What Is CPKO (Crude Palm Kernel Oil)? Composition, Specifications, and Uses
- CPKO (crude palm kernel oil) is a light yellow crude oil obtained from palm fruit kernels, with a high lauric acid content.[1]
- Its fatty acid composition is dominated by lauric acid at 44.5–48%, followed by myristic acid at 16%, oleic acid at 15–18%, and palmitic acid at 7–9%.[2]
- CPKO is classified as a lauric oil, like coconut oil, with 85% saturated fatty acids and 15% unsaturated.[3]
- Typical trade specifications list FFA maximum 5% (as lauric acid), moisture and impurities maximum 0.5%, and iodine value maximum 19.[4]
- It is obtained by separating kernel and shell, drying the kernel to moisture below 7%, then screw pressing or solvent extraction.[5]
CPKO is crude oil from palm kernel that is rich in lauric acid. Its coconut-like properties make it an important raw material for oleochemicals, cosmetics, and food products.
Contents
What Is CPKO?
Crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) is a light yellow crude oil obtained from the kernel of the palm fruit. This oil contains a high level of saturated fatty acids, especially lauric acid.[1]
CPKO differs from CPO obtained from the fruit mesocarp. CPKO comes from the kernel and is processed separately, so its fatty acid composition is very different and resembles coconut oil.[3]
Because of its high lauric acid content, CPKO is grouped as a lauric oil together with coconut oil. Among the major oils and fats traded worldwide, only coconut oil and palm kernel oil fall in this group.[3]
Fatty Acid Composition
The fatty acid composition of CPKO is dominated by medium- and short-chain fatty acids. About 85% of its fatty acids are saturated, with 15% unsaturated fatty acids consisting of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.[3]
| Fatty acid | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Lauric (C12:0) | 44.5–48 |
| Myristic (C14:0) | 16–16.9 |
| Oleic (C18:1) | 15–18 |
| Palmitic (C16:0) | 7.3–9.4 |
| Linoleic (C18:2) | 2.9 |
| Stearic (C18:0) | 2.6 |
| Caprylic (C8:0) | 2.9 |
| Capric (C10:0) | 2.8 |
Product Specifications
CPKO specifications are set based on free fatty acid content, moisture and impurities, iodine value, and peroxide value. Free fatty acid content is expressed as lauric acid, unlike CPO which is expressed as palmitic acid.[4]
| Parameter | Limit |
|---|---|
| Free fatty acids (as lauric acid) | Max. 5% |
| Moisture and impurities | Max. 0.5% |
| Iodine value (Wijs, g I2/100 g) | 16.5–18.75 |
| Peroxide value | Max. 2.0% |
| Phosphorus | Max. 20 ppm |
Production Process
Palm kernel oil processing starts with separating the kernel from the fruit. The kernel is then conditioned at about 60 °C, dried, and cracked to separate kernel from shell.[5]
The kernel is dried in silos with hot air to moisture below 7%, then pressed with a screw press or extracted with solvent. The oil obtained is then clarified through coarse screening and filter presses.[5]
This process yields crude palm kernel oil and palm kernel cake as a by-product, which is used as animal feed.[5]
Uses
CPKO is used as an oleochemical feedstock to produce lauric acid, myristic acid, and fatty alcohols. These compounds are basic materials for surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate used in shampoo, toothpaste, and detergents.[3]
In the food industry, CPKO is used as a raw material for milk fat replacers and fats for confectionery products. In cosmetics, CPKO is used as a base for emollients and moisturizers.[3]
The palm kernel cake by-product is used as animal feed because of its protein content, so CPKO processing yields two products of economic value.[5]
Summary
CPKO is crude oil from palm kernel rich in lauric acid (44.5–48%). With 85% saturated fatty acids and iodine value maximum 19, CPKO is classified as a lauric oil and is used for oleochemicals, cosmetics, and food and feed raw materials.
References
- Presco Plc. CPKO — Crude Palm Kernel Oil specification. https://www.presco-plc.com/products/cpko/
- Malaysian Journal of Chemistry. Physicochemical Characteristics of Malaysian Crude Palm Kernel Oil. https://ikm.org.my/publications/malaysian-journal-of-chemistry/xcesfile.php?abs=J0024-A00195
- ERASM. Environmental Fact Sheet: Crude Palm Kernel Oil (CPKO). https://www.erasm.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/33-ERASM-Eco-profile-Crude-Palm-Kernel-Oil.pdf
- Ariyan Corp. Standard Specification of Crude Palm Kernel Oil (CPKO). https://www.ariyancorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Standard-Specification-of-Crude-Palm-Kernel-Oil.pdf
- Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB). Properties and Utilization of Palm Kernel Oil. https://palmoilis.mpob.gov.my/publications/POD/pod35-pantzaris.pdf