Down Under Enterprises grows, produces, exports, and markets traceable
and sustainable native Australian essential oils and botanicals grown on our farm, Buhlambar, and from across Australia producing essential oils and botanicals with unique functional and aromatic properties.

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January 2023

G’day mate,

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2023!  
This month we bring you the superstar of Australian Essential Oils – Tea Tree. 
During our recent business trip to India, we discovered many great products with Neem Oil. Our first intuition is that this is similar to Tea Tree! After some research, we now have some exciting findings concerning Neem and Tea Tree to share with you.  


In the News this month, the proportion of US consumers actively looking for products containing Tea Tree Oil has increased by 10% compared to a year ago. 



Thanks for reading.

signature Phil MAR2020

Phil Prather

FEATURED PRODUCT

 

More US Customers want Tea Tree in Their Products

Tea Tree Ilustration

This month the spotlight is on the globally recognized native Australian Essential Oil,

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). 

According to MINTEL’s Global Product Database, Tea Tree Oil is one of the most commonly used Essential Oils, second only to Lavender. Tea Tree Oil is well recognized for its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is most commonly incorporated in formulations addressing acne and dandruff.

Download our white papers to learn more about Tea Tree Applications for Clinical Dandruff and Acne Vulgaris.

Recent consumer research from Mintel Sep 2022 found that 24% of consumers from the United States are actively looking for personal care products containing Tea Tree Oil, which is a 42% increase from the same period last year. 

consumers looking for tea tree in the product they purchase

Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, Sep 2022; Kantar Profiles/Mintel, Aug 2021

Tea Tree Oil is the most used Essential Oil on MINTEL global product database, only second to Lavender. Tea Tree Oil is recognized for its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties and is popularly known for its efficacy in treating acne and dandruff.

Download our Whitepapers to learn more about Tea Tree Applications for Clinical Dandruff and Acne Vulgaris.

Table 1 MINTEL GNPD database, Dec 2022

 

Neem - The Indian Tree of Life

During our recent trip with the Australia trade mission to India, we were amazed by the popularity and ubiquity of Neem Oil products. Neem is called the ‘Indian Tree of Life.’ The plant is native to India and has been a crucial part of life in the country for hundreds of years, and it is still essential today. The twig and bark of neem is a popular traditional tooth cleaner among the locals. Scientists use Neem oil (Azadirachtin) extract from the neem kernel as a pesticide and fungicide. 

Tea Tree - The Miracle Bush Medicine

 

Tea tree branch blog-1

The Northern Rivers region on the East Coast of Australia is the traditional home of the Aboriginal Bundjalung people.  It is in this region where the Tea Tree was first used as bush medicine. The Bundjalung Aboriginal people have long crushed the leaves into a paste to treat wounds or brewed it as a drink for sore throats.

Our farm, Buhlambar, is located in the heart of this country. "Buhlam" means Tea Tree, and "bar" means home in the Bundjalung language. Buhlambar is now the most advanced tea tree farm in Australia.

Watch the CNN documentary Essential Oils of the Pacific – Tea Tree Oil, featuring our farm Buhlambar and founder Dee-Ann.

Since the 1920s, scientific experiments proved that the tea-tree oil’s antiseptic potency was far higher than the commonly used antiseptic of the time. Since then, the oil has been used to treat everything from the common acne to complex afflictions such as MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). 
Currently, Australian Tea Tree Oil has moved beyond facial skincare to reach almost every Beauty and Personal Care categories and sub-categories, including fragrance, where the unique scents are helping to distinguish between brands. 

 

Fast-Growing Tea Tree in India

Consumers in India may be unaware that products launched with Tea Tree have increased more than 1000% over the last ten years. India is the second most active market of Tea Tree products, just behind the United States.

In addition, India is one of the fastest-growing markets of Tea Trees, ahead of China, Indonesia, South Africa, and South Korea.

Figure 1 Product Launched with Tea Tree in India (Mintel Oct 2022)

Table 2 Top 10 Countries Launched Products with Tea Tree (Mintel)

Market

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

change: 2012 - 2021

USA

24

7

26

16

28

60

41

67

90

71

195.83%

India

6

8

11

15

30

35

51

66

53

69

1050%

UK

18

11

6

14

29

26

34

49

65

44

144.44%

China

6

4

6

13

26

27

20

16

27

28

366.67%

Indonesia

4

2

2

3

12

12

20

17

23

44

1000%

South Africa

3

2

13

8

18

12

16

15

28

23

666.67%

Brazil

2

2

3

1

12

10

9

14

30

40

1900%

South Korea

2

3

1

7

4

10

22

16

25

21

950%

Total Sample

111

62

127

171

343

398

502

585

785

823

641.44%

Table 2 Product Launched with Tea Tree (Mintel Oct 2022)

 

Neem Begin Wider Recognition

Neem is well received in India, while recognition is rapidly growing outside the South Asia region, with significant growth exhibited in the USA, UK, and France.

In 2021, India launched 143 personal products with Neem, according to Mintel, four times more than the other two of the top three most active countries combined, Sri Lanka and the United States. 

Table 3 Top 10 Countries Launched Products with Neem (Mintel)

Market

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

change: 2012 - 2021

India

34

52

68

54

73

89

103

97

145

143

320.59%

USA

3

6

10

14

8

22

16

14

15

16

433.33%

Sri Lanka

0

0

0

3

3

8

11

8

13

18

500%

UK

5

2

7

3

0

2

4

8

10

8

60%

Mexico

0

5

3

4

10

7

2

3

5

7

40%

France

1

1

10

2

4

1

4

2

6

10

900%

Germany

2

0

0

2

4

1

1

7

3

3

50%

South Africa

0

2

1

3

3

4

1

3

3

3

50%

Bangladesh

0

0

0

0

0

2

10

3

1

7

250%

Indonesia

2

0

1

1

1

3

1

2

1

5

150%

Total Sample

61

75

103

102

134

164

183

183

252

274

349.18%

Table 3 Product Launched with Neem (Mintel Oct 2022)

 

Similarities of Neem and Tea Tree Oil

Both plants are native to each of their land and have been used in traditional medicines ubiquitously.

With recent scientific research, both natural ingredients demonstrate antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties.  

Traditionally, Neem twig has been used to clean or brush teeth in India, some parts of Africa, South Asia, and Middle-Eastern countries. Neem has been used as one of the main ingredients in both topical and oral Ayurveda medicinal remedies.

Tea Tree has been used for centuries by the traditional people of Australia as a natural remedy. Since the 20th century, Tea Tree oil has been used extensively by non-Australians worldwide as an antiseptic. The Tea Tree plant Melaleuca alternifolia has also been historically used as a teeth-cleaning twig.

For more Medicinal Applications of Tea Trees, please download our Medicinal Application White Paper on Tea Tree Oil. 

 

THE EVIDENCE

 

Compare Neem and Tea Tree Oil

Regarding the differences, each type of oil has its pros and cons. Studies find that combining the two offers superior antibacterial and antifungal efficacy.

Neem Oil has a higher toxicity level, while Tea Tree Oil has FEMA GRAS status
We found three studies comparing the efficacy of Tea Tree Oil and Neem.

An in-vitro study published in Feb 2000 tested a range of topical treatments for itch mites, Sarcoptes scabiei. No mites were alive after 3 hours of exposure to 5% tea tree oil, 25% benzyl benzoate, 1% lindane, or 100-8000ng/g ivermectin. In this study, Neem showed little acaricidal activity.

The other two largely concern dentures. The oral environment can be a playground for diverse microbial.

The study by Eman AlHamdan, published in Feb 2022, compared the effects of four disinfectants on four common bacteria, E.coli, C.Albicans, S.aureus, and S.mutans.

The chart below shows that the Tea Tree Oil and 0.12% Chlorhexidine group demonstrate comparable antimicrobial efficacy against all four bacterial colonies (p<0.05).

Figure 2 Means and Standard devlations (SD) CFu/ml (log 10) for exposed E.coli, C.albicans, S.aureus, and S.mutants to photodynamic therapy, herbal and chemical disinfectants (AlHamdan Photodiagnoisis and Photodynamic Therapy 38. 2022 )

Group 2 of neem extract demonstrated effectiveness for three microbial stains, C. albicans, S aureus, and S. mutans (p<0.05), although it did not show a decline in E. coli. 

Another study published in Aug 2022 by Singhania et al. delineate the superior effects of combining Tea Tree Oil with Neem Extract in the growth of Candia albicans, suggesting the combination could offer possible antifungal herbal remedies solutions. Although, the difference between Tea Tree Oil and the mixture is not statistically significant (p-value 0.396).  

in reducing the growth of Candida albicans

 

N

Mean

Std Diviation

 

Tea Tree Oil

30

2.3

1.18

 

Neem Extract

30

30.33

4.99

 

Tea Tree Oil and Neem Extract

30

0.4

0.77

 

Group

Group

p-value

Tea Tree Oil

Neem Extract

0.001

 

Tea Tree Oil and Neem Extract

0.396

Neem Extract

Tea Tree Oil and Neem Extract

0.001

Table 4 Comparison between Tea Tree Oil, Neem Extract, and Combined Tea Tree Oil and Neem Extract (Singhania et al. Aug 2022)

 

Popular Applications of Tea Tree and Neem

Many popular products are already combining the properties of Tea Tree, and Neem launched in different markets. 
desert essence tea tree with neem
Desert Essence® has a fluoride-free toothpaste infused with the combined botanical power of Neem and Tea Tree for teeth and gum health. The formula is gentle but effective in neutralizing bacteria, removing impurities, and reducing plaque build-up.   

vagisil tea tree eucalptus neem rosemary
The Vagisil Healthy Detox All Over Wash is specially formulated with natural essential oils of Tea Tree, Neem, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary. The formula gently washes away harmful bacteria. It is gynecologist tested with environmental-friendly packaging. 
zayn & myza tea tree and neem face washZayn & Myza Pimples No More Tea Tree & Salicylic Acid Face Wash is formulated with Tea Tree Oil and Neem leaf extracts to prevent acne-causing bacteria from infecting pores and hydrate the skin. It also contains aloe vera. Suitable for daily use, the 100% vegetarian, vegan, halal- and the dermatologically certified product is free from chemical nasties.


Use our online tool to find more Functional Applications for Tea Tree Oil and other Australian botanicals

FARM UPDATES

FARM UPDATES

Farm Day December 2022

We had a full house reunion at our Buhlambar farm for the first time in 2 years.
The whole team spent two fruitful days in the area. 

On day one, we visited B-corps around the neighborhood and exchanged journeys toward B-corp. Farm Manager Andy of the popular The Farm Byron Bay shared their efforts and vision for sustainability with the Down Under team. 

We worked around the farm on the second day and started our Reconciliation Action Plan with local Aboriginal elders Paula and Aunty Gwen. Aunty Gwen planted a tree together with Dee-Ann and Phil to mark the beginning of our Reconciliation journey. 

If you have been following our previous newsletters, the Koala corridor at the farm is very close to the hearts of our team members. On this farm day, we planted more trees to make up for the tragic losses due to torrential flooding in early 2022. 

Follow our LinkedIn for more behind the scene images and the latest updates about Australian Essential Oils.

 

The sales and Marketing team have been rolling their sleeves up and helping with the seedlings of Fragonia®. We are planting more Fragonia at Buhlambar Farm to meet the increasing demand for these pleasantly aromatic plants. Currently, we have some plantings that have matured and have good supplies available.

Fragonia® has been referred to as possessing the ‘Golden Triangle’ of balance in its constituents: monoterpenes, an oxide, and monoterpenols – which occur in near-perfect balance. Its pleasant aroma makes it an excellent Australian alternative to Lavender which is very sweet, calming, and relaxing. 

CONTACT US to learn more about this unique oil. 

TRACEABILITY

TRACEABILITY

ATTIA – The Only Essential Oil Industry Body with Quality Control 

The Australian Tea Tree Oil Industry Association (ATTIA) is the only essential oil industry with a quality control system globally. ATTIA was formed in 1986 to develop a stable, cohesive, environmentally friendly, and internationally competitive Australian Tea Tree Oil industry.

Today, The ATTIA Code of Practice (COP) is a complete Quality Management system that leads over 93% of Tea Tree farmer activities in Australia. The ATTIA Code of Practice logo seal on our packaging is your guarantee that Down Under's 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil has been produced to the highest standards of purity and consistency in the world. 

ATTIA LOGO

Get the ATTIA COP logo on your own label

ATTIA has developed a program whereby manufacturers and retailers can display the COP logo on finished goods labeling.  ATTIA logo indicates to consumers that the Tea Tree Oil in the product they purchased is 100% pure, of highest industrial standard, and safe. All members of ATTIA must conform to the minimum standards of the ATTIA Code of Practice from the farm to the end consumer. 

Like the USDA NOP, Leaping Bunny, and EcoCert COSMOS logos, your labeling can also include the ATTIA COP logo, conveying your brand's commitment to sourcing and utilizing only pure Australian Tea Tree Oil in your products.  

Down Under Enterprises can help you with this process and approval of the ATTIA logo. CONTACT US to discuss what is involved. 

Market research found that more than 50% of the samples failed to match the pure Tea Tree Oil collected from farms across Australia. The researchers at the University of Padova found that only 5 of the 10 samples conformed to the ISO4730 standard to possess antimicrobial potency. This study indicates the importance of purity.

You can read more here: Purity and Efficacy - Is There A Link? 

To fulfil guarantees of quality, consistency, and supply of Tea Tree, Down Under Enterprises offers:
•    Ecovadis Platinum sustainability rating
•    ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 Certified
•    Australian Tea Tree Industry Association (ATTIA) Code of Practice GMP-like system
•    Warehouses in the US, Europe, and Asia
•    Direct Sales teams in North America, Europe, and Asia

Please don’t hesitate to contact us regarding any other specific quality requirements you may have.  You will be pleased to know that we offer some of the industry's most in-depth and expansive quality support framework.

Learn more about our QUALITY CERTIFICATIONS.


SUSTAINABILITY

SUSTAINABILITY

 
INTRODUCTION TO OUR RECONCILIATION JOURNEY

Aboriginal Elder Paula and Aunty Gwen are local to the Bundjalung country, where our farm is located. It is in this region where Tea Tree was first used as a traditional remedy. Paula is guiding us through a meaningful Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) journey. 
From the inception of our farm, we wanted to show our respect for the traditional owners of the land.

The name of our farm Buhlambar is a Bundjalung name meaning "Home of Tea Tree" (Buhlam = tea tree; bar = home). "Buhlam" means Tea Tree, and "bar" means home in the Bundjalung language. 

20221206_024545551_iOS-1
Members of Down Under Enterprises are from diverse backgrounds, and we are pleased to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land that our enterprise is deeply connected with. Through our Reconciliation Action Plan, we hope to find better ways to move forward to a brighter future with the land and people collectively. 
Go to Reconciliation Australia to learn more about Reconciliation and the RAP.

Subscribe to our newsletter to follow our journey of RAP.

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EMPLOYEE PROFILE

EMPLOYEE PROFILE 

Juliana and Her Eucalyptus Tree

Our Sales Support Executive Juliana Zamudio has been with Down Under Enterprises for over 4 years.  She started as an administrative assistant when she first joined in 2018. Then she moved to support the sales team. Now, she is the salesperson looks after many customers around the world.

Koala-Corridor-1 juliana tree 2020

juliana tree 2022
December 2019 September 2020 December 2022

Watch the video to get some farm work tips and new year greeting from Juliana.