Extra Shine – Lavender Shampoo Bar Enriched with Argan oil – shampoo bar 100g A great shampoo bar Deeply conditioning resulting Shiny Hair…

1. Sustainable Ingredients

• Argan Oil: Argan oil is extracted from the nuts of the Argan tree (Argania spinosa), which is native to Morocco. Argan trees are known for their resilience in arid environments and their ability to prevent desertification by stabilizing the soil. The oil extraction process is often done by local cooperatives, providing economic benefits to the local communities while promoting sustainable agricultural practices .
• Lavender: Lavender is a hardy plant that requires minimal water and can grow in poor soils, making it a sustainable crop. Additionally, lavender is often cultivated in organic farming systems, reducing the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which in turn lowers the environmental impact.

2. Solid Bar Format

• Reduced Packaging: The shampoo bar format eliminates the need for plastic bottles, which are commonly used for liquid shampoos. This significantly reduces plastic waste and the carbon emissions associated with the production, transportation, and disposal of plastic packaging .
• Concentrated Formula: Shampoo bars are typically more concentrated than liquid shampoos, meaning that less product is needed per use. This reduces the overall quantity of materials used and lowers the carbon footprint associated with production and transportation.

3. Energy-Efficient Production

• Cold-Pressed Oils: The production of cold-pressed Argan oil involves minimal energy compared to the high-temperature processes used for extracting oils in large industrial settings. This reduces the overall carbon footprint associated with the oil production.
• Handcrafted Production: Many shampoo bars are produced in small batches using artisanal methods, which often involve less energy-intensive processes compared to large-scale industrial manufacturing.

4. Low Water Content

• Shampoo bars contain little to no water, unlike liquid shampoos, which are typically 60-80% water. The absence of water in the formulation reduces the weight and volume of the product, leading to lower transportation emissions. Additionally, it minimizes the need for preservatives, which can have a higher environmental impact during production and disposal.

5. Biodegradability

• Natural Ingredients: The use of natural, biodegradable ingredients in the shampoo bar ensures that it breaks down easily in the environment after use. This reduces the risk of water pollution and the long-term environmental impact associated with non-biodegradable synthetic ingredients commonly found in liquid shampoos.

6. Minimal Environmental Impact of Lavender Cultivation

• Lavender cultivation has a relatively low environmental impact. The plant is drought-resistant, requires minimal water, and can thrive in poor soil conditions. This reduces the need for irrigation and fertilizers, which are significant contributors to the carbon footprint of agricultural products.

Conclusion

1. Raw Material Extraction and Processing:
   • Lavender: The carbon footprint from growing lavender is relatively low due to its minimal water and fertilizer needs. However, emissions could arise from the cultivation process, including the use of any machinery, fertilizers, or pesticides.
   • Argan Oil: The extraction of Argan oil is usually done manually or with minimal machinery, but transportation of the raw materials might add some emissions.
   Estimated Emissions:
   • Lavender: ~0.1 kg CO₂e per kg of lavender harvested.
   • Argan Oil: ~2.5 kg CO₂e per liter of oil produced (including transportation).
2. Production:
   • The production process for a shampoo bar, especially if handcrafted, typically involves low energy consumption compared to industrial-scale liquid shampoos.
   • Estimated Emissions: ~0.2 - 0.5 kg CO₂e per bar, depending on the energy source and scale of production.
3. Packaging:
   • A shampoo bar uses minimal or no plastic packaging, often wrapped in paper or cardboard, which has a lower carbon footprint.
   • Estimated Emissions: ~0.05 kg CO₂e per bar for sustainable packaging (e.g., recycled paper).
4. Transportation:
   • The transportation of raw materials to the production site, and the finished product to retail locations, can vary significantly depending on distance and mode of transport.
   • Estimated Emissions: ~0.1 - 0.3 kg CO₂e per bar, assuming average transportation distances.
5. Use Phase:
   • Shampoo bars typically have a longer lifespan compared to liquid shampoos, meaning less frequent purchases and lower emissions over time.
   • Estimated Emissions: Negligible during the use phase, as the product itself does not emit carbon when used.
6. End-of-Life (Disposal):
   • Given that shampoo bars are often fully consumed, there is minimal waste. Any leftover packaging is often biodegradable or recyclable.
   • Estimated Emissions: ~0.01 - 0.02 kg CO₂e per bar for biodegradable packaging.

Total Estimated Carbon Footprint

• Raw Materials: ~0.3 - 1.0 kg CO₂e (Lavender and Argan Oil)
• Production: ~0.2 - 0.5 kg CO₂e
• Packaging: ~0.05 kg CO₂e
• Transportation: ~0.1 - 0.3 kg CO₂e
• Use Phase: ~0.0 kg CO₂e (negligible)
• End-of-Life: ~0.01 - 0.02 kg CO₂e

Explanation

• Variability: The carbon footprint can vary significantly based on specific factors like the scale of production, distance of transportation, and whether renewable energy is used in production.
• Comparison: This estimate is lower compared to liquid shampoos, primarily due to reduced packaging, lower water content, and efficient use of ingredients.

References

• Sustainable Ingredients: Argan Oil's environmental benefits are well-documented in studies on sustainable agriculture and desertification prevention.
• Reduced Packaging: Numerous life cycle analyses (LCAs) have demonstrated the environmental benefits of solid bars over liquid products, primarily due to reduced packaging and transportation emissions.
• Energy-Efficient Production: Cold-pressed oils and artisanal production methods have been highlighted in studies as more energy-efficient compared to industrial processes.
• Biodegradability and Minimal Environmental Impact: The environmental benefits of using biodegradable and natural ingredients have been confirmed in various scientific assessments, especially in relation to water pollution prevention and soil health.