Phytone is one of the world’s largest suppliers of chlorophyll.
This green colour is extracted mainly from grass and lucerne (alfalfa) which is grown especially for chlorophyll production in Lincolnshire.

Chlorophyll is naturally oil soluble and provides a green colour. Alkaline hydrolysis of chlorophyll produces water soluble chlorophyllin. Copper chlorophyll and copper chlorophyllin provide a much brighter green colour than the uncoppered product. These complexes are produced by the coppering of chlorophyll and chlorophyllin respectively to yield more stable complexes with greater tinctorial strength.

Chlorophylls and chlorophyllins (E140) and copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins (E141) can be used in a wide range of applications including drinks, ice cream, ice lollies, sugar confectionary, sauces, pickles and Sage Derby Cheese. They can be used in foods in the EU at quantum satis. Curcumin can be used with these colours to provide a lime green shade.

Please contact the Phytone Technical Services Department for more information and for colour samples for specific applications.