Meet Ervin, the soap maker helping Oxford wash without waste
We caught up with Ervin Tomkys Valteri, owner, founder and product formulator at The Oxford Soap Company. For our Plastic Free July “Trader Focus” spot, Vini shares how a mission to make better soap for Oxford’s hard water grew into a brilliant low-waste business – and why plastic-free doesn’t mean compromising on quality.
1) What first got you into soap making, and how did that grow into The Oxford Soap Company?
I first started making soap as hobby for myself. I wanted to create a superior product that worked better with Oxford’s hard water and limescale, while moving away from plastic – which I was quickly learning was a major problem in cosmetics.
2) It’s Plastic Free July, and we know zero waste is a subject close to your heart. Can you tell us why, and how you’ve managed to minimise plastic in Oxford Soap Company products?
We are constantly looking for better ways to package our products and, most importantly, avoid plastic wherever we can. Switching from liquids to soap and shampoo bars has been a total game changer environmentally, without compromising on quality.
3) What feedback do you get from customers when they realise plastic really isn’t needed for soaps and cosmetics?
It still surprises everyone that it’s possible, and even more when they realise they don’t have to compromise on quality.
4) With hot summer days upon us, what’s your best advice for keeping fresh and clean in a more natural, low-waste way?
Use a high SPFs and moisturiser. Look for water based moisturisers and leave the oil bases ones for colder winter days. Avoid shower gels because they are mostly made using Sulphates, and switch to bars of soap for a gentler and more moisturising wash.
And finally…we know you are always innovating and looking forward, do you have any future plans for Oxford Soap Company you’d like to tell us about?
Yes, we are looking to expand within the Covered Market on a bigger site or scouting for a second shop. Of course always keeping the Covered market as the Mothership and where the heart is.
If keeping fresh and plastic free is your thing, or if you simply love the idea of enjoying high quality, handmade products for your boudoir click on the button below to head to Oxford Soap Company’s trader page.