Algatech gets organic certification for algae-derived astaxanthin

Related tags Non-gmo project verification Agriculture National organic program Organic food

Image: Algatech
Image: Algatech
Israel-based Algatechnologies Ltd. has achieved National Organic Program (NOP) certification for its 100% organic Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae powder and astaxanthin oleoresin.

“NOP organic certification means that our products are being cultivated, processed—and thus able to be labeled as—organic,”​ says Efrat Kat, VP Marketing and Sales for Algatech. “This certification, in addition to our GMP accreditation and non-GMO project verification, reaffirm our commitment to providing premium quality ingredients that consumers and industry partners can trust.” ​The NOP certification is issued by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.

Sales of organic food and beverage products in the US hit $43 billion in 2015, and demand is often outstripping supply. Organic supply also taps into the wider issue of transparency, which is especially relevant to algae-based products since they can grow under a wide range of conditions, said the company.

There are several approaches to growing Haematococcus pluvialis​, with some companies growing the algae in open ponds while Algatech pioneered a closed tube system at its desert location near the southern Israeli city of Eilat.

“Supplying pure, natural microalgae requires a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience, and fully controlled processes, with constant attention paid to the smallest details,”​ explained Shoshi Shunak, QA Manager for Algatech. “We cultivate microalgae in a patented, eco-friendly, closed system that allows the production of the highest quality ingredients and prevents any exposure to contaminations.”

“The four NOP principles for organic certification—health, ecology, fairness and sustainability—comply with Algatech’s ‘DNA’ and core values, and therefore to ‘go organic’ was a natural step,”​ said Hagai Stadler, Algatech’s CEO. “Our plant, in the Arava Desert between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, is a living example of how it is possible to green the desert and unlock the potential of a non-fertile land. Recycling water, saving solar energy is just a small part of activities that Algatech does on regular basis to minimize its environmental footprint. For us, this is a fundamental part of our shared vision: to make an impact by bringing the good that’s inherent in microalgae to the world.”

Astaxanthin benefits

Natural or algae-derived astaxanthin has been extensively studied in numerous animal and human trials, and has been found to offers benefits in a range of areas, including cardiovascular, cognitive, eye and skin health, as well as muscle and joint function, immunity, and sports nutrition.

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Pycnogenol® for Sport: eNOS and Beyond

Pycnogenol® for Sport: eNOS and Beyond

Content provided by Horphag Research | 21-Mar-2024 | White Paper

Engaging in physical activities immediately triggers a number of physiological responses from our body (1). First, our liver glucose output and adipose...

A Groundbreaking Prebiotic

A Groundbreaking Prebiotic

Content provided by ADM | 12-Mar-2024 | Infographic

PreforPro® is a clinically studied prebiotic that supports the growth of select beneficial bacteria in the gut by utilizing phage technology.

Stay one step ahead in the collagen market

Stay one step ahead in the collagen market

Content provided by Bioiberica | 26-Feb-2024 | White Paper

It's no secret that interest in collagen is at an all-time high – especially for joint health. This presents a real opportunity for manufacturers...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars