As the beauty industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact, a pressing question is emerging: can coconut oil production really help conserve wildlife and support local communities?
Imagine an island where the rainforest thrives, providing shelter for endangered species and vibrant ecosystems. On Indonesia’s Simeulue Island, more than 500 smallholder farmers are proving that sustainable coconut oil production is not only possible, but necessary.
In this episode of Green Beauty Conversations, Lorraine Dallmeier, Chartered Environmentalist, Biologist and CEO of Formula Botanica welcomes Jane Dunlop, Co-Founder and CEO of āluān. Jane shares her journey to lead a conservation-minded business that produces high-quality, traceable coconut oil.
Don’t miss this fascinating discussion about sustainable beauty and environmental conservation. Tune in to learn how āluān is setting new standards for the industry and why this model could be the future of ethical ingredient sourcing.
“We focus on protecting the places on our planet that are still worth protecting and where these incredible natural resources still exist.” — Jane Dunlop
In this episode with Jane Dunlop, you’ll hear:
- The story behind āluān: Jane shares how her experiences in Aceh and the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami led to the founding of āluān, combining conservation with community empowerment.
- Coconut oil production: Learn how āluān works with 500 smallholder farmers to produce high-quality, traceable coconut oil, and the challenges and successes in scaling up their production.
- Sustainability and conservation efforts: Discover āluān’s integrated approach to protecting forests, endangered species and local livelihoods through regenerative agriculture and conservation programmes.
- Replanting trees: Jane discusses ambitious plans to replant coconut trees and expand their model to include other products and regions.
Packed essentials include:
- Innovative business model: āluān’s unique approach combines business success with environmental stewardship, proving that profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand.
- Community Engagement: By involving local farmers and providing higher prices for their coconuts, āluān incentivizes sustainable practices and prevents land from being converted to palm oil plantations.
- Traceability and transparency: Implementing a fully traceable supply chain from farm to finished product sets āluān apart, ensuring customers know exactly where their coconut oil comes from.
- Conservation Impact: The āluān Foundation’s work, from protecting sea turtle nesting sites to promoting biodiversity, demonstrates the profound positive impact that well-funded community conservation projects can have.
Meet our guest: Jane Dunlop
Jane Dunlop is the CEO of āluān, a company with a mission to conserve endangered ecosystems and endangered species. Their approach is focused on supplying the beauty and personal care industry with the highest quality traceable coconut oil from Simeulue Island, Sumatra, Indonesia.
Jane’s journey began in the 2000s when she moved to Sumatra, witnessing first-hand the threats of poaching, deforestation and unsustainable palm oil practices.
With a background in law and geography, Jane co-founded āluān to integrate social, environmental and economic needs through direct connections and community-based initiatives.
Learn more about Jane Dunlop and āluān:
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Lorraine Dallmeier is a biologist, certified environmentalist, and CEO of Formula Botanica, the award-winning online organic cosmetics school. Read more about Lorraine and the Formula Botanica team.
