Sustainable September
Papacks bets on fiber bottles as plastic alternative
German company looks to US collaborators to scale compostable bottles
Sustainability
Green Bioactives falls victim to cautious investor landscape, enters liquidation
“We were so close,” says Chris Meaney, chief business officer at Green Bioactives as Scottish biotech company enters liquidation.
Turning trash into treasure: Researchers uncover benefits of upcycling cherry waste
Researchers from the University of Kent have deciphered a method to utilize cherry waste— upcycling bruised, soft or discolored cherries and transforming the pulp into a food supplement ingredient.
Behind the scenes at the world’s first industrial-scale microalgae biorefinery
In July, French biotech firm Microphyt officially inaugurated its new microalgae biorefinery, which it said opens “a new era for the European bioeconomy.”
Why was the Green Claims Directive withdrawn?
The anti-greenwashing legislation would have put significant administrative burden on food
Research project seeks to mainstream alternative protein sources
Twenty organizations have come together to launch a new research initiative, known as EPIC-SHIFT, to accelerate the use of alternative protein sources.
Bioiberica’s 50-year evolution: From biomolecule extraction to collagen education
Spanish supplier Bioiberica is celebrating its 50th anniversary by showcasing its circular economy model, designed to maximize value from animal byproducts. As part of the milestone, NutraIngredients was invited to tour its Pallafols site, just outside...
‘Change is possible’: Meet the winner of the NutraIngredients sustainability initiative of the year
In a climate of greenwashing and performative sustainability, separating genuine environmental impact from marketing spin can be challenging. Cutting through the noise is Nexira, a French ingredient supplier that won the 2025 NutraIngredients Award for...
EUDR high-risk countries revealed
After much speculation, the European Commission has unveiled which countries are ‘high risk’ under the impending EUDR regulation
BioMara targets gut health with fucoidan production scale up
Scottish seaweed biotechnology company BioMara is scaling up production of its proprietary fucoidan ingredient, Thalivra, derived from brown-seaweed to support gut and immune health.
Nestlé comes clean on methane emissions
But unlike Danone, the Swiss food major stopped short of adopting a methane-specific GHG reduction target
Across the Nutraverse: The tariffs rollercoaster, melatonin supplement label claims, Blackmores obtains B Corp
Catch up with our weekly round-up of key news from across the Nutraverse.
Darwin to tackle effects of plastic pollution with microbial technology
Repsol, a global multi-energy company, has acquired a 21.43% stake in Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence and transferred a technology aimed at combating plastic pollution to enhance human health downstream.
Enriched lettuce as effective and more tolerable than iron supplements?
A new study presents lettuce biostimulated with a seaweed extract native to the southern oceans as a natural alternative to boost iron levels without the gastrointestinal side effects associated with traditional supplements.
Fish oil production ‘off to a good start’ in 2025
Fish oil total output in January 2025 was up 71% year over year, according to data provided by marine ingredients organization IFFO.
Bioplus Life Sciences’s algal DHA approved for use in infant formula
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved the use of Bioplus Life Sciences' algal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oil and powder in infant formula.
Fermentalg’s new visual identity focuses on one health ethos
Microalgae-based biotechnology company Fermentalg has unveiled a new visual identity to reflect its commitment to planetary and human health.
Soil… the next frontier?
From gut health to mental health and immune system health, the growing understanding of the link between soil health and human health is driving development of new technologies in agriculture that aim to improve both soil quality and human wellbeing. But...
EU industry bodies ask for a “simplified” Green Claims Directive
A group of 14 stakeholders has set out its wishes for “a clear and proportionate framework” in a joint statement, while some NGOs have concerns that the EU’s recent legislation has not been strict enough.
Do consumers still care about sustainability?
Sustainability has become a major buzz word in food and beverage. But is it still important to consumers? And, if not, what does this mean for the industry?
Epax invests $10 million to diversify marine oil range
Epax has invested $10 million in its Aalesund-based production facility to drive development of next-generation marine oil products.
Personalized protein and hydration solutions earmarked as 2025 megatrends
The consumer demand for holistic wellness solutions is being met with simplified nutrition, reinvented hydration innovations and diverse protein products, according to Glanbia’s 2025 megatrends forecast.
The biggest food tech trends for 2025 and beyond
Robot use will increase, more food deliveries will be made and food waste will be consigned to the past… how food tech will evolve.
Insect protein buzz waning as patents slow
Insect protein’s predicted take off has been less than a flutter as market innovation stagnates, with worldwide patents sliding year-on-year again.
Algae, fungi and insects as alternative protein sources: Review
Proteins from algae, fungi and edible insects are as high-quality as animal proteins and demonstrate significant potential as a sustainable source of bioactive peptides, according to a new study.
Behind the bacterium innovation "for more sustainable sun protection"
Italian microbiome startup Bacfarm just won Shiseido’s annual startup competition with an innovation that can have uses in both topical and nutra sun care products. We spoke to the co-founder to learn more about how it could disrupt the category...
Proteine Resources receives €1.36 million investment for insect biotechnology
Polish biotech company Proteine Resources has its sights set on the human nutrition industry, following a new investment that brings its total funding to €1.8 million.
Natac opens Spain’s largest omega-3 production plant
Natac announces the start-up of the largest omega-3 production plant in As Somozas, Spain, following an investment of over 18 million euros.
Danone targets feed-related emissions reductions through new MoU
The dairy major aims to cut feed procurement-related emissions by leveraging a lysine supplement on farms across four continents.
How AI can slash indoor farming energy use
Integrating artificial intelligence into today’s environmental control systems could reduce energy consumption for indoor agriculture by 25% – potentially helping to feed the world as its population rises, Cornell University engineers have found.
Green Bioactives collects grants to expand biomanufacturing platform
Plant cell culture manufacturer Green Bioactives (GBL) has secured over £300,000 to advance plant metabolite production in response to the climate crisis.
Will consumers accept mycelium?
Mycelium can be a protein-rich alternative to animal products. But will consumers accept it? The interplay of disgust and naturalness perceptions is the key, a new study suggests.
How does the One Health concept apply to industry?
Symbiologist Nina Vinot urges nutraceutical industry to embrace One Health for a healthier planet and people, explaining that “no microbiome is an island.”
How manufacturers can source soy sustainably: The EUDR and beyond
Soy is under the spotlight due to the approaching enforcement of the EUDR. But how can soy manufacturers ensure that they’re sourcing sustainably?
Epax reduces carbon emissions with renewable energy transition
Norwegian marine ingredient manufacturer Epax is nearing its goal of 100% renewable energy use following its recent investment in hydroelectric power.
Sirio to unveil organic concepts for a growing market
Global nutraceutical manufacturer Sirio will debut its new PureOrganix range at the Vitafoods Europe trade show from May 14 to 16 to cater to growing consumer demand for organic formulations.
Full steam ahead for GC Rieber VivoMega sustainable operations
GC Rieber VivoMega’s omega-3 facilities are now fully supported with 100% renewable energy, with waste material diverted for use as aqua feed.
Sowing the seed: Start-up offers nutrition support for marginalized communities
Sow, a start-up that caters to the nutrition needs of Black, Asian and Arab women, launched last year in response to data revealing that certain demographics were affected by COVID-19 more harshly than others.
Innobio launches vegan vitamin D3 from pine oil
Chinese raw material manufacturer Innobio has introduced a new vegan vitamin D3 ingredient sourced from pine oil to meet the heightened demand for sustainable and effective plant-based supplement alternatives.
FrieslandCampina Ingredients launches microencapsulated algae DHA powders
FrieslandCampina Ingredients has launched two algae-based, microencapsulated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ingredients to offer manufacturers more options in catering to vegetarian and vegan consumers.
Succeeding in active nutrition: Innovating around the blueprint
The active nutrition category has a stable blueprint of trends, but consumers have fast-evolving needs so brands must focus on evolving their communication strategies to hit the right note with the modern customer.
PharmaLinea 2024 trends: From natural pain management to AI-powered ingredient discovery
There is a clear white space for pain management supplements in the market and significant opportunity to harness AI for innovation and discovery.
FrieslandCampina reveals 2024 trends report
Key trends to watch in 2024 will include next-gen alt protein solutions, sustainability with substantiation, medicines for the mind and active ageing solutions.
Lactalis unveils solar thermal power plant for sustainable whey production
Lactalis, the global dairy giant, has inaugurated the “largest solar thermal power plant in France” allowing it to cut CO2 emissions by 2,000 tons per year.
Mintel insights: Navigating the future of omega-3 fatty acids
“We need to find alternative sources of omega-3… we need to change our approach across the globe” Rick Miller associate director for specialised nutrition at Mintel told an audience at Food Ingredients Europe (FiE) last month.
Consumers demand genuine sustainability: Euromonitor reveals greenwashing fatigue at FiE
“Greenwashed out” consumers are lethargic from a lack of transparency and distrust in some brand sustainability claims, market research company Euromonitor told the audience at Food Ingredients Europe (FiE).
Guest Post: Food businesses are walking blindly into greenwashing claims
'Bio', 'green', 'carbon neutral', 'eco' and 'nature friendly' are common claims on functional foods, but as we enter 2024 we will see the implementation of the Green Washing Directive (GWD) banning misleading green claims. Is your business ready?
Startup Spotlight
Wine industry by-product startup offers upcycled gut health support
WellVine, the functional ingredient manufacturer utilising Chardonnay Marc, has been chosen as a NutraIngredients ‘Probiota Pioneer’ for its zero-waste ingredient designed for gut health.
Unused MyProtein repurposed into fish feed in trailblazing sustainability drive
MyProtein has reprocessed over 150 tonnes of unused product into fish food through THG’s sustainability initiative in partnership with waste processing company MYGroup.
Grøntvedt biotech achieves 'Friend Of The Sea' recognition for sustainable fish oil
The Norwegian marine ingredients producer Grøntvedt biotech has achieved the 'Friend Of The Sea’ certification from the World Sustainability Organisation, which recognises the company’s significant sustainability efforts within its production and...