Dutch food ingredient firm Corbion has unveiled plans to increase its lactic acid and related derivatives production capacity.

The company said that its multiple productivity initiatives will enhance the supply of lactic acid, a nature-based ingredient, for its customers in the European market and other parts of the globe.

Corbion said that the initiative will see capital expenditures at its four existing facilities to maximise efficiencies and leverage synergies, which would result in an additional output by the four facilities, which would be equivalent to a new production site.

Corbion lactic acid and specialities vice-president Frederik Feddes said: “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.

“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 important enablers of their business growth as the world rapidly moves beyond fossil-based solutions.”

Corbion said that the projects at its production sites in Netherlands, Thailand, Brazil and Spain follow other recently announced capacity expansion efforts in Nebraska, US.

In addition, the company plans to expand production capacity in Thailand by constructing a new lactic acid plant at its existing site.

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

In March 2020, Corbion unveiled plans to exit the frozen dough market in order to focus on natural food preservation and lactic acid.