What is Totarol™?

Totarol™ is extracted from recycled Podocarpus Totara heartwood using a novel supercritical extraction process.

This native tree of New Zealand develops after approximately 200 years of growth an anti-bacterial substance which acts as its defence mechanism to environmental impacts.

Totarol™ has no taste and very minimal aroma. The substance has been extensively tested at independent laboratories to demonstrate bioactivity, safety and product composition. Totarol™ has potent anti-bacterial activity against both, gram positive and gram negative bacteria as well as possessing potent anti-oxidant properties.

Only used timber such as old fence posts, building material and discarded roots are being processed and no living tree has therefore to be felled. There is plenty of supply available to secure supply for many decades.

This tree is known to reach an age of more than 1000 years and it develops a highly anti-bacterial activity after about 150 years of growth. It is this activity, which is being extracted and gives our personal care range its unique character and effectiveness.

The whole process is however totally sustainable and environmentally friendly as only dead wood is being extracted and no live trees have therefore to be cut.