Boavista Circular

Production locations

• Amsterdam
• Vietnam
• Brazil

Working Conditions & Living Wages

Boavista Circular’s soaps are handmade in Amsterdam, adhering to strict EU regulations for ethical workplace practices. The proximity to the brand’s HQ ensures close oversight of production and consistent quality.
In Santa Catarina, Brazil, the brand partners with a group of women artisans to produce Ocean Saver Scrubbers. This collaboration creates meaningful employment opportunities and supports local communities, empowering women with sustainable work and independence. Every purchase contributes directly to improving their livelihoods.
The coconut shell soap dispensers are ethically handcrafted in Vietnam, furthering the brand’s commitment to fair production practices.

Boavista Circular’s partnerships demonstrate a strong focus on social responsibility and community empowerment, ensuring that every product contributes positively to the lives of its makers.

Ingredients

• Reclaimed Discarded Purse Seine Nets (Recycled Polyamide) – Cleaning scrubs crafted from lost or abandoned fishing nets reduce ocean plastic pollution and help prevent the death of marine life.
• Soap Nuts – Natural berries that release saponin when in contact with water, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical detergents.
• Coconut Shells – Transformed into unique products like soap dispensers, which prevent the release of harmful emissions during disposal.
• Bamboo and Agave Fibres – Renewable and fast growing materials used in products like scrubbers, contributing to sustainable cleaning solutions.
• Terracotta Ceramic Bowl – Durable and water-resistant, offering a long-lasting and eco-friendly storage option.
• EcoWipes – Repurposed 100% cotton hairdresser towels, reducing waste and promoting circularity.
• Handmade Solid Dish Soap:
  • Waste Frying Oil – This filtered and cleaned hazardous waste prevents improper disposal, offering a circular solution to a global issue.
  • Coconut Oil – Hydrating and environmentally low-impact when responsibly sourced.
  • Sodium Hydroxide – Essential for soap production, with minimal environmental impact if managed correctly.
  • Sodium Lactate – Derived from natural sources; helps retain moisture in soap.
  • Orange Essential Oil – Adds a natural fragrance, with environmental impact dependent on farming practices.

The brand takes their eco-conscious activities a step further by planting a tree per order.

Packaging

Boavista Circular employs circular packaging:

• Glass jars and bottles are recycled, with lids self-painted for reuse.
• Cardboard boxes from suppliers or donations are reused and upcycled, eliminating additional waste.
• Paper tape is used instead of plastic alternatives, aligning with the brand’s sustainable ethos.

Water usage

The use of organic-certified ingredients limits water pollution in production processes. Besides that, minimal water is used as in ingredient within the soaps.

NOTE: Water usage/​pollution down to the raw materials is generally impossible to track for cosmetic products.

Circular packaging design and business model

Boavista Circular champions a circular business model, transforming waste into functional products. Their cleaning soaps are crafted from repurposed cooking oil, and customers are encouraged to send their used oil to the brand to prevent environmental pollution.

The bamboo cleaning brush features a replaceable head, enabling easy composting and minimising waste. While the sponge made from reclaimed fishing nets is not biodegradable, it lasts up to two years, significantly reducing the need for frequent replacements compared to conventional sponges. It also keeps waste out of landfills or from polluting the oceans.

The brand also provides refill soap bars, promoting reusability and waste reduction. All soaps are 100% biodegradable, further reinforcing their commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Distance & complexity of the supply chain

• Production locations: Amsterdam, Brazil, Vietnam
• HQ is located in Amsterdam
• The brand sells/​exports in these countries: Globally
• Sourcing – unsure of exact origins, but we know it can go as far as India and Nepal for the soap nuts

Transportation

• The brand owner picks up donations and products locally for the soaps, as for international shipping high emissions are unavoidable.

The brand does not use any animal products. Boavista Circular’s soaps are primarily made from repurposed cooking oil, which is derived from vegetables and nuts. However, the brand cannot guarantee that the oil has not been in contact with animal products due to its previous use. As such, the soaps cannot be classified as vegan, though their intention is to end the waste cycle and prevent environmental pollution.

Product design

Boavista Circular designs minimalist products that cater to all households, focusing on functionality rather than trends or seasonal collections. With no sales periods or traditional collections, the brand maintains a commitment to minimal production, reducing waste and overproduction.

The brand provides detailed care tips for all products, ensuring they last longer and perform effectively. Customers can also reach out via email for assistance with product information, care, or oil disposal, reflecting a high level of customer support and engagement.

Transparency on product

Boavista Circular demonstrates exceptional transparency across its products and processes. Each product page clearly details the ingredients, materials, and production locations, ensuring full traceability. Customers can easily know where their specific purchase was produced.

Transparency on processes

The brand also provides videos showcasing the production process, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how their products are made. This level of transparency reinforces trust and showcases their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.