From the extracts obtained at the Hervás plant (Extremadura), the NutraResearch team has developed the first formulations in various galenic presentations: capsules, tablets, syrups, and granules.
The SUSTAINEXT project, an innovative alliance of companies seeking to transform traditional crops into sources of high-value-added ingredients and biofuels, continues to make successful progress. After 18 months in operation, this bio-based industry model is already showing its first tangible results. In this context, NutraResearch, as a consortium member, has strengthened its role in the development of new nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products derived from plant by-products.
The production center is located in Hervás (Extremadura), where Natac, a leading Spanish company in the production of sustainable plant extracts, manages the plant and coordinates this initiative.
Up to 20 companies are part of the SUSTAINEXT project, funded by Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), a European consortium formed by the EU and the Bio-based Industries Consortium. All member companies gathered this March at Natac’s biorefinery, which is now operational and producing active ingredients, coinciding with the visit of project supervision technicians. Instead of discarding plant by-products such as olive leaves, artichoke, thistle, and chamomile, these go through Natac’s biorefinery in Hervás, where high-value extracts and active ingredients are obtained for use in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, fertilizer, and bioplastic products, thus consolidating a circular economy model. NutraResearch, in particular, is using these extracts to formulate innovative dietary supplements.
During the meeting, Albert Sala, R&D Director of NutraResearch, presented the latest contributions from NutraResearch.
Transformation into Dietary Supplements
Using these extracts, the NutraResearch team has developed the first formulations in various galenic presentations, including capsules, tablets, syrups, and granules. These products are currently undergoing stability tests in climatic chambers at NutraResearch’s facilities to ensure their effectiveness and durability in the market, where they could be launched within two years.
Innovation and the Future of the Project
The SUSTAINEXT project includes the construction of a new Natac manufacturing plant in Hervás, which began last July and is now at an advanced stage, specifically designed for the production of new plant extracts.
In the future, “as new extracts are obtained through the expansion of production in Hervás, we will incorporate them into innovative products,” explained Sala, who estimates that 40 new active ingredients will be obtained.
NutraResearch’s goal within SUSTAINEXT is to continue exploring new applications for the obtained active ingredients, developing innovative and sustainable products. Over the next two years, the company aims to launch around 20 new products, reinforcing this integrated resource utilization model and minimizing waste.