These are the findings from a survey conducted by ‘Flora Holland Kenniscentrum Plantenstoffen’ and Feyecon. Because these natural dyes from roses can also be effective as an antioxidant, applications in, for example, cosmetic products for skin aging, wrinkles and sun damage are possible.

Anthocyanins are red-purple pigments that are found in red roses, aubergines and red cabbage. The prospective study is a mixture of anthocyanins extracted from Class II red rose varieties Red Naomi and Passion. The method made use of supercritical CO2. This extraction method can, in a sustainable manner, isolate over 80% of the anthocyanins present in the roses. For good stability and shelf life of these natural dyes, it is necessary that they are coated.

Various types of coating have been used and tested for functionality. It appears that anthocyanins from class II roses, which are encapsulated in a good coating, can be used not only as a coloring agent, but also as plant antioxidants, anti-microbial or anti-inflammatory preparations. This makes the cosmetics industry is a promising market for anthocyanins extracted from roses.

A preliminary analysis of cost and market prices indicates that at sufficient scale there is an interesting business case. In order to realize scale on the production side, it is necessary to extract dyes from multiple kinds of flowers and vegetables. Consequently there may be a year-round supply.

For more information, please contact Jan Smits

Source: Kenniscentrum Plantenstoffen via FloralDaily.com