High Performance Materials

Panaferd® (Natural Pigment): Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a red pigment (a type of carotenoid) contained in the flesh of salmon and trout and skin of red sea bream, krill, and shrimp. It is widely used as a pigment in salmon and trout farming. It is also known to have strong antioxidant properties, and in recent years has gathered attention as a nutraceutical and cosmetic ingredient.
Utilizing a fermentation technology, we have succeeded in manufacturing natural astaxanthin. Currently, astaxanthin-containing "Panaferd-AX" is being used as a natural pigment in the aquaculture industry to improve the color of fish flesh and fish skin.

On April 1, 2022, we transferred manufacturing and sales of our Panaferd® (Natural Pigment) to ENEOS Techno Materials Corporation.