What is Natac’s core business focus, and how do you produce your ingredients?
Natac is dedicated to researching, developing, manufacturing, and commercializing natural ingredients, focusing primarily on herbal extracts and functional oils, like omega-3. Headquartered in Spain, we operate three factories across the country, each specializing in different product lines. Our reach is global, with approximately 90% of our products exported to over 45 countries. We pride ourselves on delivering science-backed ingredients to support health, rooted in the long-standing tradition of using plants for preventive and therapeutic purposes.
The extraction process for our products mirrors the simplicity of making an infusion or tea. We take plants, use solvents to obtain active ingredients, concentrate, dry them, and deliver them in bulk, typically in 25-kilo bags. These concentrated ingredients are then used by our clients to create consumer products, like capsules or tablets, allowing people to conveniently access the beneficial properties of various plants to support different health functions.
Could you elaborate on Natac’s circular bioeconomy model and how it supports sustainability goals?
Our circular bioeconomy model is a cornerstone of Natac's sustainability strategy. The approach leverages existing agricultural by-products, such as grape seeds leftover from wine production, to extract valuable active ingredients like polyphenols. This method ensures we maximize the value of agricultural resources without interfering with the initial use of the plants.
For instance, after we extract beneficial compounds, the residual material is returned to the earth as compost, thereby fostering a sustainable, closed-loop system.
This model extends to other crops, like artichokes. Post-harvest, we utilize the leaves—normally discarded as waste—to produce artichoke extract. This approach allows us to harness the complete value of the plant while reducing agricultural waste. By reintegrating residuals back into the ecosystem, Natac achieves a minimal environmental footprint and aligns with zero-waste principles.
Why did Natac choose to focus on Omega-3, and what sets your approach apart from competitors?
Omega-3 offers significant health benefits, notably for brain development, eye health, and cardiovascular support. Recognizing these benefits and the demand for high-quality omega-3, Natac expanded into this area by establishing the largest omega-3 manufacturing plant in Spain. In Spain, with its high fish consumption, sourcing omega-3 from non-consumable fish species aligns with our commitment to sustainability and product quality.
What distinguishes us from competitors is our European origin and commitment to quality assurance. Our customers sought a trusted supplier who could meet stringent safety and quality standards. By providing this, Natac fills a niche in the omega-3 market, catering to clients seeking high-quality European omega-3 products and establishing itself as a reliable source for health-conscious consumers worldwide.
What is SustaiNext, and how does it benefit both the local economy in Extremadura and Natac’s sustainability efforts?
SustaiNext represents our commitment to sustainable practices that support rural economic development. This initiative, backed by an EU grant under the Flagship program, allows us to maximize extract yields from plants, thereby increasing output without additional resource consumption. Currently, we obtain around 300 grams of extract per kilogram of plant material, but through SustaiNext, we aim to raise that to 700 grams per kilogram, improving both efficiency and environmental sustainability.
In addition to boosting output, SustaiNext enables the development of active ingredients at an industrial scale. Many plant properties, though well-documented scientifically, haven't been harnessed commercially due to processing challenges. By industrializing these methods, we make health-promoting plant properties accessible to consumers, bridging the gap between science and practical application in plant-based products.
How does Natac ensure quality and purity in its products, and how do you communicate this to your customers?
Natac maintains rigorous quality control through our HABOID (Hazard Analysis Botanical Identity) system, developed about a decade ago. This process includes a range of analyses that verify the origin and identity of each plant we use, addressing factors like geographical source and plant variety. HABOID assures customers that they’re receiving precisely what they paid for, with no compromises in botanical identity or purity.
Maintaining consistency across our products is crucial, given the natural variability in plant ingredients. Our processes convert these naturally diverse materials into standardized products, ensuring consistent efficacy and safety for consumers. As more consumers demand transparency, HABOID has become integral to our customer assurance efforts, fostering trust and confidence in Natac’s products.
With the abundance of scientific information, how does Natac communicate dosage and product benefits to consumers?
Educating consumers on proper dosage and the benefits of active ingredients is essential. To ensure users get optimal effects, we work closely with clients to establish recommended daily doses for each product. For example, clinical studies suggest a daily intake of two grams of DHA omega-3 for cardiovascular health. By providing these guidelines, we empower consumers to make informed decisions and achieve intended health benefits.
Furthermore, many of our customers now display dosage information directly on packaging, helping end-users understand the importance of consistent consumption. Just as with exercise, the benefits of our products come from regular intake rather than sporadic use. By emphasizing this, we aim to cultivate a culture of health awareness and consistent wellness practices among consumers.
How does Natac address the perception that supplements like Omega-3 replace a balanced diet?
While omega-3 supplements are convenient, they’re intended to complement, not replace, a balanced diet. For instance, a person would need to consume fish multiple times a week to meet their omega-3 requirements, which may not always be feasible or affordable. Therefore, supplements provide a reliable way to ensure consistent intake, especially for those with limited access to fish.
That said, individuals with high fish consumption may not need omega-3 supplementation. However, given the variability in modern diets and busy lifestyles, supplements offer a practical solution to achieve daily nutrient targets. As we educate consumers, we emphasize that these supplements are enhancements, not substitutes for a nutritious diet.
In your view, how can the supplement industry promote a better understanding of dietary supplements' role in overall health?
As the industry evolves, education remains pivotal. We advocate for a preventive approach to health, encouraging regular supplement use as part of a holistic wellness regimen. This trend is already visible in younger generations, who prioritize wellness proactively. Historically, many only considered health supplements in later life stages, but a shift toward preventive care is now underway.
At Natac, we strive to support this shift by transparently communicating the benefits and limitations of supplements. We educate our customers that, while supplements can enhance health, they’re most effective when combined with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. This perspective aligns with Natac’s vision of supporting longevity and wellness through informed, sustainable supplement use.
