Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1101841
Tablets & Capsules April 2019 31 How do you hope to see the Clean Label Alliance grow or expand? Davis: As the Clean Label Alliance grows and the clean-label movement continues to gain traction, our goal is to continue developing solutions that will grow our ser- vice base and help companies comply with evolving con- sumer expectations. While we are always open to collabo- rating with new, like-minded companies, for us, expansion and growth is about what we can do to bring new solutions and innovations into the clean-label arena and support the industry in its transition towards greater transparency. Natoli: We hope that the dietary supplement industry will value the Clean Label Alliance as a key resource for technical support with regard to product and process development, efficiencies, and troubleshooting. Specht: We do hope that the Clean Label Alliance becomes the first choice for clients that are seeking clean-label solutions and that we can service more com- panies to better serve the entire industry. Peirce: Right now, we are learning by doing. Since the alliance went public in November 2018, we have helped more than a dozen companies in their pursuit of manufac- turing clean-label dietary products. We would like to see small- to mid-size manufacturers that are not already cli- ents of the founding member companies reach out for help during the formulation stages of their clean-label manufacturing. Currently, we are planning to expand the Clean Label Alliance's assistance beyond North America into Europe, starting at the Vitafoods show later this year. What are some challenges facing the alliance? Specht: For the founding members, our challenge is to provide resources like manpower, laboratory testing, product development, and solutions for customers look- ing for clean-label alternatives. Natoli: A perennial challenge for manufacturers is to continue to source clean-label products that will effec- tively work with nutritional formulas. Peirce: Manufacturers may not be aware of the full range of clean-label ingredients and excipients that are available. Not only do we have the responsibility to inform them of these products, but we also need to guide them on how to use them. One of our clients called and asked why our clean-label binder wasn't working, and it turns out that they were using too much of it. Another called because they used our clean-label lubricant and weren't reaching the production speeds they desired, so our Clean Label Alliance partner Bosch was able to call them and tell them how to adjust the equipment. Davis: It's important that, as companies become more internet-based and globally present, we ensure that our ser- vices are available to customers wherever they are in the world, and that our solutions adhere to global regulatory requirements. We see this, however, not so much as a chal- lenge but as an opportunity, and we aim to remain aware of those needs as they evolve and adjust accordingly. Specht: The Clean Label Alliance brings together top industry leadership to fully equip dietary supplement man- ufacturers to make clean-label products. We can provide clean-label ingredients for existing projects as well as assist in reformulation or development of new formulations. Davis: By making clean-label solutions more accessi- ble, we can help the industry meet consumer demands. We want customers to know that the Clean Label Alliance is here to act as an enabler, supporting companies to more effectively and efficiently develop clean-label solutions by providing advice and assistance to support the clean-label transition process or connecting customers to reliable equipment, ingredient, or capsule suppliers. What are each company's responsibilities as a Clean Label Alliance member? Specht: Every founding member has its own exper- tise. Our focus is to exchange currently used raw materi- als by developing clean-label products using natural and organic ingredients. Peirce: We provide natural and organic alternatives to synthetic excipients so dietary supplement manufacturers can produce clean-label tablet and capsule nutraceuticals. We also offer formulation assistance when needed. Cashmore: As a member company, our role is to sup- port our customers technically from a machine stand- point as well as supporting the overlap into formulation, processing, and other parts of troubleshooting. Davis: We assist customers with formulation input, training, consultation, machine operation, and how to work with new clean-label excipients. It's also our role to build awareness of clean label as a consumer-driven need and educate companies in the dietary supplements industry on the availability of the Clean Label Alliance's services. Natoli: In support of and in collaboration with Clean Label Alliance partners, Natoli provides the appropriate technical resources related to customized tablet designs, tooling designs, and compression studies for clean-label products to assist our clients in the dietary supplement industry. How do your clients benefit from your company being a part of the Clean Label Alliance? Specht: As a founding member, we provide our expertise to realize the client's projects. By being part of the Clean Label Alliance, we can also offer our cus- tomers direct access to other industry experts who are leaders in the clean-label space. Cashmore: Our customers benefit from the wealth of knowledge that is available. We have equipment suppli- ers, process experts, formulation experts, and capsule experts under a single entity. It is advantageous to have multiple skill sets to assess a problem and find a solution. Davis: An important thing for our customers to remember is that the Clean Label Alliance's services are entirely free. As companies switch to a clean label, we offer consultative advice and formulation insight to help improve productivity and operational efficiency.