Aluminium Lake Colours for Foods and Pharmaceuticals::

Introduction

Neelikon offers the complete range of Aluminium Lake colours made from primary food colours.

Aluminium Lakes are produced by the absorption of Water Soluble dye onto a hydrated aluminium substrate rendering the colour insoluble in water. The end product is coloured either by dispersion of the Lake into the product or by coating on to the surface of the product.

In general lakes are more stable than the corresponding water-soluble dyes, producing brighter more vivid colours and are most suitable for products containing oils and fats, or products lacking sufficient moisture to dissolve dyes.

Difference between Lakes & Dyes:

A dye is a distinct chemical material, which exhibits colouring power or tinctorial strength when dissolved. A pigment generically is an insoluble material, which colours by dispersion. The lakes consist of a substratum of alimina hydrate on which the dye is absorbed or precipitated. Having aluminium hydroxide as substrate, the lakes are insoluble in nearly all solvents.

Generally regulations specify a minimum of 85% pure dye for primary soluble dyes. Most lots will be in the range of 88% - 92% pure. The lakes, on the other hand do not have a specified minimum dye content and typically range from 8% - 40% pure dye.

Colouring properties of lakes:

Since the colouring property of lakes is more dependent on the fineness of the lakes than the pure dye present, it is important to test the parameter of particle size before comparing prices. Greater fineness allows use of less colour to be used in an end product, thus resulting in substantial savings in cost.

Batch to Batch Consistency:

Neelikon has developed a unique manufacturing process, which leads to consistency of shade from batch to batch.

Furthermore Neelikon has developed an in-house testing procedure which allows each batch to be accurately matched with standards for shade and colour strength. This ensures consistent shade, eliminating shade variation problems, a common complaint with users. This saves you time and money.

Blends & Dispersions:

Lakes can be blended to product infinite number of shades to meet customer requirements. Dry blends and dispersions in suitable vehicles appropriate mediums for product use. For food & pharmaceutical uses propylene glycol, glycerol and sugar syrups are regularly used. Some of the advantages of using blends and dispersions are:

• Customised colour matching.
• Ensures batch to batch uniformity.
• Reduces risk of contamination.
• Ready to use - easy incorporation into production.
• Easy to use - avoids errors of mixing and shade matching.
• Cleaner to use - avoids dusting.

Applications:

Food Uses:

• Bakery Products:
  Icings, fillings, sugar decorations and oil based coatings.
• Confectionery:
  Candy and confectionery coatings and chewing gums.
• Dairy Products:
  Ice creams, yoghurts, and wax coatings for cheese.
• Dessert Products:
  Gelatins, puddings and beverage bases.
• Seasoning Products:
  Snack food coatings and mixes, spice mixes.

Pharmaceutical Uses:

• Coated and compressed tablets, gelatin (soft and hard) capsules.

Non Food Uses:

• Personal Care:
  Lipsticks, blushers, creams, lotions, and cosmetic powders.
• Packaging:
  Plastic films and wax coated packagings, Can linings.
  (Medium and high strength are recommended for these applications)
• Inks:
  Flexographic and Lithographic
  (High strength lakes are recommended for use in Inks)

Advantages & Limitations:

• Stability to light - It is better than water soluble dyes.
• Stability to Acids and Alkalies - Satisfactory between pH 4-9.
• Solubility - Virtually insoluble in solvents and should have "minimum bleed" in water typically less than 5mg/kg.
• Provided bright and vivid colours.
• Lakes are suitable for products containing oils and fats as well as those lacking sufficient moisture to dissolve dyes.
• Lack of interchangeability between colour suppliers, as minor batch to batch variation is common in pigments.

NEELILAKES FOR FOOD & PHARMACEUTICALS:

US FDA CERTIFIED ALUMIMIUM LAKES:

EC APPROVED ALUMINIUM LAKES:

ALUMINIUM LAKE BLENDS: