Wacker Expands into EU Pet Food Additives Market

Wacker is expanding its presence in the European Union's pet food additives market with its FERMOPURE® VEGAN L-CYSTEINE and FERMOPURE® NATURAL L-CYSTINE products. The company has received approval from the European Commission for these fermentation-based ingredients, which are intended to improve the smell, taste, and palatability of food for cats and dogs. This approval follows a positive safety assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Wacker's plant-based L-cysteine and L-cystine solutions are produced through fermentation of plant-based glucose. L-cystine is created via a biotechnological process, and L-cysteine is produced through an additional electrolysis step. This offers an alternative to L-cysteine conventionally sourced from animal-based raw materials, strengthening Wacker's position as a European supplier of fermentation-based pet food ingredients.

The L-cysteine and L-cystine-based solutions can function as flavour precursors and flavour components. They react with reducing sugars in the Maillard reaction to generate meaty and savoury flavours. The products are suitable for various pet food formats, including liquids, chewable products, tablets, and powders.

Market analyses predict substantial growth in the global pet food and treats market in the coming years, driven partly by an increase in pet ownership and rising demand for functional and natural pet foods. Wacker states that the EU approval solidifies its position in this expanding market, providing pet food manufacturers with a traceable, European source for fermentation-based flavour solutions.