Dow Industrial Solutions, a unit of The Dow Chemical Company, is planning to expand its propionic acid, primarily serves as an anti-mold and anti-bacterial agent for animal feeds and grains, facility in Texas City, Texas to meet rising global demand. The new expansion is expected to be complete in 2019. Dow’s plant expansion supports this growth and follows debottlenecking projects completed at the Texas City facility in 2015 and 2017.

According to Donna Babcock, business director for Dow Performance Intermediates, a business segment of Dow Industrial Solutions, “Increased propionic acid capacity is a strategic investment in Dow’s long-term growth. Our newly announced plant expansion, extensive capabilities in chemical processing and deep market knowledge will ensure we continue to be a leading supplier into food and feed applications.”

Propionic acid primarily serves as an anti-mold and anti-bacterial agent for animal feeds and grains. By reducing the likelihood of mold and bacteria formation, less product is wasted. Propionic acid additionally acts as a preservative for foods, such as baked goods and cheese, as well as an anti-mold agent for various bread products.