| Abstract: | Glycerine - The History of an Oleochemical Raw Material Being a constituent of all fats and oils, natural glycerine has always played a key role in oleochemical manufacturing processes. Owing to its special physical and chemical properties, glycerine, which is obtained as a byproduct in neutral oil saponification and in the splitting and transesterification of fats and oils, has succeeded in becoming established and gaining in importance even under changing economic conditions. The major part of glycerine and its derivatives produced worldwide is nowadays used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, the food and tabacco industries, and in plastics manufacturing. Often its lack in color and odor and the fact that it presents no health hazards are of decisive importance. The range of applications is accordingly very wide. The current world consumption is estimated at about 500000 tons per year. Therefore the useful and economically efficient production, processing and marketing of this valuable oleochemical raw material continues to be one of the focal activities of the chemical industry today. |
