SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 9, 2025 – Weleda’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond product formulation—it reaches the very origins of the plants that power their natural oral care products. One key ingredient, ratanhia, is ethically sourced from the highlands of Peru, offering a perfect example of how responsible sourcing can preserve the environment while positively impacting local communities.
Ratanhia: A Unique Plant with Essential Benefits
Ratanhia, or Krameria lappacea, is a resilient bush native to the dry, mountainous landscapes around Arequipa, Peru. Known for its hardiness, ratanhia thrives in the harsh conditions of the Andes, where its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion. For over 50 years, Weleda has used this plant in their dental care products, with a strong focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.
The Challenges of Cultivating Ratanhia
Initially, Weleda and researchers, including Botany Professor Fatima Caceres, hoped to cultivate ratanhia. However, research revealed that this was not a viable solution. Ratanhia requires specific host plants for nutrients and water, which makes it difficult to grow independently. Additionally, it grows slowly, taking 7 to 15 years to mature, making cultivation efforts financially impractical.
Despite these challenges, Weleda sought out alternatives to secure a reliable supply of ratanhia without compromising its sustainability.
A Sustainable Solution: Creating a Sanctuary for Ratanhia
In response to the growing demand for ratanhia, Weleda partnered with Peruvian authorities, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders to create a 5,000-acre sanctuary in the Arequipa region. This sanctuary serves as a natural habitat for ratanhia, enabling the company to collect it sustainably from the wild.
Through collaboration and research, Weleda and its partners developed a sustainable collection method. By harvesting only parts of the root from every fifth plant and planting new seeds in the disturbed soil, they ensure the plant can regenerate naturally, creating a balanced and sustainable system.
Supporting Local Communities
Weleda’s sustainable ratanhia sourcing goes beyond environmental benefits. It also provides fair wages to local collectors, helping improve their economic well-being. This commitment to ethical wages strengthens Weleda’s goal of creating a transparent and equitable supply chain.
Looking to the Future
The success of this initiative has garnered the attention of Peruvian conservation authorities, who plan to implement the sustainable collection method as a law for all companies that wish to export ratanhia. This could also be applied to other plants, helping preserve biodiversity while promoting sustainable practices in the region.
Weleda’s collaboration with local experts and organizations not only secures the future of ratanhia for its natural oral care products but also contributes to the protection of Peru’s vital ecosystems.
By balancing consumer demand with environmental responsibility, Weleda’s approach stands as a model for sustainable sourcing and ethical practices in the marketplace.