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WELCOME

to the

ARTFULLY
CRAFTED
world of
A timeless and sacred
tree, sandalwood has
journeyed through
Indigenous cultures and
ancient empires into our
world today.

Its wood, oil and powder offer a myriad


of uses in industries such as aromatherapy,
fragrance, cosmetics, furniture and handicrafts.
In traditional medicine, sandalwood is revered
as a one-stop, multi-faceted ingredient. It takes
on multiple forms to entice your senses and
enhance your wellbeing. When you smell
sandalwood, you are transported back in time
where its history began – in heady incense
smoke wafting through Hindu temples during
prayer, in an Egyptian apothecary filled with
glimmering bottles of amber oil, or in seeds
used for Indigenous healing in Australia.
The sandalwood we know today holds rich,
unique stories within its oil and wood fibres.
We are Quintis and we are here to share
our sandalwood stories with you.
O U R STO RY
Ours is a story born of tenacity in the vast and
challenging terrains of Australia’s north. For the last 20
years, under broad skies, in red soils and unspoilt nature,
Quintis has built an enduring legacy for its commitment to
the sustainable growing, management and harvesting of
Indian sandalwood (also known as Santalum album).

As the demand for this sandalwood rose exponentially


throughout the late 20th century, so too did its illegal
poaching and harvesting — resulting in it being listed as
a vulnerable species in 1998 by the International Union
for Conservation (IUCN). Recognising this widespread
problem, we took it upon ourselves to secure an ethical
and sustainable supply of this ancient tree.

And so, Quintis was born.

In 1999, we sourced seeds from Mysore in India, planting


the first Indian sandalwood trees in the tropical north of
Australia — the ideal climate and conditions for this species
to flourish. In doing so, we ensured it a viable future.

Across a staggeringly vast 12,000 hectares, our Indian


sandalwood plantation estate is now home to more than
5.5 million sandalwood trees — the largest in the world.

Like our ancestors before us, we work with nature to


develop truly authentic and pure sandalwood products.
Our custom-built, 60,000 square metre distillation facility
allows us to gently steam-distil the fragrant and luxurious
heartwood oil. We also distil pure Australian sandalwood
oil (Santalum spicatum), sustainably sourced primarily
through the Government of Western Australia’s Forest
Products Commission (FPC).

Today, Quintis is one of the world’s largest and most


revered suppliers of raw sandalwood materials. Proudly
Australian, we have embraced a spirit of innovation,
advancing and adapting technology to create rigorous,
natural and evidence-based outcomes. A hallmark of this
is our natural breeding program, which creates trees with
up to 18% greater heartwood yields.

Globally-certified and sustainable, we view


ourselves not only as leaders and experts in the world of
sandalwood, but as custodians of its future.
Market demand for this endangered
species continues to grow, with up
to 90% of sandalwood thought to
be sourced illegally. We are proud
to have secured the future of Indian
sandalwood by creating space for an
ethical and legal supply.
G LOBAL P R ESE NCE
During the 7th century BC, the Incense Road bridged
the gap between India, the Mediterranean and Africa, and
sandalwood was a staple for trade at ports all along the
route. Today, we expand its global legacy by supplying
raw materials to clients worldwide. Our global sales team
is available throughout the world to inform our clients on
our products and support their in-country needs.

6 XIAMEN 12 PERTH 14 DA RW I N
China Australia Australia

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USA USA France India China
KEY Offices Operations Business Development Teams

8 F U I J I A N P R OV I N C E 13 A LB A N Y 15 KUNUNURRA 16 K AT H E R I N E 17 BURDEKIN
China Australia Australia Australia Australia

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7 X I A N YO U 9 SHANGHAI 10 SEOUL 11 TO K YO 18 BRISBANE


China China South Korea Japan Australia
E T HICA L , R ELIAB LE & SUSTAINABLE

We ensure a sustainable harvest from seed to oil starting with natural


and reliable planting processes. Every product has an origin story. Be it oil,
powder or wood, we can tell you which trees make up the supply. We can
even tell you the date the trees were planted, and where they were planted.
Provenance is vital in a global economy and understanding the legitimacy
of our supply gives our clients a direct channel to connect with land and
culture, near and far.

Just like the purity of our raw materials, our practices The results of our commitment include:
are 100% transparent. It is part of our ethos to educate
our clients and allied industries on sustainable, traceable
sandalwood. We supply Indian sandalwood oil that meets
British Pharmacopoeia standards. Our trees are always No animal testing
grown without growth hormones or stimulants, ensuring
100% natural products. We honour every part of the
plant during harvest and supply globally certified oil,
sandalwood logs, wood chips and powder.

Our certifications and partnerships are essential in 40% reduction in


assuring sandalwood’s protection and legitimacy. We water usage, saving 43
hold an ethical trade membership with SEDEX, one of the million litres of water
world’s leading organisations for managing responsible
sourcing in supply chains and fighting against modern
slavery. Quintis is also raising the bar for sustainability
in the flavour and fragrance sectors as a signatory of
the IFRA-IOFI Sustainability Charter, a joint initiative AUD $3 million investment
between the International Fragrance Association and the in the reduction of our
International Organization of the Flavor Industry. Inspired carbon footprint
by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,
the Charter demonstrates our commitment to innovation,
benchmarking and sharing of best practice.

Over 20 global
certifications
IMMERSE
YOURSELF
in the scent of

INDIAN
SANDALWO OD
Sandalwood
Belonging to the Santalum genus, there
are over 15 different sandalwood species
found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, Indonesia,
Hawaii, and other Pacific Islands. Several
species produce a highly aromatic wood
that retains its fragrance for decades,
with Indian and Australian Sandalwood
considered the most important of these.
I NDI AN
SANDALWO OD
Known as the “king of woods,” this precious species
has a long and sacred history. For thousands of years,
it has been used as a traditional medicine or to calm
the mind with its distinctly woody scent. A star in fine
fragrance, Indian sandalwood’s creamy and woody
base notes complement nearly every fragrance family,
while its fixative properties provide longevity of the
fragrance on skin.

Global supply has dwindled yet market demand


continues to grow for Indian sandalwood, bringing
about excessive poaching and over-harvesting,
and creating an illegal black-market industry. It is
estimated that up to 90% of Indian sandalwood in
the marketplace is sourced illegally. The result of this
unscrupulous activity is that Indian sandalwood is now
on the verge of extinction, and has been placed on the
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

AUSTRAL I AN
SANDALWO OD
If Indian sandalwood is the king of all woods, then
Australian sandalwood is the undisputed prince. Whilst
retaining the classic woody base note synonymous with
sandalwood, it has a greener, fresher top note compared
to Indian sandalwood. Quintis distils a high quality, organic
Australian sandalwood oil popular for use in fragrances.

Australian sandalwood grows in the wilds of Western


Australia in areas largely managed by the FPC. We source
most of our wood from the FPC, which regulates the
growth, harvesting and replanting of this native resource.
As part of its regeneration program, each year the FPC
disperses more than 5 million seeds across approximately
20,000 hectares of land, ensuring supplies of Australian
sandalwood will last well into the future.
Sandalwood & Wellness

The magic of sandalwood lies in


its chemical makeup. Each species
is different and offers unique
olfactory profiles. Sandalwood’s
main sesquiterpenes, or aromatic
components, are alpha-santalol and
beta-santalol. In Indian sandalwood,
these compounds make up more
than 70% of the oil, up to three
times more than other sandalwood
species, giving it the status of
“nature’s true wellbeing ingredient.”

K E Y C OM P OUND S
Alpha-santalol is the most dominant of the 125 constituents, holding
most of the therapeutic benefits of sandalwood. Studies show that it
acts upon the body’s regulatory systems to reduce anxiety and increase
relaxation, while its antioxidant properties address skin inflammation.

Beta-santalol is thought to be largely responsible for defining


Indian sandalwood’s soft, creamy, woody fragrance. Perfumers covet
this species for its unique fragrance but also for its ability to serve as a
grounding base note that blends well with other scents.

The natural efficacy of sandalwood cannot be replicated by synthetic


or fermented products, making it a true wellbeing ingredient.
BENEFI TS
Whether inhaled or applied topically
on skin, studies have shown that
sandalwood’s sweet woody fragrance
can decrease anxiety, calm the
nervous system and assist with
better quality sleep.

As a natural antioxidant, antimicrobial,


anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory,
sandalwood has been shown to reduce
signs of ageing, balance the skin’s
microbiome, reduce the effects of
pollution and brighten the skin.

A natural fixative with a low volatility


index (or low vapour pressure),
sandalwood ensures a longer lasting
fragrance in formulations.

Indian Sandalwood Process Flow

P L A N TAT I O N
Q UA LI T Y PRODUCT SHIPMENT &
E S TA B LI S H M E N T H A RV E S T I N G PROCESSING
ASSURANCE D E V E LO P M E N T DISTRIBUTION
& M A N AG E M E N T
Products
Sandalwood is grown as a result of botanical collaboration through
a network of host plants, foresters and the perfect soil conditions.

Our raw Indian sandalwood products are created using 100% pure
heartwood, obtained from trees. After maturity, we harvest and, using
custom-made machinery, process each tree with care where it begins a
new life as oil, logs, chips or powder.

O IL LO G S

Sandalwood oil captures the essence of the tree itself: The anatomy of sandalwood is comprised of three
hearty, grounding and complex. Its distinctive aromatic layers of wood. The outer layer, or the sapwood, encircles
characteristics cannot be replicated – nothing artificial can the transition heartwood which surrounds the aromatic
ever replace nature’s creation. With over 125 constituents, heartwood in the centre.
every single one – even the most minute – is naturally
We are proud to offer natural and certified, pure Indian
created, giving the oil its signature and irreplicable aroma.
sandalwood heartwood logs worldwide. We grade our
As nature’s liquid gold, purity is essential. Our Indian and
sandalwood logs according to colour, form and size.
Australian sandalwood oils are steam-distilled locking in
the oil’s most potent volatiles. Logs with good dimensions and premium heartwood
are separated and dried under controlled conditions.
A complex chemical makeup in sandalwood oil gives
The minimum diameter of a heartwood log is 60mm, and
us a range of olfactory profiles: floral, woody, creamy,
the bark and sapwood can be removed according to your
balsamic and sweet. We use innovative blending and
specifications.
processing methods to develop a range of oils with
different notes that allow you to tell your own olfactory
stories in your products.
We honour what nature provides with
each batch, without genetically modifying
or manipulating our products to ensure
they are 100% natural.

C HIP S POWDER

Known for their calming aromatic properties, In powder form, we grind the pure heartwood to
sandalwood chips have been used for centuries in different unlock its rich fragrance. The powders contain around
cultures. The woody scent of the Indian sandalwood chips 3% pure sandalwood oil, which is considered to have
is released when burned or steeped as tea for various therapeutic benefits.
therapeutic and religious purposes.
In cosmetics, Indian sandalwood powder is an
Reddish brown in colour, these natural sandalwood excellent emulsifier forming Pickering emulsions that can
chips are created from pure Indian sandalwood heartwood. be stabilised using viscosity modifiers. It feels luxurious
Prior to chipping, logs are de-barked and de-sapped, on application and provides a soft and powdery non-tacky
unlocking their rich fragrance during the process. feeling on dry down thanks to the spherical nature of the
particles. The powder is also used as a flavour enhancer
The chips are generally chipped to a size of
and to create incense sticks to be burned in rituals and
approximately 10 mesh, however for larger orders we can
religious practices.
customise to your specific requirements.
We customise our Indian sandalwood heartwood
powder to your specific requirements. Choose from fine,
medium or coarse powders to suit a variety of uses.
Multifunctional Uses
Loved for its versatility, sandalwood can be used across a
variety of industries. From fine fragrance to handicrafts and
cosmetics, our products can be applied in many different ways.

F R AG R AN CE Nearly 50% of all perfumes created since 1790 contain sandalwood.


Quintis Indian sandalwood oil delivers a striking woody base note and acts
as a fixative to ensure the longevity of perfume on skin. It contains the
highest levels of beta-santalol compared to other species of sandalwood –
the compound believed to be the powerhouse behind sandalwood’s fragrant
properties. In fine fragrance, sandalwood gives weight to a formula and its
aroma changes with time, giving the wearer a multi-faceted olfactory profile.

A RO M AT HE R A PY Studies show that the alpha-santalol in sandalwood oil calms the nervous
system when inhaled or applied topically. Common markers of a stimulated
nervous system include eye blink rate, pulse rate and systolic blood pressure,
all of which are significantly reduced when sandalwood is inhaled or absorbed
through skin application.

C OSM ET I CS Whilst the use of sandalwood has existed for centuries, modern science has
started to uncover the unique benefits of Indian sandalwood in treating acne,
eczema and other skin ailments. A variety of these benefits are demonstrated
through its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase
properties which we are studying further in our own research and trials.

F L AVO UR In some markets such as India, Indian sandalwood is popular as a flavour


in foods and beverages. Some examples include chewing tobacco, gum and
mouthwash. In addition, it is said to have flavour enhancing qualities, bringing
out the flavours of other ingredients – in China during the Ming Dynasty it was
used as a spice exactly for this purpose.

Indian sandalwood is listed as a safe ingredient with the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the US Food & Drug Administration
(FDA). The manufacture of food grade oil and powders is HACCP certified.
Quintis offers a range of sustainable, certified,
natural Indian sandalwood products. In Traditional
Chinese Medicine, logs are often purchased whole
and practitioners create their own chips or powder
to be added into blends or tea.

TR AD I T I O N AL A system of medicine dating back over 23 centuries, Traditional Chinese


Medicine (TCM) has been used to prevent and heal diseases and is considered
ME D I C I N E one of the world’s oldest medical systems. Known as Tan Xiang, sandalwood
has been a part of TCM practices for thousands of years, used to treat
conditions such as acne, stomach-aches and cystitis. However, according to
the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, only Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) is
permissible for use in formulations.

Known as chandana in India, Indian sandalwood is used in Ayurvedic


medicine to heal the three doshas of the body, and is known to hydrate and
cleanse all skin types.

WO RS H I P & Sandalwood has been used in several religious practices for centuries
in the form of carvings and applied to the body for purification purposes.
INCENSE When Buddha passed away in 543BC, it is said that his body was cremated
on a bed of sandalwood, enhancing the well-known belief that sandalwood
elevates the user’s spirituality.

In recent times yoga and meditation have introduced incense culture to


the Western world where sandalwood, together with other natural herbs, is
burnt as incense to elevate and encourage holistic healing.

H AN D I C R AF TS For thousands of years, the art of sandalwood carving has been practised
throughout India and China. In China, the first recorded use of Indian
sandalwood in carvings can be traced back over 1,000 years and in India, it
was used to carve the first known sculpture of Buddha in the 6th century BC.

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Indian sandalwood was widely used
by the royals for furniture, carvings and handicraft. Ever since then, Indian
sandalwood has been highly revered for its associated symbolic significance –
even today, Indian sandalwood reflects exquisite taste and high social status.

FURNITURE Throughout ancient China, sandalwood was used to create ornate furniture.
In modern times, sandalwood is regaining its popularity as a material of choice
in the production of fine furniture.
Our Masters

Andrew Brown
BSc (Organic Chemistry and Pharmacology), MBA
H E A D O F R E S E A R C H & D E V E LO P M E N T

For nearly 30 years, Andrew has worked in the distillation of sandalwood. His
diverse experience spans the health and beauty and pharmaceutical industries.

Dr. Danny Hettiarachchi


BPharmSc., MScience (Pharmaceutical Sciences), PhD.
P R O D U C T M A N AG E R

Danny is a natural products chemist with over 15 years of experience in the


sandalwood industry. He also serves as the expert witness on sandalwood for
the State of Western Australia.

Karen Condon
Associate Degree; Applied Biology (UK)
Q UA LI T Y A S S U R A N C E M A N AG E R

Karen ensures Quintis’ distillation facility meets quality requirements for the
manufacture of fragrance, flavour and pharmaceutical-grade sandalwood oil.

Johan Nortier
HEAD OF PRODUCTION

Johan joined Quintis nearly 20 years ago and is responsible for the development of
our custom-designed equipment and all production activities.

Simon Ong
BSc (Entomology & Zoology), MScience (Forest Ecosystem Science)
E N TO M O LO G I S T

Simon identifies insects found in the plantations and observes the lifecycle of each.
He has observed at least 30 significant pests of Indian sandalwood and its hosts in
Australia; half of which have not been recorded as pests in other industries.
Steve Hindley
BSc (Forestry Science), MBA
G E N E R A L M A N AG E R – FO R E S T RY

Steve has extensive experience in global forest management and now is


responsible for all activities across the world’s largest Indian sandalwood
plantation at Quintis.

Ken Robson
BSc (Biology)
FO R E S T RY R E S E A R C H & D E V E LO P M E N T

Ken specialises in plantation irrigation, agroforestry, tree improvement and


tropical forestry, improving sustainability and quality product development.

Matt Barnes
BSc (Agriculture)
D E P U T Y G E N E R A L M A N AG E R – FO R E S T RY

For 15 years, Matt has successfully overseen large-scale system innovations


across the Quintis business. Matt relocated to the Northern Territory six years
ago to manage our expansion into Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Judie Barrow
Dip. (Environmental Science), BSc Hons.
S U P P LY A S S U R A N C E M A N AG E R

Since 2004, Judie has worked with sandalwood, making her an expert in
the production and quality of sandalwood oil, and has contributed to the
improvements in procedures, advancing quality and yield.

Dr. Precila Gonzales


BSc (Forestry Science) Hons., MScience, PhD
R E G I O N A L R E S E A R C H FO R E S T E R

For almost 30 years, Dr. Precila Gonzales has worked in international forestry.
Her speciality in tree physiology and tree growth helps to map, trace and
understand the Indian sandalwood trees that grow in Quintis’ plantations.
SANDALWO OD
is our

WORLD
and we are the

CUSTODIANS
OF ITS FUTURE.

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