Chr. Hansen wins patent case

Recently, Chr. Hansen won a patent case regarding CapColor against another producer of natural colors. The product in question - Hydrophilic CapColor - ensures bright and stable colors in food products, particularly in products such as soft drinks and confectionery.

"We always strive to protect our products. However, we must also protect potential applications. Our customers' applications are what keep this company running, and by protecting them, we are also protecting our customers' right to use our products."

Iben Haasum, Head of IPR & Licensing, and Klaus Koehler, Section Manager in Color Research, are very clear on what patents are all about; namely, looking after our own and our customers' businesses.

Recently, Chr. Hansen won a patent case regarding Hydrophilic CapColor against a competitor. The product in question is LiquidCap with carmine and chlorophyllin - red and green colors.

"This product is characterized by the fact that the manufacturing process allows otherwise non-dissolvable colors to become dissolvable and thus usable in food applications," explains Klaus Koehler.

"In brief, it makes natural colors easier to handle. The color doesn't migrate, it is very bright and clear and has a high stability against acid, which means that it is possible to obtain colors in the pink/violet range with carmine. Normally, this would produce orange color tones," Klaus elaborates.

"However, winning a case in itself is not interesting. What is really interesting is that we offer a great product with excellent properties that optimize our customers' processes," Iben Haasum concludes.