Sourcing & Sustainability
Glacial Oceanic Clay Sourcing & Sustainability
Sourcing & Sustainability
Responsible Sourcing of Canadian Glacial Oceanic Clay
Glacial Oceanic Clay is a rare Canadian natural resource formed along the Pacific coast of British Columbia through the interaction of glacial and oceanic processes.
Ironwood Clay has worked with this unique resource since 1988, developing specialized harvesting and handling practices designed around the remote coastal environment, seasonal access and responsible use of the raw material.
From the harvesting site to Ironwood Clay’s Richmond, British Columbia facility, careful sourcing and handling are an important part of how we preserve the integrity of Glacial Oceanic Clay.
A Unique Canadian Glacial Resource
Glacial Oceanic Clay occurs along the Pacific coast of British Columbia, where glacial and marine environments have contributed to the formation of mineral-rich clay deposits over thousands of years.
Unlike conventional cosmetic clays that are commonly supplied only as dry powders, Ironwood Clay’s Glacial Oceanic Clay is naturally harvested in wet form and can also be processed into powder for different formulation applications.
Responsible Harvesting in British Columbia
Harvesting Glacial Oceanic Clay requires working within a sensitive coastal environment and under conditions that provide only limited access to the clay deposits.
Ironwood Clay’s harvesting activities operate within applicable government permits and environmental requirements designed to protect the surrounding marine and coastal environment.
Ironwood Clay holds the exclusive right to harvest Glacial Oceanic Clay within its authorized harvesting area.
The harvesting authorization and environmental requirements influence when, where and how the raw material can be collected.
Harvested During Limited Seasonal Windows
Glacial Oceanic Clay cannot be accessed year-round.
Harvesting takes place during limited periods when tidal conditions provide access to the intertidal clay deposits while allowing harvesting vessels to safely reach the area.
These conditions typically occur around seasonal tidal windows, making each harvesting operation carefully timed and planned.
Ironwood Clay typically harvests Glacial Oceanic Clay around spring and autumn equinox conditions. A typical harvesting operation lasts approximately two weeks.
- Limited Seasonal Access
Protecting the Surrounding Environment
The coastal environment surrounding Ironwood Clay’s Glacial Oceanic Clay source is an important consideration throughout the harvesting process.
Harvesting activities are planned around environmental requirements, site conditions and the surrounding marine habitat, with the objective of minimizing unnecessary disturbance while responsibly accessing the natural resource.
From the Harvesting Site to Ironwood Clay
Harvesting Glacial Oceanic Clay involves significant logistical planning because of the remote location of the source.
Ironwood Clay’s harvesting process includes transporting personnel and supplies to the site, collecting the wet clay during the available harvesting period and preparing the material for transport back to its manufacturing facility in Richmond, British Columbia.
The harvesting site is several days away by vessel. Once harvested, the wet Glacial Oceanic Clay is placed into aseptic tote bags holding up to approximately 1,500 kg before being transported by barge to Ironwood Clay’s Richmond facility.
At the facility, the material can be prepared for raw-material and formulation applications.
Making Use of the Harvested Material
Responsible sourcing also means making efficient use of the material that is collected.
Approximately 95% of the harvested Glacial Oceanic Clay is usable raw material, with the remaining portion consisting primarily of naturally occurring rocks, shells and larger debris removed during processing.
The resulting material can be supplied as wet Glacial Oceanic Clay or further processed into powder for skincare and personal care formulation.
From Natural Resource to Skincare Ingredient
Once the harvested material reaches Ironwood Clay’s Richmond facility, Glacial Oceanic Clay can be prepared for use as a skincare and personal care raw material.
Ironwood Clay supplies the ingredient in wet and powdered forms and also works with brands to incorporate Glacial Oceanic Clay into custom skincare and personal care formulations.
Raw Materials
Wet and powdered Glacial Oceanic Clay for formulation and product development.
Formulation
Custom Product Development
Custom formulation and R&D for brands developing finished skincare and personal care products.
Our Approach to Responsible Sourcing
For Ironwood Clay, responsible sourcing begins with understanding the resource and the environment from which it comes.
The limited harvesting season, remote coastal location, environmental requirements and specialized transportation involved in sourcing Glacial Oceanic Clay all influence how the resource is managed.
Ironwood Clay’s approach is focused on responsible access, careful handling and efficient use of the harvested material while maintaining the quality and integrity of this unique Canadian ingredient.
Glacial Oceanic Clay Sourcing FAQs
Where does Ironwood Clay’s Glacial Oceanic Clay come from?
Ironwood Clay’s Glacial Oceanic Clay is sourced from coastal British Columbia, Canada, where glacial and marine processes have contributed to the formation of mineral-rich clay deposits over thousands of years.
The clay occurs within a unique coastal environment and is collected from Ironwood Clay’s authorized harvesting area during limited seasonal access periods.
Is Glacial Oceanic Clay harvested directly from a glacier?
Does Ironwood Clay have exclusive harvesting rights?
Yes. Ironwood Clay holds the exclusive right to harvest Glacial Oceanic Clay within its authorized harvesting area in coastal British Columbia.
Harvesting within this area is carried out according to the applicable authorization and environmental requirements that govern when, where and how the raw material can be collected.
How often can Glacial Oceanic Clay be harvested?
Glacial Oceanic Clay cannot be accessed year-round. Harvesting depends on suitable tidal and marine conditions that allow the intertidal clay deposits to be safely reached by harvesting vessels.
Ironwood Clay typically conducts harvesting operations approximately twice per year around spring and autumn equinox conditions. A typical harvesting operation lasts approximately two weeks, making each collection period carefully timed and planned.
How is the clay transported after harvesting?
The harvesting site is in a remote coastal location and requires significant logistical planning. The existing harvesting process includes transporting personnel and supplies to the site, collecting the wet Glacial Oceanic Clay during the available harvesting period and preparing it for transport.
Once harvested, the wet clay is placed into aseptic tote bags holding up to approximately 1,500 kg and transported by barge to Ironwood Clay’s facility in Richmond, British Columbia, where it is prepared for raw-material and formulation applications.
How much of the harvested clay is used?
Approximately 95% of the harvested Glacial Oceanic Clay is usable raw material.
The remaining approximately 5% consists primarily of naturally occurring rocks, shells and other larger debris that are removed during processing. This allows the majority of the harvested material to be prepared for use in skincare and personal care raw-material applications.
What forms of Glacial Oceanic Clay are available?
Ironwood Clay supplies Glacial Oceanic Clay in both wet and powdered forms under the INCI name Sea Silt.
The clay is naturally harvested in wet form and can also be further processed into powder for different formulation applications. The appropriate format depends on the formulation, manufacturing process and requirements of the finished skincare or personal care product.
Discover Canadian Glacial Oceanic Clay
From its origin on the British Columbia coast to its use in modern skincare formulations, Glacial Oceanic Clay represents a distinctive Canadian raw material with a unique sourcing story.
Explore the ingredient, technical information and formulation opportunities available through Ironwood Clay.