Corbion also operates lactic acid production facilities in the Netherlands, Brazil, Spain and Thailand, and early last year announced plans to build a new lactic acid plant at its existing site in Rayong Province, Thailand, to help meet global demand.
“At Corbion, we enable brand owners to commercialize safe, high-performing products using our lactic acid-based products and technology,” said Marco Bootz, president-lactic acid & specialties at Corbion.
"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."
The use of lactic acid and its derivatives as ingredients in foods and beverages, and in home and personal care products for disinfection and hygiene, has increased steadily in the Americas over the past five years.
“Our customers in the Americas see long-term value in our lactic acid-based technologies, so we are investing to ensure we can continue to supply what’s needed,” Bootz added.
“Taking the long view is an essential part of the sustainability principles our business is built on, and customers are recognizing that, to be successful over the long term, it’s essential to implement solutions designed with the future in mind.”
Corbion said is aiming to achieve the capacity expansion at its Blair, Nebraska, plant in the most sustainable way possible. The company will employ technology designed to enable a boost in efficiency while avoiding an increase in emissions. The company said the move will demonstrate production growth can be decoupled from CO2 output.