Henry Lamotte Oils GmbH has launched a new sustainability project in cooperation with The Savannah Fruits Company: Women in Ghana can now produce shea butter by hand more easily and with reduced CO₂ emissions – thanks to modern shea roasters. The handcrafted shea butter produced is of high quality and has exceptional sustainability features. This benefits not only local working women but also food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies that aim to organize their supply chains in an ecologically and socially responsible manner.
The challenge: Meet the growing demand for shea butter while preserving people and nature
The demand for shea is increasing. It is more and more used in the food industry alongside palm oil or cocoa butter, as well as in aesthetic and medical cosmetics as a nourishing ingredient. Shea butter is collected in the wild and can be handcrafted, providing a livelihood for millions of women and their families in Africa. However, roasting shea nuts over an open fire releases particulate matter and CO₂, which harms women’s health and the environment. To reduce this negative impact, Henry Lamotte Oils has collaborated with The Savannah Fruits Company to launch a new sustainability project.
The project: State-of-the-art shea roasters and a tricycle for better working conditions and CO₂ reduction Henry Lamotte Oils, in partnership with The Savannah Fruits Company, has provided the Jakpahi Cooperative in Ghana with four closed roasters for shea nuts. The machines have been in use since July 2023 and have significantly improved health and safety conditions in shea butter production.The new roasters can far predominantly use shea press cakes as an energy source, which reduces firewood consumption by 90% and prevents deforestation. CO₂ emissions can also be reduced by 80%. Furthermore, Henry Lamotte Oils has invested in a motorized tricycle, locally called a motorking, that provides women with fast and safe transportation on routes that would otherwise require them to walk. The women also save time producing shea butter because the new roasters are about 50% more efficient than traditional ones.
The impact: Ecological and social benefits for all stakeholders
“Henry Lamotte Oils is proud to have initiated this pioneering project in Ghana together with its partner. Once again, we are demonstrating our commitment to product quality, which includes our responsibility to people and the environment,” explains Ruth Hoffmann from the Sustainability Department of Henry Lamotte Oils. “We believe this project will bring about change in the country of origin. It will also create new opportunities for companies in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries to maximize the sustainability of their supply chains for handcrafted shea butter,” adds Katharina Scharringhausen, responsible for Sustainable Product Management. Henry Lamotte Oils is pleased with the positive feedback from the Jakpahi cooperative regarding the initiative’s good start. The women report collecting less
wood due to the use of shea press cakes, reducing their exposure to poisonous animals such as snakes and scorpions.
Additionally, shea producers no longer inhale smoke when roasting and can now sit comfortably.
Achieving sustainability goals whilst helping women in Africa: Join the shea butter project now
Taking part in the project is easy: Customers who buy Henry Lamotte Oils’ handcrafted shea butter will automatically take part. For every kilo purchased, ten cents will be invested in other sustainable projects of the Jakpahi cooperative as well as in the handcrafted shea butter supply chain. It is also possible to purchase directly from the cooperative, to support local value creation. Individual sustainability projects can also be implemented within the Jakpahi cooperative. These projects may include purchasing additional roasters, kneading machines, ovens, storage rooms, or toilets.
Value creation with appreciation: Sustainability at Henry Lamotte Oils
Henry Lamotte Oils has been committed to sustainability since its inception, as its products are derived directly from nature. The Bremen-based company aims to provide economic, social, and ecological benefits to all stakeholders. To achieve this, Henry Lamotte Oils relies on long-standing and trusting relationships with its suppliers in the countries of origin. On-site visits and external audits ensure that sustainability requirements are implemented throughout the value
chain. Furthermore, Henry Lamotte Oils engages in intensive dialogue with its global customers in the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, chemical and technical as well as animal care and nutrition sectors to support their sustainability goals.
