so heavenly you’d almost think we were having you on, wouldn’t you! But this tiny, picturesque island is real, and it lies just 8kms off the coast of Madagascar.

Nosy Be means ‘big island’ in the local dialect and it is also known as the ‘perfume island’ as it’s where our fragrant organic Ylang Ylang essential oil comes from.

How sustainable & ethical is Ylang Ylang essential oil?

The production of Ylang flowers is vital to the island and supports half the population of beautiful Nosy Be, but it’s not easy going.

This volcanic island is remote and there is a lack of transport and freight services, medical care is needed and many of the small scale farmers are often forced to sell their flowers below market value by exploitative traders.

We are proudly working with a supplier who works hard to create an alternative, ethical supply chain for our organic Ylang Ylang essential oil.

How are our suppliers making a difference?

Our suppliers work with small scale farmers who own their land, rather than the large commercial plantations, to ensure local farmers are being supported with a good price for their flowers.

In cooperative groups these farmers supply their fresh flowers daily from the morning harvest before they are taken to the processing distillery on the island.

The distillery is owned by our supplier so they are able to oversee the production of our high quality organic Ylang Ylang essential oil. 

As reliable and consistent buyers for over ten years our supplier gives farmers the ability to plan ahead and to better manage the natural inconsistencies of ylang flowering. 

Community impact

Our suppliers not only support the local farmers, but also the wider island community.

One of the biggest concerns for locals was access to healthcare and our suppliers were determined to change that. They set up a medical clinic and dispensary which employs two doctors and several nurses to provide care and subsidised medicines. It is also where women can now give birth on the island, rather than travel by boat to the mainland.

To bring healthcare to remote communities they have also set up a mobile medical team to travel between villages and treat minor medical issues and purchased a vehicle dedicated to transporting sick and injured people to the clinic. These vital medical services save lives and prevent minor injuries and illness from becoming serious. 

• Supporting 165 small scale farmers over 825 acres of land
• Helping farmers learn vital new skills, grow new crops and earn a valuable second income from their land
• 39% of farmers are female and the growing industry creates more opportunities for women.
• 6 field officers have been employed to provide agricultural education and support.

Take a peek at our beautiful organic Ylang Ylang essential oil. Wonderfully sustainable, supporting communities and all the way from an exotic paradise island.

Interested in more sustainability information? Find out more about how our rose geranium essential oil benefits the local producers.