Sheabutter handcrafted: Supporting local communities and achieving sustainability goals

Many women in Africa traditionally roast shea nuts over an open fire and process the nuts by hand. With this work, they secure a long-term income and a better standard of living. However, the traditional roasting process also carries risks: the women inhale the resulting smoke continuously as they work.

In a joint sustainability project with The Savannah Fruits Company, we have installed four innovative, enclosed shea roasters in the Jakpahi cooperative in Ghana and trained the women in the new roasting process.

Thanks to the implementation of the new roasters, 80 percent CO2 emissions can be saved with immediate effect. The women benefit from reduced smoke development as well as a time saving in the production process. The shorter roasting time also has a positive effect on the quality of the Shea Butter.

With our project in the Shea Butter value chain, we pursue long-term sustainability goals of

• reducing CO2 emissions in the Shea Butter production process,
• improving health and safety conditions for women,
• and to stop deforestation.

With the purchase of each of our Shea Butter handcrafted qualities, ten cents per kilogram sold are invested in a sustainable project in the Jakpahi cooperative and beyond in the Shea Butter handcrafted supply chain.

Become part of the project or start your own sustainable project with us in the cooperative! Please find more information here.