The line, which can be used for food applications including bakery, sweets and frozen desserts and whipped toppings can improve moist texture and increased shelf life of a product.
Nathalie Knabe, Dow Pharma & Food Solutions, told BakeryandSnacks, the Methocel expansion was carried out at its Stade plant, in Germany.
“It was carried out by a specific investment in one of the existing production lines to add additional capacity. The work was carried out over a year,” she said.
“The capacity came on line in Q4 2015. Products are now available for the market. The value of the investment is confidential.”
Methocel products are used as thickeners, binders, film formers, and water-retention agents. They also function as suspension aids, surfactants, lubricants, protective colloids, and emulsifiers.
“This development supports the demand from fast growing market segments such as meat, meat analogues and gluten replacement and backs Dow’s commitment to multiple production lines for our food grades solutions to secure supply for our global customers.” said Michiel van Genugten, global marketing leader, Food Solutions, Dow.