In Sri Lanka, CPL Aromas and Plant Lipids have signed a formal agreement to sustainably source essential oils from the nation’s farmers. The pact seeks to ensure sustainable farming practices such as contract farming, buy-back guarantees, fair prices, and local farmer support.
The deal initially covers Black Pepper oil, the most widely traded spice on the international market. The oil is also sought after by performers because of its high piperine content and odor.
Plant Lipids sells the oil, which it sources from the Matale, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurungala and Nuwara Eliya regions of Sri Lanka. These regions generate approximately 25,000 metric tons of pepper oil.
According to CPL, the agreement with Plant Lipids also includes measures for water conservation and protection and the use of living trees to support Pepper vines—eliminating the need for wooden or concrete posts.
Plant Lipids is a major global producer of spice extracts, essential oils and natural food colors.