Product History
While Xylitol was first discovered in the 19th century(1), it wasn’t until the 1960’s that commercial production was first implemented. This commercial process has not changed much since its inception. Xylose-rich polysaccharides are extracted from hardwoods and agricultural by-products. These polysaccharides are hydrolyzed with intense acid treatment and the resulting mixtures are purified and hydrogenated. The process is inefficient, expensive and requires large amounts of harsh chemicals.(2)Currently, there are merely 50,000 metric tons of Xylitol produced annually. This is just a small fraction of the 1.6 million metric ton annual production of all polyols and an even smaller percentage of the total worldwide sweetener market. The small production is a direct result of Xylitol manufacturing, at present, being extremely capital and resource intensive. Demand currently outstrips supply, even at relatively high price points.
DFI’s proprietary process involves a novel and highly efficient conversion of food starch to Xylitol. In lieu of harsh chemicals, electricity is used in the conversion. The result is a process that requires oxygen, hydrogen, and electricity but only has baking soda as a substantial byproduct.
DFI’s breakthrough technology allows for substantial reductions in cost to market. Moreover, as conversion efficiencies are high, DFI’s manufacturing facilities can accommodate production rates far exceeding that of previous technologies.
______________- Fischer E, Stahel R. Zur Kenntnis der Xylose. Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft 1891;24:528-39.
- Olinger PM, Pepper T. Xylitol, In: Nabors LO, editor. Alternative Sweeteners. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc.; 2001. p. 335-65.