Corbion Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.（科碧恩贸易（上海）有限公司）is the China-based subsidiary of Corbion N.V., a global market leader in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, and specialty sustainable ingredients. Strategically located in Shanghai, Corbion Trading (Shanghai) acts as a critical bridge between Corbion’s global manufacturing capabilities and the fast-growing markets in China and Asia-Pacific, offering a comprehensive portfolio of food, biochemical, and sustainable materials.
Core Business and Product Offerings
As a wholly foreign-owned enterprise under Corbion N.V., the Shanghai entity focuses on the distribution, marketing, and technical service of bio-based solutions across multiple sectors including food preservation, health and nutrition, and biodegradable materials.
Key Product Categories
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Lactic Acid and Derivatives
- High-purity lactic acid for food, pharma, and industrial use
- Lactates (e.g., sodium lactate, potassium lactate) for microbial control and shelf life extension
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Gluconates
- Calcium gluconate, sodium gluconate used in food fortification and mineral delivery
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Food Ingredients
- Functional blends for preservation, pH regulation, and flavor enhancement
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Bakery Ingredients
- Emulsifiers, enzymes, and shelf-life solutions tailored for baked goods
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Polylactic Acid (PLA) Bioplastics
- Compostable biopolymer used in packaging, consumer goods, and agriculture
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Food Additives
- Clean-label and E-number compliant additives for meat, dairy, beverages, and confectionery
These products are aligned with global sustainability trends, enabling food safety, product longevity, and environmental compliance.
Specialization and USP
Corbion Trading (Shanghai) leverages its parent company's decades-long expertise in fermentation-based ingredient manufacturing, offering:
- Sustainable, bio-based ingredient systems
- Deep regulatory and formulation expertise tailored to Chinese market needs
- Global R&D capabilities localized through regional application labs
- High-efficiency logistics and compliance operations throughout China and APAC
The subsidiary plays a crucial role in implementing Corbion’s innovation strategies in the region, especially in health, functional nutrition, and biodegradable materials.
Target Markets
Corbion Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. serves a wide variety of B2B customers across:
- Food & Beverage Manufacturers
- Bakery and Confectionery Brands
- Meat and Poultry Processors
- Pharmaceutical Formulators
- Industrial and Packaging Companies (via PLA bioplastics)
The company’s primary focus is Mainland China, but it also supports distribution networks across Southeast Asia and Korea.
Capabilities and Technical Support
While the Shanghai entity functions primarily as a commercial and technical center, it benefits from Corbion’s global infrastructure:
- Access to multiple global manufacturing plants across Europe, North America, and Thailand
- Dedicated application support teams based in Asia for food formulation and regulatory documentation
- Local partnerships with distributors and contract manufacturers for agile delivery
The Shanghai office also supports ingredient customization based on regional consumer preferences and functional needs.
Certifications and Compliance
Corbion’s ingredients distributed via the Shanghai subsidiary meet a wide range of international and Chinese standards, including:
- ISO 9001, FSSC 22000
- Kosher and Halal Certifications
- GMP for Pharmaceutical Ingredients
- REACH and CLP for chemical compliance
- China National Standards (GB/T and GB2760) for food additives
Corbion also leads in third-party sustainability verification, including:
- Bonsucro and ISCC PLUS for sustainable sugar sourcing
- Non-GMO verification and clean-label compliance
Financial and Shipment Insights
Corbion N.V. reported €1.44 billion in global revenue in 2023, with over 25% of revenue from Asia-Pacific operations, which include the Shanghai trading entity. The China office has played a vital role in expanding the company’s reach in high-growth segments such as:
- Shelf-life solutions for chilled and ambient foods
- PLA-based biodegradable materials amid new Chinese packaging regulations
- Nutraceutical-grade lactic acid for wellness beverages
Trade data platforms confirm consistent importation of lactic acid and lactates from Corbion’s plants in Thailand and the Netherlands into Chinese ports via the Shanghai entity, with monthly inbound shipments averaging 100–500 metric tons per product category.
Major Achievements
- Established a critical market presence for Corbion in China through technical localization and regulatory excellence
- Supported top-tier Chinese food brands and multinational manufacturers with preservation and clean-label ingredient solutions
- Played a major role in bioplastics growth in China, aligning with the country’s single-use plastics reduction policy
- Recognized for enabling sustainable food systems and circular economy initiatives in partnership with Chinese food tech innovators
Corbion Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. stands at the forefront of sustainable ingredient innovation in China, delivering functional, safe, and environmentally aligned solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern food, health, and materials industries.
