Sensient launches palm-free colours

22-Jul-2012 - Last updated on 23-Jul-2012 at 11:10 GMT

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Sensient Food Colours Europe has developed a range of palm-free colours through research into soluble and encapsulated systems that do not depend on palm oil-based emulsifiers.

The products cover shades stretching from bright yellow to brilliant orange and include red and green hues. All ingredients ingredients in the products are free of palm derived components, not simply the active pigment.

The company, which is based in Geesthacht, Germany, claims its latest innovations are well protected against colour degradation, making them ideal for all major end application categories.

In addition, the colours are derived from natural sources and can be labeled as natural colours or colouring foodstuffs, meeting the demands of food and drink manufacturers seeking to make clean label products.

Sensient's newest colour line reflects an ongoing move away from palm oil in products. Tate & Lyle Food Systems launched Hamulsion stabiliser systems, using emulsifiers not based on palm oil for dairy cream toppings, creamy soups and sauces in June, for example.

All natural

Sensient's latest development in palm-free colours ties in with the umbrella company’s major focus on all natural ingredients. It follows the launch of energy drink compounds for products targeted at mature and health conscious consumers aged 30 and over who wanted to avoid common ‘boost and crash’ concepts.

According to market research company RTS, the global market for natural colours is currently worth $2.6bn (€2.14bn) with Western Europe accounting for $0.8bn (€659.69m) according to our latest data. Meanwhile colouring foodstuffs are worth $1.0bn (€824.66m) globally with Western Europe taking a 27% share of the global market at $0.3bn (€247.27m).

Sensient Food Colors Europe is a unit of Sensient Technologies Corporation, a global manufacturer and marketer of colours, flavours, and fragrances. The company does not just produce colours for the food industry, but also for cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, inkjet and speciality inks and colours, and other speciality and fine chemicals. Customers include major international manufacturers representing many of the world’s best-known brands.