Where Is Kollo Collagen Made? Sourcing, Manufacturing and Quality - the Full Picture
Some of you have been in touch after seeing a BBC One Show report raising concerns about where marine collagen supplements are manufactured. We completely understand why that would prompt questions - and we want to answer them plainly and in full. This blog sets out exactly where Kollo's collagen comes from, how it is manufactured, what certifications cover the process, and what you should look for when assessing any collagen supplement. The complete guide to liquid marine collagen covers the broader science behind the ingredient, but this post focuses specifically on sourcing, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
Where Does the BBC Report's Concern Come From?
The concern raised in the report applies to a real problem in the collagen supplement industry. A significant proportion of marine collagen sold globally - particularly lower-cost products - is sourced and processed in China, where manufacturing standards, ingredient traceability, and quality controls vary considerably between suppliers. Many brands do not disclose the country of origin for their collagen ingredient, the fish species used, or where finished products are made. That opacity is a legitimate concern.
The report reflects a wider industry issue, not a finding specific to Kollo. But we recognise that customers seeing a BBC report about the collagen industry will naturally want to check whether the brand they use falls into the category being criticised. The answer, in our case, is no - and we want to show you why, not just tell you.
Where Kollo's Collagen Actually Comes From
The collagen we use is called Naticol. It is a hydrolysed marine collagen sourced and processed in France, certified to ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 food safety standards. Naticol is derived from fish skin and scales - a by-product of fish filleting that would otherwise go to waste, making it a circular economy ingredient. Sources are diversified across both aquaculture and sustainable fisheries to limit environmental impact, and all fish skins come exclusively from species not listed as Vulnerable or worse on the IUCN Red List.
The Full Sourcing Picture at a Glance
| What you want to know | Kollo's answer |
|---|---|
| Collagen ingredient name | Naticol |
| Collagen sourced and processed | France |
| Fish source | By-product of fish filleting - circular economy ingredient, sourced from aquaculture and sustainable fisheries |
| Species sustainability | No species listed as Vulnerable or worse on the IUCN Red List |
| Sustainability certification | Friend of the Sea - independently audited by SGS and DNV |
| Ingredient certifications | ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, Friend of the Sea, Halal, Kosher |
| Finished product manufactured | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturing certification | BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standard) |
| Collagen sourced from China? | No |
Friend of the Sea Certification - What It Actually Means
Naticol holds Friend of the Sea certification - an independent programme of the World Sustainability Organization, an international NGO whose mission is to promote environmental conservation. Friend of the Sea is the only independent programme that certifies fish whether they are farmed or caught at sea, and it has become the leading international standard for producers of fish-derived supplements.
Where Kollo Is Made
We take the Naticol collagen ingredient and blend it with our additional vitamins and amino acids - B1, B5, B6, B12, vitamin C, and L-lysine - at our UK manufacturing facility. The finished sachets are produced, packed, and quality-checked here in the UK.
BRCGS Certification
INDEPENDENTLY AUDITEDBRCGS stands for British Retail Consortium Global Standard - one of the most rigorous food safety and quality frameworks in the world, covering hygiene, manufacturing processes, traceability, allergen controls, and quality management systems. It is not a self-awarded certification. The audit is conducted by an accredited third party, and certification must be renewed and maintained. This is the level of assurance we require for anything that carries the Kollo name.
What to Ask Any Collagen Brand
The BBC report raises a question that every collagen customer should be asking. Most brands make it very difficult to find answers. Here is what to look for:
- Is the collagen ingredient named? Generic "marine collagen" with no named supplier is a red flag. Named ingredients like Naticol have documented supply chains and clinical research attached to them
- Is the country of origin disclosed? Not just where the finished product is packaged, but where the raw collagen is sourced and processed
- Does the ingredient carry an independent sustainability certification? Friend of the Sea, MSC, and ASC are independently audited. Self-declared "sustainable sourcing" claims carry no verification
- Is the fish species documented and checked against conservation lists? Naticol specifically excludes species listed as Vulnerable or worse on the IUCN Red List
- Is the manufacturing facility certified? BRCGS, ISO 22000, or equivalent food safety standards mean an independent body has audited the facility - not a one-off paperwork check
- What is the clinical evidence for the specific ingredient used? Studies need to have been conducted on the named ingredient at the dose used, not on marine collagen in general
Why Transparency Is Not Optional in This Category
The supplement industry in the UK is regulated under food law rather than pharmaceutical law, which means the bar for ingredient disclosure on labels is lower than many customers assume. A product can legally be labelled "marine collagen" without naming the ingredient supplier, the country where the collagen was processed, or the fish species used.
Kollo has always published the name of our collagen ingredient, the country of origin, our manufacturing credentials, and the sustainability certifications that cover the supply chain. We would encourage every collagen customer to ask these questions of any brand they use. The broader complete guide to collagen powder covers what to look for when comparing products in more detail. For anyone researching the menopause-specific supplement range, the complete guide to menopause supplements addresses ingredient sourcing in that context too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kollo collagen made in China?
No. Kollo's collagen ingredient - Naticol - is sourced and processed in France. Finished Kollo products are blended and manufactured in the UK. This has been the case since Kollo launched and has not changed.
Where does the fish in Kollo collagen come from?
Naticol is derived from fish skin and scales, a by-product of fish filleting - material that would otherwise go to waste rather than fish caught specifically for collagen production. Sources are diversified across both aquaculture and sustainable fisheries. All fish skins come from species not listed as Vulnerable or worse on the IUCN Red List, and the full supply chain is independently audited under Friend of the Sea certification.
What is Friend of the Sea certification?
Friend of the Sea is an independent sustainability certification programme operated by the World Sustainability Organization. It certifies both farmed and wild-caught fish, and audits are carried out by independent bodies including SGS and DNV - not self-declared. It is the leading international standard for producers of fish-derived supplements. Naticol carries this certification.
What does BRCGS certification mean?
BRCGS stands for British Retail Consortium Global Standard. It is one of the most rigorous independently audited food safety frameworks in the world, covering hygiene, manufacturing processes, traceability, allergen management, and quality controls. Kollo's UK manufacturing facility holds this certification. It requires a third-party audit to obtain and maintain - not a one-off paperwork check.
Can I see Kollo's certifications?
Yes. If you would like to see documentation relating to our BRCGS certification or Naticol's Friend of the Sea and food safety credentials, please contact our customer team directly at the address on our contact page. We are happy to share this with customers who want to verify it for themselves.
Kollo Health was co-founded by Jenni Falconer - TV presenter, Smooth Radio breakfast host, ten-time London Marathon runner and host of the RunPod podcast. Read her story and why she created Kollo.
