SUSTAINABLE ESSENTIAL OILS STANDARDS (SEOS)

 by
​TERRY JOHNSON 

During these very difficult times, knowing where to obtain sustainable sources of essential oils is vital in gaining and keeping consumers’ trust in the wonderful products we market. Yet, what do we really know about which growers or processors are actually providing us with products that don’t contain Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) or synthetic pesticides?

Here is what consumers continually ask for from many of the products they currently purchase:

• Authenticity—Consumers want their essential oils to really be natural, without synthetics or Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in seeds or cuttings.
• Integrity—Consumers want to know their essential oils are grown and processed sustainably, just like many of the other products they purchase and pay more for.
• Transparency—Consumers want to know more about who grew and processed their essential oils and if they are doing business sustainably.

Two years ago, an independent international Committee of several essential oil experts was formed to strengthen the essential oil distribution chain. After more than one year of effort, the Committee developed Sustainable Essential Oil Standards (SEOS) for Growers and Processors of essential oil.     

SEOS is the most comprehensive sustainable standard in essential oil or, for that matter, any other related industry.
These standards are specifically for essential oils, rather than a general standard that is broadly applied to many industries.
For instance, growing organically is highly commendable, but unfortunately, USDA Organic Certification (which is also being used to certify organic within the European Union) allows the usage of synthetic pesticides, which retailers and consumers of essential oils and the products made from essential oils simply cannot accept. This is why SEOS Standards prohibit any usage of synthetics.
Sustainable Essential Oil Standards (SEOS), along with high value products and the Committee’s supply chain education programs, will lead to many profitable opportunities for all of the Value-Added Essential Oil Distribution Chain Community.
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Look for the SEOS logo on high-value essential oils in the near future!

To learn more about SEOS, join me to a Round Table on June 1st 2021