Algatech gets organic certification for algae-derived astaxanthin

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.