How We Make Xylitol

Xylitol is made in an eight step extraction process that begins with a raw plant source to yield 100% pure xylitol crystals. Our supplier produces xylitol in a responsible manner using renewable resources - U.S.-grown hardwood trees - grown in the U.S. We insure that all growing practices are sustainable and have a negligible impact on the environment.

Solution
Raw materials are dissolved in a hydrochloric acid solution (similar to stomach acid). This helps break down the fibrous parts of the plant where the xylitol is present. This also removes the xylan molecule from all other naturally occurring molecules.

Ion Exchange
A process using hydrogen and steam are used to separate the xylan molecule from the raw plant material. This is the main part of the extraction process.

Evaporation
Water is removed from the xylitol in preparation for crystallization.

Crystallization
Crystals are formed giving xylitol it's more common appearance.

Centrifugation
A centrifuge is used to separate the xylitol crystals by size to insure a uniform product.

Drying
The remaining water is removed from the xylitol in a process called desiccation. This insures that the xylitol meets certification requirements and is the proper weight for consumer use.

Packaging
In the final step xylitol is sealed in double-layered bags, and palletized for shipping to Emerald Forest Sugar's manufacturing facility.

Note about harvest
To date, there is no known source of organic xylitol. As the demand for organic xylitol gains momentum, we've encouraged our supplier to become organically certified.