Sustainability

NOW switches to 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles

17-Jan-2023 By Asia Sherman

Natural product manufacturer NOW is transitioning its product lines to 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin bottles and expects to divert some three million pounds of plastic from landfills in the first year.

Top 3 digestive trends for 2023, according to Comet

16-Jan-2023 By Danielle Masterson

The report offers new insights into the shifting consumer preferences and the expectations for digestive health.

Rhodiola’s addition to endangered species list sounds note of caution for supply of popular botanical

16-Dec-2022 By Hank Schultz

The nomination of Rhodiola rosea as a potential endangered species via a CITES listing is the mark of a changing world, with botanical supplies threatened not only by climate change and geopolitical factors but also rapid shifts in market demand.

Pharma-style dispersal technology opens food, bev doors to wide array of botanical ingredients

02-Dec-2022 By Hank Schultz

New food and beverage applications have been demonstrated for a whole host of bioactive botanical ingredients via a new dispersal technology.

Talking sustainability and food colors with GNT: ‘Of course, natural does not automatically mean sustainable…’

30-Nov-2022 By Elaine Watson

From breeding carrots with greater color intensity to using filtration to increase dry matter content in fruit concentrates before deploying energy-intensive evaporation techniques, coloring foodstuffs specialist GNT is exploring a multi-pronged approach...

Nordic biotech launches versatile omega-3 and cetoleic acid ingredient

11-Nov-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Norwegian Biotech, Grøntvedt, has developed a natural omega-3 product rich in cetoleic acid, derived from a sustainable source of pelagic Atlantic herring.

ESSNA joins industry initiative to promote sustainability

01-Nov-2022 By Nikki Hancocks

The European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA) has joined the EU Code of Conduct for Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices to undertake tangible actions to contribute towards the industry’s inclusive and sustainable growth.

NutraCast: Utilizing synthetic biology to preserve medicinal plants

28-Oct-2022 By Danielle Masterson

Some of our most important natural resources are being over-harvested and over-taxed. As a result, DoubleRainbow Biosciences launched Landkind to create sustainable versions of the world's most endangered ingredients.

Salmon-derived bioactive peptides may support gut health: Study

18-Oct-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Researchers from Stanford University and Hofseth BioCare report that the bioactive peptides contained in salmon-derived ProGo may help restore a healthy balance within the gut immune system.

Cultivated Rhodiola rosea extract ‘bearing fruit’ for Nektium

13-Oct-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Botanical ingredients supplier, Nektium, is transitioning from wild to cultivated Rhodiola rosea extract to secure the long-term sustainability of the natural, but increasingly scarce, adaptogen.

Hofseth Biocare sees stars starting to align for upcycled ingredients

06-Oct-2022 By Stephen Daniells

With a full suite a successful New Dietary Ingredient Notifications (NDINs) and steady stream of peer-reviewed publications substantiating its claims, Hofseth Biocare (HBC) is feeling bullish about its portfolio of upcycled ingredients.

Ancient Nutrition becomes third supplement brand to get regenerative certification

21-Sep-2022 By Hank Schultz

Supplement brand Ancient Nutrition says it has achieved Regernative Organic Certified status on its farms in Tennessee and Missouri, which is a first in both states.

Huel focusing on improving existing products and sustainable credentials

29-Aug-2022 By Nicola Gordon-Seymour

Sustainable nutrition brand Huel will continue to create plant-rich solutions to meet evolving consumer needs and improve sustainable credentials as part of key development targets, according to Lee Boakes, Head of NPD & Innovation.

Three for three: Hofseth Biocare gets NDI nod from FDA for bioactive peptides

29-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Hofseth BioCare (HBC) has successfully achieved New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) status from the US Food and Drug Administration for its ProGo bioactive peptides, having already achieved this for its CalGo and OmeGo ingredients.

Frank Jaksch joins Ayana Bio as CEO: ‘I’m really excited about being back in the exploration mode’

24-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Plant cell technology company and Ginkgo Bioworks spin off Ayana Bio has appointed ChromaDex founder and former CEO Frank Jaksch as its new CEO.

USDA’s $300m investment in organic transition shouldn’t be beginning and end, stakeholders advocate

23-Aug-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

A new multi-million initiative by the US Department of Agriculture aims to reverse a downward trend in the number of farms transitioning to organic – a process that can put producers on their back foot financially as yields often drop during the three-year...

Botanical yields fall as climate change affects harvests

17-Aug-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Extreme weather events from heat waves and droughts to ‘hundred-year storms’ happening every two years, the impact of climate change is obvious. And few industries are witnessing the impact as much as botanical supply chain.

Dolcas gets 'carbon neutral' certification from UK group

09-Aug-2022 By Hank Schultz

Dolcas Biotech has achieved a Zero-Carbon certification on an olive ingredient from a global organization focused on sustainability, green finance and other climate-focused initiatives.

Scientists outline more sustainable way to extract Omega-3 fatty acids from microalgae

03-Aug-2022 By Will Chu

A new technique to extract high-value bioactives such as Omega-3 fatty acids from single-cell algae oil has been described in a new paper authored by Australia’s Flinders University.

Sustainability and transparency key, finds Vitafoods

17-May-2022 By Kavitha Sivasubramaniam

The themes of sustainability and transparency in the supply chain were two of the hot topics that took centre stage at this year’s Vitafoods Europe.

Solnul potato prebiotic gains ‘upcycling’ certification

11-May-2022 By Hank Schultz

MSP Starch Products Inc., makers of the branded ingredient Solnul Resistant Potato Starch, said the offering has been certified by the Upcycled Foods Association (UFA).

Climate issues compounding botanical supply chain issues

24-Mar-2022 By Stephen Daniells

While COVID-related supply chain disruption has wreaked havoc on global supply chains, climate issues are worsening the problems for the botanical supply from around the world.

Latest surveys show promising sustainability picture for major marine omega-3s sources

22-Mar-2022 By Hank Schultz

The latest information from the major supplies of marine sourced omega-3s shows these resources continued to be managed in a sustainable manner, despite lingering concerns over how climate change might ultimately affect these fisheries.

Nutrition not a factor for majority choosing sustainable diets, Arla survey reveals

11-Jan-2022 By Will Chu

Two thirds (66%) of people surveyed across Northern Europe do not view nutrition as part of a sustainable diet – a factor that could have unintended consequences for health, according to a survey.

Habitat loss, climate change cloud saw palmetto’s future, ABC article warns

10-Dec-2021 By Hank Schultz

The American Botanical Council has published a lengthy article on saw palmetto which sounds a warning about the sustainability of this important botanical while also providing hope for the future.

NutraCast: Nutraceutical International Corp. sets high partnerships standards

03-Dec-2021 By Danielle Masterson

Wellness opportunities are being carved out by many supplement brands, creating a purpose-driven culture for consumers. PR firm Ogilvy found that 70% of consumers feel that a wellness brand should make a positive impact on the world.

IADSA creates the Guiding Principles on Sustainability for the global supplement sector

10-Nov-2021 By Nikki Hancocks

IADSA (International Alliance of Dietary Food Supplement Associations) has created the world’s first Guiding Principles on Sustainability for the global food supplement sector in an effort to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)....

Nuseed survey highlights consumer potential for plant-based omega-3

15-Oct-2021 By Stephen Daniells

With the health of the oceans a top concern for supplement users, a new survey from Nuseed Nutritional US Inc indicates that almost two-thirds of consumers prefer a plant-based omega-3 when provided an option.

Verdure highlights several updates at SupplySide East

14-Sep-2021 By Danielle Masterson

Kristen Marshall, digital marketing manager took some time off the show floor to discuss all the new happenings with Verdure Sciences.

NutraCast: SCNM launches graduate degree program ‘for the industry, by the industry’

03-Sep-2021 By Danielle Masterson

Despite being a multi-billion dollar industry, there are no graduate degree programs from accredited academic institutions for executives in the nutrition business sector—until now. The Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences...

Four companies that are driving sustainability

17-Aug-2021 By Danielle Masterson

The alarming UN climate change report was put out over a week ago, but UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ “code red for humanity” message still haunts many as humans continue to cause much of the extreme weather by emitting greenhouse gases.

Researchers find Griffonia supplies holding steady, but information gaps are major concern

12-Jul-2021 By Hank Schultz

The demand for mood support supplements based on 5-HTP has raised concern about the sustainability of the botanical Griffonia simplicifolia, the source of the ingredient. The authors of a recent paper said more information is needed to make sure the...

Consumers have zeroed in on nutrition since the pandemic onset

08-Jul-2021 By Danielle Masterson

A new survey reveals how Covid has transformed consumer spending habits.

Phenolaeis takes another turn in white label-ready prototype game

03-May-2021 By Hank Schultz

Palm fruit ingredient manufacturer Phenolaeis has joined a growing cadre of companies putting together more complete, white label-worthy product prototypes to capture customers’ eyes during the pandemic-induced trade show drought.

ABC announces search for day-to-day replacement for founder Blumenthal

22-Apr-2021 By Hank Schultz

The American Botanical Council says it’s planning for the future in seeking a new day-to-day chief executive as founder Mark Blumenthal shifts to a more advisory role.

DSM purchases Amyris' biotech flavours and fragrances for €128m

31-Mar-2021 By Nikki Hancocks

DSM has today (31 March) agreed to acquire the flavour and fragrance (F&F) business of US-based biotech firm Amyris, extending its portfolio with bio-based ingredients for the flavor and fragrance and cosmetics industries.

News in brief

Gaia wins environmental sustainability award

19-Feb-2021 By Hank Schultz

Legacy supplement manufacturer Gaia Herbs has won a prestigious sustainability award, the brand announced yesterday.

“From farm to capsule”: UK innovator repurposes surplus veg into nutraceutical powders

03-Feb-2021 By Lynda Searby

An innovative SME in the UK is developing protein-rich powders from surplus fruit and vegetables, in a bid to bring provenance to the supplements market whilst providing a food waste solution.

Botanical sourcing and sustainability priorities for 2021

16-Dec-2020 By By Michael McGuffin, President, American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)

Each New Year presents an opportunity to take stock of where we are and to reevaluate our priorities for the near- and long-term future. We each make our resolutions and then motivate ourselves to meet our goals, whether modest or lofty. With 2021 upon...

Aker BioMarine forms new business unit aimed at plastic recycling

15-Dec-2020 By Hank Schultz

Krill oil supplier Aker BioMarine has formed a new business unit called AION that is aimed at capturing plastic waste and recycling it into new products such as grocery shopping baskets and food service trays, in what the company calls a ‘circularity...

Friend of the Sea certifies Calanus AS harvesting for omega-3 oil and protein

11-Dec-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Norway’s Calanus AS has been certified by Friend of the Sea for its harvesting of the zooplankton Calanus finmarchicus and the products derived from this marine resource.

Mystic Meg for the market: Top 10 Trends for 2021

09-Dec-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

FMCG Gurus has revealed its predictions for the top 10 consumer trends that will impact food and drink brands in 2021.

Supply chain revamp leads to new line of algal omega-3 concentrates

11-Nov-2020 By Danielle Masterson

New omega-3 concentrates have recently entered the North American supplement market. Algarithm Ingredients just added thetamega3 to their lineup of vegan Omega-3s, which are derived from the co-stream of their alphamega3 oils.

Researchers recycle shrimp waste into supplements

02-Nov-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Researchers have discovered a way to recycle shrimp waste to create sustainable nutritional supplements.

Shared values paved way for Gaia—Salus partnership

30-Oct-2020 By Hank Schultz

A recognition of shared values lead Gaia Herbs to team up with German firm Salus Haus to do something it hadn’t done before — enter into a distribution agreement.

Saw Palmetto supply: ABC-SHP webinar explores adulteration and sustainability

09-Oct-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Why is Saw Palmetto so vulnerable to adulteration? How did 2020's harvest compare to 2019's 'bumper crop'? And what efforts are underway to ensure the sustainable, high-quality supply of this important botanical? Experts weighed in...

Aker further upgrades krill fleet with new support vessel

30-Sep-2020 By Hank Schultz

Norwegian krill oil supplier Aker BioMarine has announced the launch of yet another new vessel, in this case a supply ship that supports the company’s three harvesting vessels operating in Antarctic waters.

Sustainability picture remains bright for marine sources of omega-3s

17-Sep-2020 By Hank Schultz

Smoke-choked skies from wildfires in the western US and a roiling hurricane season put consumers on edge about the state of the natural world. But omega-3s experts say that gloomy scenario shouldn’t cloud the outlook for omega-3s sustainability, which...

The role of synthetic biology in sustainably sourcing ingredients

17-Sep-2020 By Danielle Masterson

Technology is key in sustainability, identity and security. At the forefront is synthetic biology, with some pointing to the tool as the answer to solving these pressing and emerging needs.

The rise of hemp and other plant-based omega-3s

16-Sep-2020 By Danielle Masterson

Sustainability concerns and the growing demand for plant-based products are presenting new opportunities for dietary supplement manufacturers to offer omega-3 solutions that check off all the boxes for health-conscious, environmentally-minded consumers....