Cedarwood Atlas Sustainability Study

by | Nov 24, 2021 | Non classé

Cedarwood fragrance is known for its sweet, dry, spicy aroma, bringing to the senses feelings of wide open forests, damp earth and fresh cut wood. Used for calming emotions and giving a grounded feeling in aromatherapy, it’s even used as an aphrodisiac with its masculine, yet universally appealing fragrance. 

History

Believed to have originated from the famous Lebanon cedars which grow wild on the island of Cyprus and parts of Lebanon, Cedarwood Atlas can be found in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and northwestern Algeria. The name Cedrus originates from the Arabic word kedron, meaning ‘power’.

It is believed ancient Egyptians used Cedarwood Atlas for cosmetic, perfumery and embalming purposes. Cedar trees were even mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing everything that was fertile and abundant. In the Song of Solomon, Solomon’s temple was built using Cedarwood, with Cedarwood symbolising abundance, fertility and spiritual strength. 

Challenges

Cedarwood Atlas is on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as endangered, with some estimates reporting declines of up to 75% natural occupancy in recent years. Drought has also led to further declines and it is likely to continue if the regional climate continues to become more  arid. 

Cedarwood is slow growing, which means once the wild population has been diminished, it takes decades, if not centuries to regrow. With the boom in demand for natural products for the aromatherapy and natural markets a heavy demand has been placed on the supply in order to meet the needs of today’s consumers. This has added strain on an already fragile species.

“Some estimates reporting declines of up to 75% natural occupancy in recent years”

Intervention

The Moroccan government introduced measures to protect Cedarwood from total eradication. A quota is set for how many trees can be felled each year and only dead trees can be taken from the forest. New plantations are also being introduced to regrow the Cedarwood forest and early indications are promising but it’s so important to source sustainability, with producers and consumers being more mindful of the damaging effects of the products they consume. 

Sustainability

Our Cedarwood Atlas is steam-distilled from the sawdust and shavings left over from the furniture industry. We source all of our Cedarwood Oil from the Azrou region of Morocco. The best oil is found from distilling sawdust from trees that are between 20-30 years old, this wood is considered warmer, more balsamic and aromatic. As our oil is sourced from recycled, waste material from a sustainable furniture producer it is 100% a sustainable product. Our production partner also sponsors a Cedar re-plantation program to help secure future generations of cedar. 
“Human intervention is without doubt adding massive strain on the species.”

Future

Cedarwood is an incredibly hardy and smart species. And you guessed it, their ingenious method in defending themselves from adversity- using their essential oils. 

Research has shown that essential oils produced from the leaves of Atlas Cedar trees affected by poor soil conditions or insect infestations show a sharp increase in terpen compounds (a natural insect repellent). These trees are adaptive to the challenges of life which is no wonder they have been held in such high regard through the ages.  

Industry responsibility

Human intervention is without doubt adding massive strain on the species. It is our responsibility within the industry to source sustainably produced oil. Sustainable options exist, sometimes they are costly and difficult to find but with Atlassence you can rest assured that our oil is not leading to any further degradation of this wonderful species. 

Our Oil

Characteristics

Our oil is a yellowish to orange-yellow or deep amber-coloured, viscous oil that is occasionally turbid. With a slightly camohoraceous-cresylic top note with a sweet, tenacious woody undertone, reminiscent of mimosa and cassie. 

Chemical composition

Sesquiterpenes (himachhalenes 14.5%, a-himachalene 10%, b-himachalene 42%, cis-bisabolene 1.2%); sesquiterpene alcohols (himachalol 4%, allo-hmachalol 2.3%); ketones (a-atlantone 2.65%, g-atlantone 5%); oxides (himachalene oxide 1%). 

*Composition is for estimate purposes only, composition may change between different batches.

Why source from us?

Sustainable

Our Cedarwood is sustainably sourced. Ensuring the future of the Cedrus Atlantica species.

Reliability

One of the primary suppliers of Premium Cedarwood Atlas Oil in Morocco. With an established supply chain and efficient fast delivery.

Quality

You can rest assured our Cedarwood Atlas Oil quality is second to none.

Organic

We offer 100% certified Organic Oil.

Prices

Our prices are stable and always competitive while not compromising our sustainability values.

For more information contact our sales team today

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