Adding white to food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products

Please tell us about Huntsman and the products it is showcasing for the Asian market.

Huntsman is a leading producer of premium quality titanium dioxide (TiO₂) for the world’s cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food (CPF) markets. The TiO₂ pigment that we produce for CPF applications is marketed under the brand name HOMBITAN^®, which is recognized worldwide for its quality and is widely regarded as a premium brand.

HOMBITAN^® is a white TiO₂ pigment that can be used to give a bright, tempting color to all kinds of food. HOMBITAN^® also has UV shielding properties meaning that light sensitive food supplements or vitamins can be protected from UV radiation. For example, vitamins are often incorporated into hard or gel capsules that are colored. If the vitamin capsule is colored white using HOMBITAN^®, UV radiation cannot pass into the capsule and cannot therefore affect the efficacy of the supplement inside.

Does HOMBITAN^® affect the taste of the product it is used in?

HOMBITAN^® is taste-free and does not affect the way the mouth feels. Furthermore it has no smell and no calories. In this respect, it can be considered more or less a neutral mineral that can deliver a sunglasses effect to UV-sensitive products and brighten up certain food types.

(Photo courtesy of Huntsman)

Like other ingredients employed in the production of substances for human consumption, the use of HOMIBTAN^® is highly regulated and different types of legislation apply to its application in different countries. In some countries, such as the United States, HOMBITAN^® is used in a huge variety of products. Elsewhere there are limitations. For instance, in Europe, we have a list of CPF products that TiO₂ pigments such as HOMBITAN^® can be used in. In other countries TiO₂ pigments are only allowed in the production of – for example – candy or milk and cheese products.

Because rules regarding the use of TiO₂ pigments vary for different CPF products and across different countries, we provide technical as well as legislative support to customers that want to use HOMBITAN^®. Utilizing our knowledge, in conjunction with their own expertise – plus application and compliance advice provided by the relevant in-country authorities – CPF producers can make informed decisions about the best ingredients to use.

In what way is Huntsman’s offering different to that of others in the sector?

I’ve already mentioned the technical and legislative support that we provide to our customers – which extends to offering advice about the kind of organic components that can be mixed with HOMBITAN^®. That’s one point of difference that has helped us build long-term relationships across the CPF industries that we work in.

The other aspect of our work that stands out is in the production of our products. We have dedicated production lines in place where we adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). These run throughout our supply chain from obtaining TiO₂ ores to the chemical process used to purify the pigment and the bags that the product is shipped in.

And that’s all done in Germany?

Worldwide we have ten production sites making a variety of pigments and additives for different industries. Three of these produce CPF grade TiO₂; one in Germany, one in Italy, and one in Finland. At all of our GMP sites we have tight control systems in place. These help ensure that our shipments – whatever the size – are consistent and will function in the same way as previous batches, giving customers the same results time after time.

What standards do you follow?

Our CPF pigments are produced in line with European, US, and Japanese standards – of which there are many depending on the sector. If you look at our product data sheets you can see the specifications and parameters that we check and control our TiO₂ products against.

What about shelf life?

If stored correctly, the shelf life of HOMBITAN^® is more or less unlimited – but we do include a best before date. We suggest that the pigment should be used within 36 months. We also give our customers advice on storage best practice.

Is HOMBITAN^® supposed to be refrigerated?

No, but it does have to be kept dry otherwise it may agglomerate and you may see some lumps in the product, which should be a fine powder. If this happens, the product it can still be used but you need a bit more sheer force to make it powder again.

To ensure that HOMBITAN^® reaches our customers in first class condition, we use a dedicated network of distributors that store and transport the product under the proper conditions. Products are stored in a maximum of two pallets so they cannot be pressed and agglomerated. To ensure that our partners in the market are fully compliant and that they follow good distribution practices they are subject to a stringent audit as part of our selection process.

Moving forward to 2016, what is your outlook for the food ingredient industry?

Obviously the market can be subject to certain pressures regarding pricing but in general we see the food sector continuing to grow. In Asia there is an increasing focus on compliance. We also see a move to greater globalization. Previously, there was an emphasis on regional markets. In the future we are more likely to have harmonized standards of production all over the world. For sure, this is the trend for 2016 and for many years to come.

For further information please email the company at p&a_info@huntsman.com.