Likewise, the plastics industry relies heavily on titanium dioxide to enhance the appearance and durability of plastic products. With the increasing popularity of plastic packaging and consumer goods, the demand for titanium dioxide in this industry is expected to witness steady growth in the coming years. The versatility of titanium dioxide makes it a valuable additive to improve the brightness, opacity and color stability of plastic materials, ensuring improved product performance and consumer satisfaction.

The committee could not finalize the assessment of some other flavoring agents, requiring further information. JECFA highlighted the importance of receiving complete data submissions from the sponsors for conducting the safety evaluation.

Matthew Wright, chair of the authority's working group on titanium dioxide, noted that the evidence for general toxic effects was not conclusive, but that the panel couldn't rule out genotoxicity entirely. There were also some current data limitations and the assessment could not establish a safe level for daily intake of the food additive, he stated.

Titanium dioxide as used in sunscreens is commonly modified with other ingredients to ensure efficacy and stability. Examples of what are known as surface modifier ingredients used for titanium dioxide include stearic acid, isostearic acid, polyhydroxystearic acid, and dimethicone/methicone copolymer.

In terms of refractive index and opacity, lithopone surpasses zinc oxide and lead oxide. Lithopone's high refractive index allows it to efficiently scatter and reflect light, thereby increasing the opacity of various media. Whether you need to enhance the opacity of paints, inks or plastics, lithopones deliver outstanding results, ensuring your final product is completely opaque.