Colour is very important in terms of the consumer’s perception of quality and flavour, when deciding whether to try a product. More recently another issue is playing a part in this decision making process – is it natural?

Since the publication of the Southampton study in the Lancet in September 2007, the issue of synthetic colours and the possible link to hyperactivity in children has remained in the media spotlight. At a recent meeting of the European Parliament, ministers voted that products containing the six synthetic colours in question should carry a warning label by 2010. A warning label stating “may cause hyperactivity” on their products is not an attractive prospect for manufacturers. It is therefore predicted that many manufactures will remove synthetic colours, and switch to natural alternatives.

Therefore, the challenge to the natural colour industry is to produce colours that give manufacturers processing and shelf life stability, as well as an extensive range of shades that depict the flavours that the consumer desires.

There are a variety of naturally occurring pigments that are commonly used to produce natural colour formulations. These all vary widely in their physical and chemical properties. Some are naturally oil soluble and some water dispersible. Stability also varies from pigment to pigment. Recent developments in natural colour technology now mean that a wider and more stable range of colours are available, to suit the needs of the manufacturer.

Overseal are able to provide a number of natures colour solutions for a variety of applications from confectionery to beverages and dairy to ready meals, plus many more. Overseal understand that manufacturers require colour formulations that are stable to heat and light, as well as exhibiting consistent colour shade in final application with a good shelf life.

The colour options from Overseal fall under two main categories, Ingredients from Nature® which is a complete range of colouring foodstuffs and natural colours.

Ingredients from Nature®, sourced from fruits, vegetables, berries and other edible plants that contain colour naturally. Without the use of selective extraction these foodstuffs undergo simple processes allowing for a cleaner labelling declaration.

Overseal’s Ingredients from Nature® range, exhibits vivid reds and vibrant pinks through to juicy yellows, succulent oranges and leafy greens in final application.

Overseal are able to offer a complete spectrum of natural and naturally derived colours, based on colouring materials produced by nature. Through our formulation expertise we are able to provide easy to use and stable forms that are suitable for use in a wide range of applications.

Through our advanced formulation technology and years of experience Overseal Natural Ingredients Ltd are able to offer a range of specific colour emulsions that give enhanced stability in application.

MiChroma® Curcumin formulations from Overseal are manufactured by complex high pressure milling and processing. This leads to enhanced light stable formulations.

Em-Seal® formulations offer excellent dispersibility and stability to heat, light and oxidation and can be used in a variety of applications, including beverages and confectionery products.

For instance Em-Seal® water dispersible emulsions have been developed for Carotenes which overcome the oxidative colour fading which has previously limited their application. Colour shades vary from golden yellow to natural orange/tropical depending on the emulsifier base and inclusion level used.

Overseal Clear-Col TM micro-emulsions have been developed for clarity along with enhanced stability to heat, light and oxidation.

Overseal’s Clear-ColTM micro-emulsions are perfect when clarity is needed, in the finished application.

At Overseal we focus on technical innovation, quality and customer support and our aim is always to meet, and exceed, our customer’s expectations. Overseal Natural Ingredients Ltd work closely with their customers, to understand their needs and to offer technical and application support when replacing synthetics with natural alternatives.

Overseal offer a very comprehensive colour service making sure that your transition from synthetics to a more natural alternative runs smoothly.

One of the first challenges when matching a synthetic colour is to obtain the exact shade and vibrancy, required. This often requires a blend of 2 or 3 natural pigments. Over the last few years a lot of resource has been invested in the research and development of these products. Now there is no doubt that Overseal can offer viable solutions to each synthetic replacement.

The majority of natural pigments allow most final applications to achieve up to a 12 months shelf life. However, Overseal works closely with their customers to help select the correct colour formulation and ensure that the required balance between shade and shelf life is achieved.

Pigments that are derived from nature are exactly that, and therefore they have many different properties that need to be taken into account when formulating into a final application.

Overseal work closely with their customers to ensure the “golden” factors, pH, packaging, processes and potential ingredient interactions are considered early on in a products development, therefore eliminating costly mistakes.

In summary when it comes to vibrant, appealing and quality colours, Overseal are at the forefront in meeting manufacturers colour needs. However in this highly competitive and fast moving market, Overseal are also aware that manufacturers have a need for developing products competitively.

Next Generation of Colour Solutions
With a worldwide distributor network and strategically positioned offices within the growing markets along with a creative and extensive development team, Overseal are adapt to turning the next idea into a practical, workable colour solution.

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