Here's a Feel Good Friday story that smells like progress! Australian household name Bosisto's has officially opened a new purpose-built eucalyptus oil distillery near Wedderburn in central Victoria, and it's bringing sustainability, regional jobs and local manufacturing along for the ride.

The more than $10 million investment is set to increase Bosisto's eucalyptus oil production by over 300%, giving the 174-year-old Australian brand room to grow while strengthening local manufacturing. That's a serious glow-up for a product many of us probably have tucked away in the cupboard.

And if you're wondering whether sustainability got left out of the equation, don't leaf just yet. This story is packed with good news!

Turning Leaves Into Something Bigger

Bosisto's eucalyptus oil comes from Blue Mallee trees native to central Victoria. The oil is extracted using steam distillation, but what happens after that is where things get interesting. Rather than creating waste, leftover leaf biomass is dried and reused as fuel for the steam boiler, with surplus material converted into Bosisto's EucaMulch or spread over plantations to support soil health. Talk about a tree-mendous circular system.

The facility also includes more than 2,000 solar panels with battery storage and off-grid hybrid capabilities. Rainwater is captured and used during steam distillation and cooling processes, while condensed steam is filtered and reused in a closed-loop system. 

Growing Smarter, Not Just Bigger

Back in 2011, Bosisto's partnered with Melbourne University to develop higher-yielding Blue Mallee trees that could produce more oil. The project led to the planting of five million trees across central Victoria. Even better, these trees naturally regenerate after harvesting. Rather than removing them entirely, they're cut just a few centimetres from the ground and grow back every two years without needing replanting. No pesticides or fertilisers are used either. 

More Than a Business Milestone

Bosisto's story began back in 1852 when pharmacist Joseph Bosisto first bottled eucalyptus oil for medicinal purposes, laying the foundations for what would become a household Australian brand. More than 170 years later, the company is still evolving, blending its long history with modern innovation. For the Abbott family, who have owned Bosisto's for the past 50 years, this new distillery represents more than growth. It marks the next chapter in a legacy built on natural products, local manufacturing and a vision for the future.

A Win for Regional Communities Too

Sustainability stories are even better when people benefit alongside the planet. Bosisto's expansion has already created seven new permanent jobs, including five on-site roles, while also supporting local suppliers and businesses during construction. For a family-owned company that's been operating since 1852, this next chapter feels like a long-term investment in regional communities and Australian manufacturing. 

As Bosisto's plans to plant more trees and continue expanding, this story reminds us that innovation doesn't always mean reinventing the wheel. Sometimes it's about taking something familiar, giving it fresh energy and helping it grow into something even better.

Looks like the future of eucalyptus is in full bloom! 

Ready for another feel good story? Check out our blog here about how Salvos Stores is tackling textile waste with a new recycling facility in Brisbane. 

With love, 
Ellie x

A little more eucalyptus goodness

If this story has you appreciating eucalyptus a little more, we've got you covered. At Go For Zero, we stock a range of natural essential oils, including pure eucalyptus essential oil, that bring that same fresh, grounding scent into your home, without anything artificial. You can find our full range of natural essential oils here. 

All of the products that we stock at Go For Zero essential are free from artificial fragrance and rely only on 100% natural essential oils for scent (looove!)