4 MIN READ
2-4-2025
Sustainability in the Supplement: What Consumers Need to Know Industry
Alex Schulze , CEO/Co-Founder
Sustainability in the Supplement: What Consumers Need to Know Industry
With a global market value of over $130 billion, supplements have become a necessary component of many people's everyday lives. Supplements, which range from vitamins and minerals to protein powders and herbal cures, are important for maintaining health and wellbeing. However, the sustainability of the supplement sector is currently receiving more attention as consumers become more conscious of the influence on the environment. Sustainability is increasingly playing a significant role in consumer decision-making, from sourcing raw materials to packaging. The expanding trend of sustainability in the supplement sector is examined in this article, along with the information that consumers should know to make wise decisions.
The Environmental Impact of Supplement Production
The supplement industry can have a big environmental impact, much like many other sectors. Supplement raw materials are frequently obtained from minerals, plants, and animals; nevertheless, the extraction process can result in resource depletion, habitat loss, and overharvesting. For instance, unsustainable methods of harvesting exotic plants, seaweed, and some fish oils may result in population declines and ecological imbalances.
The manufacturing process itself can increase waste, water consumption, and carbon emissions in addition to the acquisition of raw materials. Additionally, packaging has a significant effect on the environment. The majority of supplements are offered for sale in plastic sachets, blister packs, or bottles, all of which add to the problem of plastic pollution worldwide. Many businesses are reconsidering their production and packaging strategies in an effort to lessen their environmental impact as a result of growing consumer demands for eco-friendly methods.
What Does Sustainability in Supplements Mean?
The sourcing of ingredients, the manufacturing process, packaging, and general corporate responsibility are all important aspects of sustainability in the supplement industry. Customers should be aware of the following important areas:
1. Sustainable Sourcing of Ingredients: Sustainable sourcing guarantees that the ingredients used in supplements are grown or harvested in a way that promotes biodiversity and reduces environmental harm. This entails using certified sustainable suppliers, refraining from overusing natural resources, and engaging in ethical farming methods. For instance, several supplement manufacturers are increasingly employing organic farming practices, which eschew dangerous chemicals and pesticides, improving the goods' health advantages while also benefiting the environment.
2. Ethical Animal Sourcing: Ethical sourcing is an important factor to take into account when using supplements that contain substances produced from animals, such as collagen, fish oil, or gelatin. Customers are looking for products with cruelty-free collagen, sustainably sourced salmon, and substitutes for ingredients obtained from animals. Customers may be influenced to make more moral decisions by certifications such as the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) for sustainable seafood.
3. Eco-Friendly Packaging: The packaging of supplements has a significant impact on the environment. More environmentally friendly options, such glass containers, biodegradable packaging, or even reusable pouches, are replacing plastic in many brands. Additionally, some businesses are employing recycled content, cutting back on extra materials, and using minimal packaging techniques. Customers are urged to seek out goods with obvious sustainability certifications or companies who make a concerted effort to reduce packaging waste.
4. Carbon Footprint Reduction Reducing carbon emissions is another priority for supplement companies. To reduce the environmental impact of product delivery, this entails implementing energy-efficient production techniques, utilizing renewable energy sources, and enhancing transportation logistics. Nowadays, a lot of businesses tell customers about their carbon footprint, and some are spending money on carbon offset schemes to make up for their emissions.
What to Look for as a Consumer
1. Customers must comprehend the many certifications and labeling that denote a product's environmental credentials as sustainability gains traction in the supplement sector. Here are some things to be aware of:
2. Certifications: Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade, USDA Organic, and other labels guarantee that the ingredients are supplied ethically and responsibly. A company's dedication to environmental and social responsibility is demonstrated by additional certifications such as B Corp and carbon-neutral labeling. Even though these credentials can serve as useful indicators, it's crucial to learn about and comprehend the particular requirements that each one requires.
3. Transparency: When it comes to their sourcing procedures, ingredient origins, and environmental impact reduction initiatives, sustainable firms are typically more open and honest. Seek out businesses who are transparent about their manufacturing procedures, supply chain, and sustainability objectives. Transparency holds businesses responsible for their actions and aids consumers in making wiser decisions.
4. Innovations in Packaging: A lot of companies are switching to more environmentally friendly packaging options. Seek out products made of materials that are compostable, biodegradable, or recyclable. Some businesses are even doing away with single-use packaging entirely in favor of bulk buying or refillable containers.
5. Sustainable Ingredients: Verify if the supplement's ingredients come from sustainable sources. For instance, because they use fewer resources and have a smaller environmental impact than supplements obtained from animals, plant-based supplements are typically more sustainable. Furthermore, supplements with certified organic ingredients are more environmentally friendly because they are frequently produced without the use of dangerous pesticides.
The Future of Sustainability in Supplements
Sustainability is becoming more and more of a focus as the supplement market changes. The industry is embracing more sustainable methods and developing in response to consumer demands for more ethical and ecologically friendly products. Businesses are spending money on research to find environmentally friendly substitutes for conventional products, enhancing production procedures, and investigating novel packaging options to cut down on waste.
Furthermore, governments and non-governmental groups are starting to impose more stringent rules and guidelines for sustainable operations as consumer awareness of sustainability continues to grow. This will probably encourage even more businesses in the supplement sector to embrace corporate social responsibility and sustainable practices.
Conclusion
Sustainability in the supplement industry is a fundamental shift toward more ethical and ecologically responsible methods, not just a fad. Customers may now choose items that reflect their values by adopting eco-friendly packaging and sourcing raw materials sustainably. Businesses will keep innovating and improving their methods in response to the growing demand for sustainable products, which will ultimately result in a more sustainable future for the earth and the supplement business.
Sources:
1. Global Wellness Institute, “Sustainable Sourcing in Supplements,” Global Wellness Institute, 2023.
2. The Nutrition Business Journal, “The Green Supplement Movement: Trends in Sustainable Sourcing,” Nutrition Business Journal, 2022.
3. Fair Trade USA, “The Importance of Ethical Sourcing in Supplements,” Fair Trade USA, 2023.
4. Green America, “Sustainable Packaging in the Supplement Industry,” Green America, 2022.