What is PKO (Palm Kernel Oil)?

PKO (Palm Kernel Oil), or palm kernel oil, is the oil extracted from the kernel/seed of the oil palm (kernel) unlike CPO (Crude Palm Oil), which is extracted from the fruit flesh (mesocarp). Although they come from the same fruit, the two have quite different physical characteristics, chemical compositions, and uses.

Physical Characteristics and Differences from CPO

In appearance, PKO is clear to pale yellow, unlike CPO, which is deep red-orange due to its high beta-carotene content. This color difference occurs because the vitamin E and carotene content of PKO is far lower than that of CPO.

Fatty Acid Composition

PKO has a saturated fatty acid content of around 80%, far higher than CPO, which is balanced (50% saturated, 50% unsaturated). However, most of the saturated fatty acids in PKO are classified as Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA), with lauric acid as the dominant component around 4850% of the total composition, plus myristic acid at around 16%.4 This characteristic is what makes PKO often compared to coconut oil, as both are rich in lauric acid.5

Production Process

PKO is produced through a series of stages: after CPO is extracted from the fruit flesh, the palm seeds are separated from the fiber and their shells, then the kernels obtained are cleaned and dried.6 The kernels are then crushed using a crusher machine to facilitate extraction, before the oil is finally extracted through mechanical or special solvent methods to produce crude PKO, which is then refined to remove impurities, moisture, and undesirable substances.6

Uses of PKO

Because of its high lauric acid content, PKO produces good foam and has effective cleansing properties, making it a favorite ingredient in the industry:6 7

• Soap and detergent many commercial bath soaps use PKO derivatives
• Cosmetics and personal care provides good texture for skincare products
• Oleochemicals processed into fatty acids, glycerol, and esters for various industries

Unlike CPO, which is commonly consumed directly as cooking oil, PKO is generally used for non-food products although technically it can still be consumed with attention to the amount, due to its high saturated fat content.8

Relevance to the Indonesian Palm Oil Industry

PKO is one of the palm oil derivative products with high economic value beyond CPO, especially for the oleochemical sector, which continues to grow in Indonesia. In terms of feedstock availability, Indonesia and Malaysia have a major advantage in PKO production thanks to the scale of the palm oil industry in both countries, making PKO a strategic commodity for the global personal care and home care industries.?

References

ICDX, “PKO (Palm Kernel Oil): Definition, Uses, and Production Process”, https://www.icdx.co.id/news-detail/publication/pko-palm-kernel-oil-pengertian-kegunaan-dan-proses-produksinya
BJMSONLINE, “Palm Kernel Oil – What is Palm Kernel Oil”, https://bjmsonline.com/blog/palm-kernel-oil-apa-itu-palm-kernel-oil/
Mutu Certification, “CPO (Crude Palm Oil): Definition, Examples, and Types”, https://mutucertification.com/cpo-pengertian-contoh-jenis/
4 Awan Karya Cipta, “The Difference Between CPO and PKO in the Palm Oil Industry”, https://awankaryacipta.com/perbedaan-cpo-dan-pko/
5 PT Mandiri Sejahtera Alami, “What is PKO (Palm Kernel Oil)? Definition and Benefits”, https://mandirisejahteraalami.co.id/apa-itu-pko-palm-kernel-oil/
6 BJMSONLINE, “Palm Kernel Oil – What is Palm Kernel Oil”, https://bjmsonline.com/blog/palm-kernel-oil-apa-itu-palm-kernel-oil/
7 PT Mandiri Sejahtera Alami, “What is PKO (Palm Kernel Oil)? Definition and Benefits”, https://mandirisejahteraalami.co.id/apa-itu-pko-palm-kernel-oil/
8 ACS/Alvindocs, “Understanding PKO (Palm Kernel Oil) and Its Derivative Products”, https://www.alvindocs.com/blog/palm-kernel-oil
? BJMSONLINE, “Palm Kernel Oil – What is Palm Kernel Oil”, https://bjmsonline.com/blog/palm-kernel-oil-apa-itu-palm-kernel-oil/