Sodium propionate

Sodium propionate (CAS 137-40-6), also recognized by its food additive designation E281, is the sodium salt of propionic acid used commercially as a preservative and pH buffering agent. It inhibits mold and bacterial growth across food, feed, pharmaceutical, and personal care applications.

Supplied in anhydrous form, it offers reliable shelf-life extension in moisture-sensitive formulations. In baked goods, E281 is applied to bread, cakes, and pastries to suppress mold development and extend retail shelf life without affecting flavor profiles.

Animal feed manufacturers incorporate it as an antifungal agent in compound feeds and grain storage to prevent spoilage during transport and storage. Pharmaceutical formulators use it as a buffering agent and preservative in topical preparations and oral dosage forms.

It is also utilized in ophthalmic solutions and personal care products. In personal care, it functions as a preservative booster in creams, lotions, and rinse-off products where low-pH stability is required for the final formulation.

Sodium propionate is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules, with granulated forms preferred where dust control matters in feed and industrial handling. This ensures a safer and cleaner working environment during the manufacturing process.

Standard grades include food-grade (FCC), feed-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade (USP/BP) to meet regulatory requirements across industries. These quality standards ensure the product is suitable for its intended high-purity application.

Packaging typically ranges from 25 kg bags to bulk quantities depending on application volume. This flexibility allows for efficient logistics and storage management for both small-scale producers and large industrial manufacturers.