Data from Mintel’s Global New Product Database, which tracks the information used to market new products all over the world, shows that in 2015 there were 370 ‘environmentally friendly’ supplement products launched globally – up 37% on 2014. Correspondingly, there were 11,033 new food product launches using a sustainability platform in 2015 (+18%) and 3177 new beverage launches (+7%).
Efrat Kat, VP Marketing and Sales at Algatechnologies, the leading supplier of sustainable astaxanthin, commented: 'Comparatively speaking, the number of new supplements launched in 2015 with a sustainability positioning remained small compared with the food and beverage categories. However, in terms of growth, it’s clear that ‘green’ supplements are now outstripping food and beverage products. If this growth curve continues, it will surely be only a matter of time before the supplements market catches up.'
Ms Kat added: 'For dietary supplements companies, this means there is a significant opportunity to show their commitment to sustainability by sourcing ethical ingredients. Brands that recognise the importance of launching eco-friendly products can also gain a first-mover advantage over their competitors.'
Algatechnologies produces AstaPure natural astaxanthin – a powerful antioxidant – from the microalgae strain Haematococcus pluvialis. Based in Israel’s Arava desert, Algatechnologies’ state-of-art production facility harnesses solar power to cultivate the microalgae in an enclosed system of glass tubes called photobioreactors, ensuring maximum energy efficiency at all times. The microalgae are grown in fresh water sourced from a local borehole, 80% of which is purified and recycled for reuse at the plant, further reducing Algatechnologies’ environmental footprint.
The Arava desert production site is situated many kilometres from any heavily populated and commercial areas and therefore enjoys the benefits of no environmental pollution, guaranteeing that AstaPure astaxanthin is always contaminant-free.
Algatechnologies will showcase AstaPure natural astaxanthin on Stand K72 at the forthcoming Vitafoods Europe (Geneva, 10-12 May 2016). Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to find out more about how AstaPure is produced and how it can help them create safe and effective dietary supplements with a strong sustainability proposition.
Ronnie Meninger, CEO of Algatechnologies, said: 'Dietary supplements brands that are keen to optimise the sustainability of their products should ask their ingredients suppliers tough questions about their supply chain transparency, how they assess their suppliers, third-party validation and the criteria they set for sustainable sourcing in terms of both environmental and social aspects.'
She continued: 'Such factors are at the cornerstone of Algatechnologies’ approach, and in the specialty ingredients category astaxanthin is a unique product. Algatechnologies’ proprietary production process protects the planet’s natural resources. By using AstaPure, health and wellness brands can create the perfect platform for capitalising on the growing trend for consumers to demand products that are safe, effective and produced in a way that is environmentally responsible.'
AstaPure is a highly versatile astaxanthin ingredient available in multiple formats for a wide range of dietary supplement applications. It is 100% vegan, verified by the Non-GMO Project and certified as GMP, HACCP, ISO, Halal and Kosher. AstaPure can be supplied in the form of free-flowing, highly stable beadlets for use in hard-shell capsules and tablets. In addition, Algatechnologies offers AstaPure oleoresins in concentrations of 5%, 10% and 20%. These are ideal for use in softgel capsules and cosmetics (oil in water).
Astaxanthin delivers benefits in a number of categories, including sports nutrition, skin health, eye health, cardiovascular health and general well-being.
