The European Commission Directive, which has already been adopted in the UK, permits the use of existing additives such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and six grades of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in certain food supplement products.
The directive is scheduled to be implemented by all EU member states by 31 March, 2011.
Colorcon general manager for film coatings Kamlesh Oza said the new, high productivity PVA-based film coatings offer many benefits such as improved moisture, oxygen barrier properties, superior adhesion and high gloss finish for food supplement manufacturers who wish to improve the value of their products.
"A wide range of colors, using non-synthetic pigments, provide branding opportunity and consumer appeal," Oza said.
Colorcon has 18 technical service laboratories across the globe.