Citric Acid

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 citric acid. We monitor and adjust an extensive variety of factors in 184 fermentation chambers (such as temperature, humidity, surface tension, etc.). After a few days, when all the sugar has been converted into citric acid, the mycelium (Citrocell^®) and the crude citric acid solution are carefully separated. Next, the citric acid is transformed into pure, white crystals in our refinery. Here, it undergoes a reaction with lime milk, forming a calcium salt precipitate. The filtrate is pumped to our feed & agro business facility, giving origin to our Nutribond^® and Citrofert^®.

The salt is redissolved in sulfuric acid, releasing citric acid in solution and gypsum. The gypsum (Citrogips^®) is separated by filtration, and the decomposed citric acid solution is further purified using ion exchange, activated carbon, and crystallization processes.
The citric acid crystals are now pure and can be dried, sieved, and packaged.

Citric Acid can be used in various application areas, 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 improve 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 specific 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.