Top Sustainability Trends to Watch in 2025

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Circular Economy in Ingredient Production: How Taranaki Bio Extracts is Leading the Way . . .

As sustainability becomes a top priority in the ingredient industry, the concept of a circular economy has gained significant traction. A circular economy aims to minimise waste by continuously cycling resources back into production processes, transforming what was once considered waste into valuable products. At Taranaki Bio Extracts (TBE), we’re proud to be part of this movement, implementing innovative practices that reduce waste, conserve resources, and create high-quality, value-added products.

Here’s a closer look at how TBE is embracing the circular economy in our production processes.

  1. Upcycling beef bones – from waste to value-added products

In the past, beef bones were often ground up and used as fertiliser, a low-value outcome for a resource with untapped potential. At TBE, we’ve transformed this approach by upcycling bones into a range of high-quality products, making the most of their nutritional benefits.

Our Upcycled Products Include:

  • Beef Bone Broths and Extracts: Packed with nutrients like collagen, glucosamine, and amino acids, our bone broths and extracts are premium ingredients for both human and pet food products.
  • Bone Chips: These are used in various applications, especially in the manufacture of pharmaceutical gel capsules, offering a natural, sustainable ingredient.
  • Beef Meal (for pet food use): Rich in protein, our beef meat meal is a valuable ingredient in companion animal nutrition.

By turning bones into these value-added products, we’re not only creating economic value but also meeting the increasing demand for nutrient-dense and functional, natural ingredients.

 

  1. Water recycling through VFT

Water is a precious resource, and its conservation is integral to our operations at TBE. To reduce water waste in our non-food plant, we use VFT (Vibration Filtration Technology), a highly efficient system that allows us to recycle water.

How It Works:

  • The VFT system separates solids from our wastewater, recovering clean water for reuse.
  • This process minimises our demand for fresh water and reduces wastewater output, aligning with our commitment to sustainable water use.

Although the VFT system cannot be used in our food production facility, our water recycling efforts ensure that we’re not only conserving resources but also reducing our environmental footprint.

 

  1. Biofiltration for odour management and soil enrichment

To manage odour emissions, we use a biofiltration system that naturally filters air through a bed of specially selected media, including bark and stones. This eco-friendly system not only minimises odour but also supports our sustainability goals in two ways:

  • Odour Management: Biofiltration effectively reduces odours from our plant, supporting the environment for our team and surrounding community.
  • Soil Conditioning: When the bark used in the biofilter reaches the end of its life, we repurpose it as a soil conditioner. Rich in carbon, the old bark enhances soil quality, making it a sustainable option for farm crops.

This dual-purpose solution exemplifies the circular economy in action, as our biofilter media moves from odour control to nourishing the soil.

 

Leading the Way in Sustainable Production . . .  

At Taranaki Bio Extracts, we’re proud to play a role in the circular economy by continuously finding ways to reuse, recycle, and repurpose materials. From upcycling bones into high-value products to conserving water and repurposing biofilter media, every step in our process reflects our dedication to sustainable production.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to leading the way in environmentally conscious practices, aligning with global trends that prioritise resource conservation and waste minimisation. Join us on our journey to make production as sustainable and circular as possible.

Interested in learning more? Explore our sustainable practices and product offerings today: New Zealand Beef Bone Extracts | Taranaki Bio-Extracts

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