Camellia Oleifera is an economically significant oil crop in Taiwan. Initially categorized as afforestation tree species, they contribute to soil and water conservation while serving as sources for edible and body oils. Cha Tzu Tang primarily depends on Camellia seed oil and Camellia Oleifera seed residue extract as key raw materials for various product developments. Since 2016, the company has been dedicated to reviving Taiwan’s Camellia seed oil culture, increasing Taiwan’s self-sufficiency in Camellia Oleifera seeds, and reducing its reliance on imports. Through eco-friendly contract farming, Cha Tzu Tang has established three major contract farming regions across Taiwan, including Danan’ao and Datong Township in Yilan County, Zhuoxi Township in Hualien County, and Alishan in Chiayi.
Due to the unique growth cycle of Camellia Oleifera, which require five years to yield their first harvest, producing fruits only once a year, Cha Tzu Tang is committed to unlocking the full potential of Camellia Oleifera seeds to enhance its economic value and drive the development of precision farming. Concurrently, it active guides farmers in transitioning into eco-friendly cultivation practices by abstaining from pesticide, herbicide, and chemical fertilizer usage, aiming to reduce agricultural waste and improve ecological cycles.
The “Comprehensive Utilization of Camellia Oleifera” by Cha Tzu Tang comprises five essential phases. Firstly, Cha Tzu Tang has been striving to continuously expand eco-friendly contract farming areas for Camellia Oleifera to further conserve soil and water. When the Camellia Oleifera seeds reach maturity, they undergo an exclusive 16-step cold-press oil extraction process, resulting in high-quality Taiwanese Camellia seed oil. Subsequently, the Camellia Oleifera seed residue is ground into powder and used in household cleaning products, leading to the creation of Cha Tzu Tang's first product, "Camellia Dishwashing Liquid.” Additionally, the “Camellia Oleifera seed residue extract,” obtained using pure water, has recently been developed to preserve more active ingredients, reduce irritation, and has obtained international COSMOS certification. This extract is now featured in all of Cha Tzu Tang’s personal care cleansing products. Lastly, the remaining waste is returned to the soil as an organic fertilizer for Camellia Oleifera.
Benefits
Through the “Camellia seed Oil Revitalization Project,” 10 hectares of wasteland were rejuvenated in Nan’ao Township, Yilan. Cha Tzu Tang’s commitment to eco-friendly contract farming has expanded to cover 30 hectares of land across Taiwan, with the goal of increasing Taiwan’s self-sufficiency in Camellia Oleifera seeds from 10% to nearly 15%. Simultaneously, the freshness of locally grown Camellia Oleifera seeds has been improved, preserving more trace elements and elevating nutritional value. Taiwan’s distinctive products, crafted through precision agriculture, have earned the prestigious “2022 Global Pure Flavor Evaluation A.A. Taste Awards Three-Star” accolade. This approach also significantly reduces the carbon footprint during product production.
