The story of Wild Organic Ways is as unique as the products that bear its name.
It begins with the idle curiosity of the Jenal brothers, Charlie & Michael - residents of the lush Byron hinterland, part of the Northern Rivers region of NSW. The Jenal brothers had an excavating business that often involved clearing large treks of highly invasive Camphor Laurel - an introduced species from Asia that competes with native flora for habitat, and is particularly prolific in Northern NSW and South East Queensland, where it has been declared a noxious weed.
The brothers’ natural curiosity (inherited from their amateur inventor father) led to lots of lunchtime discussions about how there must be some useful byproduct to be made out of all this green waste. Eventually, in the family tradition, they started experimenting with various camphor extracts… and before long, they became the first of many converts to the natural, antimicrobial cleaning power of camphor hydrosol-based solutions.
Centuries of Human Knowledge
What the Jenal brothers had in fact done, but not realised until later, was tap into centuries of human knowledge. In pre-industrial times, camphor-based substances were widely used in the Middle East, China, India and Japan for their antimicrobial and anti fungal qualities, and in parts of Europe camphor was traditionally added to solutions to sanitise surfaces and combat mould and mildew.
Camphor hydrosols made in ancient distilleries were always part of this wisdom, but now Wild Organic Ways (WOW) has applied new technology to the extraction process, capturing the very essence of each tree’s own life force. As a result, those initial experiments by the Jenal brothers have evolved into WOW, a family company that produces a highly effective range of general and commercial cleaning products, as well as a line of body washes.
Based in the village of Burringbar, WOW champions sustainable living and a reduction of chemical cleaner pollution in our homes and waterways through the use of purely organic, certified-safe alternatives, made by upcycling a declared noxious weed.
"To empower individuals and families to embrace a cleaner, chemical-free lifestyle through innovative, sustainable products that harness the natural bounty of our local environment."
OUR VALUES
Integrity
Integrity of our natural ingredients, as well as integrity of our claims - no greenwashing. Transparency and accountability in our business practices. Learning from our mistakes.
Environmentalism
Preservation of our planet by thinking global and acting local. Promoting sustainable living, environmental stewardship and responsible consumerism, while opposing those industries that degrade our environment.
Innovation
Harnessing the power of camphor in the safe, non-toxic form, known as camphor hydrosol - an Australian first.Continuing to research and develop potential new uses for this invasive, abundant noxious weed. Championing innovative eco-thinking.
Community
Supporting those who support us. Contributing to our local economy through local partnerships. Controlling the spread and number of Camphor Laurel trees in our region. Growing a company with healthy grass roots, through regular community consultation and supporting community initiatives.
OUR MISSION
"Our mission is to create and distribute high-quality household cleaning and personal wash products that are completely chemical-free, utilising camphor hydrosol sourced from local Camphor Laurel trees. By transforming an invasive species into effective, safe, eco-friendly solutions, we aim to promote environmental stewardship and enhance the wellbeing of our community and beyond."