BI Nutraceuticals was named runner-up for the 2014 Nutrition Business Journal Business Achievement Award in the “Investment in the Future” category. Nutrition Business Journal recognized BI for its quality sourcing and comprehensive vendor surveillance program, extensive Identilok botanical identification testing program and Protexx HP Green Steam species-specific, organic steam sterilization method.

“BI is known for its strict sourcing and quality standards and today we continue to make significant investments in our programs and initiatives to ensure our customers receive safe, quality product today and for years to come,” stated George Pontiakos, president and CEO, BI. “BI is pleased to be recognized for our efforts by such a prestigious industry outlet as Nutrition Business Journal.”

BI’s strict vendor quality management system ensures all materials meet stringent specification standards and adhere to GMP and regulatory requirements. The program provides clear guidelines on specifications, test methods, and product quality to suppliers; regular audits of the manufacturing and lab facilities to assure compliance with GMP and GLP; random audits of traceability to assure usage of correct raw materials; random sampling and testing to ensure compliance with specifications; and oversight of the supplier’s entire QA/QC program. In 2014, BI conducted nearly 20 vendor visits both in the U.S. and overseas.

Additionally, BI added a fifth steam sterilization unit, located at its corporate headquarters in Long Beach, CA. BI’s multiple units operated worldwide allow the company to support customers from 100 gram pilot samples through 1000 ton worldwide product launch campaigns. Protexx HP Green Steam sterilization utilizes more than 40 settings, which control heat, moisture, time, and pressure parameters, tailored for each individual ingredient.

Lastly, BI reduced its annual water consumption and is on track to save nearly 2.5 million gallons of water year-over-year. This significant reduction in water usage was attributed to several factors including the addition of a more efficient steam sterilization unit, retrofitting existing steam units to make them greener and adjustments to BI’s irrigation schedule.