Global agribusiness giant Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) has opened a soyabean liquid lecithin plant in Claypool, Indiana, World Grain reported.
The facility was the country’s largest operation integrating soybean processing, biodiesel production, and glycerine and lecithin refining operations, as well as a food-grade packaging line and canola oil distribution terminal, World Grain quoted the company as saying in the 8 August report.
According to LDC, the Claypool facility, which opened in 2007, has the capacity to crush 175,000 bushels/day of soybeans.
“This development is part of LDC’s strategic plans to diversify revenue streams through value-added products — in this case, by expanding our presence in the ingredients value chain and diversifying our food and feed solutions portfolio,” Gordon Russell, US head of Grains & Oilseeds at LDC, said.
“Lecithin is a natural extension of our existing operations in Claypool, where we have also increased our edible oils and refined glycerine origination and production capabilities.”
LDC said the new lecithin plant featured clarification, drying and degumming process technology.
“Thanks to rigorous controls at every stage of the production process, laboratory enhancements and ISO level 7 food grade packaging operations, our facility offers customers product quality assurance, as well as a range of packaging options in bulk trucks, totes and drums,” Russell added.
Lecithin is used as an emulsifier, dispersing agent, antioxidant and flavour enhancer in a range of food applications.
