Questions about collagen: the origin matters
In early March, disturbing articles appeared in the world and Czech media about the fact that the production of popular collagen has a significant contribution to deforestation in Brazil. The area of the Amazon rainforest, known as the "green lungs of the planet", is shrinking every year due to the illegal expansion of agricultural land, which also serves as grazing land for cattle. And it is bovine collagen that dominates among collagen supplements. So are we complicit in the criminal destruction of precious nature if we take collagen supplements?
Asking for the origin of collagen is a must
There are many animal-derived collagen products to choose from at the moment (beef, pork, fish or marine), and there are also vegan collagens where the animal component has been replaced by a plant component - but here, on closer study, you will learn that these products are in a slightly different category: they are not collagen in the true sense, but the so-called collagen. This is not a collagen in the sense of a "collagen builder", a mixture that helps the body to start the process of making its own collagen. This, of course, also has its uses, and for those of you who avoid animal products, it's a sensible choice. Whether you choose a vegan or animal-based option, it's important to know their origins. By choosing brands responsibly, we help protect the diversity of life on Earth.
How do you responsibly choose animal-derived collagen?
By who you buy from, you are doing your part to support sustainable or, alternatively, unsustainable and nature-ravaging production. This doesn't just apply to collagen, of course.
Choose trusted brands
Brands that have nothing to hide will be happy to explain their sources and production methods. They answer questions, they don't lie. Most of the time, all the essential information is already directly included in the description of each product.
I prefer not to take cheap products
We all like to buy quality at a bargain, but everything has a price. When someone offers discounts of 50% or more or their starting price is a straight fraction of the price of similar products, it's strange to say the least. It could mean that they are cutting back on human labour, as we know all too well from the so-called 'fast fashion' sector, or that they are buying raw materials where the environmental impact is not addressed at all.
European livestock farms are subject to stricter rules
Rules for livestock farming across Europe are tightening all the time - both because of greater concern for animal welfare and because of climate change.
Hemnia Collagen uses responsible European sourcing and verified suppliers
Hemnia products are generally sourced and laboratory-based in the Czech Republic and the final products are actually made here. Sometimes we have to import raw materials as well, because at the moment we don't have a Czech manufacturer who can deliver the required premium quality that our brand stands on. This is also the case with our Collagen.
Hemnia Collagen is based on bovine collagen. In this case, we choose animal-derived collagen where we see more pronounced results, whether it's firming, rejuvenating and hydrating the skin or enhancing the overall vitality and elasticity of the body and improving physical fitness.
Collagen is manufactured for you in the Czech Republic under strict quality control. The source beef collagen comes from Germany, where it is a by-product, not the main product of animal production. Simply put: once the animal is slaughtered, it is used and processed completely, no waste.
As a brand, we strive to ensure that the majority of our products come directly from the Czech Republic or the European Union and that the raw materials weuse are as clean as possible in terms of environmental impact. We can therefore say with all responsibility that Hemnia is not and never will be involved in illegal deforestation in Brazil or elsewhere. The world we live in deserves the same attention we give ourselves when we look after our health and mental and physical well-being.