Frequently Asked Questions

IORA began as the "Inside Out Revolution Assembly," uniting global change-makers to revolutionize food and fiber manufacturing. Over time, it gained deeper significance: in Maori, "ORA" means wellness, reflecting our commitment to health, while "RA," the sun, symbolizes light and innovation. Today, IORA embodies a global mission to create a regenerative, carbon-negative, people-positive hub that drives sustainability, collaboration, and well-being.

An eco-industrial park (EIP) is a collaborative business model that boosts environmental, economic, and social performance. At IORA, we embrace industrial symbiosis, turning one company’s waste into another’s resource. For instance, hemp grown for textiles can supply by-products like hurd for eco-friendly materials such as hempcrete, fostering a circular economy where resources are reused, waste is minimized, and sustainability thrives.

Being carbon negative means removing more carbon dioxide than we emit. From the start, IORA will use carbon-neutral solutions like renewable energy, efficient resource use, and offsets such as reforestation and soil carbon sequestration.

As we grow, we’ll adopt emerging carbon-negative technologies like carbon capture, direct air capture, and regenerative agriculture, further reducing emissions and sequestering carbon to help reverse climate change.

People positive means prioritizing human well-being in every aspect of IORA’s design and operations. Inspired by the Living Building Challenge, we use biophilic design to foster a deep connection with nature and promote physical and mental health.

IORA’s wellness-focused features include improved indoor air quality, shown by Harvard research to enhance cognitive function and productivity, and abundant natural light, linked to overall well-being. Nature-based spaces and wellness services further ensure a healthy, balanced environment where employees can thrive. (Source 1 and 2)

At IORA, sustainability is holistic and innovative, going beyond traditional definitions. We focus on three interconnected pillars—carbon impact, human wellness, and industrial symbiosis—to create a regenerative ecosystem that benefits both people and the planet.

Ashburton, Canterbury, is ideal for IORA with its fertile soil, reliable water, and strong agricultural base. Proximity to ports ensures access to domestic and international markets for high-value goods.

IORA supports local farmers by integrating bio-circular practices, turning waste into value and fostering a regenerative economy. This positions Ashburton as a hub for finished goods production, boosting local competitiveness and preserving the land for future generations.

IORA intends to co-locate a diverse range of businesses that align with our sustainability, wellness, and circular economy goals. These include:

Agricultural Producers: Businesses that focus on sustainable farming practices and provide raw materials, such as oats and hemp, for food, fiber, and building materials.

Food and Beverage Manufacturers: Companies that specialize in plant-based foods, alternative proteins, and beverages, supporting the local food economy while promoting low-carbon and circular production methods.

Textile and Fiber Manufacturers: Firms that convert natural fibers, like hemp and other regenerative crops, into textiles and eco-friendly products, integrating sustainable practices into the fashion and fiber industries.

Eco-Friendly Building Material Producers: Businesses focused on creating sustainable, bio-based building materials, such as hempcrete, to support green construction and reduce carbon emissions in the built environment.

Agritech and Innovation Companies: Enterprises that bring new technologies and innovative solutions to enhance sustainable farming, resource management, and food production processes.

Wellness and Health Product Companies: Businesses developing natural, wellness-oriented products, from plant-based supplements to eco-friendly personal care items, reflecting our commitment to human and environmental health.

These co-located businesses will collaborate, sharing resources and waste streams to create a circular, regenerative ecosystem, while generating economic opportunities for the region.

IORA will launch through a blended finance model, combining public and private funding with strategic partnerships to ensure affordability and accessibility for tenants. This approach lowers entry barriers and amplifies the benefits of operating in a cutting-edge, sustainable facility:

• Operational Savings: Sustainable designs reduce energy use by 30% and water consumption by 20%, cutting utility costs and offsetting initial setup expenses.

• Long-Term Value: Sustainable infrastructure boosts property values, reduces risks, and aligns with future regulatory trends, ensuring stronger financial performance over time.

• Access to Incentives: IORA will help tenants secure grants, tax breaks, and subsidies to ease the transition to greener operations.

• Shared Resources: Industrial symbiosis enables tenants to share inputs and outputs, cutting material costs and waste disposal expenses while fostering a circular economy.

• Collaboration and Innovation: Co-located businesses benefit from shared R&D, collective problem-solving, and innovation, reducing costs and accelerating growth.

• Consumer Appeal: Sustainability enhances brand value, meeting growing consumer demand for responsible businesses.

With a blended finance model and substantial cost-saving benefits, IORA makes operating in a world-class sustainable facility an affordable, strategic investment.

IORA is owned and developed by Inside Out and Carrfields, two organizations united by a shared vision of sustainability and innovation in food, fiber, and wellness.

• Inside Out: A global leader in sustainability across food, fashion, and education, Inside Out drives IORA’s development with expertise in regenerative practices, circular economy, and industrial symbiosis.

• Carrfields: A New Zealand-based agricultural leader, Carrfields brings deep expertise in farming, grain, and agricultural innovation, ensuring IORA supports local communities while leveraging New Zealand’s agricultural strengths.

Together, these partners combine global innovation with local expertise to make IORA a model of sustainable growth.