Oleochemicals and Their Role in Industrial Formulas

In the race to reduce carbon emissions, many companies fail to rethink the formulation of their products. But when your products come from sustainable sources and degrade in responsible, eco-friendly ways, the overall environmental impact of your supply chain is lessened. Oleochemicals provide a clear alternative ingredient that enhances your product’s sustainability and can improve your company’s growth.

CREMER North America is proud to provide world-class oleochemicals across the United States. Contact us to learn how CREMER oleochemicals can support your product.

What are oleochemicals?

Oleochemicals are chemical compounds derived industrially from sources such as animal or vegetable oils and fats. The production of these valuable compounds is where science meets sustainability. 

Why choose oleochemicals?

Oleochemicals are sustainable, biodegradable, and often safer than their petrochemical counterparts within high-heat and high-impact environments. Their use has grown in recent decades across food and beverage, personal care, pet care, pharmaceuticals, and industrial environments as markets have shifted to valuing eco-friendly alternatives that bring similar value.

We can see the growth in popularity within the economy with the current global oleochemical market eclipsing $37.88 billion in 2023, with the largest market share belonging to the food and beverage industry. That number is projected to increase to more than $65 billion by 2032, according to a report from Fortune Business Insights.

Despite the strong economic impact of the industry, many consumers may not realize oleochemicals already support many of the products they use every day to enhance nutrition, improve product application, and support product strength and durability. These hard-working ingredients improve upon existing formulations by adding sustainability.

Oleochemical Makeup and Production

Oleochemicals don’t get much attention, but they are key ingredients in some of the best known products in the world. 

Transformative processes like hydrolysis (water-based) or alcoholysis (alcohol-based) produce the compounds which are sourced from green, all-natural materials like olive, palm, soybean and coconut oils, as well as fats from fish and poultry.

Then they are formed into common ingredients like fatty acids, fatty alcohols, methyl esters and glycerol. From there, the oleochemicals are used to make everyday products for many industries and personal use applications.

Benefits of oleochemicals in product formulations

CREMER supplies a range of oleochemicals with overlapping sets of benefits. Not all oleochemicals present these benefits in every formulation. Visit our oleochemicals listings for specific benefits of each product line we carry.

Replace petrochemicals

Petrochemicals are derived from oil, a non-renewable resource that is expensive and dangerous to produce. Replacing these chemicals with oleochemicals increases the safety of the manufacturing supply chain by introducing sustainably-sourced, safe ingredients.

Sustainably-sourced

Because oleochemicals come from plant and animal sources, the supply chain and individual products become more sustainable for the long-term health of the company and the earth. Using sustainable resources is less expensive in the long run and means fewer shortages or pricing changes due to environmental or political upheaval.

Safe for human and animal consumption

Many oleochemicals are used in food and beverage, pet care, personal care, pharmaceutical, and pet treat products. These ingredients support health by providing much-needed nutrients, improve skin-feel for personal care formulations, and carry a low risk of reaction from human or animal consumers.

Biodegradable

Oleochemicals quickly break down in composting or natural environments, which makes them a smart alternative to petrochemical product ingredients that actively harm environments or might stick around as “forever chemicals” long after the life of the product or its users.

Low-VOC

Many oleochemical ingredients contain low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that off-gas into the air within manufacturing plants and homes. The presence of VOCs is harmful to exposed humans and animals, which may result in workplaces requiring special safety measures to accommodate the gases. Oleochemical product formulations avoid these harmful gases.

Non-flammable and heat resistant

Because they are made from plant and animal matter rather than derived from oil, many oleochemical formulations can be used in high-heat environments without the risk of ignition. This makes them ideal ingredients for lubricants and sealants within the oil and gas industry as well as high-heat manufacturing plants.

Popular Uses for Oleochemicals

One of the biggest benefits of oleochemical compounds is that they are extremely versatile. The most common oleochemical forms are fatty acids, fatty alcohols, esters, and glycerin, which are then used to make everyday consumer products such as:

  • Soaps
  • Shampoo
  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Skin Lotions
  • Fabric Softener
  • Condiments
  • Canned Soup
  • Household Cleaners
  • Industrial Cleaners
  • Industrial Lubricants
  • Printer Ink
  • Pesticides

For information on our domestic oleochemical supply, specific applications, or to place orders or request samples, visit www.petercremerna.com/oleochemical-supply/.

About the Company:
CREMER North America serves manufacturers of home care, cosmetic, industrial, pet nutrition, pet care, and food and beverage products by providing world-class oleochemical supplies, contract manufacturing, logistical, and storage solutions. We do not manufacture any of the products featured in this article. Instead, we support brands with sustainable oleochemical supply that matches your formulation requirements and quality standards.
For more information about CREMER North America, visit cremerna.com. CREMER North America is a subsidiary of CREMER Holding Company. Learn more about CREMER Holding Company at cremer.de.

Contact:
Laura Mann, Marketing & Communications Specialist | 1-513-557-4235 | lmann@cremerna.com

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