Procurement Magazine February 2025 | Page 110

STRATEGIC SOURCING

Lush was founded out of frustration with traditional cosmetics and a desire to offer natural , ethical and handmade products . Since its establishment in 1995 , Lush has combined innovation with strong ethical values , creating pioneering beauty products that resonate globally . Among these , the iconic bath bomb , invented by Lush Co-Founder Mo Constantine in 1989 , stands out as a global favourite . Handmade in Lush factories worldwide , the company sold more than 40.5 million bath bombs last year alone .

I had the opportunity to visit Lush ’ s manufacturing hub in Poole last December , a hive of activity as the team geared up for the Christmas and Valentine ’ s Day rush . Making its products by hand , the factory forms part of Lush ’ s broader estate , where ethical sourcing and sustainability drive every decision .
Fresh ingredients and ethical sourcing One of the most fascinating parts of the visit was learning about Lush ’ s sourcing practices , including the particularly heartwarming story of its blueberry procurement . Most of these blueberries come from a family-owned farm in Dorset , just a stone ’ s throw from the Poole factory . Handpicked between June and September , the berries are quickly frozen to preserve their quality outside the harvesting season . Unlike other ingredients , blueberries retain their colour , nutrients and plump texture when frozen .
The Dorset farm , owned by David Trehane , has a unique history .
CREDIT : LUSH
Procurement Magazine ’ s Libby Hargreaves & Manufacturing Digital ’ s Rachael Brown took to ballistics to make their very own bath bombs
110 February 2025