Inspired by indigenous traditions and values, the new Ilnu company, Akua Nature, wants to carve out a prominent place in the natural products market. The company is investing $ 3M in the fitting out of its premises and the purchase of equipment.
Just in activity for a few months, Akua Nature has already put on sale a range of products resulting from the valuation of boreal biomass, native medicinal plants and berries.
Using extraction processes, the company is working to isolate, for example from the bark and thorns of conifers, certain molecules known for their healing and beneficial properties for health. The ingredients are then used in the making of essential oils and herbal teas.
Go further
The $ 3M investment made it possible to improve the facilities located in the former ADL Group plant in Mashteuiatsh and to acquire new equipment that will allow production to increase, as well as its diversification.
“We also want to continue working with technology transfer centers to develop our range of functional foods and other products,” reports the co-president and general manager, Mélanie Paul.
According to Health Canada, functional foods are foods that have been shown to have physiological benefits and / or may reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Ultimately, in addition to having its own range of products, Akua Nature wishes to supply various partner companies with finished products or ingredients.
In particular, herbal teas and essential oils are sold from balsam fir, Labrador tea, cedars and other essences. Already, agreements are being considered to manufacture various cosmetic products by subcontracting.
To date, the factory employs around ten people, 70% of whom come from the indigenous community.
Écoresponsabilité
“Sustainable development is truly an integral part of our corporate values,” underlines Mélanie Paul.
In this sense, all packaging is made of biodegradable materials. In addition, all harvesting processes are designed to be sustainable. We prioritize picking by hand.
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