The identity of a food product isn’t just about taste; it’s about visual appeal and health-conscious choices. Food producers are increasingly driven to meet not only the demand for diverse and delicious flavors but also to contribute to the well-being of consumers. Enter the domain of natural food colorings, where Indonesia is witnessing a vibrant shift in market dynamics.

The Indonesian Food Coloring Landscape

According to market research, there is a projected 8.1% growth in the natural food colorant sector worldwide. The rise in demand for natural food ingredients has gained significance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is coupled with a heightened focus on the traceability of their sourcing and extraction processes. This increased awareness of food ingredients has led to a surge in the preference for natural food colors over their synthetic counterparts. Indonesia is no exception to this forecast.

Indonesia’s food coloring market is a vivid palette. Traditionally, synthetic food dyes have dominated this landscape. However, recent years have seen a remarkable shift towards natural food colorings.

The Soaring Demand for Natural Food Colors

The demand for natural food colorings in Indonesia is on a steady rise, and several factors contribute to this trend:

1. Health and Wellness: In an era where well-being takes center stage, consumers are increasingly scrutinizing what goes into their food. Natural food colors align with health-conscious choices, as they often come with added nutritional benefits.
2. Clean Labeling: Consumers are becoming more label-savvy, seeking products with transparent and recognizable ingredients. Natural food colorings fit perfectly into the clean labeling trend, as they eliminate the need for complex chemical names on packaging.
3. Allergen Concerns: Synthetic food dyes can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Natural alternatives offer a safer choice for those with sensitivities or allergies.

Challenges in Embracing Natural Food Colors

While the shift towards natural food colorings holds great promise, it’s not without its challenges:

1. Regulatory Compliance: Food producers must navigate Indonesia’s regulatory landscape, ensuring that natural colorings meet stringent quality and safety standards.
2. Stability: Maintaining color stability in various food products, especially those exposed to heat and light, can be a challenge when using natural sources.
3. Cost: Natural food colorings can be more expensive to produce than their synthetic counterparts, which may impact product pricing.

Indonesia possesses a wealth of natural resources that can be tapped into for food coloring. From tropical fruits like dragon fruit and pandan leaves to indigenous plants with coloring potential, the nation has a rich palette of options. As research and development efforts continue, we can expect to see an array of vibrant and healthy natural food colorings gracing our favorite Indonesian foods.

All in all, the natural food coloring trend in Indonesia is not merely a change in hue but a transformation in the way we perceive food. Stay current with this colorful revolution and its dynamics with Bahtera. 

The search for eco-friendly crop protection methods has given rise to Suspension Concentrate (SC) pesticides. These innovative formulations offer a host of benefits, from enhanced pesticide retention on plant surfaces to simplified application techniques.

The Science of SC Pesticides

SC pesticides represent a significant departure from traditional pesticide formulations. Compared to emulsifiable concentrates (EC) or wettable powders (WP), SC formulations are engineered for superior efficiency and effectiveness.

At the heart of SC pesticides lies a science that harnesses the power of finely ground particles suspended in a liquid medium. In addition to improved stability, SC’s enhanced adhesion allows for better coverage and protection.

Advantages Over Conventional Pesticides

SC advanced formulations bring a range of advantages. The following advantages are what set them far apart from conventional pesticides.

1. Improved Adhesion: SC pesticides are engineered for optimal adhesion to plant surfaces. This means they stay put and provide extended protection, even when subjected to rainfall or irrigation.
2. Precise Application: The homogeneous suspension of active ingredients in SC formulations allows for precise application, reducing the risk of overuse and minimizing the environmental impact.
3. Reduced Drift: SC pesticides are known for minimal drift during application, ensuring that the pesticide reaches its intended target without affecting neighboring crops or natural habitats.
4. Lower Environmental Impact: Owing to their reduced drift, SC pesticides often have a lower environmental impact.

SC Pesticide Formulation Process

The creation of an SC pesticide involves a meticulous process that demands expertise and precision. Key steps include premixing, grinding, and perfecting the formulation. The grinding phase is particularly critical; it determines the particle size of the suspension which is a crucial factor for efficacy.

SC pesticides have found applications in various agricultural sectors, from protecting staple crops to specialty horticulture. While SC pesticides offer a promising path toward sustainable crop protection, they are not without challenges. These include the need for precise formulation, potential clogging of application equipment, and a learning curve for farmers transitioning from conventional pesticides. 

Nonetheless, the advantages SC pesticides offer position them as valuable tools in the farmer’s arsenal. Find your Suspension Concentrate solution with Bahtera.

As the agricultural landscape undergoes a remarkable transformation, farmers face a daunting challenge: finding effective alternatives to safeguard their precious crops in the absence of paraquat. This shift has ignited a quest for innovative solutions, sparking the emergence of alternatives that not only match paraquat’s weed-control prowess but also prioritize the well-being of our environment and health. Herbicides like glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-D, diquat, and ingenious mechanical weed control techniques aren’t just substitutes; they’re the future of sustainable farming. Amid this quest, Emulan LVA emerges as a groundbreaking solution.

The Era After Paraquat

Paraquat, a potent herbicide, once reigned supreme in the world of agriculture. Its ability to control weeds made it an invaluable tool for farmers, but it came at a cost. Over time, the health risks associated with paraquat became increasingly evident. More than 70% of acute paraquat poisonings result in death, making it a grave concern for both farmworkers and the environment.

In response to these issues, the European Union banned paraquat, emphasizing the urgency of finding safer alternatives. Farmers, scientists, and agricultural experts embarked on a quest to discover herbicides that could effectively fill the void left by paraquat. Glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-D, diquat, and mechanical weed control methods were among the contenders, each vying to match paraquat’s weed-control capabilities while minimizing health and environmental risks.

Enter Emulan LVA: A Systemic Approach

Emulan LVA, the rising star in crop protection, stands out due to its unique systemic action. When added to methylmetsufuron, it takes on the role of a versatile emulsifier and adjuvant. But what sets it apart is its ability to transform ordinary herbicides into systemic defenders of crops.

The magic of Emulan LVA lies in its speedy surface tension reduction. Within the critical time span of 0.01 to 0.1 seconds, the droplets of the spray solution travel from the nozzle to the leaf surface. During this brief journey, it effectively reduces the surface tension, enhancing the spray’s retention on the leaves.

Moreover, this reduction in surface tension facilitates superior spreading, preventing the spray from dripping off the leaf surface. This not only ensures the efficient use of pesticides but also reduces wastage and minimizes environmental impact.

Why Emulan LVA?

Emulan LVA’s prowess doesn’t end with its retention and spreading capabilities. Here are some compelling reasons why it’s an effective paraquat alternative:

1. Excellent Retention and Spreading: Emulan LVA excels in ensuring that the spray solution adheres to leaves and spreads evenly, maximizing pesticide effectiveness.
2. No Drift Reduction: Unlike some alternatives that may require drift reduction agents, Emulan LVA maintains superior performance without additional chemicals.
3. Medium Foaming: It offers moderate foaming, ensuring ease of use without excessive foam formation.
4. Low Aquatic Toxicity: Emulan LVA exhibits low aquatic toxicity, contributing to environmental safety.
5. Readily Biodegradable: It readily biodegrades, aligning with the global shift toward eco-friendly agricultural practices.
6. REACH/EPA Exempted: Emulan LVA has gained recognition for meeting regulatory requirements, ensuring its safety and effectiveness.
7. No Gelling: It doesn’t cause gelling or compatibility issues, simplifying the application process.

Emulan LVA: Shaping the Future of Crop Protection

As Emulan LVA continues to make strides in the world of agriculture, it offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable crop protection. With its systemic action, efficiency, and environmentally friendly attributes, it has quickly become a beacon of hope for farmers seeking safer and more effective alternatives to paraquat. Find your Emulan LVA solution with Bahtera.

In 2007, the European Union (EU) took a resolute stance against the use of paraquat. The decision to ban this widely used herbicide is rooted in a commitment to prioritize the health of both the environment and those who toil on the land. 

The Paraquat Predicament

Paraquat has faced stringent regulations and bans in various sectors, with palm oil plantations being a notable example. The palm oil industry, a major player in the global agricultural landscape, has recognized the environmental and health hazards associated with this herbicide. Due to its acute toxicity and potential for soil contamination, paraquat is considered incompatible with sustainable and responsible palm oil production. As a result, several countries and organizations involved in palm oil cultivation have imposed bans or strict restrictions on its use.

Following the 2007 EU ban, an international movement is currently advocating for a worldwide prohibition altogether. However, the use of this cost-effective and widely-used herbicide remains unregulated in many developing nations. A select few countries, such as India and Guatemala, have opposed categorizing paraquat as a dangerous substance under the Rotterdam Convention. Its application now extends to over 100 crops spanning approximately 100 nations. 

Health and Environmental Concerns

Beneath its utility lies a concerning trail of health and environmental issues. Extensive research has linked paraquat exposure to severe health problems, including respiratory issues and nervous system damage. More than 70% of acute paraquat poisonings lead to death. 

In 2011, research conducted by the US National Institutes of Health revealed a connection between the use of paraquat and the occurrence of Parkinson’s disease among agricultural laborers. A co-author of the study noted that paraquat elevated the production of specific oxygen derivatives that could potentially damage cellular structures. Consequently, individuals who utilized this non-selective herbicide or other pesticides with a comparable mode of action had a heightened susceptibility to developing Parkinson’s disease.

From an environmental standpoint, paraquat’s persistence in soil has raised red flags. Paraquat exhibits a robust affinity for soil particles, resulting in a prolonged association with them in an inert state. However, it can also undergo desorption. These factors collectively sounded the alarm on its widespread use and prompted regulatory bodies to take action.

A Search for Alternatives

With paraquat no longer an option, farmers are faced with the task of finding effective substitutes to protect their crops. Some of the alternatives being explored include glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-D, diquat, and even mechanical weed control methods. These alternatives aim to match paraquat’s weed-control capabilities while mitigating its health and environmental risks. Find your safer alternatives to Paraquat with Bahtera.

Post COVID-19 pandemic, cleanliness and comfort are at an all-time high. The household cleaners market has now become a vital part of modern living. Let’s delve into the numbers, popular products, and future prospects for manufacturers in this ever-evolving landscape.

Market Momentum and Growth

The household cleaners market’s growth is akin to an ever-expanding horizon. This growth has gained more prominence in recent times due to the global pandemic’s influence on hygiene awareness. In 2022, the global household cleaners market generated about $247.94 billion in revenue, reflecting its adaptability to changing consumer needs. Looking ahead, the market is projected to maintain this growth trajectory, reaching an estimated value of $334.16 billion by 2029, with an approximate CAGR of 4.4% to 6.2%. This underscores the sustained demand for products that cater to hygiene and health needs.

The Power of Demand

Within the household cleaners market, specific product categories have risen as favorites due to their practicality and functionality. Multipurpose cleaners, eco-friendly detergents, and smart home cleaning devices have garnered significant attention from consumers. The increased emphasis on health and safety has also led to a surge in demand for disinfectants and sanitizers.

Multipurpose cleaners have become essential due to their versatility, catering to various surfaces and tasks in our daily routines. Eco-friendly detergents have gained popularity among environmentally conscious consumers for their reduced environmental impact and biodegradable formulations. Smart home cleaning devices, such as robotic vacuum cleaners and app-controlled gadgets, offer convenience and efficiency. The heightened focus on health and hygiene has amplified the need for disinfectants and sanitizers.

Opportunities on the Rise

Manufacturers in the household cleaners market are on the cusp of exciting trends. As sustainability takes center stage in consumer consciousness, eco-friendly products will likely dominate the market. Innovations in smart technology are expected to revolutionize how we approach household chores. From automated vacuum cleaners to app-controlled appliances, the marriage of convenience and efficiency is a trend that’s set to flourish.

For manufacturers, the evolving household cleaners market landscape presents promising avenues. The rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer models allows them to connect with consumers more efficiently. Customization and personalization are becoming crucial, as consumers seek products tailored to their specific needs and preferences. As the demand for eco-conscious products grows, manufacturers can innovate and create offerings that resonate with environmentally conscious consumers.

The household cleaners market is thriving and constantly adapting to the changing needs and lifestyles. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and consumer-centricity, the sector can redefine the way we care for our homes. As manufacturers harness these trends and continue to provide quality solutions, the future of the household cleaners market looks promising. Find your solution to create the best and in-demand household cleaners with Bahtera.

Currently, the beauty sector is witnessing a positive trajectory across all its categories, especially the body care industry. Notably, it has displayed remarkable resilience during times of global economic uncertainty and amidst a volatile macroeconomic landscape. The body care domain has now become one of the most sought-after industry, appealing to a diverse range of individuals. From prominent financiers to renowned celebrities, this enthusiasm is well-justified.

Growth in Numbers

After a robust recovery from the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the body care industry has been experiencing remarkable growth. The global skin care body products market was reported to reach the revenue of $26.93 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to witness a substantial compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.23% by the year 2027. 

The increasing need for health and well-being solutions, prompted by the escalation of various skin conditions like allergies, has played a significant role in elevating the request for body care items within the area. Furthermore, a mounting consumer inclination towards utilizing body care products for enhancing personal hygiene and maintenance has effectively propelled the expansion of this category throughout recent years.

Diverse Product Types

The demand for body care products spans a wide range of categories, each catering to specific needs and preferences. Essentials like moisturizers, body washes, and sunscreens remain perennially popular due to their daily usage. However, the industry is also witnessing surging interest in specialized treatments such as anti-aging body creams, firming lotions, and natural ingredient-based products. The rise of hybrid cosmetics, blending skincare and makeup benefits, is further diversifying the market and appealing to multifunctional product enthusiasts.

Trending Towards Sustainability

As consumer awareness about the environment and personal health grows, sustainability has emerged as a pivotal factor influencing purchasing decisions. Body care brands are responding to this demand by incorporating eco-friendly packaging, ethically sourced ingredients, and cruelty-free practices. Moreover, the trend of sustainability claims, highlighting the product’s environmental impact, is gaining traction. This aligns with the increasing number of conscious consumers who seek products that contribute positively to the planet.

Future Outlook and Trends

Looking ahead, the body care industry is in for exciting developments. Hybrid cosmetics, blending skincare and makeup, may gain prominence as consumers seek multifunctional solutions that save time and offer enhanced benefits. Sustainability will continue to shape the industry, with brands focusing on reducing their carbon footprint and adopting innovative packaging solutions. The use of natural and organic ingredients will also remain a central trend, as health-conscious consumers opt for clean and safe formulations.

The body care industry’s growth, diverse product range, and embrace of sustainability reflect its promising trajectory. As hybrid cosmetics and environmental consciousness take center stage, consumers can anticipate an array of innovative and eco-conscious body care solutions. Click here to find your solution. 

The existence of sugar is unavoidable in daily life; sugar is not only essential in food products as a sweetener. It also serves as a flavor enhancer, color and flavor developer, texture influencer, and aids in fermentation. Sugar significantly contributes to flavor, solubility, viscosity, temperature stability, and preservation, specifically in beverages.

Globally, sugar consumption is expected to increase from approximately 176 million metric tons in 2022 to around 180.05 million metric tons in 2024. This rise can be attributed to increased world trade and advancements in agricultural technology, making sugar more affordable and widely available than ever before.

High Sugar Consumption and Its Health Threats

In Indonesia, a significant percentage of the population consumes excessive amounts of sugar, with 4.8% of people consuming more than 50 grams daily. Moreover, 61.27% of individuals aged three years and above consume sweetened beverages multiple times daily. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to various negative health effects, including obesity, tooth decay, and diabetes.

To address the issue of excessive sugar intake, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines recommending that adults and children limit their daily consumption of free sugars to below 10% of their total energy intake.

Similarly, the Indonesian Ministry of Health advises against consuming more than 50 grams of sugar, 2 grams of sodium, and 67 grams of total fat daily. The purpose is to reduce the risk of hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and heart attacks.

Sugar Reduction as a Challenge for Food and Beverages Industry

Sugar reduction poses a challenge to the food and beverages industry. Finding a replacement for sugar presents challenges in cost, quality, and process. Especially because reducing sugar in beverages can impact taste perception and consumer acceptance.

The food and beverages industry has established targets for reducing sugar in specific product categories. The most effective strategy to face the challenge is by adopting a comprehensive approach to reducing added sugar in food and beverages.

Different sugar reduction methods may be suitable for certain products and consumer groups. However, achieving a significant reduction in sugar without compromising taste perception is a complex technical challenge. Even small reductions in sugar content in widely consumed products can have substantial health benefits for the population.

Nonnutritive sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame-K give similar satisfaction to consuming sugar. Therefore, many food and beverage manufacturers opt for nonnutritive sweeteners in lieu of sugar. Moreover, studies found a correlation between consuming nonnutritive sweeteners and weight loss. This is due to the few to zero calories in nonnutritive sweeteners, which naturally help reduce calorie intake.

In beverages, blended nonnutritive sweeteners can also reduce sugar by using synergistic properties to enhance sweetness compared to a single sweetener. These synergistic properties influence temperature, sweetener type, concentration, and beverage viscosity.

Overcoming technical challenges in reducing sugar in beverages involves addressing issues such as decreased sweetness intensity, aftertaste from sweeteners, texture and mouthfeel deficiencies, and flavor instability. Proper ingredient selection, including sweeteners, bulking agents, and texturizers, can provide alternative solutions to these challenges.

The growing interest in sustainable and healthier eating habits has led more consumers to embrace veganism. The vegan diet, which avoids animal products, is known for its health benefits and potential for weight loss. Individuals following a vegan diet can enjoy various health advantages by focusing on plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

The Rising Demand for Vegan Foods

As veganism gains popularity, there is a rising demand for suitable replacements for animal-based ingredients in cooking. This demand becomes more critical for food and beverage manufacturers when these substitutes need to replicate the sensory qualities of animal-based counterparts. This is evident in making mousse, a timeless dessert originating in France.

In Making the Fluffiest Vegan Mousse Possible

The creamy texture, sweetness, and visually appealing attributes of mousse largely stem from animal-based ingredients like egg and cream. It consequently becomes the main ingredient that contributes to the fat content. However, since these ingredients are off-limits in a vegan diet, there is a need to explore alternative plant-based fat sources to find an acceptable substitute for vegan mousse.

There are several alternative ingredients to make vegan mousse, with the popular ones being aquafaba and silken tofu. Aquafaba, the liquid found in canned chickpeas or obtained by boiling chickpeas, is growing in popularity as a homemade alternative to egg whites. Aquafaba’s natural and clean label properties allow it to replace dairy and eggs without relying on protein isolates, gums, or refined starch. It garnered attention from the food industry. Meanwhile, silken tofu is the alternative for easy-to-make vegan mousse, as the ingredient can be found easily in nearby grocery stores.

Making Modern Vegan Mousse Requires Modern Solution

The verdict is, using both aquafaba and silken tofu can be tricky. Aquafaba can produce unstable foams that pose a challenge to food manufacturers when making big batches. On the other hand, using silken tofu for vegan chocolate mousse that is too cold in temperature can make the chocolate set. It will result in grainy vegan mousse due to the temperature difference between the silken tofu and the chocolate mixture.

Even so, creating light and creamy foams for vegan mousse does not have to be painful. Using Lamequick® for whipping bases will help produce excellently stable mousses with great melting properties, creamy mouthfeel, as well as superior aeration.

On top of that, Lamequick® comes in powdered form, which provides easy handling and storage without compromising performance. The vegan option is also available in the soy-based Lamequick® VE 28 and pea protein-based Lamequick® CNP.

The rise in plant-based diets that consumers choose presents an opportunity for innovative industry key players to create appealing products. Click here to find your solution.

Indonesia is home to the second-longest coastline and vast marine waters. It consequently made Indonesia the owner of one of the most fertile fishing grounds in the world. In 2020, fisheries made up 2.8% of Indonesia’s gross domestic product (GDP). Despite that, Indonesia has only used up 7.38% of its potential area for aquaculture production, with shrimp being the highest-value commodity.

Lending A Helping Hand to the Ambitious Goal

With the ambitious goal for the government to increase aquaculture production to 10.4% by 2024, aquaculture farmers need to ensure smooth production. Securing the aquaculture feed, which provides the necessary nutrients for the livestock, is essential. Especially since it maintains a robust immune system, growth, and reproduction.

Aquatic animals depend on their gut health to maintain their overall well-being. Animals in distress can impact their gastrointestinal tract negatively, which leads to impaired barrier function and absorption. Diet composition and feed ingredients can influence the gut structure and microbiota balance, affecting digestive functions.

The Role of Feed Additives in Aquaculture Farming

Using feed additives is an option to promote the healthy growth of aquaculture livestock. Feed additives can also utilize feed and increase the stress resistance of aquaculture species. Feed additives are primarily non-nutritive and come in various shapes, such as pellet binders, probiotics, prebiotics, phytogenic substances, and antioxidants.

Probiotics and prebiotics enhance immune response, digestion, and water quality. Meanwhile, essential fatty acids, mushrooms, seaweed, organic acids, enzymes, and essential oils play a role in growth, pathogen resistance, livestock performance, and blood parameters. Different feed additives serve different purposes for the overall well-being of the livestock. Aquaculture farmers need to know what kind of feed additives are suitable for their farms to ensure expeditious utilization.

Moreover, vaccination is not feasible for shrimp due to their immune system limitations. Using antibiotics is also restricted due to safety, environmental concerns, and antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, aquaculture farmers need to take extra measures to ensure the health and well-being of the livestock for successful farming.

When it comes to Paint and Coating, durability remains the top priority for formulators, contractors, and DIY painters during the selection of the products. Durability refers to various aspects that determine how well paint and coating resist stains, scratches, fading, and cracks.

Paint durability plays a crucial role in the maintenance and preservation of buildings and structures. The quality of painted surfaces also influences the durability of the paint. When the quality falls short, it may lead to premature repairs and additional costs.

Paint can deteriorate when components such as binders and pigments degrade. It is primarily due to the formation of reactive free radicals. These radicals are generated by factors like UV light, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles. The presence of free radicals leads to damage, causing issues like peeling, wrinkling, sun spots, and changes in color and gloss.

The Extent of Paint Durability the Market Needs

There are two different markets for durable paints: contractors and DIY painters. Though both markets usually seek coatings that are easy to apply and visually appealing, they need differing durability and specific requirements.

The interior market, which is dominated by DIY painters, focuses on appearance, stain resistance, and stain removal. Meanwhile, the exterior market is driven by professional painters and client satisfaction based on durability. Time efficiency is crucial for contractors. Therefore, they prefer high-quality, long-lasting paints that minimize the need for repainting and callbacks.

Slip and Leveling Agents to Prolong Durability

To meet the demand for durable paint products, certain additives caught the attention of manufacturers. One of them is leveling agent additive, which enhances the ability of coatings in smoothing out surface defects that may occur after application. Using leveling agent like Efka® SL 3034 can eliminate defects, resulting in an improved overall quality of the coated surface.

Additionally, Efka® SL 3034 provides improved slip resistance, preventing the unwanted phenomenon of floating. It also enables better wetting of the substrate by reducing the interfacial tension. Efka® SL 3034 is suitable for various industrial coatings, including water-based and solvent-based formulations. By incorporating Efka® SL 3034 into coatings, manufacturers can achieve superior leveling, anti-cratering, and substrate-wetting properties, ultimately enhancing the overall performance and visual appearance.

Achieving optimum leveling results in even spreading, flatness, and consistency of the paint. It allows for thinner coatings, which also reduces material consumption and costs. Click here to find your solution.