Ivory

Introduction

Ivory is a brand that was established in 1882 by the Procter & Gamble Company, founded by William Procter and James Gamble. Their journey began with a shared vision of creating a product that was not only effective but also safe for the entire family. The brand has since evolved, maintaining its commitment to providing quality products that resonate with consumers seeking purity and simplicity. Over the years, Ivory’s founders championed the idea that soap could be crafted from natural ingredients, laying the groundwork for a legacy of skincare excellence.

The philosophy behind Ivory is anchored in the belief that what is good for the skin is also good for the environment. The brand emphasizes the importance of using straightforward, uncomplicated ingredients that are both gentle on the skin and effective in cleansing. This ethos reflects a dedication to transparency and integrity, as Ivory products often emphasize their purity and natural composition. The brand’s long-standing heritage of being "99.44% Pure" signifies its commitment to quality, ensuring that customers can trust the products they use in their daily routines.

What sets Ivory apart from other brands is its strong emphasis on family-friendly and biodegradable products. This focus has allowed the brand to maintain its relevance over the decades while quickly adapting to the growing consumer interest in sustainability and eco-consciousness. Ivory products not only meet the needs of consumers looking for effective cleaning solutions but also resonate with those who want to make environmentally conscious choices. The balance of tradition and innovation helps the brand connect deeply with a diverse audience, fostering customer loyalty through reliability and ethical practices.

Signature Products

Ivory’s range of products exemplifies its dedication to simplicity and purity, making it a trusted choice for many households.

• Ivory Soap : A classic product known for its mildness and purity, often touted as 99.44% pure and perfect for sensitive skin.
• Ivory Body Wash : This body wash combines the essence of traditional Ivory soap with modern formulations to provide a refreshing and gentle clean.
• Ivory Dish Liquid : Designed for those who care about both their dishes and the environment, this dish liquid is effective yet biodegradable.
• Ivory Moisture Care Bar : A moisturizing soap bar that nourishes the skin while cleansing, addressing the need for hydration in everyday use.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Ivory

• Sodium Palmate : Sodium palmate is a derivative of palm oil used as a surfactant and emulsifier in soap products. The brand incorporates this ingredient for its ability to create lather and cleanse the skin effectively.
• Palm Oil : Palm oil is a common ingredient derived from the fruit of oil palm trees, known for its moisturizing properties. The brand uses palm oil in their formulations to contribute to the creaminess and texture of their products.
• Glycerin : Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. The brand includes glycerin in its products to enhance skin moisture and improve overall softness and smoothness.
• Sodium Chloride : Sodium chloride, or common table salt, is often used as a thickening agent and to help control the viscosity of formulations. The brand uses sodium chloride to achieve the desired consistency in their products.
• Titanium : Titanium, typically in the form of titanium dioxide, is used as a pigment and opacifier. The brand may utilize titanium in their formulations to enhance the appearance and stability of the product's texture.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Ivory

There are several issues related to the supply chain of the brand that need to be taken into consideration. Each of these issues impacts the environment and local communities in different ways, influencing sustainability outcomes throughout the product life cycle.

Deforestation:

The production of ingredients like Sodium Palmate and Palm Oil is a major driver of deforestation, particularly in tropical regions like Indonesia and Malaysia. Large areas of rainforest are cleared to make way for palm plantations, leading to significant biodiversity loss as habitats for species such as orangutans, tigers, and elephants are destroyed. This deforestation also releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Indonesia, often called the world's palm oil capital, has one of the highest deforestation rates globally due to unsustainable palm oil production.

Biodiversity Loss:

Ingredients like Sodium Palmate and Palm Oil contribute to biodiversity loss beyond deforestation. Monoculture plantations replace diverse ecosystems, which diminishes the availability of ecosystem services like pollination, soil fertility, and water regulation. For example, the Sumatran rhinoceros is one of the most threatened species largely due to habitat loss driven by palm oil expansion, showing how such industries can have vast, damaging ripple effects on wildlife populations.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Producing Sodium Palmate and Palm Oil releases significant greenhouse gases throughout the supply chain. When forests are cleared and peat soils are drained for palm plantations, stored carbon is rapidly released into the atmosphere. This process can make palm oil plantations significant sources of carbon emissions, rivaling that of the entire global transportation sector according to some estimates. The heavy use of fertilizers and processing also adds to the carbon footprint.

Social Conflicts:

The expansion of palm oil plantations is often associated with social issues, including the displacement of indigenous communities and land rights conflicts. Many stakeholders argue that industries fail to respect customary land ownership, which leads to disputes and lost livelihoods. In some regions, there have been reported cases of human rights abuses, forced labor, and poor working conditions at plantations.

Non-renewable Resource Consumption:

Glycerin production can involve the use of non-renewable resources. Although glycerin can be a byproduct of biodiesel production, it often comes from processes that are not entirely sustainable, such as those involving the petrochemical industry. This can lead to further depletion of fossil resources and contributes to a less sustainable supply chain model.

Water Pollution:

Sodium Chloride production is associated with significant water pollution risks. Mining operations or evaporation ponds can leach salts and other pollutants into water systems, disrupting local ecosystems and affecting water supplies. The heavy use of water resources can also strain local communities, especially in regions facing water scarcity.

Energy-intensive Production Process:

The production and refinement of titanium are extremely energy-intensive, often involving high temperatures and significant electricity consumption. This not only contributes to carbon emissions but also places a substantial burden on local electrical grids, especially if renewable energy sources are not utilized.

Environmental Degradation:

Titanium mining causes considerable land disruption and habitat destruction. Open-pit mining commonly used to extract titanium leaves large scars on the landscape, leading to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. The refining process generates hazardous waste, which can contaminate air, soil, and water if not properly managed.

By understanding these issues, stakeholders in the supply chain can work towards more sustainable practices that reduce negative environmental and social impacts.