University of Cambridge spin-out aids natural food colour revolution
The duo have signed a strategic commercial partnership to market a plant-based white colouring that can replace titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in relevant applications.
Formerly known as Impossible Materials, Seprify spun out of the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge and the University of Fribourg; Cambridge Enterprise, the University's tech transfer arm, has remained involved since investing in the company's seed round in April 2023.
For its part, Oterra has become the largest provider of natural food colours worldwide since its launch of that service in 1876.
By integrating Seprify’s patented cellulose-based technology, Oterra will be able to offer customers a clean-label and renewable alternative that matches the opacity, brightness and whitening effect of titanium dioxide while significantly reducing environmental impact.
The partnership combines Oterra’s global market reach and application expertise with Seprify’s deep materials science and process innovation. The companies have collaborated for more than two years, testing across more than 15 food categories – from bakery icings, confectionery coatings and sauces to plant-based dairy and meat, and powdered beverages.
Seprify’s proprietary extraction technology produces particles inspired by natural structures that scatter light in a particular way to create a bright white surface.
The advantages of the titanium dioxide alternative are described as:-
● Easy and fast dispersion
● Excellent whitening properties
● Light heat and pH stable
● Lower dosages than other alternatives
● Neutral flavour and odour
The new white is produced from microcrystalline cellulose sourced from FSC-certified virgin wood pulp. The wood pulp used is 100 per cent renewable. It is estimated that it creates 80 per cent lower CO2 emissions versus titanium dioxide. It is also nano-compliant and food safe.
“Oterra’s scale and formulation expertise make them the ideal partner to bring our cellulose innovation into mainstream food applications,” said Dr. Lukas Schertel, CEO and co-founder of Seprify.
“Together, we’re proving that natural materials can deliver the same whitening performance as titanium dioxide while cutting CO₂ and meeting new legislative demands. It’s a major step toward making sustainable ingredients the default choice for global food brands.”
As a registered form of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), the solution can be used across food and beverage categories in compliance with EU and US regulations.
The new white is available for customer trials now, with studies already underway across key regions. Beyond food, the partnership also signals wider opportunities for sustainable colour and opacity systems in adjacent markets, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to responsible innovation and materials circularity.
Seprify is a Swiss materials innovator transforming cellulose, the world’s most abundant biopolymer, into high-performance, plant-based functional ingredients. Its nature-inspired technology delivers safe, biodegradable alternatives to conventional whiteners and texturisers, enabling brands to reduce reliance on titanium dioxide and fossil-based polymers while maintaining performance.
Its sustainable material platform supports a wide range of industries, including Cosmetics & Personal Care (with a 100 per cent natural UV booster for skin and suncare), Food & Beverages, Pet Food, Pharma & Nutraceuticals, Coatings, Paints & Inks with additional engineered applications currently in development.
