Manufacturing synthetic tartaric acid is an increasingly profitable venture within the fine chemicals and food additives industry. Tartaric acid, a naturally occurring organic acid, is used across various sectors like pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, textiles, and cosmetics. While naturally sourced tartaric acid is extracted from grapes and tamarind, synthetic tartaric acid is produced via chemical synthesis—offering greater purity, consistency, and scalability.
With rising global demand for this versatile acid, starting a synthetic tartaric acid manufacturing business presents a lucrative opportunity. Entrepreneurs, chemical manufacturers, and investors looking to enter a specialty chemicals market with widespread industrial use should strongly consider this niche.
Business Plan: Start Production Business of Synthetic Tartaric Acid
Understanding Tartaric Acid and Its Industrial Importance
Tartaric acid (C?H?O?) is a white crystalline dicarboxylic acid. It is best known for its sour taste and excellent antioxidant properties. It exists in various isomeric forms, but synthetic tartaric acid is usually in the racemic or DL-form, used in industrial processes rather than food applications.
Its significance spans across:
-
Food Industry: As an acidulant, stabilizer, and emulsifier (INS 334)
-
Pharmaceuticals: For effervescent formulations and chirality in drug synthesis
-
Construction: In cement retarders
-
Electroplating and Textile: As a chelating and pH control agent
Visit this Page for More Information: Start a Business in Chemical Industry Projects
1. Chemical Properties of Synthetic Tartaric Acid
-
Molecular Formula: C?H?O?
-
Molar Mass: 150.09 g/mol
-
Appearance: White crystalline powder
-
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, slightly in alcohol
-
Melting Point: 168–170 °C
-
pH (1% solution): ~3
Synthetic tartaric acid, especially in racemic (DL) form, is chemically synthesized and widely used in industrial-grade applications where natural alternatives are too expensive or inconsistent.
Download PDF: Start Production of Synthetic Tartaric Acid. Best Business Ideas in Manufacturing Industries
2. Manufacturing Process of Synthetic Tartaric Acid
The manufacturing of synthetic tartaric acid generally follows one of two methods:
a. From Maleic Anhydride
This is the most common and commercially viable method:
Raw Materials:
-
Maleic anhydride
-
Hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite
-
Water
-
Catalyst (e.g., tungsten or molybdenum salts)
Process Steps:
-
Oxidation Reaction: Maleic anhydride is oxidized in an aqueous solution using hydrogen peroxide or another oxidizing agent.
-
Formation of Tartaric Acid: The reaction leads to hydroxylation, forming tartaric acid intermediates which are later purified.
-
Purification: The product is separated, neutralized, and recrystallized to obtain pure synthetic tartaric acid.
-
Drying & Packaging: Final product is dried and packed in HDPE-lined bags or drums.
b. By Electrochemical Oxidation of Fumaric Acid
This method is used in smaller batches and research but is less commercialized due to higher costs and complexity.
Related Feasibility Study Reports: Chemicals (Organic, Inorganic, Industrial) Projects
3. Machinery and Infrastructure Needed
A medium-scale synthetic tartaric acid manufacturing plant requires:
-
Stainless steel reactors (with agitators and temperature control)
-
Oxidation reaction chamber
-
Crystallizer
-
Filter press or centrifuge
-
Vacuum tray dryer
-
Pulverizer and sieving machine
-
RO water plant and scrubbers (for effluent control)
-
Laboratory for QA/QC
Plant Area Required: 8,000–12,000 sq. ft.
Manpower: 10–20 (including operators, chemists, QC, admin)
Read our Books Here: Chemical Technology (Organic, Inorganic, and Industrial), Fine Chemicals
4. Licenses and Regulatory Approvals
For operating a synthetic tartaric acid manufacturing unit in India, the following registrations are mandatory:
-
Company Registration (Pvt Ltd / MSME / LLP)
-
GST Number
-
Factory License and Fire NOC
-
Pollution Control Board (PCB) clearance
-
Import-Export Code (for exports)
-
Drug License / FSSAI (if supplying to pharma/food-grade customers)
-
ISO 9001 or GMP Certification (preferred for quality assurance)
Due to chemical processes involved, environmental compliance is key—especially for handling effluents and emissions.
5. Market Demand and Applications
The global tartaric acid market is projected to reach over USD 400 million by 2030, driven by:
-
Increased demand in beverages and confectionery
-
Growth of pharmaceutical intermediates
-
Widespread use in construction admixtures
Key Buyer Segments:
-
Wine and fruit juice manufacturers
-
Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies
-
Cement and construction chemical producers
-
Cosmetic brands (for skincare formulations)
-
Electroplating and textile chemical suppliers
Export markets include the USA, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Read Similar Articles: Chemical Industry
6. Cost of Setting Up the Business
Below is a basic estimate for setting up a synthetic tartaric acid manufacturing unit:
Small-Scale Unit (50–100 kg/day):
-
Equipment & Setup: ?25–35 lakhs
-
Civil Work: ?10 lakhs
-
Licensing and Compliance: ?5–7 lakhs
-
Working Capital (6 months): ?20 lakhs
Total: ?60–70 lakhs
Medium-Scale Unit (300–500 kg/day):
-
Equipment & Plant Setup: ?50–70 lakhs
-
Infrastructure: ?20–30 lakhs
-
Certifications and R&D: ?10 lakhs
-
Working Capital: ?40–50 lakhs
Total: ?1.2 – ?1.5 crore
7. Profitability and ROI
Manufacturing synthetic tartaric acid offers good margins due to its high demand and multiple applications.
-
Raw Material Cost (per kg): ?150–200
-
Manufacturing Cost (utilities, labor, etc.): ?50–75
-
Selling Price: ?300–500 per kg (industrial/pharma grade)
-
Gross Profit Margin: 30–45%
With steady orders, you can break even in 2 to 3 years, especially if tapping into pharma and export markets.
8. Marketing and Sales Strategy
To build a solid synthetic tartaric acid business:
-
Showcase specifications with MSDS, COA, and test reports
-
Register your product on B2B platforms (IndiaMART, Alibaba)
-
Offer free samples to major buyers and R&D departments
-
Attend trade shows (chemicals, pharma expos)
-
Build export links via EPC and DGFT registrations
-
Leverage digital marketing (SEO, email outreach to buyers)
Final Thoughts
Starting a synthetic tartaric acid manufacturing business is a smart and sustainable choice for those in the specialty chemicals or food additives space. With diverse applications, rising demand, and a relatively straightforward production process, this venture offers strong profit potential and market scalability.
As industries seek pure, consistent, and high-quality acidulants and intermediates, synthetic tartaric acid stands out as a reliable solution. Entrepreneurs who focus on quality, compliance, and efficient production can establish themselves as key players in this global market.
See More Links:
- Start a Business in Asia
- Start a Business in Potential Countries for Doing Business
- Best Industry for Doing Business
- Business Ideas with Low, Medium & High Investment
- Looking for Most Demandable Business Ideas for Startups
- Startup Consulting Services
- Start a Business in Africa
- Start a Business in India
- Start a Business in Middle East
- Related Videos
- Related Books
- Related Projects
- Related Market Research Reports
NIIR PROJECT CONSULTANCY SERVICES, DELHI
An ISO 9001:2015 Company
ENTREPRENEUR INDIA
106-E, Kamla Nagar, Opp. Mall ST,
New Delhi-110007, India.
Email: npcs.ei@gmail.com
Tel: +91-11-23843955, 23845654, 23845886
Mobile: +91-9097075054, 8800733955
Website: https://www.entrepreneurindia.co
https://www.niir.org
