LUCA PENNESTRI
General Manager, Layn Natural Ingredients EMEA

Abstract

Consumers today are increasingly seeking clean label, natural ingredients. This article examines how the shift away from synthetic ingredients is driving innovation throughout the food and beverage industry towards natural, plant-based alternatives and solutions for preservation and shelf life. Natural preservatives are in high demand as regulatory requirements are increasingly banning or discouraging the use of many synthetic ingredients commonly used, such as EDTA. Advancements in R&D have led to the discovery of a variety of botanical ingredients that demonstrate excellent performance as natural preservatives. Many of these have been shown to preserve nutritional and sensory loss prevention just as effectively as synthetics making them ideal for clean label applications while effectively extending shelf life, reducing food waste and financial loss, and preserving food safety and integrity.

CONSUMER DEMAND FOR NATURAL, CLEAN LABEL & FREE-FROM
In the last few years there has been an irreversible shift and transition from the use of synthetic ingredients and additives toward natural ingredients and botanical extracts with technological functions. This transition has been primarily driven by ever-increasing consumer demand for natural, clean label, free from, and short lists of ingredients consumers can pronounce and perceive as healthy.

We are living in an era where labels and ingredients are carefully scrutinised and concern regarding the use of synthetic preservatives and additives is top of mind for a growing constituency of consumers. 73% of consumers are more likely to buy products containing ingredients they recognise and trust (1), and 46% of consumers associate clean label with “good for you” (2).

Many innovations and studies to address these new trends and challenges are coming from the world of botanicals. A number of botanical extracts - including rosemary, oregano and green tea - have been extensively researched and shown to be effective natural preservatives, with excellent po ...