Courtesy : Godrej Chemicals, Ambernath Plant, Maharashtra State

Breaking Boundaries Sustainable Oleochemicals

Team Chemical Market

24 Apr 2024

• Fatty Acids: They serve as the fundamental building blocks of  Oleochemicals,  obtained by hydrolyzing triglycerides found in oils and fats. They find applications in soaps, detergents, personal care products, and food additives.
   
• Glycerin ( Glycerol): A versatile compound, it is a by-product of triglyceride hydrolysis. It is used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Glycerin acts as a humectant that attracts and retains moisture from the surrounding environment, making it valuable in moisturizers and lotions that prevent dryness of the skin.
   
• Fatty Alcohols: Produced by the hydrogenation of fatty acids or reduction of fatty acid esters, these are utilized in the production of lubricants and also as raw material for the chemical industry. Additionally, they are employed in the formulation of emollients. These substances soften and smoothen the skin, filling the gap between skin cells, thus improving texture and aesthetics. Another important use is in the production of surfactants, that reduce surface tension between two substances, thus finding application for both industrial and domestic cleaning products.
   
• Esters: Formed by the reaction of fatty acids with alcohols, they find applications in lubricants, solvents, and fragrance ingredients. Additionally, they are also used as plasticizers, which is an additive in PVC ( Polyvinyl Chloride) production. They improve the flexibility, durability, and workability of plastics and reduce the stiffness of the material making it easier to mold, shape, and process. They form important constituents in the manufacture of pipes, cables, flooring, and packaging materials.
   

• VVF India Ltd
• Godrej Industries Ltd
• 3F Industries Ltd
• Indo Amines Ltd
• Universal Bio-Fuels Ltd
• Oleochem India Pvt Ltd

• Pharmaceutical and Personal Care: The ingredients being plant-based, facilitate drug formulation and delivery. There is continuous research being done in this area, which will finally lead to better therapeutic outcomes. Growing awareness favors demand for Oleochemical-based formulations in soaps, shampoos, and lotions due to their skin-friendly qualities.  This is one of the major growth areas for the future.
   
• Food industry: Oleochemicals play various roles in foods such as flavor enhancers and texture modifiers. They are used in bakery, confectionery, and dairy products thus replacing chemical-based compounds used earlier. Omega-3 fatty acids which contribute to heart health and well - are also derived from Oleochemicals. Another vital role is the enhancement of the shelf life of food products, which results in reduced food waste and higher consumer satisfaction. An uptick in demand is predicted in the future.
   
• Polymer Industry: Extensive research is presently being conducted for the replacement of plastics, as their detrimental effects on the environment are well known. Petroleum-based polymers have resulted in greater affordability, resulting in a more convenient lifestyle. However, we grapple with their safe disposal and harmful after-effects that could linger on for generations. Oleochemical-based bio-polymers like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polylactic acid(PHA) have emerged as promising alternatives, with biocompatibility and biodegradability being crucial for successful substitutions.