The capsules, which use new opacifying technology, builds on the functionality of crystalised salts to deliver the same whiteness and masking as capsules containing TiO2.
In a head-to-head comparison study, Lonza’s TiO2 alternative solution provided excellent light protection and opacity vs. other TiO2 alternatives as well as capsules produced with TiO2.
“As a leader in capsule design and manufacturing, we have leveraged our experience and expertise to develop a opacifying formulation to meet the evolving requirements of our customers,” says Stef Vanquickenborne, Vice President, Head of Capsules & Health Ingredients Research and Development at Lonza.
“This new capsule joins an already existing offering of titanium dioxide-free capsules including Capsugel White Opal HPMC capsule.”
Soft gels, hard capsules etc
Titanium dioxide is used to achieve a bright white colour in a range of food, nutraceutical, food supplement and pharmaceutical products, from chewing gum and confectionery to sunscreen, toothpaste, soft gels, hard capsules, tablets, lozenges and gummies.
At the start of 2022, the EU ban on titanium dioxide came into effect. However, the colour remains legal in the UK as well as in medicine products.
Regulation 2022/63 has been adopted as law, banning the use of titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive in the EU, following EFSA’s ruling that it is ‘not safe’.
As it is a ‘regulation’ rather than a ‘directive’, it takes immediate effect and does not have to be transposed into national law by individual Member States.
However, in the UK, the use of titanium dioxide is still permitted, with no indications that it will align with the EU on this issue.
