Some centuries ago, aloe was mainly used for external applications as an alternative medicine. Therefore, we should say that pharmaceutical industry was the first industrial sector to make an extensive use of this plant. Nevertheless, aloe paste with high aloin content, was the main product traded, even when the history tell us about the Cleopatra baths with aloe gel instead.

In these days, aloe and aloe by-products are being used in many different industries. Aloetrade America is highly specialized to attend the requirements of main demanding sectors, which are the following:

Pharmaceutical Industry

Aloe gel, aloe powder and and aloe paste with high aloin content are being used in numerous product formulations into the pharmaceutical industry. The most demanded item into the sector is the freeze dried aloe powder, usually in the 200X presentation. Pharmaceutical grade aloe products has an extremely high quality standard. Pharma industries uses aloe for various applications and formulations, while the aloe paste with aloin is mostly traded to develop laxative products.

Cosmetic, Personal Care and Toiletry Industry

Perhaps the cosmetic industry, be the most known sector where aloe vera is used. Even so, majority of cosmetic products has a very small percentage of aloe into their formulations. Nowadays, new cosmetic products with a medium or high aloe content are being launched to the markets.

Commonly, consumers may find products like shampoos, conditioners, liquid soap, solid soap, deodorants, antiperspirants, cleansing creams, night creams, bath gel, hair creams, hair gels, hand creams, foot scrub creams, body cleaning creams, toothpastes and other spa products, where aloe is used as ingredient, and where the percentage of aloe varies notably.

In personal care we may find from after shave lotions, to shaving foams and diapers for babies and adults. In hygienical products, it is mainly used in environmental, bactericidal deodorants and like cleaning gels. In products for house cleaning, it is used mainly in detergents, cleaners of baths, deodorants for baths, tablets for toilets, among others.

Cosmeceutical industries are also very active with new product formulations with high aloe content.

Healthy Food, Nutrition and Supplement Sectors

In this market, the drinkable gel of aloe -or simply the aloe juice- is the main item sold, with curative actions and like refreshing drink. The juice provides beneficial properties due to its good regulating action in the digestive system and in complementary form for gastritis treatments, ulceras and others. It is also used as drinks for athletes and sportsmen, like tonic and purifier of the organism. Some markets use the gel dried and worn out like additive in food preparation or companion of the meals. Some markets use the aloe in their dietetic product preparations and light products. One example are different cereal bars with fruits, vanila or chocolate with aloe filling. Nutraceutical industry is demanding aloe in an interesting volume every year.

Food and Beverage Industry In the food industry aloe gel, aloe powder or aloe paste are used like ingredient, flavoring, additive, energizer or supplement in many products, including the following categories:

• Spirits (liquors like bitter, vermouths, fernets and similars)
• Non-alcoholic drinks, like bitter, juice with addition of aloe, isotonics and drinks for sportsmen and dietary supplements mixed with other ingredients or flavors.
• Desserts, puddings and gelatins
• Dairy products, specially yoghourts, fortified milks and ice creams
• Caramels and candies
• Baked products
• Flavoured teas and yerba mate
• Marmalades and preserves
• Soups
• As ingredient in frozen mixed vegetables

Into the food and beverage industries, new product development are being formulated at present, because aloe vera is one of the most favourite ingredient to develop and launch functional foods and functional beverages. In some products, the aloe juice is the most frequent presentation adopted, while in other industries, the aloe powders, aloe slicing dried and Instant Quick Frozen aloe are on high demand.

Spa Sector

Aloe products are becoming of common use in diverse applications into the spa industry. Some of those products are related to those manufactured for the cosmetic industry. However, spa industry demand specific formulations and preparations.

Veterinary, Animal Nutrition and Pet Food Sector

Various products containg aloe are developed for veterinary industries, most of them for animal external uses. Also, aloe is increasingly used as a supplement in nutrition formulas for large animals and for the pet food industry.Agriculture and Produce SectorAloe is starting to be used in some fruits to prolongue the furit lifetime into the shelves. Aloetrade America offer various products in conjunction with the industrial property rights owners of this technology.

Textile Sector

Aloe is encapsulated and then being used to manufacture special sanitized fabrics for use in apparels, mattresses and other textile products.

Oil and Gas Sector

Recent researchs found Aloe resins are useful as an anti-corrosive agent in oli and gas pipelines. First experiences are being held in Venezuela for that purpose.

Biogas

Recent research is using aloe vera to produce biogas and biodiesel.

Water Treatment

Early research are being developed to use aloe for water and sewage treatment.

 Additional information can be obtained by mail at Aloetrade America e-mail