Inulin

Description

1. Product Overview
   Inulin is a naturally derived fructan carbohydrate used as a functional ingredient across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and industrial fermentation supply chains. Primarily deployed as a prebiotic dietary fiber, texture modifier, and low-calorie bulking agent, it delivers predictable physicochemical performance in formulation and process environments. Our inulin offering combines high purity, consistent particle morphology, and industrial-scale availability to improve product stability, process yields, and regulatory compliance. Strategically, inulin supports formulators’ needs for clean-label, sugar-reduction, and gut-health value propositions while enabling downstream cost efficiencies in large-volume manufacturing.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical composition: Linear and branched fructooligosaccharides (β-(2→1) fructan chains) with terminal glucose units.

• Typical degree of polymerization (DP): 5–60 (industrial grade range; specification can be tailored).

• Purity / grade: Technical/food grade available, typical purity ≥ 90% soluble dietary fiber (adjustable per contract).

• Moisture content: ≤ 5% (typical; lot-specific Certificate of Analysis provided).

• Physical form: Free-flowing powder.

• Color: Off-white to pale cream.

• Particle size: D90 typically 150–500 µm (custom milling available).

• Bulk density: 450–650 kg/m³ (tapped/bulk values provided on spec sheet).

• pH (10% aqueous solution): ~4.5–6.5.

• Solubility: Soluble in water; forms viscous solutions/gels dependent on concentration and DP.

• Microbial limits: Total plate count, yeasts & molds, E. coli, Salmonella — tested to industry standards (specs supplied).

• Heavy metals: Compliant with regulatory thresholds; certificate with heavy metals analysis supplied.

• Packaging options: 25 kg fiber drums, multiwall paper bags with PE liner, FIBCs (1,000 kg bulk bags), and ISO Tank options for slurry supply where applicable.

• Shelf life: 24 months under dry, cool storage (<25°C, relative humidity <60%); lot-specific stability data available.

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Food & Beverage: Used as a prebiotic fiber, fat replacer, and mouthfeel modifier in dairy (yogurt, kefir), confectionery, bakery, and beverage formulations; improves texture and sugar-reduction targets while contributing label-friendly claims.

• Nutraceuticals & Pharmaceuticals: Active excipient in dietary supplements, capsule/tablet fillers, and controlled-release matrices; supports formulation stability and acts as a carrier for powdered blends.

• Fermentation & Microbial Production: Carbon source and growth substrate in industrial fermentation where controlled fructan feedstock improves yields and reproducibility versus variable vegetable-sourced sugars.

• Pet Food & Animal Nutrition: Fiber enrichment to support digestive health and pellet binding properties for extrusion processes.

• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Humectant and viscosity modifier in lotions and creams where clean-label, plant-derived ingredients are preferred.
  Why it performs better: Inulin offers predictable functional behavior across pH and thermal ranges, consistent soluble-fiber content, and lower sweetness compared with simple sugars, enabling formulators to reduce caloric density without compromising texture. Its polymeric structure improves mouthfeel and water retention more efficiently than many low-molecular-weight bulking agents, delivering cost-in-use benefits at scale.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency: Controlled sourcing and standardized processing deliver narrow DP distribution, stable moisture, and batch-to-batch uniformity validated by Certificates of Analysis.

• Supply reliability: Secured raw-material contracts and scalable production lines support continuous supply for large-volume industrial customers.

• Logistics capability: Multiple global packaging formats, bulk FIBC, and containerized shipments optimized for road, sea, and air — supported by regional distribution hubs.

• Price competitiveness: Industrial pricing tiers for 20 MT+ contracts, with volume discounts and long-term supply agreements to reduce unit cost volatility.

• Sustainability: Derived from renewable plant sources with options for suppliers that meet sustainably managed agricultural practices; low processing energy intensity relative to some sugar derivatives.

• Technical support: Application and regulatory documentation, formulation trials, stability testing, and on-demand technical consultancy for integration into production lines.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum order quantity (MOQ): BULK 20MT.

• Loading capacity (MT per container):

  • 20-foot container (FCL): up to 20 MT (in 1,000 kg FIBCs or palletized 25 kg bags, subject to packaging configuration).

  • 40-foot HC container (FCL): up to 24–25 MT (optimized pallet/FIBC loading).

• Lead times: Standard lead time quoted per order size and destination; expedited allocation available for contracted customers.

• Documentation: Full Certificate of Analysis, COA, MSDS, and regulatory compliance documents provided with shipment.