We believe that sustainability matters. We are committed to creating products that not only benefit our customers' health but also the planet we call home. We firmly believe in being responsible for our actions and ensuring that we contribute to the solution rather than the problem. That's why being sustainable and ethical in our production practices is at the core of our values.
Our journey towards sustainability began when we realized that our products' impact goes beyond their efficacy. We recognize that sourcing ingredients, packaging, and disposal methods play a crucial role in preserving our planet's resources. To do our part, we have taken steps to reduce plastics, use recycled packaging materials, and partnering with suppliers who share our values.
Ethical Sourcing
Our commitment to sustainability is not limited to just the environment; we also prioritize ethical sourcing practices. We believe that every ingredient's journey should be transparent and fair. We work with suppliers who treat their farmers and workers with respect, ensuring that they receive fair wages and working conditions. We firmly believe that only when each person involved in the process is treated ethically can we create products that can nourish our bodies wholly.
How does OPTY.NC implement Ethical Sourcing Practices?
Sustainable or Locally Sourced Ingredients
One of the most critical aspects of sustainability is the sourcing of our ingredients. We know that our products' quality is only as good as the ingredients we use. Therefore, we take extra care in selecting our suppliers, looking for those who prioritize ethical and sustainable farming practices. We opt for organically grown produce, support fair trade, and select suppliers who respect workers' rights and implement eco-friendly farming methods. Here we wanted to share a little more with you about how we do this and why sourcing ethical, quality ingredients is not only good for the planet, its great for your body, mind, and soul.
• Product ingredients have been evaluated and approved in accordance with our Ethical Sourcing Policy which includes: efficacy and clinical performance, safety, quality assurance and stability, environmental sustainability, supplier assessment, and social impact and responsibility.
OPTY.NC Collagen
We only use certified sustainable marine collagen in accordance with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standards. These sustainable fisheries operate on the core principle that waters are not over-fished. Our collagen comes from fish, wild caught from the pristine waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Our high production standards, along with sourcing quality produce, ensures consistent delivery of low molecular weight, marine collagen peptides. Low molecular weight particles are smaller in size and more easily absorbed across the digestive tract, ensuring optimal bioavailability and delivery to the areas of the body where it is active.
In clinical trials, collagen peptides have been shown to:
- Reduce eye wrinkle volume by up to 49 per cent
- Increase skin elasticity by up to 40 per cent
- Increase skin hydration by up to 28 per cent
- Improve skin texture
- Increase skin thickness for resilience and plump appearance
- Increase quantity and activity of fibroblasts (the cells than make collagen and elastin)
- Decrease collagen fragmentation by up to 31 per cent
To read more about our collagen, click here.
To read more about the evidence, click here.
For your ultimate guide to shopping collagen, click here.
The grape seeds used in our grape seed extract are a bi-product of the sustainable wine industry from New Zealand’s South Island. The grapes have been sustainably grown in line with the guidelines set out in the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) certification program.
As a potent free radical scavenger, grapeseed extract supports microcirculation and delivery of nutrients to where they are needed most. Cold processed to ensure maximum potency, our extract has been shown in lab tests to deliver up to six times greater free radical scavenging capacity than others in the market. Pretty amazing stuff.
Scientific studies have shown that grape seed extracts high in oligomeric proanthocyanins (OPC’s) – potent antioxidant compounds found in grape seeds - may:
• Support healthy circulation and improve endothelial function
• Improve capillary strength and microcirculation
• Strengthen the collagen matrix and improve collagen cross linking
• Inhibit degradation of collagen and elastin in the skin
• Support wound healing
• Enhance the protection of the skin against UVA/UVB
To read more about the evidence, click here.
Our Kiwifruit Powder - Livaux® award-winning prebiotic kiwifruit powder made from sustainably grown New Zealand Zespri® SunGold kiwifruit promotes proliferation of major butyrate producing “good” bacteria species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii for overall gut health and microbiome balance.
New Zealand experiences higher UV radiation than most other counties at the same latitude. Resultantly, plants produce higher levels of their “sunscreen” chemicals to protect themselves83. New Zealand Zespri® SunGold Kiwifruit are higher in polyphenols – the “active” prebiotic and antioxidant compound in the fruit – and present in our potent GutRenew OptiBlend™.
To watch a pretty cool video explaining more about butyrate producing “good” bacteria species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, (F. prau) click here.
The subject of multiple clinical trials looking at its impact on gut health, Livaux® Kiwifruit powder has been shown to support populations of an important butyrate-producing good bacteria in the bowel: F. prau.
To read more about the evidence, click here.
Our Aloe - made with 100 per cent Australian grown aloe vera leaves, from soils certified chemical free according to internationally recognized IFOAM Organic Farming Standard.
Aloe vera gel has a long history of use as a digestive aid and anti-inflammatory as well as a topical treatment to enhance wound healing, relieve skin irritation and treat burns.
In a study on 30 healthy females aged over 45, who supplemented either 1200mg/day or 3600mg/day of aloe gel for 90 days, the subjects experienced:
- Significantly decreased wrinkle volume
- Increased skin elasticity
- Increased quantity of procollagen
Clinical studies have demonstrated the ability of aloe polysaccharides to bind to the gut wall and enhance the absorption of Vitamins C, E and B12.
To read more about the evidence, click here.
At our core, we understand that sustainability is a continuous process that requires learning and improvement. We are always brainstorming ways we can better our practices, from minimizing our carbon footprint to redesigning our packaging to be more eco-friendly. Being sustainable isn't just a checkbox - it's a journey we take with our customers, and we're committed to doing it the right way.
For more information about our sustainability practices, click here.
