Solaray's Manufacturing and Testing Protocols
Solaray takes significant steps to ensure the quality and purity of its products, going beyond standard industry requirements. Their manufacturing facility, located in Utah, operates under strict internal and third-party certifications. This focus on quality control is a cornerstone of their operations and a key part of their claim to being a 'clean' company.
The 'Every Test, Every Time' Philosophy
One of the most notable aspects of Solaray's process is their "Every Test, Every Time" policy. Unlike some manufacturers who use "skip-lot" testing, Solaray tests every single batch of raw materials that comes into their facility. Their in-house lab, which is ISO 17025:2017 Certified, conducts extensive testing for identity, purity, and potency. This includes screening for a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial pathogens, with detection limits as low as 10 parts per billion for some contaminants.
Certifications and Regulatory Compliance
Solaray holds several key certifications that bolster its clean company claims:
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Certified: Their facility is 455 GMP Certified, a stringent, private gold standard that ensures the identity, purity, strength, and composition of their supplements.
- ISO Accredited: The ISO 17025:2017 certification of their lab signifies adherence to high international standards for accuracy and testing.
- USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified: Many of their products carry these specific certifications, indicating that ingredients are sourced without synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms where possible.
Ingredient Sourcing: A Global and Responsible Approach
Solaray prioritizes responsible and transparent ingredient sourcing to ensure product cleanliness. They seek out clean and traceable ingredients, opting for non-GMO and organic choices whenever possible.
- They source ingredients from their native regions, where the plants grow best. For example, maca is sourced from Peru, and ashwagandha is from India.
- Every supplier must provide a Certificate of Analysis, which is then verified through Solaray's own triple-testing process. This provides multiple layers of confirmation for ingredient quality and purity.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
A company's cleanliness can also be measured by its environmental footprint. Solaray has taken steps to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
- Recycled Packaging: All Solaray bottles are made from 100% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) resin, which helps keep plastic out of landfills and oceans.
- Renewable Energy: Their production facility in Utah began utilizing solar power in 2022.
- Vehicle Fleet: Solaray operates an all-electric vehicle fleet, further reducing their carbon footprint.
Comparing Solaray to Other Supplement Brands
| Feature | Solaray | Other Top-Tier Brands | Lower-Tier Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batch Testing | Every batch of raw material is tested. | Typically test every batch, may use skip-lot testing on some materials. | Skip-lot testing is common, with less stringent protocols. |
| Third-Party Certification | Facility is GMP Certified and ISO Accredited. | Most are GMP certified; ISO accreditation is less common. | May lack robust or independent certification. |
| Ingredient Sourcing | Prioritizes responsible, traceable, and native-region sourcing. | Often responsible, but may not always disclose native-region sourcing. | Can be opaque about sourcing origins and quality. |
| Sustainability | Uses 100% PCR bottles, solar energy, and electric vehicles. | Some use eco-friendly packaging, but comprehensive initiatives vary. | Sustainability is often not a key focus. |
| Contaminant Screening | Tests for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbes down to 10 ppb. | Standard testing occurs, but detection limits can vary. | Testing is less comprehensive and sensitive. |
Conclusion: Can Solaray be considered a clean company?
Based on their documented practices, Solaray presents a strong case for being a clean company within the dietary supplement industry. Their commitment to rigorous testing, which includes verifying every raw material batch and using an accredited in-house lab, sets a high standard for purity and potency. Furthermore, their responsible sourcing strategy and tangible sustainability efforts, such as using 100% recycled bottles and solar power, demonstrate a comprehensive approach to corporate responsibility. While the term "clean" can be subjective, Solaray's transparent and stringent processes provide a robust foundation for their claim. Ultimately, consumers can review the specific certifications on individual products to confirm they meet their personal criteria for a clean supplement. For more information on quality standards in supplement manufacturing, consult the NSF website for a deeper understanding of industry guidelines.
