A comprehensive sustainability audit reveals eco-conscious practices in the production of premium grape seed extracts in California, USA

MORRISTOWN: PLT Health Solutions, Inc. has released a detailed white paper examining the environmental and social sustainability practices behind its flagship ingredient line—MegaNatural® Grape Seed Extracts. The review, titled “MegaNatural® Grape Seed Extracts: Sustainability Made in California, USA”, was independently prepared by Botanical Liaisons, LLC, a recognized leader in sustainable sourcing evaluation for botanical ingredients.

The extracts, developed and produced by California Natural Color, a division of GALLO—the world’s largest wine-producing company—are made from unfermented red and white wine grape seeds using proprietary extraction methods. The white paper documents sustainable practices across land use, water conservation, energy efficiency, and social responsibility in the sourcing and production process.

Driving Industry Standards with Third-Party Verification

“From a business perspective, being stewards of the environment is essential to PLT’s future success,” said Sid Hulse, Vice President of Product Development at PLT Health Solutions. “Plants are the raw materials of the ingredients we market. Without sustainable growing and harvesting practices, we risk not having access to these plants in the future.”

PLT has a longstanding commitment to verified sustainable sourcing, previously conducting audits across India, South Africa, and Russia’s Altai Mountains. The latest assessment, focusing on domestic production in California, underscores the company’s intent to maintain transparency and accountability in its U.S.-based supply chains.

Key Findings: Environmental Stewardship in Practice

The report outlines several significant achievements in environmental performance, particularly through GALLO’s California vineyard operations:

• 100% Certification: All of GALLO’s California vineyards are certified under the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA).
• Energy Efficiency: The company has achieved a 35% reduction in energy consumption in recent years.
• Renewable Energy Use:
  • Over 21 acres of solar panels installed across winery properties.
  • Annual generation of 13.6 million kilowatt-hours from renewable sources including solar, biogas cogeneration, and turbines.
• Non-Chemical Farming: Adoption of biological pest control and non-chemical weed management methods.
• Traceability & Transparency: Exceeds federal standards in traceability, with complete documentation of grape growing, treatment, and processing.

These practices not only ensure environmental protection but also reinforce product quality through identity verification and contaminant screening.

Meeting Market Demand for Sustainable Wellness

A 2024 joint survey by McKinsey and NielsenIQ revealed that 60% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainably produced goods. Yet, trust and recognition remain major hurdles.

“One factor evident in consumer surveys—and cited as an impediment to the growth of sustainable spending—was the difficulty consumers have in identifying trustworthy sustainable products,” Hulse explained. “This white paper is part of our effort to communicate clearly and honestly about the work being done to protect natural resources and support long-term health, both human and environmental.”

MegaNatural®: Clinically Supported and Sustainably Sourced

PLT’s MegaNatural® portfolio includes:

• MegaNatural-BP® – Backed by nine clinical studies supporting cardiovascular and metabolic health.
• MegaNatural® Gold
• ACTIVIN®

These grape seed extracts are used in a range of dietary supplements and functional foods and are positioned as Made in the USA with verified sustainable sourcing.

As a vertically integrated producer, GALLO maintains complete control over grape sourcing, processing, and quality assurance. This closed-loop system ensures consistent supply, superior traceability, and alignment with evolving consumer values around sustainability and wellness.

Bridging Science, Sustainability, and Trust

The release of this white paper by PLT Health Solutions represents a broader shift in the nutraceutical industry—where data-backed sustainability is no longer a value-add, but a baseline expectation. Through collaborative transparency and third-party assessments, brands like PLT are paving the way for cleaner, greener, and more ethically grounded health products.

For access to the full white paper, visit: www.plthealth.com/meganatural-white-paper