Lactic Acid (E270)

Description

1. Product Overview
   Lactic Acid (E270) is a high-purity organic acid (2-hydroxypropionic acid) widely used as a pH regulator, chelating agent, preservative, and feedstock intermediate across industrial value chains. Its primary industrial uses include food and beverage acidification, pharmaceutical excipients, polymer and biodegradable plastics precursors (PLA), metal treatment and pickling, and surface-cleaning formulations. The key value proposition is reliable, consistent-grade lactic acid supplied at commercial scale with specifications tailored for industrial process stability, regulatory compliance, and cost-efficient integration. Strategically, Lactic Acid (E270) enables manufacturers to meet stricter regulatory and sustainability requirements while lowering total cost of ownership through high purity, traceability, and dependable supply.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical name: Lactic Acid (2-hydroxypropionic acid), E270 designation

• Chemical formula: C3H6O3

• Active content / Purity: Industrial grade typically ≥ 85% w/w; available options up to technical/food grade variants on request (e.g., 88–90% or 92–95% where specified)

• Optical specification: Racemic (DL-lactic acid) or L(+) isomer selectable by order (specify at procurement)

• Physical form: Clear to slightly yellow hygroscopic liquid; non-volatile aqueous solution variants available

• Density: Approx. 1.205–1.220 g/cm³ (concentrated solutions; exact value depends on % w/w)

• Boiling/melting characteristics: Decomposes on strong heating; boiling point dependent on concentration and system pressure

• Solubility: Fully miscible with water and polar solvents; limited miscibility with nonpolar solvents

• Impurities/limits: Specified heavy metals, chlorides, sulfates, and residual solvents controlled per batch certificate of analysis (CoA)

• Packaging options: ISO tankers, 20–25 MT chemical tanker trucks, 20 MT bulk per container for liquid in ISO tanks, IBCs (1,000 L), and drums (200 L) for smaller quantities; packaging certified for corrosive/acidic liquids

• Shelf life / storage: Stable 12–24 months under recommended storage (cool, dry, away from direct sunlight, in corrosion-resistant containers); refrigeration not typically required but avoid freezing and contamination

• Compliance & documentation: Batch-level CoA, MSDS/SDS, and traceability documentation provided; food-grade/Pharma-grade documentation available on request and subject to specification and MOQ

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Food & Beverage: Used for acidification, flavor adjustment, and preservation in sauces, beverages, dairy products and as a fermentation regulator. Performs better than mineral acids where flavor profile and regulatory food-grade status matter.

• Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care: pH adjuster and buffering agent in topical formulations and excipient for controlled-release matrices; preferred over stronger mineral acids for gentler pH control and compatibility with APIs.

• Polymer & Bioplastics: Monomer or precursor for polylactic acid (PLA) production and polyester synthesis; offers a renewable feedstock option that supports circular-economy claims compared to petrochemical alternatives.

• Metal Treatment & Surface Cleaning: Effective chelating and descaling agent in pickling and passivation baths, providing milder action and reduced corrosion risk versus hydrochloric or sulfuric acid alternatives.

• Agriculture & Animal Feed: Acidifier and preservative in feed and silage, aiding microbial control and nutrient stability; safer handling profile than many mineral acids.

• Water Treatment & Industrial Cleaning: pH control, scale dissolver and inhibitor applications where biodegradability and lower environmental impact are prioritized.

Why it performs better:

• Versatile compatibility with organic and polymer systems, offering lower corrosion and milder handling than strong mineral acids.

• Renewable/biobased sourcing potential enhances sustainability claims versus fossil-derived chemicals.

• Narrow, controllable impurity profile improves process yields and reduces downstream contamination risk.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency: Tight batch-to-batch controls with full CoA and traceable raw-material provenance to meet demanding industrial QA requirements.

• Supply reliability: Bulk inventory and forward-contract capabilities, multi-modal logistics (ISO tank, tanker, containerized), and contingency sourcing to minimize disruption risk.

• Logistics capability: Containerized bulk loading at 20 MT per ISO tank or dedicated tankers, hazardous-material handling expertise, and export documentation for rapid cross-border shipments.

• Price competitiveness: Economies of scale for bulk procurement, competitive FOB/CIF pricing tiers, and contract pricing for repeat purchases and large volumes.

• Sustainability benefits: Option for bio-based lactic acid (fermentation-derived) supporting lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and circular economy product claims.

• Technical support & documentation: Industrial technical datasheets, application notes, process compatibility guidance, and responsive technical-service support for scale-up and formulation integration.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum order quantity (MOQ): BULK 20MT