Oterra, a global supplier of natural colors for the food and beverage industry, has entered a strategic commercial partnership with Swiss innovator Seprify to bring a plant-based white coloring to the market. This innovation offers a clean-label alternative to titanium dioxide (TiO₂), meeting growing consumer demand for natural and sustainable ingredients.
Combining Expertise for a Clean-Label Solution
By leveraging Seprify’s patented cellulose-based technology, Oterra can now offer a renewable white color that replicates the opacity, brightness, and whitening effect of titanium dioxide while significantly reducing environmental impact. The collaboration builds on over two years of joint research, testing the innovation across more than 15 food categories, including bakery icings, confectionery coatings, sauces, plant-based dairy and meat products, and powdered beverages.
Luc Ganivet, Chief Innovation Officer at Oterra, said, “This new white gives us better options for a broader range of food and beverage applications. Together with Seprify, we’re ensuring that performance, safety, and sustainability go hand in hand for the next generation of food formulations.”
Innovative Technology and Sustainability
Seprify’s proprietary cellulose extraction technology creates particles inspired by natural structures that scatter light to produce a bright white surface. The product is made from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) sourced from FSC-certified virgin wood pulp, 100% renewable, and nano-compliant. Compared with titanium dioxide, this natural alternative reduces CO₂ emissions by an estimated 80%, supporting Oterra’s sustainability goals.
Dr. Lukas Schertel, CEO and co-founder of Seprify, added, “Together, we’re proving that natural materials can deliver the same whitening performance as titanium dioxide while cutting CO₂ and meeting new legislative demands.”
Key Advantages of the Titanium Dioxide Alternative
*Easy and fast dispersion
*Excellent whitening properties
*Light, heat, and pH stable
*Lower dosages than other alternatives
*Neutral flavor and odor
These attributes make the new white suitable for a wide range of food and beverage applications in compliance with EU and US regulations.
Accelerating Market Adoption
Oliver Polcher, Chief Business Officer and Co-founder of Seprify, noted, “By combining Oterra’s global reach with our scalable cellulose platform, we’re accelerating market adoption and building the commercial infrastructure for Seprify’s next growth phase.”
The new white coloring is available for customer trials now, with studies already underway in key regions. Beyond food and beverage, the partnership opens new opportunities for sustainable color and opacity solutions in adjacent markets. It reinforces both companies’ commitment to responsible innovation and material circularity.
Driving the Future of Sustainable Food Ingredients
As per the press release, Oterra and Seprify are setting a new benchmark for sustainable, high-performance ingredients. The collaboration helps global food brands meet consumer demand for natural, safe, and environmentally friendly solutions.
