 |
 |
Birch contains flavonoids, saponines and tannins which protect the skin cells from damage by free readicals and support natural purification. The high content of Vitamin C promotes fat burning. Weleda uses these beneficial properties in Birch Cellulite Oil, Birch Juice and Elixir.
During the months of May and June, the Birch leaves contain the highest levels of active ingredients. At this time, several hundred workers in the Czech Republic and Poland collect the leaves for Weleda. The cooperation with our partner, Leo Taraba, in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic, began in 1992. The Polish project followed in 2005.
In the Czech Republic, 500 tons of fresh Birch leaves are collected every year. These leaves are certified organic according to Swiss and EU guidelines. The collectors often begin their work at the crack of dawn and collect the leaves by hand. The leaves are then gathered at a central point and weighed. The first quality control measure then follows.
Due to the long-term partnership contracts established with Weleda, Leo Taraba can pay his workers according to their collecting quantities on a daily basis. Over time and with the technical and financial assistance of Weleda, he has managed to set up a modern processing facility. He now not only supplies Weleda with dried leaves but also with Birch Extract.
In the long run, our objective is to cultivate Birch trees in both partner countries. As a result, we can secure our high demand for this raw material, while also preserving the indigenous life of this valuable tree.