Ciba gains FDA clearance for use of C.I. pigment red 122 in food packaging

Ciba gains FDA clearance for use of C.I. pigment red 122 in food packaging

Ciba® CROMOPHTAL® Pink PT, a quinacridone pigment suitable for synthetic fibers and for most common plastics in a wide variety of end uses, has now received FDA clearance for the coloration of all polymers for food contact applications.

Hermann Angerer, Global Head of Ciba Specialty Chemicals’ Coating Effects Segment, says: "With its suitability for a wide range of applications, and its outstanding properties, CROMOPHTAL Pink PT sets a new market standard for the fibers and plastics industries. It brings exceptional value both to the converter and the end user. Based on its end-use versatility, unequalled ease of processing and now the wide compliance it enjoys for food contact applications, it has everything it needs to become the industry standard pink."

CROMOPHTAL Pink PT has an effective Food Contact Notification, which is listed on the FDA website as FCN #340: for use as a colorant in all polymers, at a concentration level up to 0.5%, to be used in contact with all food types, with temperature conditions A through H.

Along with high color strength, CROMOPHTAL Pink PT exhibits exceptional dispersibility and outstanding fastness properties. Its excellent processing and performance characteristics make it particularly suitable for fiber applications, particularly in polypropylene and polyester terephthalate. It performs equally well in practically all plastics applications, being suitable for polyolefins, flexible and rigid PVC, most engineering plastics, styrenics, rubber, and polyurethane.

Highly effective at low concentrations, it is a useful shading component, especially in polyolefins and PVC. Its end uses include hygiene non-wovens, automotive interior textiles and components, carpeting, food packaging and toys, garden furniture and household and general goods, for all indoor and most outdoor applications.

Ciba Specialty Chemicals (SWX: CIBN, NYSE: CSB) is a leading global company dedicated to producing high-value effects for its customers products. We strive to be the partner of choice for our customers, offering them innovative products and one-stop expert service. We create effects that improve the quality of life adding performance, protection, color and strength to textiles, plastics, paper, automobiles, buildings, home and personal care products and much more. Ciba Specialty Chemicals is active in more than 120 countries around the world and is committed to be a leader in its chosen markets. In 2002, the Company generated sales of 7.1 billion Swiss francs and invested 294 million in R&D.