The patent (EP 17754820.3) refers to the Stabicaps’ ability to reduce cross-linking reactions in soft gel production that nutraceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturers regularly encounter when using reactive fills.
“As Darling Ingredients’ health brand, we constantly push to create innovative solutions in the health space and protect them through patents,” explains Pierre-Albert Thomas, Director, Rousselot Functional Ingredients.
“Functional gummies and soft gels are two of the fastest growing dosage formats in the healthcare sector today.
“This new patent provides our customers with the security and freedom to operate using our product.”
Stabicaps & SiMoGel
The acknowledgement of StabiCaps’ function means Rousselot has two products with EPO patents granted. Last November SiMoGel, a gelatine solution for functional gummies also received the same recognition.
According to Verified Market Research, the market for soft gels is expected to grow 9% compounded annually over the next six years with the category estimated to reach €8.6bn ($9.1bn) by 2028.
Such is the interest in gummy and soft gel popularity, particularly in sports nutrition, Rousselot underwent something of a business re organisation back in 2019.
The decision reorganised its brands and products into three new strategic segments: Rousselot Health & Nutrition, Rousselot Functional Ingredients and Rousselot Biomedical.
Rousselot Functional Ingredients segment now houses the firm’s interests in gelatine that include SiMoGel and Stabicaps.
Its Health & Nutrition arm includes Peptan collagen peptides, Peptan IIm to support joint health and mobility, and ProTake for protein enrichment within its product stable.
Darling buy
Rousselot has been under the ownership of Darling Ingredients since 2014, when the US ingredient producer announced the acquisition of VION Ingredients.
VION Ingredients' global network include interests in the by-product markets where they count Sonac (proteins, fats, edible fats and blood products), Ecoson (green power) and Rousselot (gelatine) as part of their company portfolio.
Now, Darling’s Food Ingredients segment consists principally of its collagen business conducted by Darling Ingredients International under the Rousselot name.