Ingredient sustainability – Tomato Bioferment
INCI: Solaum Lycopersicon
Raw Material: Tomato Plant
Tomato Bioferment: Tomato bioferment is a cosmetic ingredient obtained by fermenting tomato fruit with lactobacillus bacteria. It is a derivative of tomatoes that offers various benefits for hair products, including antioxidants and conditioning. (1)
However, it’s important to note that tomato bioferment is not considered a natural ingredient because it undergoes a fermentation process that changes its structure. Essentially, it is a processed derivative of tomato fruit that has been modified through fermentation to improve its functionality and performance.
Sustainability: Using tomato bioferment is a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based ingredients, which are non-renewable and harmful to the environment.
The process of producing tomato bioferment involves a biological process called fermentation. Microorganisms use fermentation to make energy by breaking down complex organic compounds into simple metabolites under anaerobic conditions. (2) This process has a lower environmental impact than chemical synthesis due to its reduced use of energy, water, and chemicals.
Production Process: Production might involve other steps such as extraction, purification, stabilization, and preservation that could be harmful. The environmental impact might also vary depending on the quality and source of tomatoes used, the type and number of bacteria employed, and the efficiency and safety of the production facilities.
Industrial Cultivation: Industrial tomato cultivation involves large-scale farming, requiring intensive use of soil and resources due to high nutrient demands to maximize yields. (3)
Cultivation: Tomatoes can be grown in various geographical zones in open fields or greenhouses. Greenhouse vegetable production provides some degree of control over various environmental factors. (4)
Harvesting: The fruit can be harvested by manual or mechanical means. (4) In large-scale operations, Mechanical harvesting is often used to increase efficiency.
After harvesting, the tomatoes may undergo additional processing to extract the desired compounds for cosmetic use. This could include fermentation to produce Tomato Bioferment or removing beneficial compounds like lycopene.
Some post-harvest practices include precooling, cleaning or disinfecting, sorting and grading, packaging, storage, and transportation, essential in maintaining the quality and shelf life. Using the appropriate postharvest treatment, methods like refrigeration, heat treatment, modified atmosphere packaging, 1-methylcyclopropene, and calcium chloride application are also vital. (5) depending on the manufacturer, other factors may be involved.
Large-scale production often requires more stringent quality control measures to ensure consistency and safety of the final product.
Using land for tomato production can impact the local ecosystem, mainly if the land is converted from its natural state to agricultural use. Tomatoes are heavy feeders and often require the application of fertilizers for optimal growth.
Organic fertilizers such as composted livestock manures, lime, rock phosphate, and other rock minerals are often used in organic tomato production. (6) Synthetic pesticides and fertilizers can lead to soil degradation and water contamination. (7,8,9)
Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of tomato production can be significant. The cultivation, transportation, and distribution of tomatoes can also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. (7,8,9)
As for the production of tomato bioferment, it’s important to note that this process involves using tomatoes as a raw material. Therefore, the sustainability of tomato bioferment production is directly linked to the sustainability of tomato farming practices.
1 - FSS Tomato BioFerment PF (formulatorsampleshop.com)
2 - Fermentation: A Process for Biofertilizer Production | SpringerLink
6 - Here's the scoop on chemical and organic fertilizers | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)
8 - https://sarep.ucdavis.edu/are/energy/tomatoes
9 - https://www.oregon.gov/deq/FilterDocs/PEF-Tomatoes-ExecutiveSummary.pdf