National Starch Launches Certified Organic Biopolymers

2008-04-16 | 10:10

Growing natural trend calls for unique ingredients

National Starch Personal Care has launched the Naviance line of certified organic biopolymers. Two ingredients in the new line are based on waxy maize (corn) and two are based on tapioca. The products have been certified organic by LACON and Ecocert in Europe and Quality Assurance International in North America.

“Natural products are no longer a niche in the personal care industry,” explained Penny Vanemon, marketing director, National Starch. “It is a very exciting segment.”

Naviance Maize is a rheology modifier that carries a corn (Zea mays (corn) starch) label. Naviance Instant Maize offers the same label designation and also offers rheology modification. It is called instant because it is cold water swellable and offers both convenience in a formulation and the ability to function in a cold processed formulation.

Naviance Tapioca (tapioca starch) offers rheology modification, but also functions as a film former. Film formation is the basis for styling and hold effects in hair care products and can deliver longer-lasting performance in skin care products. Naviance Tapioca P is primarily an enhancer. It can function as the base of any type of powder formulation, offering a smooth feel similar to talc. It can also be used in emulsions.

The Naviance line has a wide range of applications, including lotions and creams, gels, baby products, sun and hair care, cleansers, emulsions, and body and baby powder. The wide range of applications is ideal as sales of natural products soar.

“The personal care industry is growing about 3.8% a year,” explained Ralph J. Manrique, global marketing manager, skin care. “But the natural personal care market is growing more than 15% a year.”

In fact, some industry sources expect sales of natural products to grow from $2 billion in 2002 to $10.2 billion by 2012.

According to National Starch, the products are functional alternatives to both synthetic ingredients and conventional natural ingredients. Moreover, they are easy to work with and do no present compatibility issues.

More info: www.personalcarepolymers.com