The Origin of INC. Creatine
INC Sports Nutrition, a company with Australian roots, manufactures its entire product range in a specific, high-standard facility across the Tasman Sea. Contrary to what some might assume, the production isn't Australian-based. The brand explicitly states that its supplements are manufactured in New Zealand, operating from a GMP-certified facility under a strict quality system. This offers a key insight into the brand's production and quality control standards.
While the products themselves are manufactured and packed in New Zealand, the raw ingredients for creatine are often sourced globally. For example, the chemical process for creating creatine monohydrate involves combining ingredients like sarcosine and cyanamide, which are typically procured from major chemical suppliers worldwide. The New Zealand facility then acts as the final manufacturer, responsible for the purity testing, micronization, and packaging before the product is distributed to consumers, primarily in Australia and New Zealand.
The Quality Assurance Behind INC. Creatine
One of the most important aspects of INC.'s manufacturing is its commitment to quality and safety. The brand's products, including creatine, are Informed-Sport certified. This certification is critical for athletes, as it means every batch has been tested by the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) for banned substances. This rigorous, third-party testing process ensures that athletes can use INC's products with confidence, knowing they are safe and compliant. The entire production process is carried out under a strict quality system within the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified manufacturing facility in New Zealand.
The Manufacturing Process: From Raw Materials to Powder
The synthetic process for creating creatine monohydrate is a well-established and standardized procedure. INC's product, like most reputable creatine supplements, starts with raw chemicals. While the specific supplier may vary, the chemical synthesis process is consistent:
- Raw Materials: The process begins with combining sodium sarcosinate and cyanamide in a large reactor vessel.
- Reaction and Crystallization: These raw materials are heated and pressurized, causing a chemical reaction that creates crystalline creatine.
- Purification: The liquid is then purified through centrifugation, a process that spins out impurities. Further advanced purification techniques, such as ion exchange chromatography, ensure high purity levels.
- Drying and Milling: The resulting crystals are vacuum-dried and then milled into a fine powder. INC's creatine is specifically micronized, meaning it is milled to a very fine particle size (around 200 mesh), which aids in better dissolvability and absorption.
- Testing and Packaging: The final powder is rigorously tested for quality and purity before being packaged and sent for distribution.
Comparison: INC. vs. Other Creatine Sources
To better understand INC.'s place in the market, it is helpful to compare it to other creatine sources and brands.
| Feature | INC. Creatine | Creapure® (Germany) | Generic Chinese Creatine | Dietary Sources (Meat/Fish) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Location | New Zealand | Germany | China | Natural |
| Raw Ingredient Origin | Sourced globally, processed in NZ | Sourced and produced in Germany | Produced in China | Natural food sources |
| Purity & Testing | High purity, Informed-Sport certified, GMP facility | Highest purity, FSSC 22000 certified, vegan, on Cologne List | Varies, can be high quality but requires due diligence | Inconsistent, dependent on diet |
| Product Form | Micronized Monohydrate | Monohydrate | Monohydrate, various others | Naturally occurring |
| Typical Cost | Moderate | Higher (due to extensive certifications) | Lower (due to economies of scale) | Depends on cost of food items |
Conclusion
INC. creatine is not manufactured in Australia, but rather in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified facility located in New Zealand. While the raw materials are globally sourced, the final processing, quality control, and packaging are handled in New Zealand. This ensures that the product meets high standards, including being Informed-Sport certified and tested for banned substances. Consumers can therefore be confident in the quality and safety of their INC. creatine supplements, a fact that is reinforced by the brand's transparent manufacturing process. For more detailed information, consumers can reference the company's official websites and third-party certification bodies like Informed Sport.
Visit the Informed Sport website for INC. product certification details
