Investigating scrubber use as feedstock for malic acid production

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Bartek Ingredients Inc. (Stoney Creek, Ontario) is the largest producer of malic acid and food grade fumaric acid worldwide, which is used primarily as an ingredient for food and beverage applications. Malic acid occurs naturally in various fruits and vegetables, which contribute to their pleasantly sour taste. Fumaric acid provides similar flavour enhancing tastes, but can also be used as an acidity regulator to enhance anti-microbial ingredients. With growing worldwide market demand, Bartek seeks to increase production capacity at their manufacturing plant in two ways: by building an additional reactor and by eliminating inefficiencies in their manufacturing processes. The refinement of scrubber acid to produce maleic anhydride feedstock is a particularly costly and time-consuming process. This proposed research aims to develop an alternative chemical process that reduces their environmental impact by eliminating the use of toxic compounds and improves upon the overall energy-efficiency of feedstock production. These project outcomes will enable Bartek to update their aging infrastructure, reduce manufacturing costs, and better position themselves to capture the growing market demand. For more information about Bartek or their products, visit their website at www.bartek.ca