Collagen - Attracting Attention from Various Fields

Collagen is a material that has existed in the natural world since prehistoric times. The word "collagen" used to be a technical term heard only in fields such as medicine and physiology; however, for a number of years now, the superior properties of collagen have attracted attention from a wide range of fields. In recent years, there has been a growing trend to use collagen as an ingredient in cosmetics and natural health products. The popularity of collagen ingredients will definitely continue to increase as the marketplace becomes more knowledgeable of the benefits.

Collagen is a fiber-shaped protein that gives form to the bodies of animals. In humans, collagen is said to comprise 1/15 of our total body weight; playing an extremely important role in our bodies. For example, approximately 90% of the fibrous material in skin’s dermal layer is collagen. Bones, cartilage and tendons, as well as the stomach, intestines, and vascular walls, could not exist if the collagen were removed; that is because collagen’s main role is to join cells together and create an environment in which cells can readily function.

Collagen, Used in Diverse Areas of Daily Life

Collagen’s medicinal and physiological benefits have only begun to be recognized. Nippi was the first organization in the world to succeed in solubilizing collagen, receiving a patent for the process. It was this landmark event which accelerated the applied research of collagen. Numerous applications have since been developed for use in various industries, including food, medical, pharmaceutical, natural health and cosmetics. Collagen is a protein derived from animals and is considered extremely safe. Accordingly, it is widely used - for products such as, sausage casings, natural health supplements and cosmetic ingredients.

Traditionally, sausage was made by using intestines of pigs, sheep and other animals. Nippi’s success in solubilizing collagen caused a dramatic shift in the manufacturing process of sausage. Nippi began manufacturing collagen sausage casings in 1970; the benefits of collagen casings were quickly recognized and adopted by the meat industry around the world. At present, Nippi has established a solid position as the only collagen casing manufacturer in Japan and one of only four major manufacturers in the world.

Nippi Collagen Casings - Playing a Major Role in the Food Industry Worldwide

Research and development within Nippi is an on-going process and has resulted in the development of numerous products. Recent developments include printed casings, on which characters and letters are printed in edible ink (made from natural, edible materials), and Nippi string (made from collagen and used for holding together such food items as rice cakes in deep-fried tofu seaweed rolls, and stuffed cabbage rolls). The unique benefits and features of Nippi Collagen Casing’s continue to play an important role within the food industry worldwide. Nippi currently sells its casings to over 30 countries around the globe.