Citrus fruit is one of the world’s leading ingredient categories, with worldwide production now reaching more than 130 million tonnes.1 So, with a potentially huge carbon footprint attached to producing citrus extracts, it is vital that the production process is handled in an environmental and ethical way.
With over 130 years of experience providing high-quality ingredients within the ever-changing citrus market, Treatt is an expert at ensuring that its production process—from citrus grove right through to final product—is handled sustainably. Treatt’s dedicated citrus procurement team deals directly with local producers and farmers, and in adherence with Ethical Trading Initiative best practice requirements, ensures that only raw materials from ethical sources are purchased. Better still, as a member of The Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform (SAI), Treatt is able to be part of the solution in developing and establishing sustainable agriculture. Indeed, the SAI global food and drink industry platform works expressly with this aim through member-driven, pre-competitive collaboration. What’s more, through regular visits to growers, Treatt is able to guarantee sustainable practices are in place throughout the supply chain, providing customers with maximum traceability.
Perhaps poignantly, the citrus oil that Treatt purchases to develop its extracts and essences is the by-product left from when a processor has extracted the juice for the food chain. The leftover peel, from which the oil used by Treatt is taken, is sent to other manufacturers who repurpose it for animal feed or pectin, among other applications. This holistic approach means that there is minimal waste across the entire process. For Treatt, however, a zero-general waste to landfill policy means that there is motivation to eradicate this waste altogether. So, citrus oil purchased from a processor is used in its entirety as feedstock for separation and extraction processes. The result is both higher concentrated oils and more water-soluble elements that each have their own unique application for Treatt’s clients. Better still, any water involved in the extraction process is reused for land irrigation locally.
The growing global consumer demands for natural ingredients with positive sustainability credentials have made ingredients such as these extremely appealing to those formulating in the health and wellness space. Treatt’s customers benefit from its close proximity to the source of its raw materials and can then bring all the best that nature has to offer to their own projects.
Paul Stott, Citrus category manager, comments:
“As a globally familiar ingredient with a zesty fragrance and a natural health halo, citrus is a major player in the ingredients market. Although consumer demand for novelty and lower sugar means interest in citrus products may fluctuate, its vitamin-packed composition and versatile flavor profile will see it stand the test of time.
“Equally importantly, the sustainability of its farming and production process will only become a more important feature. In fact, transparency in terms of ethical supply chain and processes that practice effective recycling, waste management and energy efficiency will no doubt come under more scrutiny over time. This places Treatt in a strong position, as we are able to provide our clients with the evidence they need to show their customers that their citrus-based products are sustainably developed.”
To find out how we can work with you on your products, please email [email protected] or visit www.treatt.com to find out more about Treatt’s work.
References:
1https://worldcitrusorganisat+ion.org/facts-and-figures/
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