Hydri‑Maize™ Color Guard
Sustainable Color Protection for High‑Quality DDGs
Hydri‑Maize™ Color Guard delivers on that commitment by helping ethanol producers create more consistent, higher‑value co‑products with reduced environmental impact.
Engineered for modern biofuel facilities, Hydri‑Maize™ Color Guard prevents the unwanted darkening of syrup and DDGS after oil removal, improving product quality, supporting customer success, and strengthening plant performance.
What Causes Color Degradation?
Color quality is a key indicator of performance and value in thin stillage streams, oil‑removed syrup systems, DDG quality initiatives, and plants pursuing higher‑value coproducts. Several operational factors can drive unwanted darkening or variability:
Passing Excess Sugars
Unconverted or excess sugars can accelerate Maillard reactions, leading to darker color in thin stillage, syrup, and finished DDGS—reducing consistency and coproduct value.
Extended Retention Time in Syrup Tanks
Process upsets that increase residence time raise the likelihood of caramelization and thermal degradation, directly impacting syrup color and downstream DDG appearance.
Next‑Generation Enzyme Use
While advanced enzymes improve conversion efficiency, they can shift chemical balances in stillage and syrup systems, creating variation in color if not tightly controlled.
Plant Shutdowns and Startups
Idle tanks and fluctuating temperatures during shutdowns can cause material darkening, carryover issues, and inconsistent quality in early‑run coproducts.
What are the Risks of Discolored DDGS?
Discolored DDGS can reduce product value and create downstream challenges for plants focused on quality and higher‑value coproducts.
Blending Good and Bad DDGs
Mixing darker DDGS with lighter material to improve overall color lowers average quality and hides process issues that need attention.
Customer Rejection
Buyers often judge DDG quality by appearance. Dark loads are more likely to be rejected, disrupting shipments and damaging trust.
Required Discounts
When customers do accept darker DDGS, it typically requires a price discount—directly reducing co-product revenue and margins.
Hydri‑Maize™ Color Guard
Lighten already darkened syrup from low to mid 40s to 50+ Hunter L
Increase in corn oil availability due to increased retention time and temperature
Inhibit the darkening of syrup during upsets. Dosage rates from 2,000-5,000 ppm depending on system
Increases DDG value and outlets
GRAS for animal feed
Why Hydri‑Maize™ Color Guard?
Hydrite’s vision is to be the most trusted, respected, and sought‑after provider of chemical solutions—and Hydri‑Maize™ Color Guard reinforces that promise. With advanced formulation, lower use rates, and dependable consistency, it helps ethanol plants achieve measurable operational, quality, and sustainability gains.
Key Features & Benefits
- GRAS Approved & FSMA Compliant: Safe for use in animal feed applications and fully compliant with feed safety regulations—supporting responsible, sustainable production.
- Prevents DDG Darkening: Reduces the impact of the Maillard reaction, helping maintain stronger Hunter L*a*b* color values and a cleaner, brighter finished product.
- Highly Concentrated Formula: Achieve the same performance with lower addition rates, reducing material handling, storage needs, and environmental footprint.
- Improves Product Uniformity & Marketability: More consistent DDG color helps support customer satisfaction and downstream performance.
Optimized for Ethanol Production Environments
Hydri‑Maize™ Color Guard integrates seamlessly into existing operations and is uniquely suited for:
Applications
- Thin stillage processing streams
- Oil‑removed syrup systems
- DDG quality improvement initiatives
- Plants targeting higher-value coproducts
Usage Rates
Typical application rates: 0.1% – 0.5% of flow, depending on current Hunter L* values and desired outcomes.
Built with Safety & Compatibility in Mind
Hydri‑Maize™ Color Guard is compatible with common ethanol‑plant materials:
Compatible Materials
- 316‑L Stainless Steel
- Polyethylene
- Fiberglass
This ensures reliable performance without the risk of equipment corrosion or material degradation.
Storage & Handling
For maximum stability and performance:
- Store at 50°F or above
- Do not allow to freeze
- Keep containers sealed when not in use
Regulatory & Compliance Information (U.S.)
FOR USE IN THE UNITED STATES
Hydri‑Maize™ Color Guard complies with applicable U.S. federal food laws and is produced under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) for feed processing environments. This product contains ingredients suitable for use in feed processing plants and supports responsible, compliant production.
- GRAS Statement: Hydri‑Maize™ Color Guard is manufactured from ingredients that are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with good manufacturing or feeding practices, except that it is not used in meats or in foods recognized as a source of vitamin B1.
Note: Always verify local regulatory requirements and plant‑specific protocols prior to use.
A Sustainable Solution Backed by Hydrite Expertise
Hydri‑Maize™ Color Guard reflects Hydrite’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, safety, and customer success. By improving co‑product quality and reducing waste, it supports a cleaner process and a more efficient plant—directly aligned with our mission to keep food safe, water clean, and plants thriving.
And as part of Hydrite’s vision to be the most trusted and respected provider in the industry, our experts stand ready to support you with on‑site service, integration guidance, and custom optimization strategies.
Ready to Improve DDG Quality and Plant Performance?
Hydri‑Maize™ Color Guard is the proven solution ethanol producers rely on for consistent, sustainable color protection.