POINTERS: Growth Potential for Emerging Applications of Oleochemics in India

By: Dr. Rajeev Churi

Academic Career: B.Sc. (Tech), M.Sc. (Tech), Ph. D (Tech) in Oils, from ICT (formerly UDCT Mumbai) Diploma; Advance Management of Exports; CBI, Netherlands Professional Career: -He has total 25 years of professional experience in the field of oleochemicals, lubricants, additives and specialty chemicals. -Worked as consultant to prominent business houses including Govern. of India undertakings and overseas companies. -He has conducted refresher /training courses for various organizations. -He is a Publisher of Handbook cum Directory on Lubricants -He has number of publications in International journals. -He was a visiting Professor to ITC. -Referee for postgraduate & Doctorate students for last 10 years. He is on board of Directors for following companies; -Sarbi Petroleum & Chemicals Ltd -Sarbi Engineering & WHG Pvt. Ltd. -Atra Pharmaceuticals Ltd. -Savera Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. He is a Member of following associations: 1. Oil Technologists’ Association of India WZ; (President) 2. Indian Home & Personal Care Industry Association ( Founder Director) 3. North Konkan Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture (President) 4. Institute of Chemical Engineers 5. Tribology Society of India 6. Lubricants, Additives, Waxes & Petroleum Specialty Products, LAWPSP ( Executive Member)

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The oleochemicals demand in India is driven by expanding end-use industries such as personal care, food & beverages and pharmaceuticals etc. At the same time environmental considerations as well REACH like regulations are driving an increase in demand for sustainable and biodegradable products using oleochemicals as feed stock. This is giving impetus to number of innovations in this area.

Biolubricants, biopolymers and biosurfactants based on oleochemicals have potential to substitute traditional petrochemical-based feed stock as they offer distinct advantages like biodegradability, minimizing health and environmental hazard due to improper disposal, lowering of carbon footprint etc. Polyols & polyamides are other examples.

This is an overview of growth potential for emerging applications of oleochemical as a feed stock, especially in the field of biolubricants and others.

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Questions & Answers (2) :

Dr Rajeev Churi

8 years ago

In India, the % of local vegetable oil production used for oleo-chemicals is much less compared to global level. But is around same % of vegetable oil consumption in India. The % of vegetable oil production used for Biodiesel is much less compared to global level. Though biofuel initiatives in India have gained momentum with the national biofuel policy targeting 20% blending of diesel by 2017, there are challenges. Biodiesel demand cannot be fulfilled using only degraded lands as currently planned in India, but additional land (3-4% of total cropland) will be required for Jatropha or any alternate non-edible oils source based biodiesel production. Food production will be impacted though may not be in immediate future. Therefore multi-pronged approach is needed to accommodate food and fuel demands in India In case of ole-chemicals, the growth rate in Indian consumption may be around 9 to 10%, higher than the global level. The increase in demand for oleo-chemicals is mainly met by imports. As per Dr. B. R. Gaikwad, Chairman CHEMEXCIL and expert, the manufacturing of ole-chemicals in India is suffering due to inverted duty structure and ASEAN FTA, as it makes import of these products cheaper than the local manufacturing. Countries like Indonesia & Malaysia have an advantage of availably of cheaper raw material, huge installed capacities and export tax on oils.

Bhavna Shah

8 years ago

Dear Dr. Churi You have stated that historically 12-14% of global vegetable oils production has been used for oleo-chemicals production and 12% for biodiesel. Although India is the largest importer and one of the largest consumer of vegetable oils and has the 2nd largest population, the oleo-chemicals and biodiesel industries in India have not really taken off to a large extent. Do you see these industries growing to global levels? If not, what are the challenges that have to be overcome and how.