GK to work with NGO for sourcing of materials

Sunday, January 8, 2012

GANDANG Kalikasan Inc. (GKI), the Philippine-based manufacturer of organic beauty products Human Heart Nature, will be working closely with non-government organizations for the sourcing of raw materials in Cebu for its Mango Butter skin moisturizing product.

GKI president Anna Meloto-Wilk said mango is a good source of skin moisturizing ingredient that is gaining popularity in the global market.

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GKI is in talks with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), through its partnership program with German development agency-GIZ, the Strategic Corporation-Community Partnership for Local Development Program (Scope), and the University of Cebu, to take advantage of processed mango wastage like skin and seeds.

“UC has the technology in producing mango butter from those wastes,” Wilk said.

Wilk said Cebu generates 75 tons of mango skin and seed wastes every month. Aside from being a good moisturizing ingredient, Wilk said mango extracts can also be mixed in the company’s different skin and hair products like lotion, moisturizers and hair conditioner.

“Mango oil is considered premium oil that is even more expensive than sunflower oil,” Wilk said.

Human Heart Nature, which has more than 100 organic beauty products, said it is now gaining popularity among health-conscious people not only because of its chemical-free products but also of its advocacy in helping rural farmers uplift their livelihood.

GKI said it is constantly looking for partner-farming communities across the Philippines in the production of their organic products, which are now also being exported to United States, Malaysia, Singapore, and other countries.

“For 2012, the company is looking at expanding its product lines to cater the baby the men’s markets, as well as come up with products for the huge anti-aging users,” Wilk said.