E280 Preservative

E280  inhibits the growth of mold and some bacteria at levels between 0.1 and 1% by weight. As a result, some E280 produced is consumed as a preservative for both animal feed and food for human consumption. For animal feed, it is used either directly or as its ammonium salt. The antibiotic monensin is added to cattle feed to favor propionibacteria over acetic acid producers in the rumen; this produces less carbon dioxide and feed conversion is better. This application accounts for about half of the world production of E280. Another major application is as a preservative in baked goods, which use sodium and calcium salts. As a food additive, it is approved for use in the EU, USA, Australia and New Zealand.

E280 is also useful as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, especially polymers. Cellulose-acetate-propionate is a useful thermoplastic. Vinyl propionate is also used. In more specialized applications, it is also used to make pesticides and pharmaceuticals. The esters of propionic acid have fruit-like odors and are sometimes used as solvents or artificial flavorings.

In biogas plants, E280 is a common intermediate product, which is formed by fermentation with E280 bacteria. Its degradation in anaerobic environments (e.g. biogas plants) requires the activity of complex microbial communities.