Emulsifier and stabiliser company Palsgaard has begun work on a major expansion at its specialist Netherlands factory for high-grade, PGPR emulsifiers.
Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) is a co-emulsifier primarily used in chocolate production to control flow, reduce viscosity and optimise moulding and enrobing. It also reduces fat content in margarine spreads and is a highly effective, plant-based colour-dispersing aid that replaces petrol-based waxes in plastics.
Scheduled for completion in 2024, the EU€18 million expansion to Palsgaard’s Netherlands plant, which also makes specialty ingredients for margarine and bakery, will double the company’s global capacity to produce PGPR, as demand for which is growing 10% per year.
According to the company, the facility achieved CO2-neutral production (scope 1 and 2) status in 2018. The energy-saving design of the new extension includes an additional 1500m square feet of solar panels and complete electrification of PGPR production, along with three new reactors and a new downstream processing line.
“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,” said Joris Dhont, Site Director at Palsgaard Netherlands.
Palsgaard’s new CEO Helle Müller Petersen, who recently joined the company from Arla Foods, led the ground-breaking ceremony on 7 February 2023.
“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,” she said of the visit.
“We are already leaders in PGPR and the world’s commercial source of fully sustainable emulsifiers. Our expanded Netherlands plant will continue to manufacture the highest quality, palm-free PGPR products,” added Kim Bøjstrup, Chief Operations Officer, Palsgaard.
The company is also investing heavily in its main production site in Denmark and in the process of installing a new 30,000MT spray cooling tower. The facility will be supported by the construction of multiple new reaction, distillation and esterification plants. The €125 investment will double its production capacity by 2024.
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