Natural Preservatives Gain Momentum

AVIGNON, FranceDemand for natural antioxidants derived from plants, used to preserve color and flavor and keep foods and beverages fresher longer, is going up, according to Naturex.

Natural antioxidant systems are gaining momentum as consumers have begun veering away from artificial additives. In fact, 312 new product launches in Europe in 2013 contained antioxidant rosemary extract, compared to 161 new product launches in 2012 and 48 in 2011, according to Mintel research.

We believe the growing popularity of rosemary extracts will continue in the coming years as consumer demand for clean labels maintains its momentum," said Baptiste Demur, business manager, Naturex. "Shoppers are rejecting chemical additives, but they still expect the products they buy to offer adequate shelf life."

Naturex's NAT stabil® range offers natural antioxidant solutions for use in a variety of applications, including meat, poultry, bakery, cereal-based snacks, sauces, oils, fats, seasonings and stocks.

In addition to natural additives, health- and environment-conscious consumers are driving growth in sustainable and secure food packaging and edible film development. Sustainable food packaging can be composted, recycled or reused and is produced, transported and recycled using renewable energy; made with renewable or recycled materials; made in ways that optimize use of energy; and safe for people and the environment throughout its life cycle.