Palm Kernel Olein — Frequently Asked Questions

Palm kernel olein (PKOl) is the liquid fraction obtained from the dry fractionation of palm kernel oil (PKO), extracted from the kernel or seed of the oil palm fruit, Elaeis guineensis. During fractionation, palm kernel oil is cooled under controlled conditions, causing the higher-melting triglycerides to crystallise and separate as palm kernel stearin, while the remaining liquid fraction is recovered as palm kernel olein. PKOl has a lower melting point (typically 22-26 degrees Celsius) than the parent palm kernel oil and a higher proportion of unsaturated and medium-chain fatty acids.

The fatty acid composition of palm kernel olein includes lauric acid (C12:0, approximately 40-46%), oleic acid (C18:1, approximately 18-22%), myristic acid (C14:0, approximately 14-16%), and caprylic/capric acids (approximately 10-12%). This composition gives PKOl a softer texture compared to palm kernel stearin, while retaining the lauric acid character that provides rapid melting and clean flavour release.

Palm kernel olein is primarily used in the food industry as a specialty fat for confectionery, ice cream, non-dairy creamers, filled milk, and infant food formulations. Its rapid melting behaviour and smooth texture make it particularly suitable for confectionery fillings, cream centres, and ganache-style products. In ice cream manufacturing, PKOl is used in coating applications and as a component of vegetable fat-based ice cream formulations. In the non-dairy creamer and coffee whitener segment, PKOl provides the rapid dispersion and smooth mouthfeel required for consumer acceptance.

The major producing countries are Malaysia and Indonesia, where integrated palm kernel processing facilities produce both stearin and olein fractions. RSPO-certified supply chains ensure sustainability credentials for buyers requiring certified sustainable palm kernel products. The product is typically supplied in bulk liquid form (heated to maintain fluidity) or in drums.

In the oleochemical industry, palm kernel olein serves as a feedstock for the production of lauric acid-based surfactants, detergents, and personal care ingredients. The medium-chain fatty acid content also makes it valuable for the production of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil products, which have gained popularity in the health and nutrition sector.

Historically, palm kernel products were initially traded as whole kernels from West Africa to European crushing and refining facilities. The establishment of domestic crushing and fractionation capacity in Malaysia and Indonesia from the 1970s onwards transformed the industry, enabling the production of precisely specified fractions like palm kernel olein for specialty food and oleochemical applications.

Interesting facts include: palm kernel olein's rapid melting profile makes it one of the preferred specialty fats for tropical confectionery applications where ambient temperatures are high; the lauric acid content provides natural antimicrobial functionality; and palm kernel olein can be interesterified with other fats to create custom-designed specialty fat systems for specific food applications.

Palm kernel olein typically has an iodine value of ≥21 g I₂/100g and a lauric acid content of approximately 46–52%, reflecting its derivation from palm kernel oil through fractionation. These values confirm its suitability for confectionery, creamer, and specialty fat applications.

The MOQ for bulk palm kernel olein is typically one ISO tank or flexitank (approximately 20–24 metric tonnes). Drum quantities are available for smaller volumes. Please contact our team to confirm current MOQs and packaging options for your destination.

Yes, RSPO Segregated (SG) and Mass Balance (MB) certified palm kernel olein is available. RSPO certification documentation, including supply chain certificates, is provided with each order to support sustainability requirements.

Palm kernel olein is primarily used in non-dairy creamer and filled milk production, confectionery coatings and fillings (as a cocoa butter substitute base), and ice cream coatings. Its high lauric acid content and sharp melt profile deliver excellent functionality in these applications.

Palm kernel olein has a cloud point of approximately 15–20°C and a melting point typically below 25°C, making it liquid or soft solid at ambient temperature in tropical climates. Exact values depend on fractionation degree and are confirmed in the technical data sheet.

Yes, palm kernel olein is one of the primary fat ingredients in non-dairy creamer and filled milk production due to its lauric acid richness, whitening properties, and clean mouthfeel. We supply in food-grade ISO tanks or drums suitable for dairy analogue manufacturing.

Palm kernel olein pricing is linked to PKO commodity pricing. Please contact our sales team for current FOB Malaysia/Indonesia or CIF destination pricing based on your specific volume and delivery requirements.

Our refined palm kernel olein meets standard specifications: FFA ≤0.1% and peroxide value ≤2 meq/kg. These values confirm the quality of the refining process and are provided in the Certificate of Analysis for each batch.

Yes, palm kernel olein is available in ISO tanks (20,000–25,000 litres), food-grade flexitanks, and 200-litre drums. Packaging selection depends on order volume and destination port facilities. Contact us to discuss the most cost-effective format for your supply chain.

Yes, a full Certificate of Analysis and Halal certification documentation from recognised Islamic bodies is provided with each shipment. Additional certifications such as Kosher and RSPO are available upon request.

Yes, palm kernel olein is widely used in ice cream coatings, confectionery fillings, and chocolate-flavoured products. Its high lauric acid content provides good gloss, snap, and heat resistance in confectionery coating applications.

Palm kernel oil (PKO) is the full, unfractionated oil extracted from the palm kernel seed. Palm kernel olein is the liquid fraction obtained by fractionating PKO — lower melting point, higher iodine value. Palm kernel stearin is the solid fraction. Olein is preferred for applications requiring liquid or semi-liquid fat at ambient temperature.

Yes, palm kernel olein can be supplied in standard olein, double-fractionated (super-olein), and stearin fractions to meet specific melting point and functionality requirements. Please contact our technical team with your target specification and application details.

Lead times from Malaysian or Indonesian origins to Middle Eastern ports are typically 10–18 days transit with total order lead times of 3–5 weeks. For South Asian destinations, transit is approximately 10–14 days. Contact us for destination-specific estimates.

Yes, refined palm kernel olein is a natural vegetable fat and is not classified as a food additive. It complies with EU food regulations for vegetable fats and oils used as food ingredients. Supporting documentation for EU food law compliance is available upon request.

Palm kernel olein has a saponification value of approximately 230–254 mg KOH/g. Its fatty acid profile is rich in lauric acid (46–52%), myristic acid (14–18%), oleic acid (12–16%), and caprylic/capric acids (5–10%). Full fatty acid profiles are provided in the batch CoA.

Yes, palm kernel olein's high lauric acid content produces soaps with excellent lather and cleansing performance. For oleochemical applications, it serves as feedstock for lauric acid, fatty alcohols, and glycerine production.

Yes, we work with fractionation partners to supply palm kernel olein tailored to specific melting point, iodine value, and SFC profile requirements for confectionery, cosmetic, and specialty fat applications. Please contact our technical team with your target specification.

Palm kernel olein is sourced from refineries holding HACCP, ISO 22000, and BRC Food Safety certifications. RSPO, Halal, and Kosher certifications are also available. Copies of all relevant certificates are provided with each shipment.

Refined palm kernel olein has a typical shelf life of 24 months when stored in clean, sealed containers away from light, heat, and moisture. Recommended storage temperature is 25–35°C to maintain fluidity. Full storage guidance is provided in the technical data sheet.

Yes. Bio Green Wax Ltd is a trusted global supplier of Palm Kernel Olein, delivering to clients across all major continents including Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania. We supply to over 50 countries with established logistics networks, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.

All shipments comply with international trade standards, and we hold certifications including RSPO SG, ISO 9001, and HACCP to meet the regulatory requirements of any destination market. Whether you need bulk quantities for industrial manufacturing or smaller volumes for specialty applications, Bio Green Wax ensures reliable, worldwide supply of premium-quality Palm Kernel Olein.