Nature

Cover of Nature

At Aydın Gülyağı, nature is not a background to our work—it is our partner. Every drop of Rose Oil, Rose Absolute, Rose Concrete, and Rose Water begins with a living landscape, and we believe the best ingredients can only come from a healthy ecosystem.That is why we build our production philosophy around respect for natural cycles. Through organic and biodynamic practices, we focus on protecting soil vitality, encouraging biodiversity, and keeping the rose fields resilient for the long term. We aim to work with nature rather than against it—supporting balanced farming methods that help the plant express its true aromatic character.Our commitment to nature also means reducing waste and closing the loop wherever possible. After distillation, rose residues are not treated as waste; we upcycle them into compost and return nutrients back to the land. This circular approach supports healthier soils, reduces reliance on external inputs, and helps us protect the environment that makes our work possible.For us, caring for nature is inseparable from caring for quality. When the land is protected, the roses thrive—and the ingredients we deliver carry a clearer, more authentic expression of their origin. This is how we translate respect for nature into products that customers can trust: responsibly grown, carefully crafted, and shaped by the purity of the natural world.

Ocean

Our ocean vision

At Aydın Gülyağı, we treat water as a responsibility—not just a resource. We believe the future will be defined by how wisely we protect water, because water connects everything: agriculture, ecosystems, communities, and industry. When we talk about the future, we often say it will be shaped by the oceans—by the health of the world’s waters and by the choices we make long before water reaches the sea.Our commitment begins at the source: the fields. Through organic and biodynamic practices, we aim to support healthy soil, because healthy soil holds water better, reduces runoff, and builds resilience against drought. We focus on long-term fertility and balanced farming methods that respect natural cycles, helping the land use water more efficiently and sustainably.In production, we work to reduce waste and improve efficiency by using circular thinking. Distillation by-products are not treated as waste; we upcycle rose residues into compost and return organic matter back to the soil, supporting the ecosystem that protects water quality over time. Cleaner practices on land ultimately mean cleaner waterways downstream.We also see water stewardship as a shared mission. Every ingredient we produce carries the story of its origin—its soil, its climate, and its water. That is why we support transparency, responsible practices, and continuous improvement: not only to meet today’s expectations, but to protect what tomorrow depends on.For us, water is the language of the future. And the oceans are the mirror of our decisions. By respecting water at every step—from field to finished product—we aim to contribute to a healthier planet and a more responsible industry.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity

At Aydın Gülyağı, biodiversity is not a side topic—it is the foundation of long-term quality and resilience. We work with roses that are deeply connected to their local ecosystem, and we believe that protecting nature’s balance is essential for protecting the integrity of every ingredient we produce.Our approach begins in the field. Through organic and biodynamic practices, we prioritize healthy soil, natural fertility, and ecological balance. We avoid unnecessary pressure on the land and aim to support a living agricultural environment where microorganisms, beneficial insects, surrounding vegetation, and local wildlife can coexist. Because when the ecosystem is stronger, the plant is stronger—and the aromatic profile of the rose becomes more consistent and expressive.Biodiversity is also part of how we manage resources. We apply a circular mindset by upcycling rose distillation residues into compost, returning organic matter back to the soil and reducing dependence on external inputs. This supports soil structure and life over time, helping our fields remain productive without sacrificing environmental health.Beyond our own operations, we value responsible and ethical sourcing principles aligned with biodiversity protection. We aim to grow and produce in a way that respects local natural capital and supports sustainable livelihoods in our community.For Aydın Gülyağı, protecting biodiversity means protecting the future—of the rose, of the land, and of the people who depend on both.

Human Right

Human right

At Aydın Gülyağı, respect for human rights is a core part of how we do business. We believe that truly high-quality ingredients can only come from a supply chain built on dignity, fairness, and safe working conditions. That is why we aim to uphold internationally recognized human rights principles across our operations and partnerships.We are committed to providing a workplace where people are treated with respect—free from discrimination, harassment, forced labor, and child labor. We support fair and transparent employment practices, including clear working terms, lawful working hours, and the right of workers to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Health and safety is also a priority, and we work to maintain working conditions that protect the wellbeing of everyone involved.Our responsibility extends beyond our own facilities. We expect our partners and suppliers to share the same commitment to ethical conduct and responsible labor practices. Through traceability, documentation, and continuous improvement, we strive to strengthen accountability across the value chain and to build long-term relationships based on trust.For Aydın Gülyağı, human rights are not a statement—they are a standard. We work to ensure that the value created by rose cultivation and production supports people and communities, and contributes to a more responsible and sustainable industry.

Fair Wage

Fair wage

At Aydın Gülyağı, fair wages are a fundamental part of our responsibility to people and communities. We believe that the value of rose cultivation and production should be shared in a way that supports decent living conditions, stability, and long-term wellbeing for workers and their families.Our approach to fair wages is built on transparency and respect. We aim to ensure that compensation is clear, timely, and aligned with applicable laws and ethical expectations. We do not view wages only as a cost item, but as a key driver of quality, trust, and sustainable growth—because a motivated and respected workforce is essential to consistent, high-standard production.We also recognize that fair pay is closely connected to other rights and safeguards: reasonable working hours, safe working conditions, non-discrimination, and the ability for workers to raise concerns without fear. These elements work together to create a workplace where dignity and performance can grow side by side.By strengthening fair wage practices across our operations and expectations in our supply chain, Aydın Gülyağı aims to contribute to stronger local livelihoods and a more responsible essential oils industry.

B-Corp Company

B-Corp company

At Aydın Gülyağı, we are working toward becoming a Certified B Corporation (B Corp) because we believe business should create value not only through products, but also through measurable positive impact. Our goal is to formalize and strengthen our commitment to people, planet, and responsible governance—and to hold ourselves accountable through an internationally recognized framework.B Corp represents a shift from “best in the world” to “best for the world.” That mindset aligns with how we already approach our work: protecting nature through organic and biodynamic practices, supporting ethical sourcing, and building transparent, traceable production systems. As we move forward on this journey, we are focused on assessing our current performance, identifying gaps, improving where needed, and building stronger policies and systems that can stand up to independent verification.Becoming a B Corp is not a marketing label for us—it is a long-term direction. It means committing to continuous improvement, prioritizing stakeholders alongside profitability, and increasing transparency in how we operate and grow.

AYDIN ROSE OIL

Child-Friendly Place Project Of
Aydın Rose Oil

II. HISTORY ON SOCIAL COMPLIANCE

Every year, in May and June, thousands of seasonal migrant workers, including refugees traveling with children, come to Isparta and Burdur, two major rose oil producer cities in the world, with the purpose of conducting the rose harvest. However, severe poverty, the lack of childcare and insufficient education opportunities for the children of workers in the region create great difficulties and a high risk of child labor, especially under the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The lack of a place where seasonal migrant workers can leave their children while working in the gardens causes children under the age of 15 to abandon their education and start working in the gardens illegally, where they become exposed to risks posed by working conditions. Aydin Gulyagi collaborated with one of its European customers in 2021 and carried out a project, which focused on elimination of child labor and provision of better working conditions for workers. In this context, a child-friendly space (CFS) was created in Aydin Gulyagi’s rose gardens located in Yeşilova. (See Annex-1 for photos of CFS) From 25 May 2021 to 17 June 2021 (24 days in total), the CFS was operated between 07.00 a.m. and 08.00 p.m. daily, with five teachers and two young worker assistants and provided the maximum care and support for the children of seasonal migrant workers in Yeşilova. These children attended activities such as outdoor games and sports, trainings on basic skills and hygiene and received help with their schooling and wellbeing. The number of children between the ages of 2-13 who participated the mentioned activities was 70. For the duration of the project, Aydin Gulyagi constructed tent of CFS, provided teaching supplies and equipment, ensured the health and safety of the teachers and children, and supported the project in any way possible.Project outcomes show that parent workers became more prone to leave their children at the CFS and not force them to work: 48% of the workers said that they are less worried about their children while working, 33% of the workers are happier at work while 29 % said they’re more efficient at work. The project satisfaction rate was 100% among children and 86% among parents for the 2021 harvest season. Upon receiving these highly satisfactory outcomes, Aydin Gulyagi is determined to continue this project in the upcoming harvest seasons and Minerva BHR will be its implementing partner.

III. NEXT STEPS ON SOCIAL COMPLIANCE
Being a major supplier of rose oil and rose water for various European brands, Aydin Gulyagi is conscious that the mandatory human rights due diligence laws in the EU will create a significant effect on its operations. To be prudent and ready to meet the new requirements posed by the relevant laws, Aydin Gulyagi plans to receive human rights compliance and social sustainability consultancy from Minerva BHR in accordance with international and EU standards. With this project, it is aimed to ensure human rights compliance within Aydin Gulyagi’s business operations, as well as its supply chain to a level required by the EU-based customers.

a) Supply Chain Mapping
‍In order to determine the human rights related risks in Aydin Gulyagi’s supply chain, a supply chain mapping will be made. Within this context, all actors of every single tier of the supply chain will be identified, including those at the farm level.



b) Risk Assessments

‍Following the supply chain mapping exercise, human rights risk assessment will be made throughout Aydin Gulyagi’s supply chain. Risk assessment report will include red-flag issues, practical measures and recommendations to address those risks identified. Minerva BHR will also support Aydin Gulyagi in monitoring impacts of measures to prevent human rights risks.

c) Preparation of Human Rights Policy (Code of Conduct) for Aydin Gulyagi and Establishing Human Rights Compliance Mechanisms

‍In order to ensure the sustainability of the aforementioned social and human rights compliance activities, Minerva BHR will develop a Human Rights Policy (Code of Conduct), which reflects Aydin Gulyagi’s commitment to social and environmental compliance. Minerva BHR will also work to integrate an appropriate grievance mechanism in the company.

d) Awareness Raising TrainingsMinerva BHR will provide supply chain awareness trainings on children’s rights, human rights, labor law, as well as on Aydin Gulyagi’s Human Rights Policy to the actors in Aydin Gulyagi’s supply chain before the harvest in 2022.

e) Continuation of the Child Friendly Space in YeşilovaTo ensure that child labor is eliminated in rose harvest and to help agricultural migrant workers during the harvest, CFS in Yeşilova will be re-organized and operated by Minerva BHR on behalf of Aydin Gulyagi.

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PRODUCE FOR THE FUTURE

Cooking
Nature
Human
Smile