Potassium Sorbate for Industrial Buyers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda
Finstar
Available to order

Potassium Sorbate

Potassium Sorbate is a potassium salt of sorbic acid, commonly used as a food preservative due to its antimicrobial properties.

Technical Specifications

CAS Number24634-61-5
Chemical FormulaC6H7KO2
AppearanceWhite granular powder
SolubilitySoluble in water
pH Range (aqueous solution)Approximately 3.0 to 6.0
StabilityStable under normal storage conditions

Potassium Sorbate — Specifications, Uses & Availability

Product Overview

Product NamePotassium Sorbate
CategoryFood and Beverages
SupplyQuoted per order — confirm lead time with the sales desk

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Available Packaging Options

25 kg Polyethylene bag
50 kg Woven polypropylene bag
Bulk bags upon request

Need a different pack size or bulk tanker delivery? Request a custom quote.

About Potassium Sorbate

Potassium Sorbate is a potassium salt of sorbic acid, commonly used as a food preservative due to its antimicrobial properties. It inhibits the growth of molds, yeasts, and some bacteria, making it essential for extending the shelf life of various consumables and products. In its typical form supplied by Finstar, it arrives as a white granular powder that is highly soluble in water, facilitating easy integration into production processes. Industrial buyers should be aware that Potassium Sorbate is most effective within a pH range of approximately 3.0 to 6.0, making it suitable for acidic and neutral products. The recommended dosages for preservation applications generally range from 0.025% to 0.1% by weight, depending on the product. It should be stored away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers and maintained under stable conditions to preserve its efficacy. Handling temperature conditions should avoid extremes to prevent decomposition or loss of preservative activity.

External references: PubChem · Wikipedia

Why Potassium Sorbate Matters

In food and beverage production, spoilage caused by microbial growth leads to significant product loss and safety concerns. Potassium Sorbate addresses this challenge by effectively inhibiting molds and yeasts that cause spoilage, enabling longer shelf life without altering the product's flavor or appearance. This stabilization reduces waste and enhances consumer safety by preventing contamination. Beyond food applications, it safeguards cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial water systems against microbial degradation, maintaining product integrity and operational efficiency. Its antimicrobial function is critical to meeting regulatory standards for product safety and extending usability across diverse manufacturing sectors.

Applications & Industries

Food PreservationPrevents growth of molds and yeasts in foods like cheeses, sauces, and dried fruits, thereby extending shelf life while maintaining safety.
Beverage PreservationInhibits spoilage microbes in juices, wines, and soft drinks to retain quality and flavor throughout storage and distribution.
Cosmetic StabilizationPrevents microbial contamination in personal care formulations such as lotions and creams, ensuring product stability.
Pharmaceutical FormulationsUsed in creams, ointments, and liquid preparations to limit microbial growth and extend shelf life.
Water TreatmentControls microbial populations in industrial water systems to avoid biofouling and maintain operational efficiency.
Laboratory ReagentServes as a standard antimicrobial reagent in chemical and microbiological analyses due to its reliable inhibition properties.
Dairy ProductsPrevents yeast and mold spoilage in products like fermented milk and cheeses, enhancing product durability.
Bakery ProductsExtends freshness by suppressing microbial growth in baked goods and dough, reducing spoilage during storage.
Wine MakingUsed to stabilize wine by controlling fermentation speed and preventing spoilage from undesirable microbes.
Fruit and Vegetable ProcessingApplied to reduce microbial decay in processed and packaged fruits and vegetables, preserving texture and flavor.
Meat and Seafood ProcessingHelps inhibit spoilage organisms on cured meats and seafood products, prolonging shelf life.
Packaging FilmsIncorporated into food packaging films to provide antimicrobial protection on product surfaces.
Leather TanningUsed to inhibit microbial degradation during leather processing, improving product quality.
Textile PreservationPrevents microbial growth in textile processing baths to maintain fabric integrity.
Paints and CoatingsServes as a preservative to prevent fungal and bacterial contamination in aqueous coatings and paints.
Food ProcessingUsed extensively to preserve dairy, baked goods, meats, and prepared foods against spoilage.
Beverage ProductionApplied in juice, wine, and soft drink manufacturing to prevent microbial contamination.
Cosmetic ManufacturingPrevents bacterial and fungal growth in lotions, shampoos, and creams to extend shelf life.
Pharmaceutical IndustryIncorporated into topical preparations to ensure product preservation and efficacy.
Water Treatment FacilitiesControls microbial growth in cooling towers and industrial water systems to protect infrastructure.
LaboratoriesUsed as an antimicrobial agent in microbiological culture and analytical reagents.
Dairy IndustryPrevents spoilage and extends freshness of fermented and processed dairy products.
Bakery SectorMaintains product freshness by inhibiting mold and yeast in bread and pastry items.
WinemakingStabilizes wine during fermentation and storage by controlling microbial populations.
Packaging IndustryUsed in active packaging to confer antimicrobial properties to food contact materials.
Leather ProcessingProtects hides from microbial damage during tanning and storage phases.
Textile ManufacturingPrevents microbial contamination in processing baths, improving material quality.
Paints and Coatings IndustryPrevents microbial growth in water-based paints and coatings, preserving formulation stability.

Properties & Handling Notes

Purity GradeTypically supplied with purity levels suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications, ensuring effectiveness as a preservative.
Granular Powder FormWhite granular powder facilitates easy weighing and dissolution in production processes.
Water SolubilityDissolves readily in water, enabling uniform dispersion in aqueous formulations.
Batch TraceabilityEach batch is traceable through documentation, supporting quality management and compliance.
Certificate of Analysis AvailableFinstar provides COA on request, verifying batch quality and compliance with specifications.
Shelf StabilityMaintains stability under recommended storage, preserving antimicrobial properties over time.
Non-VolatileRemains effective without significant evaporation or loss during handling and processing.
Regulatory Compliance SupportDocumentation assists with meeting local regulatory requirements for preservative use.
Standard Packaging SizesAvailable in commonly used pack sizes to support varied industrial procurement needs.
Heat SensitivitySuitable for use in processes where temperatures do not exceed recommended limits to maintain activity.
Low DustinessFormulation designed to minimize dust generation during handling, enhancing workplace safety.
Compatible with Acidic ProductsFunctions optimally in mildly acidic pH ranges common in food and beverage formulations.
Non-Toxicity at Use LevelsSafe for use in consumable products within prescribed concentrations.
Antimicrobial SpectrumEffective primarily against molds, yeasts, and select bacteria responsible for spoilage.
Neutral Odor and Taste ImpactPreserves product sensory characteristics without imparting undesirable flavors or smells.
Extended Shelf LifePrevents microbial spoilage, allowing finished products to maintain quality for longer periods.
Enhanced Product SafetyReduces risk of harmful microbial contamination, supporting compliance with health standards.
Process EfficiencySoluble form integrates easily into manufacturing workflows, minimizing downtime and complexity.
Reduced WasteBy inhibiting degradation, decreases product loss during storage and distribution.
Regulatory Compliance FacilitationDocumented product quality supports adherence to food and pharmaceutical preservation regulations.
Consistent Quality SupplyBatch traceability enables reliable sourcing for uninterrupted production operations.
Versatility Across SectorsApplicable in food, beverage, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial water treatment applications.
Safety in HandlingLow dust formulation and stable nature reduce exposure risk for manufacturing personnel.
Cost-Effective PreservationConcentration levels required are low, optimizing cost per unit of product preserved.
Maintains Sensory AttributesDoes not alter taste or appearance of treated foods and beverages.
Supports Product DevelopmentEnables formulation of new preservative systems without compromising safety.
Resists Heat DegradationMaintains antimicrobial efficacy within process temperature limits, ensuring consistent results.
Minimizes Microbial Resistance RiskMechanism of action reduces likelihood of resistance development by spoilage organisms.
Non-Volatile, Long-LastingPreservative action persists throughout product shelf life under correct storage conditions.
Supports Environmental SafetyDegrades into natural compounds, reducing environmental accumulation concerns.

Delivery Coverage Across Kenya’s Counties

Finstar is a leading supplier of industrial chemicals across Kenya’s counties. Potassium Sorbate is dispatched from our Nairobi Industrial Area warehouse to businesses nationwide — including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru counties — plus cross-border delivery to Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Towns we regularly supply include:

NairobiMombasaKisumuNakuruEldoretThikaRuiruKiambuMachakosNaivashaNyeriMeruKerichoKakamegaKitaleMalindiNanyukiAthi RiverVoiKilifi

Delivering to a different town or county? Request a quote and our logistics team will confirm delivery timelines to your location.

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