LACTIC ACID

High-Performance Lactic Acid for Food Processing & Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing Operations

Lactic acid (CH₃CHOHCOOH) is an α-hydroxy acid with the molecular formula C₃H₆O₃. It is an organic acid naturally produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by lactic acid bacteria. This versatile compound serves critical functions across food processing operations, cosmetic manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and biodegradable plastics applications requiring natural acidification, antimicrobial properties, and environmentally sustainable chemical solutions.

At Chemicals & Process Equipment Limited, we supply high-grade Lactic Acid manufactured under stringent quality control standards and international specifications. Our comprehensive product range includes food grade, pharmaceutical grade, cosmetic grade, and industrial grade formulations meeting diverse requirements for food preservation, personal care products, drug manufacturing, and sustainable chemical processing across global food and chemical markets.

✅ Food Processing Excellence – Optimized Preservation & Acidification for Food Manufacturing Operations
✅ Consistent Purity Standards – Multiple Concentration Grades with Comprehensive Quality Documentation
✅ Natural Antimicrobial Properties – Enhanced Food Safety & Processing Efficiency
✅ Multi-Application Performance – Food, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic & Industrial Applications
✅ Technical Support Package – Complete Application Guidance & Process Optimization

For comprehensive information on lactic acid applications in food processing and sustainable manufacturing, refer to this detailed organic acids guide by ScienceDirect. Our food processing chemicals portfolio provides specialized guidance for optimal food preservation and manufacturing performance across diverse applications.

The global lactic acid market size was USD 3,454.6 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% from 2025 to 2033, driven by increasing demand for natural preservatives, biodegradable plastics, and sustainable chemical solutions across multiple industries.

Technical Specifications & Chemical Properties

Available Concentration Grades:

• Food grade solutions: 50%, 80%, 88%, 90% concentrations
• Feed grade solutions: 80% and 88% (clear/yellowish), 80% (brown)
• Personal care grade solutions for cosmetic applications
• Technical and pharmaceutical grade formulations

Specialized Packaging Solutions:

• 25kg polyethylene containers with food-grade certification
• 250kg high-density polyethylene drums with secure closures
• 1200kg intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) with sanitary fittings
• Bulk tanker deliveries for large-scale food processing operations
• Laboratory packaging from 1L to 25L containers
• Custom packaging solutions for specialized applications

Food Processing & Preservation Applications

Natural Food Preservative Premium grade lactic acid finds applications across several industries, which further boosts its market growth. In the food and beverage sector, it is used as a preservative, acidulant, and flavor enhancer, meeting the rising demand for clean-label and natural ingredients. Food manufacturers utilize lactic acid for extending shelf life, preventing spoilage, and maintaining product safety in diverse food applications.

Dairy Product Manufacturing Approximately 70% of lactic acid produced is used in the food industry because of its role in the production of yogurt and cheese, where it serves as the primary fermentation product enabling proper texture development, flavor enhancement, and preservation characteristics in dairy processing operations.

Meat Processing Applications Meat processing facilities employ lactic acid for surface decontamination, pathogen reduction, and shelf-life extension in poultry, beef, and pork processing operations requiring food safety compliance and quality assurance.

Bakery & Confectionery Production Bakery operations utilize lactic acid as a dough conditioner, pH regulator, and preservation agent in bread production, pastries, and confectionery items requiring extended shelf life and improved texture characteristics.

Beverage Industry Applications Beverage manufacturers use lactic acid for pH adjustment, flavor enhancement, and preservation in soft drinks, sports beverages, and functional drinks requiring natural acidification and antimicrobial properties.

Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Applications

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing The purity required for the application of lactic acid is for the food industry 80% purity, pharmaceutical 88%, where pharmaceutical manufacturers utilize high-purity lactic acid for drug formulation, excipient production, and active pharmaceutical ingredient synthesis.

Medical Device Manufacturing Healthcare industries employ lactic acid for producing biodegradable medical implants, sutures, and drug delivery systems utilizing polylactic acid (PLA) polymers requiring biocompatibility and controlled degradation rates.

Dental Care Products Oral care manufacturers use lactic acid in toothpaste formulations, mouthwashes, and dental treatments for pH regulation, antimicrobial effects, and enamel-safe acidification properties.

Wound Care Applications Medical manufacturers utilize lactic acid in wound care products, topical treatments, and antiseptic formulations providing antimicrobial activity and pH optimization for healing applications.

Cosmetic & Personal Care Applications

Skincare Product Manufacturing Personal care grade lactic acid serves as an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) in skincare formulations, providing gentle exfoliation, pH regulation, and moisturizing properties in anti-aging creams, serums, and treatment products.

Hair Care Formulations Cosmetic manufacturers employ lactic acid in shampoos, conditioners, and hair treatments for pH adjustment, cuticle smoothing, and antimicrobial preservation in professional and consumer hair care products.

Anti-Aging Product Development Beauty industry utilizes lactic acid for developing chemical peels, exfoliating treatments, and age-defying formulations providing skin renewal, texture improvement, and anti-aging benefits.

Natural Deodorant Manufacturing Personal care companies use lactic acid in natural deodorant formulations for pH control, antimicrobial activity, and skin-friendly preservation without harsh synthetic chemicals.

Industrial & Chemical Processing Applications

Biodegradable Plastics Production Lactic acid (LA) (CH3CHOHCOOH) is utilised in a variety of industrial processes, including production of polymers, emulsifiers, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic formulations. Polymer manufacturers utilize lactic acid for producing polylactic acid (PLA) biodegradable plastics for packaging, textiles, and consumer products.

Chemical Synthesis Applications Chemical processing facilities employ lactic acid as a building block for producing specialty chemicals, solvents, and intermediates requiring renewable feedstocks and sustainable chemical pathways.

Textile Industry Processing Textile manufacturers use lactic acid for fabric treatment, pH control, and antimicrobial finishing in textile processing operations requiring natural chemical solutions and environmental compliance.

Leather Processing Applications Leather manufacturing utilizes lactic acid for hide processing, pH adjustment, and antimicrobial treatment in traditional leather production requiring natural chemical alternatives.

Agricultural & Animal Feed Applications

Animal Feed Additives Feed grade solutions: 80% and 88% (clear/yellowish) lactic acid serves as a feed preservative, pH regulator, and gut health promoter in livestock nutrition, enhancing feed quality and animal performance.

Silage Preservation Agricultural operations employ lactic acid for silage preservation, fermentation enhancement, and feed quality improvement in livestock feeding systems requiring natural preservation methods.

Poultry Industry Applications Poultry producers utilize lactic acid for drinking water acidification, gut health promotion, and pathogen control in broiler and layer operations requiring natural growth promotion alternatives.

Aquaculture Applications Fish farming operations use lactic acid for water pH control, pathogen reduction, and feed preservation in sustainable aquaculture systems requiring environmentally friendly chemical solutions.

Environmental & Sustainable Applications

Bioplastics Manufacturing Lactic Acid Technology Co. announced a new key project for a facility producing 60,000 tons of biodegradable polyester and related products annually. Environmental technology companies utilize lactic acid for producing biodegradable polymers replacing conventional plastics in sustainable packaging applications.

Green Solvents Production Chemical manufacturers employ lactic acid for developing environmentally friendly solvents, cleaning agents, and processing chemicals supporting green chemistry initiatives and environmental sustainability goals.

Carbon Footprint Reduction Industries utilize bio-based lactic acid for reducing carbon footprint, supporting renewable feedstock utilization, and achieving sustainability targets in chemical manufacturing operations.

Grade Classifications & Quality Standards

Food Grade (80-90%) The purity required for the application of lactic acid is for the food industry 80% purity, providing reliable performance for food preservation, acidification, and flavor enhancement applications in commercial food processing operations.

Pharmaceutical Grade (≥88%) Pharmaceutical grade lactic acid meets stringent purity requirements for drug manufacturing, medical device production, and healthcare applications requiring high-quality chemical standards and regulatory compliance.

Cosmetic Grade Cosmetic grade lactic acid provides superior purity for personal care applications, ensuring skin safety, product stability, and aesthetic performance in beauty and skincare formulations.

Industrial Grade Industrial grade lactic acid offers cost-effective solutions for chemical manufacturing, polymer production, and industrial processing applications requiring reliable chemical performance.

Storage & Handling Requirements

Temperature Control

• Store lactic acid in temperature-controlled environments between 15-25°C
• Prevent freezing to maintain solution stability and prevent crystallization
• Implement heating systems for viscous high-concentration grades
• Monitor temperature fluctuations to ensure product quality
• Maintain consistent storage conditions for optimal performance

Container Compatibility

• Use stainless steel, high-density polyethylene, or glass containers
• Avoid carbon steel and aluminum materials that may cause corrosion
• Implement proper sealing to prevent moisture absorption and contamination
• Use food-grade containers for food processing applications
• Establish proper material compatibility testing procedures

Quality Control & Analytical Testing

Comprehensive Quality Assurance Every production batch undergoes extensive analytical testing to ensure compliance with food processing, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic grade specifications. Our quality control laboratory employs advanced analytical techniques including titration analysis, HPLC, and microbiological testing.

Quality assurance procedures include:

• Concentration determination via acid-base titration analysis
• Purity assessment using high-performance liquid chromatography
• Iron content analysis through atomic absorption spectroscopy
• Heavy metals testing via inductively coupled plasma analysis
• Optical rotation measurement for L(+) isomer verification
• Color determination using APHA color standards
• Microbiological testing for food and pharmaceutical grades
• Residue on ignition testing through standardized procedures

Application Guidelines & Best Practices

Concentration Selection Guidelines Select appropriate lactic acid concentration based on specific application requirements, with 80% grade suitable for general food applications and 88-90% grades preferred for pharmaceutical and specialized applications.

pH Control Applications Monitor pH levels carefully when using lactic acid for food processing, as optimal performance occurs within specific pH ranges depending on food matrix and preservation objectives.

Safety Considerations Handle lactic acid with appropriate personal protective equipment, ensuring proper ventilation and skin protection during processing operations involving concentrated solutions.

Market Applications & Industry Trends

Sustainable Packaging Growth The global lactic acid industry is estimated to be worth USD 3,625.1 million by 2024. It is projected to reach a value of USD 7,826.3 million by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 8.0% over the assessment period 2024 to 2034. Growing demand for biodegradable packaging drives increased lactic acid utilization in PLA production.

Clean Label Movement Meeting the rising demand for clean-label and natural ingredients supports continued growth in lactic acid applications as consumers increasingly prefer natural preservation methods over synthetic alternatives.

Pharmaceutical Industry Expansion Growing pharmaceutical manufacturing and biotechnology sectors drive demand for high-purity lactic acid in drug development and medical device production applications.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety Information

Food Safety Standards Our lactic acid products comply with FDA, EU, and international food safety regulations, ensuring regulatory acceptance for food processing and preservation applications.

Pharmaceutical Compliance Pharmaceutical grade lactic acid meets USP, EP, and international pharmacopoeia standards, ensuring compliance with drug manufacturing regulations and quality requirements.

GRAS Status Lactic acid maintains Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for food applications, supporting broad utilization in food processing and preservation applications.

Performance Advantages & Technical Benefits

✔ Natural Preservation – Effective antimicrobial activity for food safety applications
✔ Biodegradable Chemistry – Environmentally sustainable chemical solutions
✔ Multi-Industry Applications – Food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic & industrial uses
✔ pH Control Excellence – Reliable acidification and buffering capabilities
✔ Clean Label Compliance – Natural ingredient supporting consumer preferences
✔ Technical Versatility – Wide concentration range for diverse applications
✔ Regulatory Acceptance – GRAS status and international compliance

Our Lactic Acid products represent industry-leading standards in natural preservation and sustainable chemical manufacturing, specifically formulated for demanding food processing operations, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and cosmetic applications. We provide comprehensive technical support, application guidance, and regulatory compliance assistance to ensure optimal performance across your specialized food, pharmaceutical, or industrial applications.

For detailed specifications, food safety documentation, or pharmaceutical compliance data, contact our specialized food and pharmaceutical chemicals division. We offer complete support including application testing, regulatory guidance, and process optimization to maximize effectiveness in your food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or sustainable chemical applications.