Introducing Zalabi - Sustainable Essential Oils from Spain
We are thrilled to introduce you to an exciting new supplier. Zalabi is an innovative company from Spain that impressed us both with the quality of their oils and their commitment to sustainability. Join us to learn more about Zalabi and their dedication to sustainable essential oil production.
The Roots of Zalabi: A Story of Passion and Innovation
The name Zalabi comes from the area where the project was born – the stunning Zalabi valley in Granada, Spain. Tradition and heritage are important for this family-owned business, so the range is built upon medicinal and aromatic plans that are endemic to Spain. Focusing on these crops was a conscious decision, by cultivating well-adapted species, biodiversity can be better protected, and precious natural resources can be conserved.
Zalabi also wanted to follow traditional production methods where possible, they have ensured that cultivation is still based on tried-and-true historical practices. However, when it came to the extraction of the oils, modern technology presented an opportunity for improvements to greatly reduce the environmental impact of the process.
The Zalabi team cleverly re-engineered their biomass boiler enabling it to be feed with pre-treated biomass in a dosable format. This gives the steady temperature and pressure normally only seen with fossil fuel boilers. However, they could now achieve this control burning the left-over biomass from cultivation instead of diesel or coal.
A powerful particle filter was then added to the boiler’s exhaust, virtually eradicating emissions produced during the burning of the biomass. Ashes are also upcycled to nourish the crops.
This circular approach ensures the whole harvest is transformed in the distillery into either energy or finished product. As an added bonus, all machinery is powered by solar electricity, further reducing the environmental impact of the production process.
Zalabi hopes that innovative and holistic approach will help to set new standards in the industry and there is good reason to hope that this might be the case. Zalabi have found that their forward-thinking approach to essential oil production is not only good for the planet but good for their bottom line too!
The beauty industry is taking notice too with Zalabi earning nominations for awards like the IFSCC’s “Sustainability Challenge” and the “Best Sustainable Initiative in the Fragrance Industry” at the Beauty Cluster’s Barcelona Perfumery Congress.
Ramon Fernandez, managing partner at Zalabí sums it up nicely, “Innovation doesn't always require groundbreaking inventions but can arise from a thoughtful combination of existing technologies. In our case, innovation is driven by a true commitment to sustainable practices. We take pride in producing 100% Mediterranean pure and natural essential oils in a way that is truly sustainable, socially responsible, and environmentally friendly.”
Zalabí's remarkable story shows how the power of reimagining traditional industries through a sustainability lens, showcasing that a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation can pave the way for a brighter, greener future in essential oil production.
PureNature are proud to be the exclusive New Zealand partners for the Zalabi range of essential oils.
For more information about their products and sustainability initiatives, visit Zalabi or watch the video below:
