Our circular approach pervades in all our operations. 

The Citribel production processes take place in a sophisticated ecosystem of interrelated stages and streams. First, sugar molasses are the ideal nourishment for our ‘Citribel fungus’.

It grows into a biomass (known as mycelium) during our unique surface fermentation process, while simultaneously converting the sugar in the molasses into liquid citric acid. We monitor and adjust an extensive variety of factors in 184 fermentation chambers (such as temperature, humidity, surface tension, etc.).
The mycelium is ready after a few days, when most of the sugar has been converted. The mycelium and the crude liquid citric acid are then carefully separated. Next, the crude citric acid is transformed to crystals in our refinery. It first undergoes a reaction with lime milk. The filtrate is then pumped to the feed & agro business facility, while the citric acid precipitates as calcium salt.

The salt is dissolved again with sulfuric acid, resulting in a decomposed citric acid solution and gypsum. The gypsum is separated by filtration. The decomposed citric acid solution is further purified using ion exchange, activated charcoal, and crystallization processes.
The citric acid crystals are then pure and can be dried, sieved, and packaged.

Citric Acid can be used in various applications area’s, from food transformation, to medication. With its wide certifications, Citribel’s Citric Acid, ensures safety and quality for different uses.

• Food industry: Commonly used in the food industry as a natural acidulant and preservative. It enhances the flavor of certain products and helps regulate the acidity of various food items.
• Feed industry: Adding it to animal feed helps in improving digestion and nutrient absorption. It can also act as a mold inhibitor, extending the shelf life of feed.
• Pharmaceutical industry: Citric Acid has applications in the pharmaceutical industry due to its ability to modify the pH of formulations. It is often used as an excipient in medications, playing a role in stabilizing and adjusting the acidity of certain drugs.
• Chemical industry: Citric Acid finds applications in the chemical industry for various processes. It can be used as a chelating agent, helping to bind metal ions and prevent undesired reactions in certain chemical processes. Citric Acid is also utilized in cleaning agents and descaling solutions due to its ability to dissolve mineral deposits. Moreover, it can be part of formulations for metal surface treatments and as a pH adjuster in various chemical reactions.