- Furthermore, the research and development activities in these factories to enhance the performance of anatase TiO2 further impact the pricing. Continuous innovation can lead to higher efficiency, which could command a premium price in the market.
While this ruling from the EU General Court doesn’t immediately change the regulations surrounding titanium dioxide, nor does it change the ban that went into place in 2022, it does put the ingredient back in the spotlight.
In the coming months, we will see how the ruling impacts the regulations around titanium dioxide (E171), and we’ll see if the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will take another look at the body of scientific evidence used to justify the current ban on E171 in foods and pharmaceuticals.- The titanium dioxide (TiO2) industry, a crucial component in the production of paints, plastics, paper, and other goods, has undergone significant transformations over the past few decades. These changes have been driven by advancements in technology, shifts in consumer preferences, and an increased focus on environmental sustainability. This article aims to explore the evolution and impact of TiO2 industry factories, providing insights into their current state and future prospects.
There are two primary forms of titanium dioxide commercially available: anatase and rutile. The rutile form is typically used in sunscreens due to its superior ability to handle UV rays and stability in the presence of UV light. The anatase form is typically used in other types of products, such as paint. Another plus of the rutile form is that its UVA protection extends past 400 nanometers, which is the upper limit of UVA.
Recent analyses of food-grade TiO2 samples have found that a significant portion of particles may be within the nanoscale. These particles (also known as nanoparticles) range in size from 1 to 100 nm, where 1 nm equals 1 billionth of a metre (the width of a typical human hair is 80,000 to 100,000 nm).
- In the factory, these purified pigments are then ground into a fine powder, a crucial step as the particle size directly impacts the intensity and opacity of the final color. This grinding process is typically done using specialized machinery, such as ball mills or bead mills, which meticulously reduce the particle size to achieve the desired consistency.
- Despite the increasing competition in the lithopone market, factories in China continue to dominate the production of the pigment, benefiting from their extensive experience and expertise in the industry. The availability of raw materials, as well as the strategic location of these factories near major shipping ports, also contribute to their competitive advantage in the global market.
Rutile titanium dioxide is known for its exceptional whiteness, high refractive index, and excellent durability under UV light. It is produced using various methods, but MBR9668 stands out due to its superior microstructure and unique surface treatment, which provide enhanced dispersion and stability in coatings. This makes it ideal for use in applications where long-lasting brightness and resistance to chalking and fading are crucial.
- In the plastics industry, TR 92 titanium dioxide is valued for its ability to enhance the brightness and opacity of plastic products
- Another important application of titanium dioxide is in the production of self-cleaning surfaces
Let’s break the risk down further.
When used as a base or colorant in a product, titanium dioxide becomes handy in formulas meant to offer a lot of brightness and opacity. Titanium dioxide is so pigmented, in fact, that it’s used not only in white and pastel-colored products but also in darker shades, as well.
Because beauty should never come at the price of your health.
A 2023 study published in the journal Particle and Fibre Toxicology set out to examine the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in mice “on the course and prognosis of ulcerative colitis,” by creating an ulcerative colitis disease model. Researchers found that the titanium dioxide nanoparticles significantly increased the severity of colitis. They also “decreased the body weight, increased the disease activity index and colonic mucosa damage index scores, shortened the colonic length, increased the inflammatory infiltration in the colon.” Researchers concluded: “Oral intake of TiO2 nanoparticles could affect the course of acute colitis in exacerbating the development of ulcerative colitis, prolonging the ulcerative colitis course and inhibiting ulcerative colitis recovery.”
No. EFSA’s role was limited to evaluating the risks linked to titanium dioxide as a food additive. This included an assessment of relevant scientific information on TiO2, its potential toxicity, and estimates of human dietary exposure. Any legislative or regulatory decisions on the authorisations of food additives are the responsibility of the risk managers (i.e. European Commission and Member States).