Rapeseed & Coconut Wax, And Why We Use It.
"More than 1,000 sq km of the Amazon has been felled on Brazilian soya farms over the past decade, despite an internationally recognised agreement to protect the rainforest, an investigation can reveal.
Soya from the areas most at risk from this deforestation is regularly shipped to the UK, Spain and other European countries." (Taken from unearthed.greenpeace.org)
What is so bad about soy wax for the environment?
Despite its eco-friendly reputation, soy wax has its drawbacks. Concerns include:
Deforestation:
The expansion of soybean farming has contributed to deforestation, particularly in sensitive ecosystems like the Amazon Rainforest. This contributes to biodiversity loss and exacerbates climate change by releasing stored carbon dioxide when forests are cleared.
GMOs and Pesticides:
A significant portion of soybeans grown globally are genetically modified and may involve the use of pesticides, raising concerns about environmental and health impacts.
Monoculture Farming:
Large-scale soybean cultivation often involves monoculture practices, which can deplete soil nutrients and reduce biodiversity.
Soil Degradation:
Continuous soy cultivation in the same areas leads to soil erosion, reducing soil fertility and increasing the risk of flooding and pollution. This degradation impacts the land's agricultural value and the surrounding natural ecosystems.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
The equipment used in land clearing for soybean cultivation and processing soybeans into wax emits millions of tons of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change .
Water Pollution:
The extensive use of pesticides and fertilisers in soy farming contaminates water sources, affecting aquatic ecosystems and human health .
Socioeconomic Impacts:
The expansion of soy cultivation areas can displace local communities and small-scale farmers, leading to social unrest and the unethical treatment of workers.
Coconut Wax:
Primarily composed of fatty acids derived from coconut oil.
The extraction process is relatively simple and energy-efficient.
Environmental Impact Of Coconut Wax:
Highly biodegradable and burns cleanly, releasing minimal soot and toxins.
Coconut trees are sustainable crops; they require less water and pesticides compared to soy or palm.
The cultivation of coconuts has a lower overall environmental footprint, contributing less to deforestation and habitat destruction.
Rapeseed Wax
Sustainable Production –
Rapeseed wax is produced from rapeseed oil, which is a renewable resource. The production process is eco-friendly and sustainable.
Lower Carbon Footprint –
Rapeseed is primarily grown in Europe, reducing European manufacturers’ transport emissions and contributing to its lower carbon footprint.
Biodegradable –
Rapeseed wax is biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Non-Toxic –
Rapeseed wax is non-toxic, making it a safer choice for household use.
Our Rapeseed & Coconut Blend wax is strictly regulated and certified to be......
From rapeseed crops grown in UK/EU – from existing agricultural land
Crops are renewable and sustainable – no deforestation involved
Contains Certified Organic Coconut Oil – crop grown by small holders in South East Asia, no deforestation
Non-GM, NOT from GM crops
No Palm
Vegan
Land cleared for soya bean plants.