Sustainable luxury
by Julie-Ann Sherlock
With many of us working from home, plants, furnishings, scented candles and oil diffusers can make our work and living spaces more comfortable. Wicklow-based Irish company Max Benjamin is enhancing life in lockdown with its range of handmade scented products.
David, Mark and Orla Van den Bergh, siblings and founders of Max Benjamin. Photo by Doreen Kilfeather
The Max Benjamin story began with founder Orla Van den Bergh pouring wax candles over twenty years ago. Her brothers Mark and David joined the company, named after Orla's twin sons, and its beautiful products and approach to business have resonated with the public as it continues to grow and thrive.
By using a blend of beeswax, soy wax and coconut wax for their all-natural candles, along with non-toxic cotton wicks, Max Benjamin boosts its sustainable credentials. Wooden diffuser reeds are sustainably sourced, while palm-oil free soaps are made from 97% natural ingredients.
As the first Irish company to introduce candle refills and a new 'forever vessel' for its organic hand soap, Max Benjamin is committed to helping to keep waste to a minimum.
Some of the all-natural, handmade products in the Max Benjamin range.
"Being sustainable is a priority for us and we are constantly researching new ways in which we can be as environmentally friendly as possible," said Brand & Creative Director Mark Van den Bergh.
Max Benjamin has recently teamed up with other growing Irish businesses for mutually beneficial collaborations. White & Green supplies silk products for their sleep kits, while packaging and a range of gifts result from a partnership with lifestyle brand Dusty Boy Designs.
"We chose to work with White & Green and Dusty Boy as we feel it's really important for small Irish businesses to support each other," explained Mark.
Connecting with their customers is another crucial aspect of business at Max Benjamin. They have gained traction by creating videos showcasing their product journeys, as well as content that tells their brand story and reveals the faces behind the brand.
In 2020, Julie B Yoga was appointed as a wellness ambassador and her weekly "Cosy Conversation" sessions on health and wellness align with the Max Benjamin ethos of making life better.
As the company grows its product range, they plan to launch new 100% natural bath and body products this summer. Given Max Benjamin's fragrance expertise and understanding of the value of wellness, this is one Irish brand to watch.