Global leader in colour and specialty chemicals, Archroma has entered into a license agreement with Igcar, a Spain-based group producing optical brighteners for the paper, textile, detergent and coatings industry. As per the agreement, Igcar will have access to Archroma’s patented ‘improved optical brightening compositions; technology (patent family WO 2009/118247). This patent has been granted in many countries, and in Europe, it was confirmed after appeal.

The Optical Brightening Agent (OBA) technology developed by Archroma combines magnesium salts with optical brighteners. Papers treated with the patented process show enhanced brightness and whiteness levels, offering consumers a more pleasurable writing and printing experience. The patent covers mixed salts of most of the common paper optical brighteners with magnesium cations.