CP Kelco expands production in Denmark at world’s largest pectin plant

CP Kelco completed two construction projects in June of 2011 at its pectin manufacturing plant in Lille Skensved, Denmark, that expanded the company’s capacity in producing LMA (or low methoxyl amidated) pectins.

Pectin, a gum (hydrocolloid) derived from the peel of citrus fruits, is used as a gelling and stabilization agent in food, pharmaceuticals and personal care products. CP Kelco’s GENU® LMA pectin is widely used in the food industry for the manufacture of products such as low-sugar and sugar-free jams and fruit spreads, fruit preparations for yoghurt, thermo-reversible bakery glazes and ice cream variegates.

LMA pectins are the strongest of CP Kelco’s three pectin lines in market position. Although they are technically demanding to manufacture, that makes it difficult for competitors to match CP Kelco’s edge in scale, product quality and efficiency. The recent efforts increase CP Kelco’s manufacturing advantage and strengthens Lille Skensved’s position as the world’s largest pectin plant.

The first project expanded the facility’s LMA production capacity through a variety of debottlenecking steps. This extra capacity is helping to meet the growing demand for LMA pectins in the processed fruit and yoghurt markets.

The second project featured the installation of a new evaporator for the LMA production line. The new evaporator increases energy efficiency and reduces maintenance costs for the LMA line. It also sets the stage for a future LMA capacity expansion and increases the energy efficiency of two other production lines.

This energy saving project qualifies for a carbon offset grant from the Danish government. (A carbon offset is a reduction in greenhouse gasses made at one location in order to compensate for emissions made at other locations.) The grant makes the project even more attractive for CP Kelco—and is in keeping with the company’s commitment to sustainability.

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