India, May 13 -- At the forefront of the global shift toward clean-label, plant-based, and sustainable food ingredients, Sarda Bio Polymers is a multi-generational family business rooted in tradition and driven by innovation. With over five decades of excellence in hydrocolloid manufacturing, the company made a strong impression at IFFA 2025, the premier trade fair for the meat and alternative protein industry, held in Frankfurt from 3 to 8 May.
From humble beginnings to global leadership
"Sarda Bio Polymers started as a small family-owned venture in the early 1960s," said Mr Pankaj Sarda, chief executive officer, Sarda Bio Polymers. "My father laid the foundation, and today, I represent the second generation. It's incredibly fulfilling to see the third generation already joining us."
What began with a single hydrocolloid product has evolved into a globally respected portfolio of in-house manufactured hydrocolloids catering to multiple industries. The company commenced exporting in the 1980s and shifted its focus to research and development in the 1990s-an investment that continues to drive its growth and innovation.
"We strive to become long-term partners to our clients by offering technical expertise and continuous innovation aligned with their evolving needs," said Mr Sarda.
A business philosophy that resonates
At its core, Sarda Bio Polymers operates on a clear and powerful philosophy: Innovate, Share, and Deliver.
"We don't innovate just for ourselves-we share our solutions with clients and deliver exactly what they need, in the form they need it," explained Mr Sarda. This customer-first approach has enabled the company to retain over 70% of its clientele for more than 30 years, a testament to enduring trust and performance.
Hydrocolloids: The invisible essential
Often overlooked, hydrocolloids, or natural gums, play a vital role across a broad range of industries-from food and pharmaceuticals to personal care and even oil fracking.
"Any process involving water requires something to bind or manage that moisture-and that's where hydrocolloids come in," said Mr Sarda. "From toothpaste and printing inks to ready-to-eat meals and fracking fluids, hydrocolloids are everywhere."
A Portfolio Rooted in Nature
Sarda Bio Polymers' diverse portfolio is sourced primarily from Indian agriculture and includes:
Guar Gum Powder
Cassia Tora Gum
Tamarind Xyloglucan
Carrageenan
Konjac Gum
Psyllium Husk Powder
Xanthan Gum
Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Super Critical Extracts
"All our products are either plant-based, seaweed-derived, or obtained through fermentation. We do not use synthetic chemicals for food-grade applications," emphasized Mr Sarda. This strong alignment with the clean-label movement reflects the company's commitment to transparency and health-conscious innovation.
Sustainability beyond buzzwords
For Sarda Bio Polymers, sustainability is not just a buzzword - it's a cornerstone of their operations.
"We ensure our products are clean-label and natural, and we try to minimize our carbon footprint," said Mr Sarda. "Our approach is to use every part of the plant and invest in renewable energy. We use crop by-products as fodder or fuel and aim to leave as little environmental impact as possible," Sarda said.
The company also recently launched a proprietary hydrocolloid blend specifically for the meat industry that requires minimal processing and reduced energy inputs, delivering both performance and sustainability.
In-house innovation and academic collaboration
With a dedicated R&D lab and pilot facility, the company works closely with clients to develop custom solutions for specific applications-whether it's enhanced heat resistance, gelling properties, or water binding capabilities.
"Innovation is continuous for us," said Mr Sarda. "We are currently in the process of filing patents for new technologies developed entirely in-house."
To enhance its R&D capabilities, the company also collaborates with academic institutions like the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, sponsoring PhD research on industry-specific challenges. "It's a win-win-students get funding and exposure, and we gain valuable insights," he added.
Strategic global partnerships
Sarda Bio Polymers works closely with major multinationals, including Nestle, Clariant, Kerry, and Cargill, tailoring hydrocolloid solutions to their specific technical needs.
Participation in global trade shows such as IFFA remains a vital part of their growth strategy. "These exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with business, technical, and distribution partners," said Mr Sarda.
At IFFA 2025, the company showcased its latest innovation: a proprietary hydrocolloid blend designed for the meat industry. "This ingredient is sustainable, minimally processed, and supports energy efficiency. Sustainability isn't just about what goes into the ingredient-but also how it's made," he explained.
Trends shaping the hydrocolloid market
Mr. Sarda highlighted clean-label and minimalist formulations as major trends that are redefining the hydrocolloid industry.
"Consumers are reading labels more carefully. They want fewer ingredients that deliver more functionality-and that's exactly what our hydrocolloids provide," he said.
Vision for the future
Sarda Bio Polymers aims to broaden its ingredient base, refine composite formulations, and enhance its presence in international markets, including Europe, Indonesia, and South America.
"We have moved from three to six core ingredients and are now creating industry-specific composites. Our focus is on staying ahead of evolving consumer demands and regulatory standards," said Mr Sarda.
Above all, the company is dedicated to educating the industry about the essential role of hydrocolloids. "These ingredients are essential to modern life, yet often underappreciated. Our mission is to change that narrative," he concluded.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from FoodTechBiz.