Malic Acid (E296)

Description

1. Product Overview
   Malic Acid (E296) is a high-purity organic dicarboxylic acid used widely across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and industrial chemical processes. It functions primarily as an acidulant, pH regulator, chelating agent, and flavor enhancer in large-scale manufacturing. The product delivers consistent physicochemical properties that improve process control, product stability, and sensory outcomes—reducing batch variability and downstream rework. Given its multifunctional role and regulatory acceptance (E296), Malic Acid is strategically important for manufacturers seeking scalable acidulant solutions that balance performance, cost-efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical name: L-Malic Acid (C4H6O5), E296

• Chemical composition: Predominantly L-isomer malic acid; trace water of crystallization where applicable

• Purity / grade: Food / industrial grade available; typical assay ≥ 99.0% (on dry basis) for food-grade; industrial grades per customer specification

• Physical form: White crystalline powder or granular form

• Color: White to off-white

• Particle size: Typical d50 range 150–500 µm (custom milling available)

• Bulk density: 600–800 kg/m3 (typical; packed bulk density varies by packaging)

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water; limited solubility in ethanol and organic solvents

• pH (1% w/v aqueous solution): ~2.2–2.9 depending on concentration and grade

• Moisture content: ≤ 0.5–1.0% typical (grade dependent)

• Residual solvents/impurities: Meets regulatory limits for food-grade use; heavy metals and microbial limits per specification

• Packaging options: 25 kg multi-ply kraft bags with PE liner, 500 kg FIBCs (big bags), 20 MT bulk in ISO tanks or palletized 25 kg bags; bespoke packaging available on request

• Storage & shelf life: Store in cool, dry, ventilated area away from strong alkalis and oxidizers; typical shelf life 24 months when stored sealed and dry

• Certifications: Available certifications include ISO 9001 manufacturing conformity; food-grade documentation (COA, MSDS, HACCP/FSMS data) available upon request

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Food & Beverage: Acidulant and flavor enhancer in beverages, confectionery, dairy products, fruit preparations, and canned goods; improves tartness profile and sensory balance compared with citric acid in certain formulations.

• Pharmaceutical & Nutraceuticals: pH adjuster, buffering agent, and excipient for tablets, syrups, and effervescent formulations where controlled acidity and palatability matter.

• Chemical Manufacturing: Chelating and buffering agent in metal treatment, electroplating rinses, and specialty chemical synthesis; enhances solubility and process stability.

• Personal Care & Cosmetics: pH regulator and mild exfoliant in formulations such as creams, lotions, and cleansers where controlled acidity and skin-friendly profiles are required.

• Agriculture & Feed: Acidifier in animal feed and silage applications to control microbial growth and preserve nutrient value.
  Why it outperforms alternatives

• Superior sensory profile: L-Malic acid offers a smoother, longer-lasting tartness compared with other acidulants, enabling reduced usage rates in some beverage and confectionery formulas.

• Process consistency: High-purity, tightly controlled particle size ensures predictable dissolution and dosing in automated dosing systems.

• Versatility: Solubility and buffering characteristics make it suitable across wet and dry process lines, reducing the need for multiple specialty acidulants.

• Cost-in-use: Improved sensory efficiency and consistent quality reduce reformulation costs, yield losses, and quality control interventions.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency: Tight manufacturing controls and batch-level Certificates of Analysis ensure minimal variability across lots.

• Supply reliability: Industrial-scale production capacity with diversified sourcing and safety-stock policies to support continuous supply for large contracts.

• Logistics capability: Flexible packaging and containerized bulk options (ISO tanks, FIBC, palletized bags) aligned to global freight lanes and bulk handling infrastructure.

• Price competitiveness: Scalable pricing for contract volumes with transparent cost breakdowns and competitive FOB/CIF offers for long-term supply agreements.

• Sustainability: Options for reduced-waste packaging, energy-efficient production routes, and documentation for lifecycle and regulatory compliance where requested.

• Technical support: Full technical dossier including COA, MSDS, application notes, stability and solubility data, and formulation support available from dedicated technical account managers.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum order quantity (MOQ): BULK 20MT

• Loading capacity (MT per container): Typical loading capacities:

  • 20-foot container (palletized 25 kg bags): ~20–23 MT depending on pallet and dunnage

  • 40-foot container (palletized 25 kg bags): ~24–26 MT

  • FIBC / bulk in 20-foot reefers or ISO tanks: up to 20 MT (container-type dependent)

• Sales terms: FOB, CIF, or DAP terms available; lead times and schedules provided on enquiry and dependent on order volume and destination.