Mumbai-based chemicals firm, Omkar Speciality Chemicals, said it received a process patent from the Government of India for its process to manufacture artificial sweetener sodium saccharin.
Under a process patent, exclusivity is granted for a particular manufacturing process, and not for the product itself. Others can produce the same product through a different process, modifying various parameters.
Sodium Saccharin is an artificial sweetener with effectively no food energy. It is about 300–400 times as sweet as natural sugar but has a bitter or metallic aftertaste, especially at high concentrations.
Saccharin is used to sweeten products such as drinks, candies, cookies, and medicines. It is considered safe to consume for individuals with diabetes.
It is more widely used in the processed foods industry compared to more expensive artificial sweeteners.
However, most of the artificial sweeteners sold in retail, such as Sugar Free and Equal, are made from other compounds like sucralose and aspartame.
Saccharin is used extensively in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals such as toothpaste, teeth whiteners and mouthwash, and sugar-free food products including dessert toppings, jams, jelly, salad dressings, canned fruit, baked goods, chewing gums, carbonated drinks, and toothpaste.
Sodium Saccharin is also used in the food and beverage industry in diet carbonated drinks and other low-calorie products. It is also finds applications in foods and pharmaceuticals where the presence of sugar can lead to spoilage.
“With the grant of the patent to produce Sodium Saccharin, we will be able to cater to the growing need of the rising health conscious consumers who are wary of the negative effects of sugar consumption”, said Rishikesh P. Herlekar, Whole Time Director, Omkar Speciality Chemicals
With the latest patent, Omkar Speciality Chemicals has so far received 8 patents and filed over five other patent applications.
Sodium Saccharin had global sales of $260 million in 2018.
However, the company said that the sales will increase up to $365 million by 2024.
Incorporated in 1983, Omkar Speciality Chemicals is mainly engaged in the manufacture and sale of specialty chemicals and intermediates for chemical and allied industries. It manufactures products used in various sectors such as pharmaceutical industry, chemical industry, glass industry, cosmetics, ceramic pigments and cattle & poultry feeds.