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Dutch food and biochemicals company, Corbion, has announced an investment to expand its lactic acid production capacity by around 40% in North America.

The company is increasing its production capacity at its Blair, Nebraska plant, in order to meet the growing demand for natural ingredients in multiple industries in the region. According to Corbion, the use of lactic acid and its derivatives as ingredients in foods and beverages for safe preservation has increased steadily in the Americas over the past five years.

Corbion offers a variety of lactic-acid based solutions for customers in the beverage and food sectors, such as the juice, confectionery and meat categories.

According to Corbion, manufacturers of food, home and personal care products worldwide are finding the efficacy, consumer-friendliness and sustainability advantages offered by lactic acid-based solutions.  

Corbion also operates lactic acid production facilities in the Netherlands, Brazil, Spain and Thailand. Early last year, the company announced plans to build a new lactic acid plant at its existing site in Rayong Provincce, Thailand to help meet global demand.

“At Corbion, we enable brand owners to commercialise safe, high-performing products using our lactic acid-based products and technology,” said Marco Bootz, president of lactic acid & specialties at Corbion.

He added: "Given the growth our customers in North America are experiencing, and the increased demand for our products, we believe this expansion is the right thing to do for our customers and for Corbion. We're committed to further strengthening those relationships by enabling more growth."

In line with its sustainability commitments, the company says it will employ technology to enable a significant boost in efficiency while avoiding an increase in emissions.