Palsgaard has started work on a major expansion at its specialist Netherlands factory for high-grade PGPR (polyglycerol polyricinoleate) emulsifiers. PGPR is a co-emulsifier primarily used in chocolate production to control flow, reduce viscosity and optimize 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 EUR 18 m 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, demand for which is growing by 10 % per year. Palsgaard Netherlands Site Director Joris Dhont said: “As well as almost doubling our PGPR capacity to 11,500 tons 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.”

Chief Operations Officer Kim Bøjstrup added: “We are already market leaders in PGPR and the world’s only commercial source of fully sustainable emulsifiers. Our expanded Netherlands plant will continue to manufacture the highest quality, palm-free PGPR products.”