ABSTRACT
Most companies obtain ideas for new products and ingredients from literature, databases, trade shows and other secondary sources in their home countries. To acquire materials for further research or formulation, companies contact supply
companies. A long and complex chain of raw-material exchange is involved in both product development and the sourcing of raw materials for product manufacture. In some cases, the relationship between the manufacturing company and source country is closer, particularly in those companies founded by individuals with a strong interest in the environment. Examples include Ales Group (France), Aveda Corporation (US), The Body Shop (UK), Neals Yard (UK), Tom’s of Maine (US), Yves Rocher (France) and Rainforest Nutrition (US). Large companies commissioning natural-product sample collection to feed high-throughput screens also have closer ties to source countries. Intermediaries hired to provide samples collect materials much as they would for pharmaceutical companies (they are often the same organizations).
