Submitted by Armen Hareyan on Jun 2nd, 2007
Aloe Vera
Eco-Logica has renewed the organic certification for the Aloe vera L. grown at Finca Sabila, Carrington's Costa Rica farming operation.
Eco-Logica is recognized internationally by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the European Union and the government of Switzerland as an accredited certifying body. To its knowledge, Carrington is the only producer of Aloe vera whose farm is certified organic and manufactured in a kosher and ISO-certified facility that is cGMP by the FDA and, for an injectable biologic, by the USDA. According to the International Aloe Science Council, only some members are certified, but not all membersprovide documentation supporting their organic certification.
To ensure proper procedures were in place, as required for organic certification by Eco-Logica, Carrington hired Mr. Howard Garrett, "The Dirt Doctor," who visited Finca Sabila and helped formalize processes and maintenance programs needed to obtain organic certification. To conserve water, drip irrigation systems were installed and special systems were developed and implemented to protect vegetation and erosion during the intense rain season from July to November each year.
Carrington utilizes the certified organic Aloe vera to produce several proprietary raw materials sold in the medical, nutritional and cosmetic markets under the brands Acemannan Hydrogel, Manapol(R) and Hydrapol. Additionally, the company will be launching new raw materials in the second half of 2007 that will allow Carrington to reach new customers and expand its market share. All new products will contain Carrington's certified organic Aloe vera. Use of these materials allows customers to claim "contains certified organically-grown Aloe vera" on their labeling and make certified organic skin care, dietary supplements and functional foods and beverages. According to the Organic Trade Association 2006 Manufacturer Survey, the 2005 sales of organic non-foods grew 32.5% to $744 million in the United States. The leaders in this category were organic dietary supplements ($238 million with 29% growth) and personal care products ($282 million with 28% growth).
Carlton E. Turner, president and CEO, stated, "We are dedicated to protecting our environment and providing our customers with the highest quality raw materials and finished products. In fact, I am so committed to the organic approach that we are organic at my house."
In addition to practicing organic farming methods, Carrington extends the "green philosophy" to all aspects of its global operations. Its corporate headquarters utilizes only organic landscaping methods, and all facilities have a recycling program in place for plastic, aluminum, and paper.
The recycling program also extends to Carrington's subsidiaries Finca Sabila and Sabila Industrial where unused Aloe vera rinds are transported back to the farm and utilized as compost. Finca Sabila also utilizes the latest soil conservation, drainage and irrigation techniques to ensure that any excess rainwater runoff does not adversely affect its neighbors or community.
Source:
Carrington Laboratories, Inc. 