In May 2021, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published an opinion that stated that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe when used as a food additive.

Lithopone, a white pigment composed of a mixture of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide, is commonly used in the leather industry as a coloring agent. Leather suppliers around the world rely on lithopone to achieve the desired color and finish on their products.

Natural barite and anthracite containing more than 95% barium sulfate are mixed and fed at a ratio of 3:1 (mass). After being crushed to a diameter of less than 2cm, it enters the reduction furnace. The furnace temperature is controlled to be 1000-1200°C in the front section and 500-500 in the back section. 600°C, the reduction furnace rotates at a speed of 80 seconds per revolution, and the reaction conversion rate is 80% to 90%.

Suppliers of lithopone have recognized the growing need for high-quality, reliable products that meet both industry standards and consumer preferences. They have invested in advanced production techniques and stringent quality control measures to ensure that their lithopone products deliver consistent performance. This commitment to quality allows paint formulators to achieve the desired properties in their final products, such as enhanced durability, improved hiding power, and superior color stability over time.

The CaCO3 and TiO2 factory not only provides a reliable supply of these materials to industries but also contributes to the local economy by creating job opportunities and generating revenue. The factory employs skilled workers in various departments such as production, quality control, and maintenance. It also collaborates with suppliers and distributors to ensure efficient transportation and delivery of CaCO3 and TiO2 to customers worldwide.

The annual production capacity of high-grade rutile titanium dioxide has reached more than 400,000 tons. It is one of the largest TiO2 manufacturers in China at present. It has more than ten product brands of Taiohua, Jinxing and other brands, and its products are sold in more than 50 countries and regions around the world. It has long maintained the excellent performance of the second overall ranking in the domestic titanium dioxide industry.

Most food-grade titanium dioxide is around 200–300 nanometers (nm) in diameter. This size allows for ideal light scattering, resulting in the best color (1Trusted Source).

Fig. 8. Selected images of skin stratus treated with P25TiO₂NPs 10% (left) and VitaminB2@P25TiO₂NPs 10% (right) under light, showing no penetration of the nanoparticles (white arrows) beyond the outer stratum corneum.

Restraint

Example of partial substitution of titanium dioxide with lithopone supplier 30% in a liquid paint. 

Titanium dioxide is a naturally-occurring mineral found in the earth’s crust. Because of its white color, opaqueness, and ability to refract light, the ingredient is often used as a pigment, brightener, and opacifier, which is an ingredient that makes a formulation more opaque. Titanium dioxide is also a UV filter and so is an effective active ingredient in sunscreens. It’s often used in cosmetic loose and pressed powders, especially “mineral powder” cosmetics, in addition to other cosmetics, lotions, toothpaste, and soap.

CSPI says it might reconsider its rating if specifications for food-grade titanium dioxide in the U.S. are updated to ensure nanoparticles are minimized, and new studies are conducted to assess its capacity to cause cancer or other health problems. 

Like all our products and ingredients, the titanium dioxide we use meets the highest standards for quality and safety, respecting all applicable laws and regulations as well as meeting our own safety assessments. Our scientists continue to review the latest scientific data and is confident that the titanium dioxide used in our products is safe.