Israel-based startup Phytolon and US-based biotech firm Ginkgo Bioworks have announced a partnership to create new natural food colors through a proprietary process that is suited for use in a range of implementations.
The food natural colorings are achieved through a yeast fermentation process that allow for betalain pigments to be created, which range across the color spectrum. The colorings are suited for use in food implementations, while also being great for cosmetics as a response to the increasing demand for more natural options.
Co-Founder and CTO of Phytolon Tan Zeltzer commented on the development of the new natural food colors saying, "We’re excited to work with Ginkgo to develop natural food colours that can potentially outperform conventional artificial dyes in cost and performance. We believe biotechnology makes it possible to produce a wider range of colours than ever before that may outperform current benchmark colourants, and we look forward to building products that may meet and even exceed consumer expectations for healthier, sustainable foods, all while aiming to maintain industry requirements for high quality and cost-efficiency.”
Image Credit: Phytolon
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Natural Food Colors
- Developing natural food colors through yeast fermentation presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the food and beverage industry.
- Betalain Pigments
- The use of betalain pigments in food and cosmetics can disrupt the traditional use of synthetic dyes in those industries.
- Biotechnology in Color Production
- The application of biotechnology in color production creates opportunities for innovation in multiple industries, including food, cosmetics, and biotech.
Where This Applies
- Food and Beverage
- The natural food colors can disrupt the traditional use of artificial dyes in the food and beverage industry.
- Cosmetics
- The use of natural colors in cosmetics offers a disruptive opportunity for companies to appeal to consumers looking for more natural and sustainable options.
- Biotech
- The biotech industry can benefit from the development of new techniques for producing natural colors.
