BALINEWS.ID – In the wake of Bali’s growing waste management challenges and the island’s worst flooding in more than seven decades, Utama Spice is stepping up with concrete environmental action. Since January 2025, the Bali-based natural wellness brand has joined forces with Seven Clean Seas, an ocean impact organization committed to reducing plastic pollution and driving systemic change across Southeast Asia.
Through this collaboration, Utama Spice has already helped remove nearly 4.5 tonnes of plastic waste from Indonesia’s marine ecosystems, including polyester textiles, food wrappers, and single-use plastic bags that often end up in waterways or clog drainage systems. The partnership has so far sponsored 14 cleanup operations spanning close to 16 kilometers, generating 603 hours of paid employment for local cleanup crews, the equivalent of 38 full-time working days dedicated to cleaning the environment.
“Our collaboration with Seven Clean Seas is about much more than cleaning up waste,” said Ria Templer, Director of Utama Spice. “It’s about creating long-term, systemic change, empowering local communities, protecting our waterways, and showing that small, consistent actions can spark a ripple effect across Bali and the entire Indonesian archipelago.”
As part of its ongoing commitment, Utama Spice ensures that every product purchase directly contributes to ocean restoration. For each product sold in a plastic bottle, 30 grams of plastic, roughly equivalent to two bottles, are removed from the ocean. This initiative allows customers to take part in meaningful environmental action simply through their everyday purchases.
At the same time, Utama Spice continues to lead innovation in reducing plastic waste at the source. Its refill system encourages customers to minimize single-use packaging by reusing bottles made from infinitely recyclable aluminum. Currently, 13 of Utama Spice’s most popular products are available in lightweight refill packs, alongside reusable 250ml and 500ml aluminum bottles designed for long-term use.
“Living on an island that struggles with single-use waste, we knew we needed to be part of the solution,” Ria added. “Aluminum and glass are truly circular materials, and our refill program is helping to make sustainability simple and accessible — one refill at a time.”
By combining environmental partnerships with sustainable innovation, Utama Spice demonstrates how conscious consumer choices can create tangible environmental impact. Whether through coastal cleanup efforts or reducing packaging waste, the brand’s initiatives are guided by the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana — harmony between people, nature, and spirit.
Together with its partners and local communities, Utama Spice is helping to shape a cleaner, more resilient Bali, one that thrives in balance with its natural surroundings.
About Utama Spice
Founded in 1989 by Melanie Templer and Dayu Suci, Utama Spice is a Bali-based wellness brand dedicated to crafting natural, eco-friendly skincare and aromatherapy products. Inspired by Bali’s rich herbal traditions and rooted in the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, the brand blends ancient botanical wisdom with modern sustainability.
Utama Spice is committed to using responsibly sourced natural ingredients, supporting local farmers, and promoting environmentally conscious practices. Through its deep dedication to both wellness and the planet, Utama Spice continues to nurture people and nature alike, creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all. (*)
