Overcapacity concerns plague oleochemical industry even as synthetics make further inroads

摘要

The business of oleochemicals - dominated by Indonesia and Malaysia - has faced challenging times of late. Overcapacity in some parts of the industry, fluctuating availability of key raw materials - in particular palm oil - and competition from synthetic chemicals made from petrochemical raw materials have contributed to the state of affairs. But mandates for renewable fuels, and the preference for natural and nature-derived ingredients will ensure that oleochemicals will have an important role to play.