Japanese fragrance company Takasago, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2020, has been historically engaged in the responsible, sustainable sourcing of natural aromatic ingredients from farm to fragrance. The firm recently inked an agreement with Provence Perfume Plants Cooperative (SCA3P) in France for the purchase of the Cooperative’s production of Lavandin Grosso essential oil.
This decade-long contract is a first because of the timespan which is based on the entire life cycle of the lavandin plant. Through the model, Takasago secures a steady source of lavandin essential oil at a price that is fair for both producers and users. Close cooperation over such a long period also ensures a steady quality and quantity of natural ingredients in a volatile context subject to speculation and climate changes. This initiative also meets clients’ and consumers’ demands for more traceability, transparency, and ethical sourcing, as well as the implementation of best commercial and environmental practices.
“A symbol of Provence and one of the most widely used materials in fine fragrance, cosmetics, body care, and home care, Lavandin Grosso is almost exclusively grown in France and there is no such exact substitute for it,” explains Stéphane Zwaans, head of Strategic Procurement Initiatives for Takasago. “In the past few years, it has been an extremely volatile market, with a continuous imbalance between supply and demand. Our aim was to support the sector by reducing unfavorable and extreme volatility in supply and price.”
By establishing a direct connection between the supplier and buyer, the agreement improves revenues for producers, as well as ensuring a stable, guaranteed income. “The members of our Cooperative will be able to plan on the long-term, invest in new equipment, expand their activity, renew their plantations and work on developing higher-yield, more resistant cultivars,” says Michel Krausz, Director of the SCA3P. “It contributes to the sustainability of the Cooperative, a structure that regroups 230 producers, mainly in the Alpes de Haute Provence and in the Vaucluse regions from where Lavandin Grosso has historically been grown.”
In supporting suppliers such as the Cooperative Corporation of Perfume Plants of Provence is part of Takasago’s global strategy for sourcing natural origin ingredients called TaSuKI (Takasago Global Procurement Sustainability Key Initiatives). With this, Takasago implements and manages responsible sourcing strategies from source and along the value chain to secure sustainable supply. It aims at supporting local producers and their communities, and reducing impact on the environment.
