n today's rapidly changing world, sustainability is no longer just a trend: It is a necessity and also a responsibility, a way of living that ensures our natural resources will endure for years to come.
Embracing sustainable practices not only allows companies to contribute to environmental protection, but also strengthens their long-term success and trust among customers.
Building on this foundation of sustainability, Utama Spice, a wellness brand based in Bali, has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to integrating eco-friendly practices into its operations.
Utama Spice’s transformative journey of sustainability began long before the Paris Agreement on climate change entered into force in 2016.
It all started with a dream that nature lovers Dayu Suci and Melanie Templer shared: a desire to create safe, natural products for their families. In 1989, driven by a deep respect for Bali’s herbal traditions and knowledge, they founded Utama Spice.
Since then, the company has been crafting eco-conscious skincare products that prioritize both personal well-being and the planet’s health, seamlessly blending traditional values with modern wellness principles in keeping with the Tri Hita Karana philosophy of Balinese Hinduism.
What began as the founders’ personal love for nature quickly grew into a larger mission: to support local communities and protect the environment by sourcing raw materials from eco-conscious, socially driven organizations.
With its strong commitment to sustainability, Utama Spice has established its presence as a wellness brand with over 30 years of expertise in eco-conscious skincare.
The company prioritizes sustainable partnerships in its operations and in doing so, it empowers farmers, respects indigenous plants and contributes to livelihoods, all while ensuring that each product is crafted with natural, responsibly sourced ingredients that benefit both families and the Earth.
“Utama Spice is more than just a brand; it’s a reflection of our deep connection to nature and our commitment to preserving it,” said Ria Templer, director of Utama Spice.
“For over three decades, we’ve strived to create products that nurture both people and the planet, supporting local farmers and promoting sustainability in everything we do.”
Meaningful impact
Utama Spice’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond creating natural products: It aims to make a meaningful impact on the environment as well as the communities it touches.
It continues to champion ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility by forging close partnerships with farmers, conservation initiatives and community-oriented organizations.
Through its collaboration with Forestwise, Utama Spice supports sustainable, wild harvesting of kukui and illipe butter on Borneo. This initiative helps protect biodiversity and prevent deforestation while ensuring that these ingredients are gathered responsibly without harming their rainforest habitat.
By promoting and implementing sustainable practices, Forestwise helps preserve Borneo’s delicate ecosystem for generations to come.
Furthering its sustainability initiatives, Utama Spice has also partnered with the Aluan Foundation to support coconut farmers in Indonesia, providing stable incomes while promoting sustainable farming practices.
Working closely with smallholder farmers allows Utama Spice to ensure responsible sourcing that benefits both people and the planet. This collaboration not only fosters long-term environmental preservation but also empowers communities to build a more sustainable future.
Additionally, Utama Spice sources many of its essential oils from local farms like Mr.Nyoman’s, where herbs and spices are carefully grown and distilled, preserving Indonesia’s rich agricultural heritage.
These farms prioritize responsible agricultural practices, ensuring the highest-quality botanicals while maintaining soil health and fostering biodiversity.
“By working together with Utama Spice, we are able to preserve our traditions while building a sustainable future for our community,” says Nyoman.
“Utama Spice’s commitment to working with local farmers ensures that we can continue growing high-quality herbs while also improving the livelihoods of those around us. It is about more than just farming; it is about strengthening our community and protecting our natural heritage,” he says.
Beyond land conservation, Utama Spice is also committed to protecting the ocean. Through its partnership with Seven Clean Seas, every product sold contributes to removing 30 grams of plastic waste from the ocean, reinforcing the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship and cleaner seas.
Celebrating care
As Utama Spice continues to thrive, it is embarking on a major expansion with the construction of a new factory. This facility will enable increased production capacity while maintaining the company’s commitment to natural, handcrafted processes.
This move reflects Utama Spice’s vision for the future: scaling up operations sustainably, creating more local jobs and further developing innovative, natural skincare solutions.
With this expansion, the company also aims to reach a broader audience while staying true to its core values of sustainability and ethical production.
This month, Utama Spice is spotlighting its exquisite Cocoa Love range, a celebration of cocoa’s nourishing properties in natural skincare. The collection blends antioxidant-rich cocoa to create deeply hydrating and restorative formulations.
The line’s signature Cocoa Love Butter is a rich, nourishing blend crafted to deeply hydrate and improve skin elasticity.
Infused with coconut oil, vanilla and cinnamon, it replenishes moisture to leave the skin feeling soft and supple, while vitamin E helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and blemishes, promoting a smoother, more even complexion.
For lighter alternatives, Cocoa Love Lotion and Cocoa Love Cream provide daily hydration, improving skin texture and tone while offering relief for dry skin and eczema.
The luxurious Cocoa Love skincare line delivers an indulgent sensory experience, wrapping the skin in the warm, comforting aromas of cocoa, vanilla and cinnamon with every use.
To celebrate the season of love, Utama Spice hosted a special customer appreciation event on Feb. 14 at Ayana Midplaza Jakarta, for an evening filled with music, entertainment and enthusiasm.
Alongside the celebration, guests also had a chance to learn more about Utama Spice’s commitment to sustainability, its farmer partnerships and conservation initiatives.
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