EVERY FEW WEEKS, TEAMS OF DOCTORS and therapists from across the world travel to a small farm outside Richmond in rural KwaZuluNatal to train in the science of rewilding skin. Trevor Steyn, a chemist, who started organic-skincare company Esse in 2002, wanted to host his training courses in a space that was practical, yet flexible enough to allow visitors to take swabs and grow samples, treat patients, train in biotechnology, chat over cocktails – and which, by design, automatically communicates what Esse is about.
The company is fair trade, certified organic, vegan, cruelty-free and carbon- and plastic-neutral. “All our products are safe and recyclable, including the packaging, so nothing bad leaches out,” says Trevor. “We audit our energy consumption and offset any emissions with carbon credits. The main idea is…