A Supplier Story | Australian Tea Tree Oil

At O&3, we believe in working with partners who share our commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.

A key partner, sharing these values, is our dedicated tea tree oil producer in Australia. Their passion for sustainable agriculture and environmental efforts makes them a perfect fit for our mission to change products across a myriad of industries to be formulated with natural oil ingredients that meet peoples’ needs whilst being kind to the people and planet we source them from.

Located in the lush landscapes of New South Wales, Australia, this producer’s story is one of passion and perseverance, with their dedication to family and long-term vision resonating deeply with O&3’s own foundational values. Driven by a deep connection to the land, this supplier’s journey began with one man in the late 1980’s, immersing himself in the growing tea tree oil industry, juggling his full-time job as an accountant, working weekends and after hours on the farm. In the late 1990s, with the support of his family and transitioning to a full-time grower in the early 2000s, now owns what has become a thriving plantation boasting nearly 1.5 million tea trees that are cultivated with a focus on purity and environmental responsibility.

Uses of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is renowned for its versatile applications across various industries. Its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it a staple in skincare, haircare, aromatherapy, and medicinal formulations. It’s used in acne treatments, dandruff shampoos, foot sprays, and for relaxation. Its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal benefits aid in wound care, respiratory relief and skin infections. Additionally, it serves as a natural disinfectant in cleaning products and supports pet skin health in veterinary care – just to name a few!

Sustainability

This producer’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of their operation. Since the beginning, they have maintained that sustainability is not a new idea, but a long-held way of thinking, living, and acting that enables them to meet current needs without compromising future generations.

The production of Australian Tea Tree Oil is naturally sustainable, as the trees are native to the region and rarely require irrigation, with harvesting involving pruning and steam distilling, minimising environmental impact.

They prioritise natural land management, propagating trees from wild seeds and using eco-friendly techniques, such as using livestock for natural weed control to create a healthy ecosystem and minimise their environmental footprint. Most of their trees have been propagated from bush seed collected from natural strands of wild Melaleuca alternifolia in the nearby creek basin, meaning they thrive on the plantation.

Their continually refined distillation process further reduces water and energy consumption, ensuring a truly sustainable product.

This supplier operates with a ‘fix it or replace with recycled parts’ approach to equipment maintenance, often repurposing equipment from other agricultural industries. They power their distillation process with recycled waste oils, and recycle water used in distillation back into the steam generator.

For packaging and storage, they favour reusable stainless-steel drums over plastic IBCs, to minimise plastic waste. Soil erosion is naturally mitigated due to the tree’s extensive root system and the fertile river plain location. While they strive for organic weed and pest control, they occasionally use pesticides and herbicides, when necessary, with the aim to minimise usage.

Production By-products

This supplier’s resourceful approach to by-products aligns with O&3’s commitment to minimising waste and maximising the value of natural resources. The main by-products of their Tea Tree Oil production are mulch and Tea Tree hydrosol. The spent biomass mulch, free of weed seeds and pH neutral, is used for mulching and composting, and by gardeners and landscapers. The hydrosol, primarily recycled into the steam generator, is also gaining demand for its potential therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Beyond cultivation, this plantation serves as a vital home for the local wildlife. With a thriving koala population, these suppliers actively protect native habitats and create natural corridors for diverse species, while their collaboration with environmental groups on tree planting and soil regeneration initiatives emphasises their commitment to broader conservation efforts.

O&3 Thoughts…

This producer’s journey from a small plot of land to a thriving, environmentally responsible operation is a testament to their commitment to sustainability and quality. Their dedication to ecological balance, wildlife protection, and ethical farming sets a gold standard for the industry. At O&3, we’re proud to partner with this exceptional producer, sharing their vision of a sustainable future and working together to provide you with the best natural ingredients for your formulations.