Topic DIC Expands Supply Capabilities for Linablue^® Natural Blue Food Coloring

Linablue^®, a natural blue colorant extracted from edible algae

Rising concern for the health benefits and safety of food is accelerating a shift toward using natural, rather than synthetic, colorings in the food products industry. Having recognized the potential of Spirulina early on, in 1977 DIC became the first in the world to develop commercially viable technologies for managed Spirulina cultivation. DIC also launched phycocyanin, a vivid blue colorant extracted from Spirulina, as Linablue^®, a natural blue food coloring. In the years since, DIC has become the leading global supplier of natural blue food coloring, which it supplies for use in confectionery and desserts, among others.

Japan’s role as a driving force behind the shift toward natural food colorings

Many countries and regions have established independent regulations governing the use of synthetic food coloring. Consumer awareness of the potential health hazards of artificial food colorings has long been high in Japan. As such, major food stores have responded to consumer sentiment by setting forth strategies for shifting their focus to products made with natural food colorings. The situation is similar in most developed economies.

In Europe and North America, cost considerations and ease of use previously made artificial food colorings attractive to consumers. However, as a result of research it conducted on links between artificial food colorings and children’s health, around 2008 the U.K. Food Standards Agency urged food product manufacturers to voluntarily limit the use of artificial food colorings in their products, a move that triggered a shift in consumer preference toward natural food colorings, prompting leading food product manufacturers to switch to natural options.

It was against this backdrop that in September 2013 Spirulina became the first natural blue food coloring to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, while in November 2013 the European Commission presented natural color guidelines that authorized sales of Linablue^®, achievements that served to reconfirm the product’s reputation for outstanding safety. Looking ahead, DIC expects demand for Linablue^®, already strong in Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), to expand in Europe, North America and Southeast Asia.

Maintaining safety and quality by integrating manufacturing to cover raw materials through production

The DIC Group currently conducts integrated production of Linablue^® at its Spirulina farm in the PRC. In response to soaring demand, DIC is currently building a new Linablue^® plant at its Spirulina farm in the U.S. state of California, operations at which are expected to commence in approximately one year. To ensure premium-quality products, it is vital to manage quality at all stages of the production process, from the cultivation of high-grade algae on strictly managed farms to the processing of the algae into powder. Quality thus remains a core focus in all processes, from phycocyanin extraction to refining and concentration, color modification and sterilization. This strong commitment to safety and quality underscores the market dominance of Linablue^®. It is also worth noting that algae absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen as it grows, for every 800 tons of Spirulina cultivated 1,200 metric tons of carbon dioxide are absorbed. Spirulina cultivation uses a significant volume of water. At its Spirulina farm in the United States, all water used in cultivation is recycled and reused, meaning that absolutely no wastewater is discharged outside the facility. At its farm in the PRC, DIC has installed an advanced wastewater treatment facility, facilitating stringent management of water quality.

U.S.-based Earthrise Nutritionals, LLC., is currently building a new plant for Linablue^® in California.

Integrated production capabilities: From algae cultivation through to the manufacture of finished products