-KH News Desk (cbedit@imaws.org)
Palsgaard’s specialised Netherlands facility for high-grade PGPR emulsifiers has begun construction on a significant expansion.
A co-emulsifier, PGPR (polyglycerol polyricinoleate), is largely used in chocolate production to regulate flow, lessen viscosity, and enhance moulding and enrobing. Additionally, it lowers the fat level of margarine spreads and serves as a powerful, plant-based alternative to waxes made from petroleum that are used to disperse colour in plastics.
The €18 million addition of Palsgaard’s Netherlands facility, which also produces speciality ingredients for margarine and baking, is expected to be finished in 2024 and would increase the company’s global capacity to produce PGPR, a product whose demand is increasing by 10% annually.
The facility achieved CO2-neutral production (Scope 1 and 2) status in 2018. The energy-saving design of the new extension includes an additional 1500m2 of solar panels and complete electrification of PGPR production, along with three new reactors and a new downstream processing line. Palsgaard Netherlands Site Director Joris Dhont said: “As well as almost doubling our PGPR capacity to 11500 MT annually, this expansion will substantially increase storage capacity for raw materials and finished goods, which will secure business continuity in times of supply chain disruptions.”
Palsgaard’s new Chief Executive Officer Helle Müller Petersen, who recently joined the company from Arla Foods, led the ground-breaking ceremony on 7th February. She commented: “Visiting our facilities around the world and meeting Palsgaard employees is a priority for my first 100 days as CEO, so seeing work start on the PGPR factory extension in the Netherlands has been a great opportunity to learn more about Palsgaard’s unique DNA.”
Palsgaard is now putting in a new 30,000 MT spray cooling tower at its primary manufacturing facility in Denmark as part of a significant investment. This facility will be supported by the development of numerous new reaction, distillation, and esterification facilities. By 2024, the €125 million investment will have increased its production capacity.
About Palsgaard
Palsgaard is the world’s only full-service emulsifier and stabiliser company. It offers sustainably produced, customer-tailored solutions for the global food industry and non-food markets such as polymers and personal care.
Palsgaard helps manufacturers build and defend their brands by enabling them to fulfil consumer and regulatory demands for greater responsibility. It is the only commercial source in the world of totally sustainable emulsifiers made from RSPO SG-certified palm oil and produced in CO2-neutral factories (scope 1 and 2) in Malaysia, China, Mexico, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the Netherlands. All goods are halal and kosher compliant and non-GMO.
The company’s emulsifiers have a dual purpose and act as plant-based polymer additives. They are quickly gaining popularity as highly efficient, environmentally friendly substitutes for traditional oil-based additives. They have anti-static properties that help minimise dust attraction and improve the aesthetics of food packaging, as well as anti-fog properties that assist manage water condensation, prolong shelf life, and cut down on food waste.
