HTBA achieves Upcycled Certified status for citrus-derived ingredients
The Spanish biotechnology company has secured certification for several of its taste modulation and functional health solutions, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles. This development offers food manufacturers access to high-quality, environmentally responsible ingredients with proven technical functionality.
Citrus waste transformation drives sustainability credentials
HealthTech BioActives (HTBA), the Barcelona-based manufacturer of citrus flavonoids and Vitamin B12 active forms, has announced that multiple products from its taste modulation and functional health portfolio have received Upcycled Certified verification. The certification, awarded through the Upcycled Food Association (UFA) and Where Food Comes From, Inc. (WFCF), validates HTBA’s long-standing commitment to circular economy principles.
“This certification highlights HTBA’s long-term commitment to promoting circularity, and offering our customers innovative, eco-friendly solutions,” explained Norma Bisbal, ESG Manager at HTBA.
The newly certified products include Citrosa® (neohesperidin DC), Citrosa+® (citrus-derived sweetener), natural flavours NF04 and CBC 45 (citrus bioflavonoids complex), and Cardiose®, a functional ingredient with clinically validated cardiovascular health benefits.
Technical approach to agricultural waste valorisation
HTBA’s certification recognises the company’s scientific approach to valorising agricultural by-products that would otherwise contribute to food waste. The process specifically utilises immature citrus fruits, primarily oranges, that naturally fall from trees during growth cycles.
“Our flavonoids are extracted from immature citrus (mainly oranges) that naturally fall from trees as they grow. These ‘baby’ citruses would usually become agricultural waste. However, the immature citrus are collected, sun-dried, and we extract the citrus flavonoids from them,” Bisbal noted.
The technical process creates a fully circular system, as Bisbal further explained: “The waste generated is then used as compost, which is used as a soil fertilizer, closing the circle.”
Consumer-facing differentiation for manufacturers
For food manufacturers, the certification provides validated environmental credentials that can address growing consumer demand for sustainable ingredients. The Upcycled Certified programme was specifically designed to identify products that transform unused resources into value-added ingredients, diverting them from waste streams.
Bisbal summarised the value proposition: “By choosing our Upcycled Certified products, you’re not just selecting quality – you’re actively contributing to a more sustainable future.”
- For more information, visit: https://htba.com/solutions/taste-modulation
