Amway’s China research center explores use of herbal medicine

MANILA, Philippines – Michigan-based direct seller Amway has opened a $13-million research facility in China intended to study plants used in traditional Chinese medicine for its health and beauty products.

The Amway Botanical Research Center (ABRC) in Wuxi, China represents the company’s latest milestone as it expands its global investment in wellness. Another is a $10 million unrestricted gift from Amway to the Stanford University Prevention Research Center for the Wellness Living Laboratory (known as WELL) – the first-ever research study to examine impacts of dietary and lifestyle habits on wellness and healthy aging.

Built on 48 hectares (118 acres) of farmland, the ABRC includes an advanced laboratory and large greenhouse. Space is devoted to research of soil nutrients, plant physiology, extract quality standards and processes.

“Our Nutrilite™ brand of vitamins and dietary supplements were first formulated after the brand’s founder, Carl Rehnborg, observed how the use of plants in China promoted optimal health and natural balance,” said George Calvert, Amway’s chief officer of global R&D and supply chain.

“The new ABRC is our effort to study and understand Chinese plants to a greater extent– using the most advanced technology and scientific practices – and integrate the findings into our products.”

The opening of the ABRC completes a five-year process to locate and develop the site. For three years, Amway examined numerous locations in an effort to find optimal growing conditions that matched high standards at the company’s certified organic farms in Brazil, Mexico and the United States.

Many of the plants used to make ingredients used in Nutrilite™ products are grown on these farms’ collective 2,600 hectares (6,400+ acres), and at certified supplier farms.

Once the Wuxi location was selected, Amway invested more than two years in preparing the land and building facilities to support the examination and research of crops harvested from the land.

“As the heart of the farmland, we pay special attention to the soil. Only the best soil can grow the best plants, which result in optimal phytonutrients,” said Jia Chen, Amway vice president of greater China R&D and technical regulatory, and vice president of ABRC. “Phytonutrients are nutrients naturally present in plants that offer a range of health benefits. Monitoring the process starting with the soil allows us to control quality from seed to supplement.”