Lonza has launched its latest dosage form innovation, with supplement manufacturers now able to choose from a range of vibrant, clean label colorants when selecting its Capsugel Vcaps Plus plant-based capsules. Its premier vegetarian capsules are already popular among brands looking to achieve a variety of on-pack claims, but coloring the shell has previously required an E-number. The new food-colored capsules, labeled as natural colorants in the U.S., allow customers to create bright, eye-catching supplements that also appeal to consumers seeking improved supply chain transparency and a natural positioning, the company said. 
 
The first of the next-generation clean label solutions to be marketed worldwide is the Vcaps Plus Purple Carrot capsule, following introduction of the Vcaps Plus Blue Spirulina capsule in Europe. The high-performance capsule shell is made using plant-based hypromellose (HPMC) and water only, without any preservatives. A colorant derived from purple carrots is used to match the desired shade as closely as possible, while maintaining a natural appearance in the finished supplement. Achieving unique visual appeal, the purple carrot color also provides masking capabilities. 
 
“Demand for natural solutions to help maintain health remains strong. As a pioneer in vegetarian capsules, we closely monitor consumer trends and continue to evolve our Capsugel clean-label dosage form capabilities according to the latest preferences,” said Stephane Vouche, marketing manager, Consumer Health & Nutrition, Lonza. “Our research shows that seven out of 10 shoppers seek supplements with no artificial colors. After several years in the pipeline, we are now launching the industry’s first line of clean-label capsule colorants in response to heightened consumer interest in the stories behind the supplements they purchase.” 
 
“In today’s online world, image is everything,” Mr. Vouche added. “This latest innovation helps our customers establish unique brand identities that encompass both on-trend, true-to-nature colors and a complete clear and clean label.”
 
The new colorants are an extension of the existing Capsugel clean-label dosage form portfolio, which is designed to offer optimal performance across a wide range of powder and liquid formulations. Permitted on-pack wording varies by region and Lonza has a team of experts available to assist customers in meeting regulatory restrictions and understanding local nuances in consumer labeling preferences.