Vitafoods Europe 2023: IFF to launch vegan softgel capsule for nutraceuticals

20 Apr 2023 --- Verdigel SC is a ready-to-use pectin-based premix that allows supplement and cosmeceutical manufacturers to offer carrageenan-free products, which International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) states are in high demand in several markets. Manufacturers only need to add water and a plasticizer to the premix to produce high-performance softgels.

“Verdigel SC is a carrageenan-free, plant-based softgel technology that enables a wide range of softgel products that consumers demand,” Michael Baumann, global strategic marketing manager of dietary supplements at IFF’s Pharma Solutions Division, tells NutritionInsight. 

“Softgel manufacturers benefit from the fact that Verdigel SC is tailored for efficient use and maintains the same level of processability and stability without compromising the performance and quality that vegan soft capsule manufacturers have come to expect.”

Softgels are an increasingly popular format in nutraceutical sectors, such as supplements or beauty-from-within cosmeceuticals. However, they present manufacturing challenges, for example, in ensuring stability and potency, primarily since companies use increasingly complex and sensitive active ingredients. 

Supplements going vegan 
IFF notes there is growing consumer demand for vegan supplements across the world. 

“Consumers have evolving personal preferences regarding health and label claims on dietary supplements,” explains Baumann. “They look at product labels to understand what is in the product and what is not.” 

“For example, they are increasingly looking for clean label, plant-based and ‘free from’ products. Some consumers are specifically looking for carrageenan-free products. We see this trend in several regions of the world, particularly in North America.”

IFF will launch its new vegan softgel capsules during Vitafoods Europe (Booth C080) in Geneva, Switzerland.Verdigel SC is vegan, halal, kosher and non-GMO. It does not contain gluten, allergens or preservatives. 

Baumann adds that IFF Pharma Solutions has ten years of experience in softgels and aims to provide innovative solutions that meet the industry’s and its customers’ needs. The company wants to “partner with designers and producers to develop the novel delivery forms of tomorrow.”

Product applications 
Verdigel SC is designed for easy implementation and efficient use, suitable for various formulations. IFF maintains the same processability and stability as other vegan and animal-based softgel approaches across multiple process conditions. 

“Verdigel SC was developed to provide manufacturers looking to switch to plant-based, carrageenan-free alternatives without disrupting their production processes and compromising the performance and quality they need from this popular dosage form,” explains Rebecca Putans, R&D scientist at IFF. 

“Ultimately, this is about providing choice and flexibility for our customers, so they can unlock softgel possibilities, accelerate their time to market and respond swiftly to changes in consumer preferences.”

Verdigel SC will be available to view at IFFs booth (C080) during Vitafoods Europe in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 9 to 11. The company will also host a webinar to discuss softgel technologies, adds Baumann, looking into process efficiency and softgel quality of the carrageenan-free softgels. 

Carrageenan-free 
In the US, there have been concerns over the use of carrageenan, as some scientists believe it can cause inflammation and digestive problems. 

Moreover, research by Russian and Lithuanian scientists revealed that adding carrageenans to the diet of lab mice reduced the activity of their congenital immunity cells. 

Capsoil Food Tech has developed a water-soluble vitamin D powder for carrageenan-free milk products.

In cosmeceuticals, the use of seaweeds is growing due to increasing consumer demand for natural ingredients. For example, they are incorporated in formulations for healthy aging. 

By Jolanda van Hal