Potassium Alginate (E402)

Description

1. Product Overview
   Potassium Alginate (E402) is a high-grade potassium salt of alginic acid derived from brown seaweed, supplied as a free-flowing powder for industrial formulation. It functions as a reliable thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent and film former across food, pharmaceutical, textile, and specialty chemical manufacturing. The product delivers consistent rheological control and repeatable gel strength, enabling manufacturers to standardize process performance and improve yield. Strategically, Potassium Alginate addresses rising demand for naturally derived, label-friendly hydrocolloids and supports formulators seeking predictable, scalable thickening and encapsulation solutions.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical composition: Potassium salt of alginic acid (polyuronide copolymer of β-D-mannuronic and α-L-guluronic acids).

• Functional additive ID: E402 (food-grade designation).

• Purity / grade: Industrial food/pharma-compatible grade; typical assay (dry basis) ≥ 90% alginate.

• Viscosity (1% solution, Brookfield, 25°C): typical range 200–1200 mPa·s (tailored grades available).

• Gelling characteristics: Controlled gelation with divalent cations (e.g., Ca2+); gel strength adjustable via M/G ratio.

• Moisture content: ≤ 12% (typical).

• Ash content: ≤ 25% (typical; batch-tested).

• Particle form: Free-flowing powder; low-agglomeration.

• Particle size: Typical D50 50–250 µm (custom milling on request).

• Color and odor: Off-white to light brown, neutral odor.

• Bulk density: 0.35–0.65 g/cm³ (loose fill).

• Solubility: Dispersible in cold water with hydration; soluble in hot water to form viscous solutions.

• Microbial limits: Conforming to industrial hygiene standards; specific limits available on request.

• Shelf life: 24 months when stored in cool, dry conditions in original packaging.

• Packaging options: 25 kg multi-wall paper bags with PE liner, 500 kg FIBCs, or bulk tanker options for slurry supply; custom packaging and private-labeling available.

• Traceability: Lot numbering and COA supplied with each shipment.

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Food & Beverage: Stabilizer and texturizer in dairy analogues, sauces, dressings, and restructured seafood; enables clean-label thickening and provides cost-effective viscosity control compared with synthetic polymers.

• Pharmaceutical & Nutraceuticals: Matrix former for controlled-release beads, encapsulation of active ingredients, and excipient for oral suspensions; offers predictable gelation for reproducible release profiles.

• Textile & Paper: Sizing agent and rheology modifier in printing pastes and coating formulations; improves print definition and reduces migration vs conventional starches.

• Personal Care & Cosmetics: Thickener and film former in gels, lotions, and mask formulations where natural ingredients and skin compatibility are required.

• Industrial & Specialty Chemicals: Binder and viscosifier in ceramics slip casting, construction admixtures, and adhesive systems; provides shear-thinning behavior and improved surface finish.
  Why it outperforms alternatives:

• Consistent M/G ratio control yields reproducible gel mechanics versus variable natural gums.

• Superior cold-water dispersion and adjustable viscosity reduce process heating energy and increase throughput.

• Natural, label-friendly profile supports premium positioning and regulatory acceptance in multiple jurisdictions.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency: ISO-level QC, COA per lot, and batch-to-batch analytical verification (viscosity, M/G ratio, moisture, ash).

• Supply reliability: Secure multi-source seaweed procurement with capacity-scalable production to support rolling contracts and seasonal demand.

• Logistics capability: Standardized palletized packaging, FIBC and bulk options, and experienced international freight coordination for containerized and project shipments.

• Price competitiveness: Economies of scale and flexible grade offerings allow optimized cost-in-use versus synthetic alternatives.

• Sustainability: Sourced from renewable seaweed with traceability; low processing impact and opportunities for MSC/third-party sustainability certifications on request.

• Technical support: Application guidance, rheology tuning, MSDS, COA, and pilot-sample support; formulation troubleshooting and scale-up consultation available.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

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

• Loading capacity (MT per container):

  • 20 ft container (palletized 25 kg bags): approx. 20–22 MT depending on pallet configuration.

  • 40 ft container (palletized / FIBC): approx. 24–26 MT (FIBC loose loading may yield higher capacity).

• Lead times: Standard lead time 4–6 weeks for bulk orders; expedited production available subject to allocation.

• Shipping modes: Containerized (FCL/LCL), bulk FIBC, or refrigerated/heated trucks for temperature-sensitive consignments where required.

• Documentation: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, COA, MSDS, and any requested regulatory declarations.