Sorbitol 70% Manufacturing – Industry Value, Market Segmentation, Drivers of Growth
There are very few ingredients in the Indian food industry that are as fundamental as sugar. That said, there are several types of sugar used daily in sectors like food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, etc.
One type of sugar that is used regularly and at scale for various purposes is Sorbitol 70%. It is a polyol which translates to a sugar alcohol, and is a bulk sweetener. Being water-soluble and low calorie-dense sugar, Sorbitol 70% finds its use in several industries.
Properties of Sorbitol 70%
Sorbitol 70% houses and exhibits certain properties that enhance its use and utility.
1. Water-soluble
This makes Sorbitol 70% easy to consume for people of diverse age groups. In that light, it enhances its efficacy when used as a laxative.
2. Retains moisture
Sorbitol 70% is an excellent retainer of moisture. This property is leveraged by using it as a humectant in foods like ice creams, chewing gums, etc.
3. Viscosity
To ensure consistency in food preparation, the viscosity needs to be keenly maintained. Sorbitol 70% and its ability to alter the viscosity of the food items further its utility.
4. Low-calorie Sugar
Sorbitol 70% is one of the very few sugars with low calories. It is also absorbed pretty slowly by the body. Hence, it is used majorly in several diabetes-related foods.
5. Cooling agent
Due to an endothermic reaction, Sorbitol 70% remains to be a natural cooling agent. Studies have proven the presence of a cooling effect to occur within 6 seconds of consumption.
Besides, the plasticity, chelating, and stabilizing properties of Sorbitol 70% are added advantages. Each property enhances its utility and assists in various applications.
Furthermore, Sorbitol 70% has been proven safe for consumption within foods by several researchers.
To further credibility, the Joint Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives have established Sorbitol 70% as a safe food ingredient.
Without specifying the ADI, i.e., Acceptable daily intake, the authorities have placed Sorbitol 70% in the safest category possible.
Industry Value of Sorbitol 70%
The aforementioned beneficial properties have ensured Sorbitol 70% remains a commercially viable solution in the market. According to Fortune Business insights, the global market for Sorbitol was valued at 1.24 billion US dollars in 2018.
Likewise, the Indian market is galloping ahead in terms of volume and value. As per an IMARC group study, the Sorbitol 70% market in India reached a volume of 166 kilotons in 2019.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, the Sorbitol 70% market is expected to grow at a moderate rate.
With evident progress in infrastructure and able governmental support, Sorbitol 70% manufacturing is turning into a profitable venture.
Market Segmentation of Sorbitol 70%
The growth in demand for Sorbitol 70% is a direct result of its diverse uses. Its application is found in evergreen industries like food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc. Along with certain external drivers of growth, the Sorbitol 70% market is eyeing greater heights.
By application, the Sorbitol Market can be segmented into
1. Food and beverage
As a nutritive sweetener, Sorbitol 70% finds its use in the food and beverage industry alongside being preferred as a flavouring agent and humectant. From energy drinks to chewing gums, its presence is evident.
2. Personal care and cosmetics
The cooling effect facilitated by the presence of Sorbitol is used by products like soaps, face creams, lotions, etc. Given its property to desist fermentation, it is also used in oral care products like toothpaste, mouthwash, gels, etc.
3. Pharmaceuticals
Polyhydric alcohol, Sorbitol 70%, is non-toxic, stable, and chemically inert. These are properties that contribute to a safe ingredient to be used in the pharma industry. Being a non-irritant, it is used in the manufacture of liquid syrups, suspensions, and soft gel capsules.
4. Industrial applications
Sorbitol 70% finds its use in certain products and materials that are further used in diverse industries. Vitamin ‘C’, Sorbitol esters are prime examples of this. Alkyd resins, melamine, and phenolic resins make use of Sorbitol in minor quantities.
5. Textiles
In the textile industry, Sorbitol 70% functions as a dispensing and sequestering agent. Also, in the making of dye paste, it helps by reducing bleeds and improving colour intensity.
6. Adhesives and Tobacco
Sorbitol 70% acts as a moisture conditioning agent in the adhesive industry. Its capacity to retain water is the cornerstone of its utility.
Even in the tobacco industry, it is used to maintain the moisture levels of cigarettes.
Drivers of Growth
- Increase in diabetes patients
- Rising demand for low-calorie food
- Growth of personal care and cosmetic industry
- Volatility in the price of sugar
- Confectionery and chocolate consumption is rising
These five factors shall catapult the sorbitol 70% manufacturing industry to greater heights. Its application in multiple evergreen industries shall only boost the demand.
Investing in a venture to manufacture this solution is a money-making proposition.
