Introduction
The global personal care and cosmetics industry is increasingly shifting toward bio-based, sustainable raw materials, and castor oil has emerged as one of the most versatile plant-derived ingredients. Supporting this transition is Pragati Sustainable Castor Initiative, the world’s first sustainable castor bean program, which has successfully transformed the supply chain for castor cultivation while supporting farmers and ensuring responsible sourcing.
Launched in 2016 by BASF, Arkema, Jayant Agro‑Organics, and the development organization Solidaridad, the Pragati initiative focuses on improving agricultural practices, farmer livelihoods, and environmental sustainability in castor cultivation, primarily in India.
India accounts for nearly 90% of the world’s castor oil production, making the country central to the global supply chain for many industrial and cosmetic ingredients derived from castor beans.
Program Achievements
Since its launch, the Pragati program has delivered measurable progress in sustainable agriculture.
Key achievements include:
- More than 10,000 farmers trained and certified under the sustainability framework.
- Over 12,000 hectares of farmland cultivated according to the SuCCESS sustainability code.
- More than 140,000 tonnes of certified castor seeds produced through the program.
- Yield improvements of around 32% compared with regional averages.
- Approximately 30% reduction in water consumption due to efficient irrigation techniques.
The initiative also focuses on health, safety, and social welfare, providing farmers with personal protective equipment, agricultural training, and community medical camps. Women’s participation is also a priority, with dedicated training programs strengthening their role in farm management and financial decision-making.
Importance for the Cosmetics Industry
Castor beans are processed to produce castor oil, a renewable raw material widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations.
Key cosmetic ingredients derived from castor oil include:
- Ricinoleic acid – used in emollients and conditioning agents
- Hydrogenated castor oil – used in creams, lipsticks, and hair products
- Undecylenic acid derivatives – used in antifungal skincare products
- Sebacic acid and polyamide resins – used in specialty polymers and cosmetics packaging
These derivatives offer excellent moisturizing, film-forming, and stabilizing properties, making them ideal for skincare, hair care, and color cosmetics formulations.
Sustainability and Future Outlook
With growing consumer demand for renewable and ethically sourced ingredients, sustainable programs like Pragati are becoming increasingly important for cosmetic manufacturers. By creating a transparent and responsible castor supply chain, the initiative helps ensure that cosmetic ingredient producers have access to traceable, sustainable bio-based feedstocks.
As the program expands and continues to involve more farmers and farmland, Pragati represents a significant step toward a more sustainable raw-material ecosystem for the global cosmetics and personal care industry.