GELITA is the leading company for manufacturing and marketing collagen proteins. Within the range of collagen proteins, GELITA supplies collagen peptides with proven body-stimulating capabilities, tailor-made gelatines and non- or partly- water soluble collagens. This holistic range of products in combination with its vast experience in developing solutions for different applications makes GELITA first choice for its customers.

In today’s landscape of highest consumer demands, manufacturers of food products have to rely on natural, healthy, non-allergenic ingredients for their developments. Collagen proteins from GELITA are the perfect match for this as they fulfill all of these requirements, a particular plus being the fact that they are foodstuffs in their own right .They also possess a set of unique technical and physiological properties.

Besides the traditional use of collagen proteins as natural stabilizers and emulsifiers for countless products, they enable manufacturers to provide their products with other properties which are becoming more and more important. GELITA has intensified its research in developing solutions for physical mobility, weight management and beauty from within.

GELITA presented the first in a new series of Smart Technology solutions, during HiE Frankfurt late last year. Collagen Peptides Smart Technology is a range of enhanced ingredients that brings an optimized performance level and an improved processing performance to customers.

Collagen Peptides Smart Technology provides physiological functionalities and technological functionalities. Both exhibit improved process performance, namely less dust during handling, fewer clumping issues during dissolution, improved wettability and higher bulk densities. For the customer, this means improved production, optimized machinability and the ability to develop new and exciting products. Potential applications include the fortification of clear, high protein gummies with a protein content of up to 35%.

Speaking with FoodIngredientsFirst during HiE Dr. Margarethe Plotowiak of Gelita said: “We have realized huge interest in Bioactive Collagen Peptides but there has been a demand for even better solubility for smooth production processes. The Smart Technology that we have developed is a product line extension of our existing collagen peptides. We currently have a good range that is already very popular with our customers but this has some different functionalities.”

“If you want a product line extension of our existing collagen peptides, there are some application limitations, such as highly viscous or high concentration solutions. So there is a demand for better solubility and better production processes. We believe SMART TECHNOLOGY eases the production for the customers,” she explains, “If you want to do a high concentration it is now easier to do so, because  with GELITA SMART TECHNOLOGY the peptides produce less dust and doesn’t foam whenever you dissolve it.”

Plotkowiak notes: “In new product development, there are often limitations by process parameters of existing equipment. These difficulties can be related to dissolution or, for example, undesired foaming.”

“The Smart Technology product range was developed to overcome these hurdles. This not only enables manufacturers to run more stable, controlled and optimized processes, it also facilitates the creation of new products without these previous limitations and without investing in new production facilities.”

“Basically it’s an idea that you have particles with different physical properties and slightly different in appearance. But also at the same time they combine both of best worlds,” she says. “With these first collagen peptides with gelling power you no longer need two ingredients for the production of collagen fortified gummies.”
 
Building on GELITA’s existing product range Collagen Peptides SMART TECHNOLOGY provide physiological functionalities and technological functionalities. Both exhibit improved process performance, namely less dust during handling, fewer clumping issues during dissolution, improved wettability and higher bulk densities. For the customer, this means improved production, optimized machinability and the ability to develop new and exciting products.

Potential applications include the fortification of clear, high-protein gummies with a protein content of up to 35%, and as a nutritious binding agent in cereal bars or coated products. The optimized bulk density means it’s now possible to significantly increase the amount of Bioactive Collagen Peptides that for example can be included in a hard capsule shell. Furthermore, depending on the product and process requirements, viscosity and drying times can be adjusted to provide optimal results. Of course, in line with GELITA’s existing portfolio, SMART TECHNOLOGY products are non-allergenic and can be used to achieve a clean and clear label.

“At HiE we showcased a new concept of beauty gummies with 30% or more of protein. The nice thing is that these gummies are very clear, they have the same texture like regular gummies. This is unique on the market and only possible with our ST product range,” states Plotowiak.

“Any application of functional confectionary such as marshmallows and cereal bars can be made using this product – the only limitation is the imagination.”

With new products being added to the portfolio on a regular basis, GELITA’s SMART TECHNOLOGY solution is the latest in market-leading collagen proteins.

by Elizabeth Kenward