Time out with... Ingrid Jamieson

• Our readers may be familiar with Pravera as an importer and distributor of natural and organic products – but what’s the story behind the company?

Pravera was founded in 1999 by Graeme Hume, who had the vision to create a ‘one-stop shop’ for retailers to purchase everything from skincare and make-up to feminine hygiene and household products from just one distributor, with the common theme that the brands had the highest quality of natural ingredients.

Our offices and warehouse are located in the picturesque Dumfries & Galloway in a converted farm steading which accommodates our 12 staff members including the sales team, marketing team, finance and warehouse operatives. The successful introduction of the Lavera range of certified natural and organic, award-winning skincare products to the UK and Irish market in 2007 led to other established European brands seeking Pravera for distribution – and the rest is history!

• Your new lavera certified vegan range of toothpastes in sustainable, recycled and recyclable packaging is an interesting initiative. Tell us more…

Lavera products are all certified natural and organic and over 75 per cent of the entire Lavera range is vegan – including all the Lavera toothpaste formulas which are also titanium dioxide free.

The sustainability aspects of the Lavera oral care range have been upgraded to more sustainable packaging containing the highest possible percentage of recycled materials. The toothpaste tubes and caps are made from 50 per cent recycled material and the tube is recyclable, and the mouthwash bottle is made from 100 per cent recycled materials.

• What are the benefits of this new range, to people and the planet?

The new Lavera dental care range provides every aspect of sustainability and takes care of the planet by using recycled materials that can be recycled. As well as this, the range is well tolerated, mild tasting and offers highly effective formulas with natural and organic ingredients that gently remove bacterial plaque and maintain good oral health care, without harming the body or the environment.

• What more can pharmacy teams do to engage with customers on the issue of sustainable dental health products?

Promoting good oral care with a natural and organic toothpaste which doesn’t include any synthetic or chemical ingredients which may be found in conventional toothpaste such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is much better for your oral health and the environment. SLS is a surfactant that can strip away the protective layer of the saliva on the gums, leading to dryness and irritation, and may cause sensitivity or irritation within your teeth. Pravera offers instore training to all stockists to ensure staff know about the product/s and can advise consumers.

• Are you working on any other new initiatives?

Pravera is growing and establishing further afield, not just skin and body care. We are now moving into supplements with the GSE range, which are certified 100 per cent organic and do not contain any synthetic or lab-made vitamins, minerals or nutrients, unlike some other brands.

• How can pharmacies find out more?

You can find out all about Pravera at: praveratrade.co.uk and there is a full list of Lavera products at: lavera.co.uk.