Chlorophyll, the green pigment naturally found in plants, plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, but it is rarely used in its raw form due to its instability and oil solubility. Instead, its derivative, chlorophyllin (often in the form of sodium copper chlorophyllin), is commonly used as a stable, water-soluble green colorant.
Derived from plants such as alfalfa, spinach, and nettles, chlorophyllin provides a vibrant green hue, often associated with health and vitality. It is used across a variety of industries, including food, cosmetics, and health supplements, although it is subject to regulatory controls due to its copper content.
This article will explore the reasons behind the use of chlorophyllin as an alternative, its potential benefits, and the suppliers that produce this valuable ingredient.
Why Replace Chlorophyll with Chlorophyllin
The main reason for replacing natural chlorophyll with chlorophyllin in products is its stability. Raw chlorophyll is fat-soluble and prone to browning, making it unsuitable for many applications. Chlorophyllin, on the other hand, is more stable, particularly in an aqueous form, and can be used in a wider range of products, from beverages to confections.
There are health and safety concerns surrounding chlorophyll and its stability, particularly its sensitivity to light and pH changes. Chlorophyllin, which replaces magnesium with copper, is a safer, more stable alternative. Its water solubility makes it ideal for food and cosmetic formulations where a stable, bright green color is needed.
Chlorophyllin is well-regarded for its functional properties and relatively low toxicity when used in the prescribed amounts, with regulatory bodies, such as JECFA, setting acceptable daily intake limits for copper content.
Chlorophyllin also aligns with the growing consumer preference for “clean-label” products, as it is a natural colorant sourced from plants, making it more appealing than synthetic alternatives.
Manufacturers of Chlorophyllin
Here are some of the leading manufacturers of chlorophyllin, who specialize in its extraction and supply for various applications:
1. Sensient (USA)
Sensient Technologies is a global leader in the development and production of natural colorants, offering a diverse range of products, including chlorophyllin. Based in the USA, the company sources chlorophyllin primarily from alfalfa and stinging nettle and has a strong presence in the food and beverage industry and oral care markets.
Sensient is recognized for its high-quality standards, particularly in controlling the safety of heavy metals, and is committed to providing natural, stable color solutions for various industries.
2. Roha (India)
Roha is an Indian manufacturer of natural food colorants with a significant global footprint. The company offers chlorophyllin through its Natracol range, which is sourced from abundant green crops like spinach and betel leaf.
Roha’s chlorophyllin serves markets across Asia and the Middle East, where it is used in various confections, beverages, and other food products. The company is known for its expertise in color stability and sustainable sourcing.
3. Döhler (Germany)
Döhler, based in Germany, is a leading supplier of natural ingredients and colorants, providing solutions for a wide range of industries, including food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals.
Döhler’s chlorophyllin is derived from spinach and nettles and is used to create clean-label color solutions. The company emphasizes sustainability and strives to provide its customers with innovative, high-quality products that meet both safety and regulatory requirements.
4. GNT (Netherlands)
GNT is a prominent supplier of natural colors, focusing on plant-based solutions for the food and beverage industry. Based in the Netherlands, GNT specializes in vegetable juice concentrates and offers a range of green alternatives.
The company is known for using whole foods to create colorants, and although they don’t use chlorophyllin in its pure form, they offer spinach concentrate as a natural source of green color.
5. Chr. Hansen/Oterra (Denmark)
Chr. Hansen, now part of Oterra, is a global leader in natural colors and food ingredients, based in Denmark. The company has a long history of providing high-quality, sustainable ingredients, including chlorophyllin.
Sourced primarily from lucerne (alfalfa), Oterra’s chlorophyllin is available in various forms and is used by companies looking for a stable, natural green color for their products, particularly in plant-based foods and beverages.
6. DDW/Givaudan (USA)
DDW, now part of Givaudan, is known for its expertise in natural colorants and their technical applications. Based in the USA, DDW has developed copper chlorophyllin for various uses, including its role in brewing, where it helps absorb light to prevent flavor degradation.
Givaudan, with its extensive reach in flavors and fragrances, integrates chlorophyllin into its broader offerings for food and beverage applications.
7. Natural Beta (China)
Natural Beta, based in China, specializes in the production of natural colorants, including chlorophyllin, which is derived from traditional sources like mulberry leaf and silkworm droppings.
The company caters primarily to nutraceuticals and cost-conscious food applications, offering bulk chlorophyllin powder for a variety of purposes.
8. AlfaChem (India)
AlfaChem is an Indian chemical supplier specializing in the production of sodium copper chlorophyllin. The company primarily caters to the export market, where its products are used in applications ranging from toothpaste and mouthwash to traditional sweets in India.
Despite not being as widely recognized as some of the larger brands, AlfaChem provides affordable options for smaller companies and emerging markets.
Formulation Considerations
When incorporating chlorophyllin into formulations, several factors need to be considered:
- pH Sensitivity: Chlorophyllin works best in neutral to alkaline environments. In highly acidic conditions, the copper ion can be displaced, resulting in a duller color (pheophytin).
- Light Sensitivity: Chlorophyllin can fade over time when exposed to light, so it’s essential to store products containing chlorophyllin in opaque packaging to maintain color stability.
- Blending: To create a vibrant green color, chlorophyllin is often blended with yellow colorants, such as turmeric or spirulina, to achieve a more balanced green shade.
- Heat Stability: Chlorophyllin is relatively stable to heat, making it suitable for a variety of food and beverage applications, including those requiring heat processing.
Conclusion
Chlorophyllin remains a versatile and natural colorant option, especially in applications where a stable, vibrant green hue is needed. The increasing demand for natural ingredients in food, cosmetics, and health products has propelled chlorophyllin to the forefront, supported by key suppliers such as Sensient, Döhler, and Oterra.
This trend reflects the broader move towards cleaner and safer ingredient alternatives, with chlorophyllin serving as a reliable and effective solution for companies seeking natural green colorants.
For R&D professionals seeking to explore or switch to natural green colorants, reaching out to suppliers of chlorophyllin can provide valuable insights and solutions for their formulations.
