Industrial fatty alcohols

HS code 382370 covers industrial fatty alcohols, a crucial class of organic compounds that play a vital role in various industries. These long-chain aliphatic alcohols are derived from natural fats and oils, and their versatility makes them indispensable in the production of a wide range of consumer and industrial products. From personal care items to lubricants and plasticizers, industrial fatty alcohols are a fundamental building block in the global economy.

Industrial fatty alcohols are primarily produced through the hydrogenation of natural fats and oils, such as coconut, palm, and tallow. This process involves the catalytic reduction of the fatty acid esters, resulting in the formation of the desired long-chain alcohols. The specific production techniques may vary depending on the source material and the desired properties of the final product, but the core process of hydrogenation remains the foundation of industrial fatty alcohol manufacturing.

The main inputs required for the production of industrial fatty alcohols include natural fats and oils, hydrogen gas, and various catalysts. Depending on the desired properties of the final product, additional chemicals or processing aids may be utilized. The manufacturing process also requires specialized equipment, such as hydrogenation reactors, distillation columns, and purification systems, to ensure the quality and consistency of the final product.

The primary outputs of the industrial fatty alcohols industry are a diverse range of long-chain aliphatic alcohols, which find applications in a multitude of industries. These alcohols are commonly used as emulsifiers, surfactants, and lubricants, and are key ingredients in the production of 340300 Lubricating preparations, 340410 Artificial waxes and prepared waxes, and 340510 Polishes and creams, for footwear, furniture, floors, coachwork, glass or metal. Additionally, industrial fatty alcohols are utilized in the manufacture of 382490 (Chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries (including those consisting of mixtures of natural products), not elsewhere specified or included).