Alaffia Pure Unrefined Shea Butter Unscented 11oz

ALAFFIA STORY

THE STORY OF ALAFFIA GREW OUT OF WEST AFRICAN SOIL

When, in 1996, a young man from Togo, West Africa, met a young woman from rural Washington State. Inspired by a shared calling to do right by the world, Alaffia, a social enterprise, was born. Founded in 2003, Alaffia continues to redefine the natural products industry through its values of Beauty, Equality and Empowerment, fair trade, and safe, efficacious hair, face and body care.

ALAFFIA’S COMMITMENTS

FOR LIFE AND FAIR FOR LIFE BY ECOCERT

Alaffia is a For Life certified operation by ECOCERT for demonstrated corporate responsibility. Several of their products, including those with a primary base of shea or coconut, are also certified Fair for Life – ECOCERT’s fair trade product certification.

ECOCERT is one of the first and most renowned international inspection and certification agencies for fair trade accountability, combining strict social and fair trade standards with adaptability to local conditions. Fair trade certification ensures producers in economically disadvantaged countries receive a greater percentage of the price paid by consumers. As an example, Alaffia pays 15-25% above market price for shea nuts. Cooperative members also receive a salary more than 4x the average family income in Togo.

MADE SAFE

The MADE SAFE seal means that a product is literally made with safe ingredients™ not known or suspected to harm human health, animals or ecosystems. It’s the only nontoxic certification to apply to products used every day.

MADE SAFE’S certification process is rigorous, scientific and unique. Certified products have been thoroughly examined by researchers, scientists and/or discipline-specific experts to ensure they’re made without known behavioral toxins, carcinogens, developmental toxins, endocrine disruptors, flame retardants, heavy metals, neurotoxins, high risk pesticides, reproductive toxins, toxic solvents, or harmful VOCs. MADE SAFE then goes above and beyond: Ingredients are further examined for bioaccumulation (builds up in our bodies), persistence (builds up in the environment), general ecosystem harm, as well as for aquatic and animal toxicity. This 360-degree assessment makes MADE SAFE the leading standard in the country.

NON-GMO

The Non-GMO Project is a third-party verification for non-GMO food and products, and is “one of the fastest growing labels in the retail sector.” (Non-GMO Project). Non-GMO believes in furthering awareness of genetically-modified seeds and the environmental and ecological damage they cause. Alaffia proudly supports the Non-GMO Project.

THE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE MODEL

Alaffia’s Social Enterprise Model is a comprehensive approach to providing safe, efficacious hair, face and body care while alleviating poverty in West Africa through the preservation of traditional skills and knowledge in the global market.

1. EMPOWERMENT PROJECTS
Targeted areas of development (Maternal Care, Education, Environmental Sustainability, Eyeglasses) that safeguard basic needs for sustainable communities.

2. INDIGENOUS INGREDIENTS
Local resources and traditional handcrafting knowledge celebrate cultural diversity in the global market and ensure Alaffia’s safe, nutrient-rich and efficacious products.

3. WOMEN’S CO-OP’S & COLLECTIVES
Alaffia’s women’s cooperatives and collectives promote gender equality through fair wages and by celebrating the traditional skills and knowledge of West African women.

4. ETHICAL, SAFE, EFFICACIOUS PRODUCTS
Their products are safe and effective alternatives for your health and wellness. They are both ethnobotanist and pharmacognocist informed. Third-party verification also ensures their products are held to the highest industry standards.

5. SUSTAINABLE & TRANSPARENT PACKAGING
Clear communication and third-party certification showcase Alaffia’s high product standards. They are proudly For Life and Fair for Life (by ECOCERT), MADE SAFE and Non-GMO compliant.

6. PRODUCT SALE FOR REINVESTMENT
Their primary goal is to reinvest a portion of product sales into our Empowerment Projects in West Africa. Your purchase helps improve living conditions and supports an end to poverty.