National Starch launches organic biopolymer range

The Naviance range contains four certified ingredients derived from waxy maize and tapioca, including three rheology modifiers that deliver silky feel, mildness and easy incorporation, according to National Starch. There are some differences between them that allow manufacturers to add ingredients best suited to the formulations they are working on. Four new organic biopolymers​ Naviance Maize is the simplest modifier in the range, which also includes Naviance instant Maize that may be incorporated into cold processed formulations and Naviance Tapioca, providing film formation in addition to rheology modification. ​The final ingredient in the newly launched line is Naviance Tapioca P, which is an aesthetic enhancer that is designed to give powder formulations a smooth feel but may also be added to emulsions. National Starch marketing manager Ralph Manrique said the range was developed in response to the market need for a broader selection of natural and organic ingredients with excellent functionality. There is currently a lack of organic ingredients available that are highly functional and certified at the same time, added Manrique. In creating organic products that are as effective as synthetic alternatives formulators face a number of challenges such as stability problems and variations between batches of ingredients. Specialist knowledge of biopolymers ​ National Starch said it tackled these difficulties by drawing on its extensive R&D and formulating experience and by applying its specialist knowledge of biopolymers. Over the past six years over 80 percent of the company's launches have been in the biopolymer area. Building on its organic biopolymer launches at In-Cosmetics, National Starch is working on the development of ingredients that are also environmentally friendly. "We have a number of initiatives underway to create new, highly functional green ingredients for the personal care market,"​ said Manrique.