Lonza Launches Vcaps® Plus White Opal®, A High-Performance, Semi-Opaque, Plant-Based Capsule at CPhI Worldwide 2019

• Vcaps® Plus White Opal® capsule is Lonza's first commercially-available titanium dioxide-free semi-opaque capsule for food supplements

• The carefully selected semi-opacifier results in excellent machinability and masking capabilities of ingredients

• Visitors can learn more about Lonza's industry-leading advanced capsule technologies and science-backed ingredients at CPhI Worldwide 2019 (Reflexion Room 2, Hall 10.3)

Morristown, NJ (USA), 4 November 2019 – Lonza announces the launch of its first commercially available titanium dioxide-free semi-opaque capsule. The vegan Capsugel® Vcaps® Plus White Opal® capsule is made using only hypromellose (HPMC), water and an EU-compliant semi-opacifier that meets consumer need for safe, high-quality food supplements.

Designed to perform

Food-grade titanium dioxide has been commonly used in food supplement applications for its brightness and opacifying properties, but public debate over its use has led to the suspension of the marketing of titanium dioxide-containing foodstuffs in France from 1 January 2020.

Instead of titanium dioxide, the semi-opacifier in the patent-pending Vcaps® Plus White Opal® capsule is a carefully selected, food-grade calcium carbonate that has undergone extensive and rigorous safety and quality evaluation. The result is a robust oral dosage form that has excellent machinability and offers semi-opaque whiteness for masking properties. It also enables a fast delivery, thanks to its gelatin-like immediate release of ingredients.

Masking made clean

“White is among the most popular colors for capsules globally and is often chosen for its masking capabilities – for example, it helps to protect sensitive ingredients from UV light,” explains Joachim Meier, Sr. Director, Commercial Lead for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Lonza Consumer Health & Nutrition.

“With the current regulatory situation, the plant-based Vcaps® Plus White Opal® capsule is the ultimate solution for supplement brands. Our expert R&D team has taken the opportunity to develop a high-performance, consumer-preferred technology that we see as a real game-changer – not just for manufacturers using vegetarian capsules, but also those looking to switch from a gelatin polymer.”

The Vcaps® Plus White Opal® capsule is available in multiple sizes for powder fills and can be branded using titanium dioxide-free printing. It is on show at CPhI Worldwide (Reflexion Room 2, Hall 10.3), where visitors will also be able to learn more about Lonza's clinically-studied ingredients, innovative delivery forms and ready-to-market solutions.

Find out more information on the website.