Refined glycerine in the context of palm oil is the glycerin derived from the process of refining crude glycerin, which is a by-product of the production process of biodiesel or soap from palm oil. This purification process results in high quality glycerin with a purity of 99.7% or more, which makes it ready for use in various industries.

Production Process of Refined Glycerin from Palm Oil

The refined glycerin is produced through several stages of process:

1. Production of Crude Glycerin

During the production process of biodiesel from palm oil, triglycerides in the oil are cracked through the process of transesterification. This process produces methyl ester (biodiesel)  and crude glycerin.

2. Purification of Glycerin:

The resulted crude glycerin contains water, methanol, and a variety of impurities. To change it into refined glycerin, the crude glycerin has to be distilled and purified through several stages, including:

• Removal of water and alcohol.
• Distilling process to remove contaminants and other impurities.

3. Final results: After undergoing the purification process, the resulted glycerine has a very high level of purity, which usually meets the standard of pharmacy, cosmetics, and foods at the purity level of around 99.7%.

The characteristics of Refined Glycerine from Palm Oil

• Physical Form: The refined glycerin is usually in the forms of thick liquid, colorless, odorless, and tastes sweet.
• Hygroscopic properties: Generally like glycerin, the refined glycerin has hygroscopic properties, which enable it to absorb water from surroundings.

Application and Use of Refined Glycerine from Palm Oil

Refined glycerine from palm oil is widely used for various industries, which include:

1. Cosmetics and Personal Care Industries: The refined glycerin is used as moisturizer in products of skin care, soap, shampoo, and cosmetics. Glycerin helps maintain skin moisture by absorbing water from surroundings.
2. Foods Industries: In foods industries, the glycerin is used as sweetener, softener and stabilizer. It can be seen in the products of candies, ice cream, and other processed foods.
3. Pharmacy Industries: It is used in pharmaceutical formulations, especially cough syrup and various medical products because it is safe and soluble in water.
4. Chemical Industries: The glycerin functions as basic material to produce other chemical products, such as resins, solvents, and additives in plastics.

Advantages of Refined Glycerin from Palm Oil

• Renewable Source: As palm oil is renewable plant material, the glycerin from palm oil can become a more ecofriendly alternative compared to the glycerin derived from fossil fuels.
• Multifunctional: Having high level of purity, the refined glycerine from palm oil can be used for various applications by industries which need high quality and safe chemical ingredients.

The refined glycerin from palm oil becomes a high value product in the global supply chain of palm oil, provides economic benefits and functions as environmentally friendly ingredient for many industrial sectors. (*)