Kerfoot champions zero-waste manufacturing with plum kernel oil

Kerfoot Group, a leading supplier of natural and organic oils, essential oils, waxes and butters has commented on the strategic importance of its sustainable zero-waste plum kernel oil in new product development. The group supplies oils and butters to personal care brands and manufacturers across the Middle East.

Demonstrating the enormous growth potential, the global market for plum kernel oil is expected to reach $305m in value by 2027, up from $224m in 2020, according to intelligence firm Precision Reports. The oil stands apart from many of its contemporaries in the personal care ingredients industry because of the processes used to manufacture plum kernel oil. These processes ensure that each part of the plum is utilised and none of it goes to waste or landfill.

Ingredients with meaningful eco-friendly credentials

As consumers continue to gravitate towards more sustainably focused products, Kerfoot Group believes that plum kernel oil is an example of how the personal care industry can find additional sustainability gains along its supply chains. The group believes that this can be achieved by selecting ingredients that demonstrate meaningful eco-friendly credentials and which resonate with shoppers. Harnessing this has a key product advantage. 

Plum kernel oil is finding a strong foothold as a naturally moisturising ingredient, seeing a surge in use across skin and hair care product formulations. Particularly favourable performance is found in pre-shampoo hair masks and conditioning treatments. Its light golden colour and preferable nutritional content have contributed to its rising popularity. The oil contains high proportions of oleic acid at up to 80%, as well as 90% unsaturated fatty acids.

Unstoppable drive for sustainability

Simon Corner, sales and marketing director at Kerfoot Group, commented: “We are seeing real change across the personal care industry, and the Middle East is certainly no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed how consumers make purchase decisions, but it hasn’t stopped the consumer drive for sustainability. In fact, it’s more important than ever. Shoppers are once again flocking to products and brands that can offer a blend of performance and sustainability.

Plum kernel oil is part of Kerfoot Group’s considerable offering to the food, personal care and industrial sectors, including plant-based oils, butters and waxes. The business offers a diverse portfolio, including plant-based oils designed to match consumer demand for natural authenticity, performance and sustainability with the quality, value and provenance which matter to brands and product formulators.

EMEA region favours zero-waste ingredients

Corner concludes: “The EMEA region is home to some of the finest personal care innovations found anywhere – so why shouldn’t zero waste ingredients be part of that conversation? The time for brands across the Middle East to make waves with their ingredient choice is now.

“As we see new product development kick back into high gear, we believe that plum kernel oil is a prime example of where premium quality meets responsible manufacture. Including it in formulations adds another string to the marketing bow for brands, while offering consumers the guilt-free peace of mind they want with their purchases. At Kerfoot Group, we believe that zero-waste production is the future of the industry, and not simply a pipe dream for brands – it’s right here, right now.”