Wood-based powdered activated carbon for food and pharmaceutical decolorization
Food & Pharma Grade

Wood-Based PAC
for Decolorization

Purpose-built for color removal in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing. Mesoporous structure captures large color molecules that other carbons miss. Ultra-low iron, acid-washed, food-safe.

The Decolorization Specialist

Color removal in food and pharmaceutical processing demands a very specific type of activated carbon. The color molecules — melanoidins in sugar, carotenoids in oil, pigments in APIs — are large organic compounds (MW 500–50,000 Da) that cannot penetrate micropores. Wood-based PAC is chemically activated (typically with phosphoric acid or zinc chloride) to develop a mesopore-rich structure specifically designed to trap these molecules.

Our decolorization-grade PAC achieves methylene blue values ≥180 mg/g — a direct measure of mesopore capacity and decolorization performance. The acid-washed process reduces ash to ≤3% and iron to ≤0.05%, preventing metallic contamination that would discolor the product or trigger off-flavors. Every batch is tested against caramel decolorization standards to ensure consistent color removal performance.

Key Performance Metrics

≥ 180 mg/g

Methylene Blue

Direct mesopore capacity indicator

≤ 0.05%

Iron Content

Food-grade purity

200 mesh

Particle Size

90% pass 75 μm for fast contact

≥ 100%

Caramel Test

vs standard reference carbon

Applications

  • Sugar refining & decolorization
  • Edible oil bleaching & purification
  • Pharmaceutical API decolorization
  • MSG & amino acid processing
  • Citric acid purification
  • Wine & beverage clarification
  • Chemical intermediate purification
  • Glycerin & sorbitol decolorization

Wood PAC vs Coal PAC vs Coconut PAC

ParameterWood PAC (Ours)Coal PACCoconut PAC
DecolorizationExcellentGoodModerate
Methylene Blue≥180 mg/g120–150 mg/g80–120 mg/g
Pore TypeMeso + MacroMixedMicropore
Ash Content≤3% (AW)8–15%3–5%
Food Grade✓ StandardWith treatmentPossible
Best ForColor removalGeneral purificationSmall molecules
Wood-based powdered activated carbon product

Technical Specifications

Particle Size200 mesh (90% pass 75 μm)
Raw MaterialSelect hardwood (pine/birch)
Methylene Blue≥ 180 mg/g
Iodine Number≥ 900 mg/g
Caramel Decolorization≥ 100%
Ash Content≤ 5% (acid-washed: ≤3%)
Moisture≤ 10%
pH3 – 5 (acid-washed)
Iron Content≤ 0.05% (food grade)
Heavy Metals (Pb)≤ 2 ppm
Soluble in HCl≤ 1%

Pharmaceutical grade with DMF documentation available

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Related Products

Why Food Companies Choose Hojee PAC

🍬

Sugar Industry

Supplying refineries in India, Thailand, Brazil. Proven caramel decolorization performance.

💊

Pharma Ready

Low endotoxins, heavy metals tested per batch. DMF documentation for regulatory submissions.

🧪

Jar Test Support

Send your sample liquor — we'll run dosage optimization and recommend the right grade.

📦

Flexible Packing

25 kg bags, 10 kg bags, or 500 kg bulk. Inner PE liner prevents moisture absorption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why wood-based PAC for decolorization?
Wood-based activated carbon has a predominantly mesoporous and macroporous structure (pore diameter 2–50 nm), which is ideal for adsorbing large color molecules like melanoidins, caramel, and organic dyes. Coal-based carbon's micropore structure (< 2 nm) cannot effectively capture these larger molecules. Wood PAC also has naturally lower ash and iron content, critical for food-grade applications.
What food safety certifications does this meet?
Our food-grade wood PAC meets GB 1886.255 (China food additive standard), FCC (Food Chemicals Codex), and E153 (EU food color standard). Heavy metals testing (Pb, As, Cd, Hg) per batch. Halal and Kosher certifications available on request.
What is the typical dosage for sugar decolorization?
For cane sugar refinery: 0.1–0.5% by weight of sugar liquor (depending on color intensity). For beet sugar: 0.05–0.3%. Optimal dosage should be determined by jar testing with your specific liquor. We provide free samples for dosage optimization trials.
How does PAC compare to ion exchange for decolorization?
PAC is simpler to implement (batch addition, no capital equipment), handles a wider range of color compounds, and is single-use (no regeneration equipment needed). Ion exchange resins are better for continuous high-volume operations where regeneration economics justify the capital cost. Many refineries use PAC as pre-treatment before ion exchange.
What is the MOQ and packaging?
MOQ is 1 ton for standard food-grade PAC. Packaging: 25 kg kraft paper bags with PE liner (standard), 500 kg jumbo bags, or 10 kg bags for lab/small-batch use. Lead time 7–10 days. Pharmaceutical grade available with additional documentation (DMF support).
Powdered activated carbon for food processing

Need Decolorization Carbon for Your Process?

Send us your sample or color specs. We'll recommend the right grade and dosage, with free samples for your jar tests.

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