Established in 2003, Volcanic Earth is a natural skincare company located in idyllic Vanuatu, a country that sits directly on top of the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’, with nine active volcanoes and abundant agriculture. Volcanic Earth uses the benefits of Vanuatu’s volcanic ash, virgin coconut oil and tamanu oil to create natural skincare solutions to skin conditions such as acne, aging, eczema, dermatitis and pigmentation.

Volcanic Earth’s approach of using natural Pacific ingredients has earned them access to a global market of consumers from six of the seven continents, including countries such as Singapore, United Arab Emirates and Madagascar. In November 2010, the growing company expanded its processing and production facilities to meet the wholesale and retail market demand of the Australian, New Zealand, United States and Canadian health and beauty industry.

Linda Trenkner, CEO and Managing Director, says that focusing on creating products with natural ingredients for specific skin conditions, has been at the heart their growing consumer base.

“Our most sought-after products to date are those in our unique tamanu oil range, which not only rejuvenate the skin but are powerful enough to address common skin problems. Also wildly popular are our anti-aging, facial care ranges. These include really distinctive ingredients such as the hibiscus flower, which is also known as the ‘natural botox plant’,” said Linda.

Linda also believes the people behind the brand – the Ni Vanuatu communities – and their practice of careful cultivation of natural resources, are the reason Volcanic Earth is able to succeed.

“For centuries, Melanesians have been aware of the extraordinary, rejuvenating properties of the Earth’s oils around them, for both skin and hair. In fact, what is now cited by many in the global cosmetology industry as the world’s ‘number one oil’, tamanu oil has long been regarded in the Pacific Islands as one of nature’s sacred gifts. Volcanic Earth’s skincare cosmetics reflect the traditional, organic skincare practices of this ancient culture, while providing economic livelihood opportunities for those who do not have access to many employment options,” said Linda.

“Our customers are aware that when they purchase Volcanic Earth products, apart from buying natural and effective skincare products to meet their needs, they are making a positive contribution to the plight of those who are, in many cases, less economically fortunate than themselves. This aspect of our business really goes to the core of why we started Volcanic Earth in the first place,” continued Linda.

The onset of COVID-19 in 2020 abruptly interrupted Volcanic Earth’s international shipping routes, as Vanuatu Post was no longer able to ship to all countries. Looking at alternatives, Volcanic Earth sent product inventory in bulk to a newly engaged Australian agent, who then mailed out orders from there via Australia Post. Volcanic Earth qualified for and received PTI Australia’s COVID-19 Freight Assistance Package, designed to provide tangible relief to businesses in the Pacific during the unprecedented pressures the COVID-19 economic crisis has presented.

“Shipping orders out from Australia to end consumers around the world is working well. It also means customers receive their orders faster and online tracking is available. This is extremely important as we also operate a Wholesale Drop Shipping program with hundreds of resellers around the world, where we ship their orders out for them. Having inventory stock in Australia and a shipping agent there means we can ship their orders via Australia Post to almost every country in the world,” said Linda.

Next on the cards for Volcanic Earth are exciting distribution arrangements in the United States and Nepal, and a new line of specialised hair products.

Learn more about Volcanic Earth here.

If you would like to find out more about Volcanic Earth, please select the market you are interested in below:

Australia – Jeremy Grennell, General Manager – Exports: Jeremy.Grennell@pacifictradeinvest.com

China – Yolanda Jiang, Trade Development Manager: yolanda.jiang@pacifictradeinvest.org.cn

Europe – Jodie Stewart, Trade Commissioner Europe: Jodie.Stewart@pacifictradeinvest.com

New Zealand – Aude Douyère, Trade Development Manager: aude.d@pacifictradeinvest.co.nz