Citrique Belge - 100 years citric acid from Tienen, BelgiumThe dedicated and skilled employees of Citrique Belge work hard every day to provide customers with citric acid and co-products. We use state-of-the-art technologies and methods remain competitive in terms of quality and reliability.

We are constantly working on maintaining a safe production and working environment and as a result, we have minimum impact on the environment and a good relationship with our neighbours. We therefore create added value for our customers and employees, as well as for our local community.

Alphonse Cappuyns began research into

producing citric acid by fermenting sugar. The first

results were promising.

Despite making many improvements, the new fermentation process could not compete with the lemon refining industry,

which was mainly based in Sicily and P.O.T. was forced to temporarily halt its productions activities.

Alphonse Cappuyns continued to believe in the possible success of his approach and

continued his research. Barely three months later, he used a new micro-organism: Aspergillus niger.

With this second attempt, he achieved a production yield that justified industrial

operations and P.O.T. restarted production.

Les Produits Organiques de Tirlemont (P.O.T) was founded.

The first fermentation chamber was filled with 1,300 kg of sugar and

seeded with citromyces (a type of spore). Unfortunately, the first yields

were lower than expected.

A Belgian-Italian joint venture was established: La Citrique Belge.

Belgian know-how in fermentation was combined with Italian

know-how in refining citric acid.

Strong past, strong future Citrique Belge has a long and fascinating history. Perseverance, flexibility and sensible investments have been the hallmarks of the past 100 years.

1929192519191916

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Today Today Citrique Belge is a strong, independent company with headquarters (HQ) in Tienen, Belgium. We continue to invest in fermentation, downstream processing, quality, product development, sales and logistics. In this way, we will continue to be a reliable supplier of high-quality products, technical expertise and excellent service.

voeding, dranken, farma, detergenten veevoeder, meststof, cosmetica, farmazuivel, vlees, detergenten

100%

F. Hoffmann La Roche sold the Vitamins and Fine Chemicals division, which also included Citrique Belge, to the Dutch

company DSM. An increase in capital, combined with more

efficient production, resulted in an increased citric acid

production capacity.

Citrique Belge became part of the German ADCURAM.

Important investments were made, not only in refinery but also in fermentation and waste

water treatment.

Introduction of fermentation of

molasses, a by-product of the local sugar refinery.

The molasses replaced the much more expensive pure

sugar. At that time, the Italian partners left

the company and Citrique Belge became 100% Belgian.

Citrique Belge became a member of the Swiss pharmaceutical group

F. Hoffmann La Roche. La Roche was the leading

supplier of vitamins to the food industry.

Citric acid was a good addition to

the product portfolio.

Citrique Belge was acquired by a group of

private Belgian investors. These private investors all

shared the vision of creating long-term profitability and operational improvement for specific manufacturing

companies.

1977 2010

Our future is built on three main pillars

Citric acidCitrates and

derivative products Co-products

1947 2003 2016

3

Quality as a guiding principleAll our products meet the highest quality standards. The citric acid, sodium citrates and citric acid solutions are tested according to international standards (USP, FCC, Ph. Eur., JP, JECFA) and meet the required specifications. Of course, all our co-products also comply with the high GMP+ standards. Quality assurance is interwoven in everything we do.

How do we ensure quality?

Process monitoring

We carry out continuous process analyses and in-line measurements to monitor the processes for the fermentation, isolation, refinery and production of co-products. All processes and activities are set out in procedures and regulations, based on the legal requirements in the various sectors.

We reinforce the GMP requirements according to HACCP principles. We use a risk analysis to determine the critical parameters that can influence the quality of the product and food safety. At the same time, we carry out rigorous checks based on an integrated management plan. We guarantee complete traceability in accordance with legal requirements.

Qualified staff

A personalised training and development plan for each employee ensures that our staff are always fully qualified and aware of the applicable rules and regulations.

Quality raw materials

The supervision of the process begins as early as the raw materials. To reduce the risk of contamination, we select the right raw materials based on detailed specifications and an elaborate supplier assessment. The raw materials, auxiliary goods and packing materials are extensively tested using risk analysis. For example, we only work with approved suppliers for our transports. Additionally, our warehouse staff carefully check all trucks and containers before loading.

Quality is our strength

Our own laboratory, equipped with the latest devices and highly qualified personnel, constantly monitors compliance with quality requirements and focuses in particular on our specific strengths.

Purity and colour

A membrane filter (Millipore) to test physical purity guarantees a product of the highest quality. Our colour test has an even stricter standard than that described in the various pharmacopoeia.

Free-flowing

In principle, both anhydrous and monohydrate citric acid can be stored at room temperature without this having a major impact on its quality (more details are available in our Product Data Sheets). Both products are hygroscopic and can develop an increased risk of “caking” or lump formation when exposed to temperatures above 30°C and a high relative humidity. Such lumps can cause problems during the customer’s manufacturing process, depending on the specifications.

Using a specially developed process, Citrique Belge produces free-flowing products. Our products are packaged in such a way to account for sensitivities in product quality. Additionally, we carry out a physical check of the bags before transporting them from our site to the customer. All our products leave our warehouse in a “free-flowing” state.

Free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

In our production process, we use both GMO-free raw materials and naturally selected GMO-free strains of Aspergillus niger.

Free from allergens

The GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) has recently made it compulsory to set up an “allergen management programme”. Growing numbers of people are developing food allergies. Consumers are increasingly aware of this, which is reflected in a change in buying behaviour when buying food. That is why we are convinced of the importance of allergen-free citric acid for our customers and for the entire supply chain.

Traceability

We comply with EU regulation EU 178/2002 regarding the traceability of raw materials and packaging materials. We have implemented the required procedures so that we can trace the entire chain within 4 hours.

Certifications

The result of all our efforts to achieve the highest quality standards is reflected in Citrique Belge’s ability to obtain the major quality certificates year after year.

NON GMO IP Supply Chain Standard

Certificate

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Made in Belgium, worldwide delivery

We are a 100% Belgian company that supplies citric acid to customers all over the world. In Europe alone, thousands of customers use our products. We are currently mainly active in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, but in the future we will also focus on new markets for our co-products.

Reliable and future-oriented

Steady value

We supply citric acid of a stable and high quality. Between 1977 and 2002, Citrique Belge grew into one of the most important players in the world market. During this period, capacity doubled thanks to major investments. Between 2002 and 2009, Citrique Belge faced some major competition from the Far East, and as a consequence some restructuring was necessary for it to maintain its market position. Citrique Belge is one of the few European players to have survived these difficult years. As a result, we are now a strong and reliable supplier.

One quality, different applications

Our high and stable product quality is illustrated by our ability to sell for sophisticated applications, mainly in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries.

Citrique Belge is a reliable partner to its customers, suppliers and collaborators since 100 years.

75%Food & beverage industry

15%Pharma

5%Detergents

5%Other

6

We focus, we care: flexible and customer-friendly

Flexibility is an important aspect of our corporate culture. We always aim to serve our customers as quickly as possible. A powerful and agile organisation, with short lines of communication, guarantees fast decisions and a hands-on approach.

Our logistics services are carried out by approved carriers and partners that form part of our quality management. Our website gives our customers access to extensive quality and product documentation; our experts are there to answer any specific questions.

Investments

We continue to invest in our company every year. Not only investments to replace and improve processes, but also investments in state-of-the-art installations. For example, the first phase of the new packing line was put into operation in early 2019. We also focus on innovation, and we have expanded our research and development team. We are working on diversifying our range as well as on developing new products.

We are a 100% Belgian company that supplies citric acid to customers all over the world.

Circular economy and sustainability

Reducing CO2 emissions

We strive to minimise our ecological footprint, mainly by reducing our CO2 emissions. Using Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) as a fuel in our new power plant guarantees more efficient energy consumption and lower CO2 emissions. This is why we have installed a new, own combined heat and power (CHP) system.

Water

Water is an essential ingredient in the production of citric acid. It is also valuable for the local community. Our advanced water purification system and progressive water policies allow us to reuse most of our water.

Optimal recycling of all waste streams

The production of citric acid manufactures biodegradable co-products. These co-products are utilised in their entirety in the agricultural, animal feed and construction sectors. Non-process related waste streams are separated and disposed of for recycling.

We have a social responsibility to protect the environment. Our policies and practices ensure that the environment and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do. We produce citric acid using a natural fermentation process based on renewable carbohydrate sources. All our products are ecologically safe and biodegradable. Our co-products are used in an economically and ecologically meaningful way in construction and in agriculture. This means there is no more waste and the cycle is closed.

CITRIC ACID AND CITRATES

for food and medicine

co-products

recycling back to the soil

SUGAR BEETS

MOLASSES

SUGAR BEET FIELDS

100%NATURALPRODUCT

Versatile product

Citric acid, citrates and the various co-products produced by Citrique Belge are essential ingredients in many applications in our daily lives. Citric acid has become the organic acid of choice for many industries, ranging from soft drinks and cheese to effervescent tablets and cosmetics to cleaning products. It acts as a binding agent, pH control agent or antioxidant. Worldwide, the consumption of citric acid is increasing every year. New applications such as convenience food and health supplements also require citric acid.

Product applications

Soft drinks and energy drinks

Food (conserved fruits and vegetables, jams/jellies, desserts, dairy products, etc.)

Pharmaceutical (medicines and food supplements)

Cosmetics

Industrial applications

Purpose

• Flavour-enhancer• pH control agent

• Flavour-enhancer for fruit• Flavour-preserver• Stabiliser• pH control agent for optimal gelling• Emulsifier• Improver of microbiological stability

• Effervescence promoter• pH buffer • Citrus flavour-provider

• pH control agent

• In washing liquids• As a metal cleaning additive• ph control agent • As a citric acid ester in plastics• As a setting retardant in cement

Citric acid and citrates are important pH control agents for food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and industrial applications.

Citric acid and citrates

9

Granulometry

Our five product groups are: Citric Acid Anhydrous, Citric Acid Monohydrate, Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate, Monosodium Citrate Anhydrous and Citric Acid Solutions. Citric acid is also available as a solution.

Our customers need specific grain sizes and concentrations for their end applications. We produce five different products between 74µm and 1200µm.

Product

Citric Acid Anhydrous

Citric Acid Anhydrous Medium Granular 1200

Citric Acid Anhydrous Fine Granular 51N

Citric Acid Anhydrous Fine Granular 700

Citric Acid Anhydrous Fine Granular 16/40

Citric Acid Anhydrous Powder

Citric Acid Monohydrate

Citric Acid Monohydrate Granular

Citric Acid Monohydrate Fine Granular

Citric Acid Solutions

46% solution

50% solution

Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate

Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate Granular

Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate Fine Granular

Monosodium Citrate Anhydrous

Monosodium Citrate Anhydrous Granular

Monosodium Citrate Anhydrous Powder

Product code

04 82951

04 32938

04 83087

04 32962

04 32717

04 32768

04 32776

04 33004

04 33020

04 12503

04 12325

04 12570

04 12562

Compendia Certification

USP, FCC, Ph. Eur.,JP, JECFA,

OU, H

USP, FCC, Ph. Eur., JP, OU, H

USP, FCC, Ph. Eur.,JP, JECFA,

OU, H

USP, FCC, Ph. Eur.,JP, JECFA,

OU, H

DAC, JECFA, OU, H

Packaging

25 kg, 1000 kg

25 kg, 1000 kg

25 kg, 1000 kg

25 kg, 1000 kg

25 kg

25 kg, 1000 kg

25 kg

Full tank load, IBC

Full tank load, IBC

25 kg, 1000 kg

25 kg

25 kg

25 kg

Citric Acid Anhydrous Powder

Citric Acid Anhydrous Fine Granular 51 N

Citric Acid Monohydrate Granular

10

Innovation is an important part of our activities. In cooperation with various universities and research institutes, we are on the look-out for new applications for our co-products. We expect to be able to serve new markets with our co-products in the future.

Innovation and co-products

Brand name

Citrocol®

Citrogips®

Citrofert (Syngenite)

Citrocell®

What is it?

Citrocol is the organic part of the molasses

Gypsum produced during isolation of citric acid

The potassium-calcium salt that is reclaimed from the molasses

The protein-rich mycelium resulting from the fermentation process

What do we use it for

• Binding agent for animal feed. Its low potassium content improves the flavour of the animal feed.

• It is used as a filler in cement• As a filter aid• In medical applications• Component of mushroom compost

• Fertiliser• Raw material for the production of

compound fertilisers

• Animal feed

We currently have four co-products that enable us to serve a wide range of markets.

recycling back to the soil

SUGAR BEET FIELDS

100%NATURALPRODUCT

CITROFERT (SYNGENITE)AND CITROGIPS®

fertilisersbuilding industry

evaporation and extraction

CITROCOL®AND CITROCELL®

animal feedMOLASSES

SUGAR BEETS

CITRIC ACID AND CITRATES

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Citric acid since 1919

S.A. Citrique Belge N.V.

Pastorijstraat 2493300 Tienen Belgium VAT number: BE 0400.934.652

Customer Service

sales@citriquebelge.com customerservice@citriquebelge.com +32 16 80 62 11 www.citriquebelge.com