Dakota Gasification Company's Great Plains Synfuels Plant recently received a Kosher certification for its beverage-grade liquid carbon dioxide (CO2).
This certification was requested due to customer demand, and it allows for increased sales into markets that require the Kosher certification. It immediately enhances the product branding and increases its marketability. Kosher-certified products can be seen with an "OU" (Orthodox Union) emblem.
The certification was acquired from the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. The process starts with filling out an application with logistical information about the company and the plant that is being assessed. A rabbinic coordinator (account executive) is then assigned the application and verifies the product ingredients, production facility, and actual production to ensure all ingredients, derivatives, tools, and machinery have no trace of non-kosher substances.
Alex Hermes, Dakota Gas senior section engineer, was involved in the process of receiving the certification.
"We explained how our raw CO2 is produced and purified," Hermes said. "The certification also includes periodic visits by a rabbinic field representative to observe plant operations and verify ongoing compliance."
Hermes said the Kosher certification opens up additional sales opportunities that will increase Dakota Gas' revenue.
