Cyclodextrins are ring-shaped sugar molecules, which WACKER bioengineers from plant-based raw materials such as corn or potato. They have different functionalities to be used in different food applications, such as dairy, bakery, desserts and sauces to make them free from animal-based emulsifiers, cholesterol or solid fats. What is more, cyclodextrins protect sensitive ingredients such as vitamins and coenzymes from harmful influences, for example oxygen or light, and they increase the bioavailability of hydrophobic substances like the natural antioxidant curcumin. Additionally, the sugar rings can mask the bitter taste of health-promoting substances such as green tea extract. WACKER’s fermentation-based cysteine can serve as a vegan and halal-certified raw material for savory flavors and as a processing auxiliary in baked goods.
WACKER’s solid resins Polyvinyl Acetate make it possible to produce top-grade chewing-gum. The CANDY2GUM® technology developed by WACKER enables to produce sugar free gum with depositing technology to make the chewing gum in different shapes. Moreover, WACKER experts have developed the world’s first 3D-printing gum technology. The 3D printer that is available in the new food lab in Shanghai can be used to produce tailor made gum in specially designed color, shape and flavor. This opens up entirely new possibilities for the confectionery industry.
WACKER in China
Having operated its own subsidiary in the Greater China region for over 25 years, WACKER has greatly expanded its activities in the region over recent years. Accounting for over €1 billion or around a fifth of Group sales, the region is WACKER’s most important single market. The Munich-based chemical company employs more than 1,000 people in China, operates sales offices in the country’s most important economic regions and has two technical centers, together with three production sites in Zhangjiagang, Nanjing and Shunde, respectively. The WACKER Greater China subsidiary is headquartered in Shanghai.