2024 NutraIngredients Awards: Spotlight on the Sustainability Initiative of the Year finalists
Sustainability in the industry is crucial for several reasons, the obvious being environmental impact, minimizing ecological footprint and preserving natural resources and biodiversity for future generations.
But more than that, sustainable practices often result in healthier outcomes. For example, sustainable agriculture and practices tend to prioritize nutrient-rich soil, which can lead to more nutritious ingredients.
There is also the question of food security. The industry has a part to play in promoting resilience in food systems and tackling challenges such as climate change, extreme weather events and economic instability. And if that weren't enough, consumers are increasingly seeking out sustainable options.
Many of the initiatives submitted this year to this award category represented a real commitment to meeting the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The category’s judging panel has selected three finalists who are undertaking novel initiatives in Europe that have the vision to deliver real impact.
Arctic Blue Omega
The sustainability initiative unveiled as the "world’s first high-dosed omega-3 gummy" crafted with MSC-certified Norwegian cod oil as the primary ingredient is a collaborative effort involving Arctic Blue, a Dutch consumer brand specializing in Omega-3 products; Pharma Marine, a Norwegian producer of MSC-certified cod oil; and Vitux, a Norwegian gummy production technology provider.
The initiative aims to address the pressing sustainability challenges facing the fish oil industry, such as climate change and overfishing, by utilizing trimmings from fish sourced from Arctic waters, thereby eliminating the need for specially caught fish.
By creating high-quality omega-3 gummies with Vitux's Concordix technology, enabling optimal absorption, Arctic Blue aims to address the gap for efficacious levels of omega-3 in this popular format.
Go Zero
The sustainability initiative undertaken by Finzelberg, the German botanical extracts producer, aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2025 and reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by 55% compared to its 2020 levels.
This initiative encompasses various aspects of the company's operations, from the cultivation of raw materials to processing, refining, packaging, transportation and delivery.
The project includes measures such as targeted crop rotation, incorporating regional forest management waste to replace natural gas, and producing biochar to sequester carbon dioxide equivalents.
Finzelberg is also making strides in its social sustainability practices which involves educating and involving employees to contribute ideas for a more sustainable future for the industry.
Inavea
The sustainability initiative implemented by French ingredient supplier Nexira through its Inavea brand is focused on producing carbon-neutral organic acacia and baobab fibers.
Nexira has achieved commendable milestones in reforestation, community development and carbon reduction through its Acacia Program, with further commitments that aim to impact 300,000 hectares of forest, 200 villages and 50,000 producers, with a projected annual carbon sequestration of over 60,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
The primary focus is to align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as climate action, life on land, partnerships for the goals and gender equity.
Winner reveal
The awards will be presented at a VIP party hosted by NutraIngredients in Geneva, Switzerland on May 15, recognizing leading initiatives and products across industry categories and celebrating the 10th anniversary of the awards.
"With a stellar line-up of competitors in this year's finals, the team is excited to celebrate our worthy finalists and winners as well as mark a huge milestone for the brand," said Nikki Hancocks, editor of NutraIngredients.com.
