Corbion is launching an initiative to increase its capacity for producing lactic acid and lactic-acid derivatives ahead of its previously announced expansion in Thailand scheduled for 2023. 

The global drive is expected to produce a combined additional output roughly equivalent to a new production site without actually having to build one. It also involves capital expenditures at four existing Corbion facilities to maximize efficiencies and leverage synergies. 

Projects at Corbion’s production sites in Gorinchem (the Netherlands), Rayong (Thailand), Campos (Brazil) and Montmeló (Spain) come on the heels of other recently announced capacity expansion efforts in Blair (US), but in advance of the construction of an entirely new lactic acid plant at the company’s existing site in Rayong (Thailand).

This ties into Corbion’s five-year business strategy that sharpens the supplier’s focus on food preservation and production strategies as well as health and environmental sustainability.

Building a secure future
“It’s crucial for us to plan ahead in anticipation of our customers’ longer-term requirements, but it’s also important to meet their more immediate needs,” says Frederik Feddes, vice president for lactic acid and specialties at Corbion.

Investing in these efficiency improvements will provide greater security for customers now while the company also builds for the future. 

Manufacturers in multiple industries look to lactic acid and its derivatives as essential enablers of their business growth as the world rapidly moves beyond fossil-based solutions.

Corbion’s purpose is to help preserve what matters, whether that means food and food production, human health, or the environment and natural resources. 

“Our business in lactic acid-based solutions is growing because its highly relevant to some significant global challenges such as reducing food waste, creating bio-based plastics and providing effective sanitizing solutions against COVID-19,” Feddes explains. 

Opportunity for growth
Corbion has the advantage of a long track record in this market, and its a market the company understands “very well,” according to Feddes. 

“It is our priority to continue supplying and supporting our customers to help them bring innovative, sustainable products to the world.”

In January, Corbion revealed it was increasing its capacity for producing lactic acid in North America by around 40 percent in response to the growing demand for natural food preservation solutions.