Oleokjemiske

Oleokjemiske, or oleochemicals, are a broad class of chemicals derived from natural fats and oils through processes such as hydrolysis, transesterification, and hydrogenation. The term is used especially in Europe and Scandinavia to refer to chemicals produced from renewable feedstocks of vegetable or animal origin, in contrast to petrochemicals.

The primary feedstocks include vegetable oils such as palm, coconut, soybean, and rapeseed oils, as well as animal fats like tallow. The main families of oleochemicals are fatty acids (for example stearic, palmitic, and oleic acids), fatty alcohols, and glycerol. Other derivatives include fatty esters, aldehydes, amines, and soaps. These products can be produced in various combinations and chain lengths to meet specific applications.

Common production routes include hydrolysis of triglycerides to glycerol and fatty acids; transesterification to fatty acid methyl esters; and hydrogenation to saturated fatty alcohols. Additional transformations enable the production of specialty chemicals used in surfactants, lubricants, polymers, and biobased solvents.

Oleochemicals are widely used in soaps and detergents, personal care products and cosmetics, lubricants, plasticizers, and surfactants. They also serve as feedstocks for bio-based polymers and other industrial chemicals, offering renewable and often biodegradable alternatives to petrochemical products.

Market and sustainability considerations include responsible sourcing of feedstocks, with certification schemes and stakeholder pressures addressing issues such as deforestation and land use. Industry trends emphasize diversification of feedstocks, higher-value oleochemicals, and expanded use in biobased formulations.