5 uses for palm oil you probably don't know about!

7min
Articles
05 July, 2024
Grupo BBF

Palm oil, also known as palm oil, is a popular culinary ingredient, especially in African and Brazilian cuisine. But did you know that it also has many other surprising uses? In this post, we'll explore 5 applications for palm oil that you probably didn't know about.

1. Cooking - Beyond seasoning

palm oil

Palm oil is known for its unique and striking flavor, perfect for seasoning dishes such as moquecas, vatapá, acarajé and feijoada. It is also used in various recipes and food products, but it goes far beyond a tasty seasoning.

Versatility in the kitchen: Palm oil is a versatile ingredient that can be used for frying, sautéing, baking and even making cakes and pies. It has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without burning.

Source of nutrients: Palm oil is rich in vitamins A and E, which are important for skin and eye health. It also contains antioxidants that fight free radicals and protect the body's cells.

High Melting Point: Palm oil has a high melting point, which means that it remains solid at room temperature and semi-solid when heated. This property makes it ideal for chocolate production, as it guarantees the product's creamy and smooth texture, as well as contributing to its longer shelf life.

Emulsifying properties: Palm oil has emulsifying properties that help mix and stabilize different ingredients in the same product, such as water and oil. This property is important for the production of ice cream, margarine and other products that have a creamy, homogeneous texture.

Who doesn't like their chocolate smooth and creamy? Have you ever looked at the packaging of the chocolate or margarine you eat and noticed that it contains palm oil?

Also check out a study carried out by a nutritionist for the University of Alagoas

The Brazilian Association of Palm Oil Producers explains about the vegetable oil most consumed in the food industry

2. Skin and hair care:

palm oil for cosmetics

Palm oil is an excellent natural moisturizer for the skin and hair. It is rich in fatty acids that nourish and restore lost moisture, leaving skin soft and hair shiny.

Combats Frizz: Palm oil helps control frizz and unruly hair, giving it a smoother, more disciplined look. It also seals the cuticles of the hair, protecting it from external damage.

Natural shine: Palm oil gives hair a natural shine, leaving it looking healthy and radiant. It can be used as a leave-in or moisturizing mask.

Read the packaging of your hygiene products, they probably contain palm oil and you didn't know it. Several brands make use of this oil and recognize its benefits.

Check out Exame's article on palm oil - the world's most consumed vegetable oil 

3. Domestic cleaning:

palm oil in cleaning products

Biodegradable detergent: Palm oil can also be used to make biodegradable detergent, a more ecological and environmentally friendly option.

Homemade soap: Palm oil is an essential ingredient in the production of homemade soap. It gives the soap moisturizing and emollient properties, leaving the skin soft and nourished.

Check out SEBRAE's website on how to make soap from palm oil 

Multi-purpose cleaner: Palm oil can be used as a multi-purpose cleaner for various types of surfaces, such as wood, metal and glass. It is effective at removing dirt and grease without damaging surfaces.

4. Textile industry:

palm oil in industry

Palm oil and its derivatives are used in the production of fabric softeners and other chemicals used in the textile industry. They can be used to improve the texture and durability of fabrics, as well as in dyeing and finishing processes.

Synthetic fibers: Palm oil is used in the production of synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon. Palm oil derivatives can be used at various stages of the process, including as plasticizers, finishing agents or emulsifiers. This helps to improve the quality, texture and properties of synthetic fibers.

Waterproofing: Palm oil is applied to fabrics to make them waterproof and water-resistant. This property is important for making raincoats, umbrellas, tents and other products that need to withstand adverse weather conditions.

Fabric softener: Palm oil is used in the production of fabric softeners, giving softness and smoothness to clothes. It also helps to reduce friction between the fibers, making ironing easier.

Soap Powder: Palm oil is a common ingredient in washing powders, helping to remove stains and dirt from clothes. It also contributes to the formation of a rich, creamy foam, which makes washing clothes easier.

 5. Biofuel and Renewable Energy:

palm oil in the production of biofuels

Renewable Energy: Palm oil can be used as a biofuel, a renewable energy source that is more sustainable than fossil fuels. It can be used in heavy fleets, agricultural machinery, power generators and even airplanes.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The use of palm oil as a biofuel can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

Promoting Sustainable Development: Palm oil production can promote sustainable development in developing countries, generating income and employment for local communities.

Check out AproBio's article on palm oil in Brazil and its potential.

Since 2009, Grupo BBF has been a pioneer in the production of biofuels from palm oil, especially at its plant in Ji-Paraná (RO), which has an annual capacity of over 64 million liters of biodiesel. The company has 25 thermoelectric plants in operation in the Amazon region, serving more than 140,000 residents in isolated locations. One of the highlights is the Grupo BBF hybrid plant in São João da Baliza (RR), which operates with vegetable oil and biomass derived from oil palm. The generation of clean energy from biofuels derived from oil palm replaces the use of fossil diesel, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and offering an environmentally responsible alternative for generating electricity.

Check out the globoplay story on renewable energy from palm oil 

In addition to these initiatives, we cannot fail to highlight the importance of sustainable oil palm cultivation in Brazil, especially in the Amazon region, where Grupo BBF has played a key role. Through responsible agricultural practices, Grupo BBF recovers degraded areas in the Amazon, boosting socio-economic development in the region and generating jobs and income for thousands of families. Our dedication to sustainable oil palm cultivation is an example of how it is possible to balance economic progress with nature conservation.

Find out how sustainable palm planting contributes to the Amazon region

Follow our blog for more information and curiosities about sustainability and the use of palm oil.

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