The Emerald Solution: Sourcing Green Pigment Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin GB/USP from Chinese Suppliers

There is something almost magical about the colour green. It speaks of life, freshness, and nature itself. For manufacturers seeking to capture that essence in their products—whether foods, beverages, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals—few ingredients deliver as reliably as sodium copper chlorophyllin. This stable, water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll transforms the green of living leaves into a consistent, versatile pigment that meets the most demanding international standards. And for buyers around the world, Chinese suppliers have become the primary source for this remarkable ingredient, offering product that complies with both GB (Guobiao, the Chinese national standard) and USP (United States Pharmacopeia) specifications .

Understanding Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin

Sodium copper chlorophyllin is the semi-synthetic, water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll—the pigment that makes plants green and drives photosynthesis . It begins its journey in nature, extracted from plant sources such as alfalfa, mulberry leaves, grass, lucerne, or silkworm feces, then transformed through careful chemistry into a stable powder .

The production process follows a precise sequence :

1. Extraction: Chlorophyll is extracted from plant material using food-grade solvents

2. Saponification: The extracted chlorophyll undergoes alkaline treatment to remove the central magnesium atom

3. Copper insertion: Copper salts are introduced, replacing magnesium with copper to form the stable complex

4. Purification: Multiple purification steps remove impurities and by-products

5. Drying: Spray-drying or vacuum drying produces the final powder

6. Standardization: Rigorous testing ensures compliance with GB or USP specifications

The resulting compound—chemically designated as C₃₄H₃₁CuN₄Na₃O₆ with CAS number 11006-34-1 —appears as a green to black powder that dissolves readily in water, producing brilliant emerald-green solutions . In the international food additive system, it carries the numbers INS 141(ii) (Codex Alimentarius) and E 141(ii) (Europe) .

The Colour Chemistry

What makes sodium copper chlorophyllin so valuable as a pigment is its stability. Unlike natural chlorophyll, which degrades quickly when exposed to light, heat, or acid, the copper complex resists these challenges . This stability allows it to maintain its vibrant green colour through food processing, pasteurisation, and shelf storage.

The intensity of the colour is measured by the extinction coefficient at 405nm—a critical quality parameter that indicates purity and colour strength. The GB standard requires this value to be ≥ 568, ensuring consistent, powerful coloration batch after batch . The absorbance ratio between 405nm and 630nm (E405/E630) must fall between 3.2 and 4.0, providing another reliable marker of quality .

The pH of a 1% solution should range from 9.0 to 10.7 according to GB standards , reflecting the compound's slightly alkaline nature. This characteristic must be considered when formulating with other ingredients, particularly in applications where pH sensitivity matters.

The GB and USP Standards: What They Mean for Buyers

When a Chinese supplier offers sodium copper chlorophyllin that meets GB or USP standards, they are making a verifiable commitment to quality.

The GB Standard (GB26406-2011)

China's national standard for sodium copper chlorophyllin, GB26406-2011, sets specific requirements for purity and quality :

Parameter	GB26406-2011 Requirement
Extinction coefficient (E¹%₁cm at 405nm)	≥ 568
Absorbance ratio (E405/E630)	3.2 ~ 4.0
pH (1% solution)	9.0 ~ 10.7

These specifications ensure that every batch delivers consistent colour performance—essential for manufacturers who need reliable results across production runs.

The USP Standard

For pharmaceutical applications and high-end nutraceuticals, compliance with the United States Pharmacopeia is often required. USP-grade sodium copper chlorophyllin meets additional testing requirements for identity, purity, and contaminants. Key USP parameters include :

• Total copper content: Typically ≥ 4.0%

• Loss on drying: ≤ 5-7%

• Residue on ignition: Within specified limits

• Heavy metals: Within strict pharmacopoeial limits

Additional Quality Parameters

Beyond the pharmacopoeial specifications, reputable suppliers test for :

• Heavy metals: Lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury within strict limits

• Microbiological purity: Total plate count, absence of pathogens

• Residual solvents: Within pharmacopoeial limits

• Particle size: Typically 100% through 80 mesh

The Chinese Supplier Landscape

China has established itself as a leading source of sodium copper chlorophyllin, with manufacturing expertise concentrated in several provinces.

Key Manufacturing Regions

Hebei Province hosts established producers like Baoding Faithful Industry Co., Ltd., which specializes in plant extracts for nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. The company emphasizes production via advanced technique and up-to-date equipment, ensuring product quality reaches international levels and meets EU and US standards .

Shandong Province is home to multiple manufacturers including Shandong Lanmo Biotech Co., Ltd., which focuses on natural food colorants including sodium copper chlorophyllin, sodium magnesium chlorophyllin, oil-soluble chlorophyll, and other natural pigments . The concentration of producers in Shandong reflects the region's strength in fermentation and extraction technology.

Other manufacturing centers across China contribute to a robust supply chain capable of meeting global demand.

Manufacturing Capabilities

Chinese manufacturers have invested significantly in extraction and purification technology. Typical facilities include :

• Extraction workshops with multiple extraction tanks (often 6m³ capacity)

• Concentration systems for efficient solvent recovery

• Purification equipment including column chromatography for higher purity grades

• Spray-drying towers for consistent powder production

• Quality control laboratories with HPLC, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and heavy metal testing capabilities

Annual production capacities for dedicated manufacturers can reach hundreds of metric tons, ensuring reliable supply for buyers of all sizes.

Quality Certifications

Reputable Chinese suppliers maintain certifications including :

• ISO 9001 (quality management)

• GMP (good manufacturing practices)

• HACCP (hazard analysis critical control points)

• FSSC 22000 (food safety management)

• Kosher and Halal certifications for appropriate markets

• Organic certifications for suppliers offering organic-grade material

Many suppliers also offer third-party testing through laboratories such as SGS, Eurofins, or Bureau Veritas, providing additional verification for international buyers who require independent confirmation of quality.

Applications Across Industries

The versatility of sodium copper chlorophyllin as a green pigment supports multiple commercial applications.

Food and Beverage Industry

This represents the largest application category. As a natural green colorant, sodium copper chlorophyllin imparts stable, appealing green hues to a wide range of products :

• Beverages: Soft drinks, juice blends, functional drinks, and powdered drink mixes

• Confectionery: Candies, gums, mints, and chocolate coatings

• Dairy products: Yogurts, ice cream, flavoured milks, and dessert toppings

• Bakery products: Fillings, icings, decorative elements, and cake mixes

• Convenience foods: Ready meals, sauces, soups, and seasonings

• Alcoholic beverages: Specialty cocktails and liqueurs

In the United States, sodium copper chlorophyllin is permanently listed as exempt from certification and may be used to colour citrus-based dry beverage mixes at levels not exceeding 0.2% in the dry mix .

In Europe, copper complexes of chlorophyllins (E 141ii) are authorized for use at quantum satis levels—meaning no maximum level is specified—in specific foods and beverages .

Pharmaceutical Applications

Sodium copper chlorophyllin has documented therapeutic applications. In China, it is available in tablet form (20mg) for medical use, with indications including :

• Leukopenia (reduction in white blood cells)

• Acute and chronic hepatitis as an adjunctive treatment

• Hepatoprotective effects: The compound appears to activate hepatic reticuloendothelial cells, promoting liver function recovery and enhancing hepatocyte resistance to damage

The pharmacological mechanism involves stimulation of hematopoietic stem cells and modulation of bone marrow stromal cells, promoting recovery of hematopoietic function . Studies suggest chlorophyllin increases white blood cell counts by enhancing sympathetic nervous system activity and facilitating neutrophil release from bone marrow, with involvement of hepatic and adrenal function .

Clinical trials have explored chlorophyllin for conditions including glioblastoma (Phase 2), glioma (Phase 2), and haemorrhage (Phase 2) .

Cosmetics and Personal Care

In cosmetics, sodium copper chlorophyllin serves both functional and aesthetic purposes :

• Colour cosmetics: Providing natural green tones in eyeshadows, eyeliners, and other products

• Skincare: Creams, lotions, and masks where the green colour signals natural, plant-based formulation

• Dentifrices: In the United States, potassium sodium copper chlorophyllin may be used to colour dentifrices that are drugs at levels not exceeding 0.1%, and in cosmetics at up to 0.1% in combination with specifically listed substances

• Soaps and bath products: For natural green colouration

Dietary Supplements

The supplement industry uses sodium copper chlorophyllin in tablets and capsules, often marketed for :

• Internal deodorizing properties

• Immune support

• General wellness

• Antioxidant benefits

Its water solubility makes it suitable for various delivery formats, including liquid supplements and effervescent tablets.

Animal Health and Feed

Chlorophyllin has found application in animal nutrition, where it serves as both a natural pigment and a functional ingredient with potential health benefits for livestock and poultry .

Regulatory Status and Safety

Sodium copper chlorophyllin has undergone extensive safety evaluation by international bodies, providing confidence to manufacturers and consumers alike.

JECFA Evaluation

The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-15 mg/kg body weight for both chlorophylls, copper complexes (13th Report, 1969) and chlorophyllins, copper complexes sodium and potassium salts (22nd Report, 1978) .

More than 55 food categories have maximum permitted levels for chlorophylls and chlorophyllins in the Codex General Standard of Food Additives .

European Status

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluated copper complexes of chlorophylls (E 141i) and chlorophyllins (E 141ii) in 2015, withdrawing the previous ADI but confirming their safety for use at quantum satis levels in specified foods .

United States Status

In the US, sodium copper chlorophyllin was permanently listed in 2002 as exempt from certification and may be safely used for specific applications under 21 CFR regulations .

Acute Toxicity

The acute oral LD₅₀ in mice is reported as > 7000 mg/kg, indicating very low acute toxicity .

Sourcing Considerations for Buyers

When approaching Chinese suppliers for sodium copper chlorophyllin meeting GB/USP standards, several factors warrant attention.

Sampling and Verification

Reputable suppliers offer samples for evaluation, typically 50-100 grams at no cost or for a nominal fee that may be credited toward the first bulk order. This allows you to verify :

• Colour intensity and shade in your specific formulation

• Solubility and stability under your processing conditions

• pH and compatibility with other ingredients

• Batch-to-batch consistency

Specifications to Verify

Ensure your Certificate of Analysis documents :

Parameter	Target Specification
Extinction coefficient (405nm)	≥ 568 (GB)
Absorbance ratio (E405/E630)	3.2 - 4.0 (GB)
pH (1% solution)	9.0 - 10.7 (GB)
Total copper	≥ 4.0% (pharmaceutical grade)
Loss on drying	≤ 5-7%
Total heavy metals	≤ 10 ppm
Lead (Pb)	≤ 2-3 ppm
Arsenic (As)	≤ 1-2 ppm
Mercury (Hg)	≤ 1 ppm
Cadmium (Cd)	≤ 1 ppm
Total plate count	≤ 1000-10000 cfu/g
Yeast & mould	≤ 100-1000 cfu/g
Pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella)	Negative
Particle size	≥ 95% through 80 mesh

Minimum Order Quantities

Industry standard MOQs typically start at :

• 1 kilogram for sampling and R&D purposes

• 25 kilograms for commercial orders (standard fibre drum with double plastic liners)

• Custom packaging available for larger volumes or special requirements

Documentation Requirements

Ensure your supplier provides comprehensive documentation including :

• Certificate of Analysis with full specifications and test methods

• HPLC or UV-Vis chromatograms (if available)

• Material Safety Data Sheet

• Allergen statement

• Non-GMO declaration

• Kosher/Halal certificates (if required)

• Phytosanitary certificate for international shipping

• Specification sheet detailing physical and chemical parameters

• Batch traceability documentation

Storage and Stability

Sodium copper chlorophyllin should be stored in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight and heat—typically sealed containers in temperatures below 25°C with controlled humidity below 60% . The compound is sensitive to light during storage; opaque packaging is essential for maintaining colour strength.

Under optimal conditions with packaging intact, shelf life extends to 24-36 months from manufacture date .

Shipping Logistics

Shipping options accommodate various volumes :

• Courier services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) for small orders: 3-7 days transit

• Air freight for medium volumes: 2-4 days transit

• Sea freight (FCL/LCL) for bulk shipments: 10-35 days depending on destination

Major ports of departure include Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, and Guangzhou. Suppliers typically handle export documentation and customs clearance at origin, with delivery terms including FOB, CIF, or EXW.

Note on Pharmaceutical Applications

For pharmaceutical applications, additional considerations apply. The Chinese pharmacopoeia specifies that sodium copper chlorophyllin tablets should contain 90.0% to 115.0% of the labelled amount, with total copper content verified at ≥ 4.0% . Pharmaceutical-grade material requires stricter quality control, more comprehensive documentation, and often additional testing for impurities and degradation products.

The Future of a Green Essential

Sodium copper chlorophyllin has maintained its position in the global market for decades, and several trends suggest continued relevance. The clean-label movement increasingly favours natural colours over synthetic alternatives, driving demand for plant-derived pigments. The growing interest in plant-based ingredients across all consumer categories aligns perfectly with a chlorophyll derivative. And the expanding body of research into chlorophyllin's therapeutic properties—from chemoprevention to radiation protection—opens new opportunities for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

The compound's stability, water solubility, and brilliant green colour ensure its place in food, beverage, and cosmetic formulations for years to come. Its documented safety profile, backed by decades of use and rigorous evaluation by international bodies including JECFA, EFSA, and FDA, provides confidence to formulators and consumers alike.

For manufacturers and formulators seeking a reliable source of this versatile green pigment, Chinese suppliers offer access with the consistency, certifications, and scalability required for commercial success. Whether destined for a naturally coloured beverage in North America, a liver health supplement in Europe, a pharmaceutical preparation in Asia, or a cosmetic product anywhere in the world, properly sourced sodium copper chlorophyllin meeting GB and USP standards delivers the quality that formulators rely on—batch after batch, year after year.