Embracing Trinidad and Tobago's diversity, natural resources

TRINIDAD and Tobago is celebrated for its rich diversity – its people, cultures and natural resources. Among these treasures lies an unheralded gem: the mud volcano.

Recognising the unique potential of this natural phenomenon, The Mud Soap Co, a local business is centred on extracting and harnessing its remarkable properties.

In 2015, US amended the Federal Food and Drug Act by passing the Microbead-Free Waters Act. This legislation prohibited the use of microbeads and microplastics in rinse-off personal care products, such as soaps and toothpaste, to reduce the environmental impact on soils and waterways.

In response, the skincare industry sought sustainable alternatives. And what better material than the natural clay derived from our locally sourced, skin-loving mud?

The benefits are multifold. Pumice from the mud acts as a natural exfoliant, while its sulphur content helps unclog pores and serves as a preservative.

Additionally, the rich mineral content imparts a natural glow to the skin.

Throughout the ages, the desire to feel beautiful has remained constant and mud treatments have long been a timeless component of beauty rituals.

Inspired by this tradition, The Mud Soap Co decided to create its own line of natural products made from volcanic mud.

Established in 2021, the company transforms the abundant, overflowing mud from Trinidad’s volcanoes into organic skincare products, including soaps, body scrubs and body masks.

"Our offerings meet every criterion: they are sustainable, environmentally friendly and infused with a geo-touristic appeal – providing a fresh and innovative alternative in today’s beauty market," the company said.

Volcanic mud is a powerhouse ingredient in skincare, offering unique benefits that set it apart from ordinary soaps and conventional beauty products.

Sourced from mineral-rich volcanic ash and clay deposits, volcanic mud is packed with essential nutrients that enhance skin health making these products stand out because of its natural ingredients.

Volcanic mud is also naturally absorbent and has a high mineral content, making it exceptional at drawing out impurities, excess oils and toxins from the skin.

Ordinary soaps cleanse the surface, but volcanic mud penetrates deeper into pores, reducing blackheads and preventing breakouts.

The mud soaps and skincare products offer a natural, effective alternative to mainstream beauty products by combining deep cleansing, nourishment and healing properties.

Whether it’s to detoxify, hydrate or achieve a radiant complexion, volcanic mud is a powerful skincare ingredient that delivers superior results compared to ordinary soaps.

However, the rising preference for green beauty products has fuelled the need for more advanced and sustainable formulations.

The Mud Soap Co has embraced this challenge by combining the raw power of volcanic minerals with other organic ingredients to craft soaps and skincare products that are not only effective but gentle.

As the global beauty industry shifts toward sustainability and natural formulations, businesses are increasingly innovating to meet consumer demand for eco-friendly and chemical-free skincare.

The company recognises this international movement as an opportunity to revolutionise its product line, using volcanic mud to develop high-performance and environmentally-conscious beauty solutions. By leveraging the unique benefits of volcanic mud, the company has positioned itself at the forefront of the natural skincare movement, offering consumers an alternative to conventional beauty products filled with synthetic additives. This innovation aligns with its growing desire for transparency, sustainability and purity in personal care.

TT's mud volcanoes are a natural geological feature that continuously replenish, making it unlikely that they will "run out" in the near future.

These mud volcanoes form due to underground pressure pushing up mud, gases and water from deep within the earth.

As long as these geological processes continue, the mud supply should remain steady.

However, factors such as human activity, excessive extraction or environmental changes could potentially impact the consistency of mudflow in some areas.

If large amounts of mud are removed frequently without allowing the natural cycle to replenish, certain sites might become less active or temporarily dry up.

For sustainable use, it’s important to extract volcanic mud responsibly, ensuring that natural regeneration is not disrupted and the natural capital is sustained over generations to come.

"Our slogan 'From the Earth to You,' encapsulates our commitment to delivering organic and pure mud products, directly sourced from nature to our valued customers," The Mud Soap Co said.

The company also advocates for the environment, with a special focus on protecting TT's volcanoes.

In 2023, the company received recognition from the Nedco awards and was named one of the Top Five Most Innovative Small Businesses in the Caribbean by Flow Business.

Based in the small village of Rancho Quemado, in the southwest of Trinidad, the company stands firm on its sustainability goal of reducing its carbon footprint.

"Building community is central to our mission, we are deeply entwined with local initiatives, encouraging entrepreneurship and promoting the volcano in a positive light.

"One of the prominent volcanoes we champion is the Erin Bouffe mud volcano."

Looking ahead, the company said it will introduce a natural capital mascot for its school caravan.

"Volly The Very Vocal Volcano" is designed to educate preschool and primary school children about the importance of natural capital.

"Although our mud volcanoes are typically dormant, we have personified Volly to give him a voice – one that speaks out for the environment, including rivers, streams, beaches, flora and fauna affected by environmental degradation. Moreover, Volly stands up for children who have experienced bullying, symbolising both environmental and social advocacy.

"We plan to roll out this initiative through interactive poetry and storytelling sessions."

The Mud Soap Co said this approach not only teaches environmental conservation in an engaging manner but also nurtures a love for poetry and reading among young minds.

"Instilling these values from an early age is key to fostering lasting change in our society."

The TTCSI sees The Mud Soap Co, a proud member of the coalition, as a green innovator and a champion for the services sector that uses TT’s raw materials and advocates for brand TT.