India’s nutraceutical industry sees supply chain transparency and blockchain technology bringing in credibility in purchase for consumers.
According to Yuvraj Datta, director, manufacturing & process excellence, Zeon Lifesciences, modern nutraceutical supply chains now emphasize on traceability and transparency as some very essential components of their processes. This “farm to bottle” transparency approach strengthens credibility while enabling consumers to choose products based on ethical considerations.
The adoption of blockchain technology is transforming the industry, as it allows companies to trace each product step from growth to packaging. Product label QR codes enable consumers to obtain verified information about ingredient sources as well as farming practices and processing standards, he added.
Sustainable consumerism is shaping the marketing and purchase decisions today, which align with the vision of creating a better world for our future generations. Aligning with the consumer needs and fulfilling their social responsibility, the nutraceutical industry has also adapted to sustainable practices that are both a strategic differentiator and a moral imperative. From the sourcing front to the processing end, all stages within the process offer various opportunities to reduce waste, conserve natural resources and reduce environment impact, thereby upholding the ethical standards of operations, Datta told Pharmabiz.
Nutraceutical companies partner with farmers that practice regenerative agriculture practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping and no-till farming. With such agricultural practices, soil health and biodiversity is conserved while capturing carbon and supports supply chain resilience against climate changes with heightened productivity outcomes.
Like sustainable sourcing, sustainable processing is equally important to ensure non-sustainable practices do not seep in the production chain. Manufacturers are using energy-efficient machinery with the use of solar and wind power alongside water-saving solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. The circular economy gains support from organizations that process the plant byproducts into compost and animal feed, thereby reducing waste. Furthermore, the introduction of biodegradable and plant-based packaging substitutes along with recyclable materials decreases organizational dependency on single-use plastics.
Standardized batch testing for contaminants, potency, and purity helps companies reduce labelling errors and inconsistencies. Through implementation of advanced safety protocols companies achieve both regulatory compliance and protection for consumers. Nutraceutical brands achieve lasting customer loyalty and distinguish themselves in the competitive market when they deliver safe and reliable products consistently.
Businesses are establishing fair trade partnerships to guarantee farmers and ingredient suppliers receive fair payment while working under safe and humane conditions. Throughout the supply chain ethical labour practices support legal compliance while preventing exploitation and improving community development. These processes and practices not only support global sustainability goals but also augment brand integrity.
For the nutraceutical industry, incorporating eco-friendly sourcing, authentic operations, rigorous safety standards, and ethical labour practices offer a unique opportunity to lead by example. As consumer requirement for responsible products continues to rise, companies that adapt to these principles will not only protect the planet but also promote a lasting customer trust and brand equity.
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