Swiss companies Seprify and BIOGRUND have launched a plant-based tablet coating system designed to replace titanium dioxide and other mineral whiteners in nutraceutical products.
The coating integrates Seprify’s cellulose ingredient SilvaAlba, which provides the bright white appearance traditionally achieved with titanium dioxide (E171) or calcium carbonate (E170). The solution targets supplement manufacturers seeking cleaner ingredient labels following the EU’s 2022 ban on titanium dioxide as a food additive.
BIOGRUND, a specialist in ready-made coating systems used by pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies worldwide, developed the formulation. The company says the plant-based system maintains the optical performance and processing stability manufacturers need while simplifying ingredient lists.
SilvaAlba is a form of microcrystalline cellulose derived from renewable sources. According to Seprify, it offers better pH stability than calcium carbonate, which helps maintain coating performance during typical production conditions. The ingredient also provides regulatory familiarity since microcrystalline cellulose is already widely used in the industry.
“Developing a credible alternative to titanium dioxide requires more than replacing a pigment,” said Lukas Schertel, CEO of Seprify. “The material must integrate into real manufacturing systems while maintaining optical performance and regulatory clarity.”
The announcement follows Seprify’s €13.4 million Series A funding round and comes as consumer demand for transparent ingredient lists continues growing.
Mahmud Yunis, technical director at BIOGRUND, said customers increasingly want coating systems that meet clean-label expectations without compromising manufacturing efficiency. The mineral-free coating is now available for customer evaluation and formulation trials.
BIOGRUND plans to showcase the system at industry events in April and May, where supplement manufacturers can begin testing the formulation.
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