Boost for Natunola's flax project
worth C$647,500 for new facilities to process flaxseed.
Canadian company Natunola Health has received government funding worth C$647,500 (€413,000) for its flax project.
The investment, which represents 50 per cent of eligible costs, will be used for the expansion of Natunola Health's existing processing plant to begin flaxseed dehulling and processing. The investment is through the Rural Economic Development Program (a component of the Provincial Government's Ontario Small Town and Rural Development Initiative - OSTAR Red).
Natunola Health, a division of NutriBios, the wholly owned Sentex subsidiary, was founded to develop and market high value-added natural health products for various market sectors.
The company has developed processes for high-margin, high volume applications in the functional food, nutraceutical and value-added feed industries. The original emphasis of Natunola Health was on the development and sale of unique patented vegetable oil gels for cosmetics and personal care products, as well as the veterinary industry.
The new plant's processing of flaxseed will capitalise on the rapidly growing market for foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids, lignans and fibres, which contribute to retinal and brain development and may play a major role in reducing cardiovascular disease. The flaxseed kernel is a primary source of Omega 3 fatty acids, while the hull contains very high concentrations of lignans and fibres which may be used in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases, including cancer.
Natunola Health started the construction of what it claims is the world's first flaxseed dehulling and processing plant in July 2002. It is expecting to produce flaxseed kernel and hull in a few weeks time at the new plant. Flax kernels and hulls will be sold as food, functional food, nutraceutical and value-added feed additives. Other flaxseed ingredients and extracts will be sold in cosmetic and skin care industry.
"This investment by the Government of Ontario will certainly strengthen our flaxseed technology and will help in serving as a catalyst for this new venture that will secure jobs and increase export sales for this rural community," said Dr Nam Fong Han, president & CEO of Natunola Health.
