From Palm Plantation to Myristic Acid: The Kernel Value Chain

The global palm oil industry is a marvel of agricultural efficiency, but its story doesn’t end with Crude Palm Oil. Tucked within the fruit is the kernel, the starting point of a distinct and highly valuable supply chain that culminates in products like Myristic Acid. Understanding this intricate journey is essential for appreciating its stability and value. At Tradeasia International, we specialize in managing this complex value chain, ensuring our clients receive a reliable supply of high-purity derivatives, consistently and predictably.

The Multiplier Effect: From Fruit Bunch to Kernel

The process begins with an impressive display of resource maximization. For every 100 tons of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) harvested and milled, the process yields not only 22 tons of CPO but also 5 to 6 tons of valuable palm kernels. These kernels are then channeled into a dedicated crushing process where the Oil Extraction Rate (OER) is remarkably high, consistently falling between 44% and 46%. This means those 5-6 tons of kernels reliably produce over 2.2 tons of Crude Palm Kernel Oil, ready for the next stage.

A Predictable Path to a High-Value Product

This is where the journey's predictability becomes a powerful business advantage. We know that PKO has a stable Myristic Acid content of around 16%. Following the chain, this means that the initial 100 tons of FFB will ultimately yield approximately 350 kilograms of Myristic Acid. As market watchers at Oleochemicals Asia often highlight, this level of transparency from plantation to final product is unique. Understanding every step of this journey is the key to mastering the destination product, allowing for precise planning and secure, long-term sourcing strategies.

Sources:

1. Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) Industry Performance Report - mpoc.org.my

2. Oleochemical Processing Trends in Southeast Asia - https://www.google.com/search?q=Oleochemicalsasia.com

3. Bailey's Industrial Oil and Fat Products - Wiley-Interscience