Environmental category Living in an environmentally better world has always been something young entrepreneur Brianne West has strived for.
So she decided to build a company that would create something people loved but without all the chemicals.
The 27-year-old biology and chemistry student is the founder of the solid cosmeticsbusiness, based in Christchurch, called Sorbet.
The company is almost two years old and creates completely solid beauty products - including shampoos, conditioners, massage oils, creams and serums - using biodegradable ingredients. Most of the ingredients are locally sourced and have to be certified as cruelty-free by suppliers.
"I want to make the world a better place. It's always the economy first, but I personally am more concerned with the environment," Ms West said.
"I am aware that countries that are not well-off or have other issues happening - that is the last thing they're going to be concerned about. But for us, I think it should be a priority."
Most of the labels and wrappings used for the company's bars are also helping the environment, as they are water-soluble. That helps to reduce the huge number of bottles that end up in a landfill.
Ms West said although many of their customers were buying products just because they wanted something different or luxurious, people were also taking in the message the company was putting out.
