Fatty acids are components of fats that are found in many foods, both plant and animal. We can find them in oils, butter or fat. Our body can produce some of them on its own, but most come from what we eat. Different types of fatty acids have different properties and uses.

In its business, MBF Group SA also distributes fatty acids to the local market and foreign markets, i.e. mainly Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and others. Production of acids takes place in Eastern European countries or in Asia (Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and others). Thanks to the extensive contracts in that region, we are able to offer and realize a proven quality product in accordance with the specification, certificate of origin and quality certificate.

Production and use of fatty acids

The use of fatty acids in industry is extremely wide and varied. They are used in many branches of production due to their unique properties. Here are some of the most important areas of application:

Chemical industry:

(a) Detergent production: Fatty acids are an essential ingredient in many detergents, such as soaps and washing powders.
(b) Biofuel production: Fatty acids can be used to produce biodiesel.

Food industry:

(a) Food production: Fatty acids are an ingredient in many food products, such as vegetable oils, butter, margarine and lard. They give products their texture, flavor and energy value.
(b) Food additives: They serve as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and flavor enhancers.

Cosmetic industry:

(a) Cosmetics production: Fatty acids are ingredients in many cosmetics, such as soaps, shampoos, creams and lotions. They soften the skin, moisturize it and form a protective layer on it.

Pharmaceutical industry:

(a) Drug manufacturing: Fatty acids are used in the production of many drugs, including fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Carriers of active substances: They serve as carriers of active ingredients in drugs, improving their absorption.

Other uses:

(a) Textile industry: Fatty acids are used in the manufacturing process of fabrics, giving them suitable properties.
(b) Paper industry: They are used in the production of paper, improving its quality.

Of particular interest to our customers is the supply of fatty acids for use in the engineering industry. As written above, fatty acids play a key role in the chemical industry, where their unique physicochemical properties are used in various production processes. Among other things, our contractors use them to produce biofuels. Here is a detailed description of their applications:

1. Biofuel production.

Fatty acids, especially those derived from vegetable oils and animal fats, can be processed into biodiesel, providing an alternative, renewable energy source. This process, known as transesterification, involves a chemical reaction in which triglycerides (the main components of oils and fats) react with alcohol – usually methanol or ethanol – in the presence of a catalyst, which is usually sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH). This reaction produces biodiesel (methyl or ethyl esters of fatty acids) and a by-product, glycerin, which can be used in various industries, such as cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

Biodiesel obtained by transesterification has a number of environmental and economic advantages. First of all, it is a renewable fuel that can be produced from agricultural feedstocks such as rapeseed oil, soybean oil, palm oil or used cooking oil. In addition, the combustion of biodiesel emits significantly less sulfur oxides (SOx), particulates and hydrocarbons compared to traditional fossil fuels. Its combustion is also virtually carbon-neutral (CO₂) because the plants used to produce the oil absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere as they grow. In addition, biodiesel has a higher flash point than diesel fuel, making it safer to transport and store.

Thanks to its lubricating properties, biodiesel can also reduce engine wear and extend engine life. It’s also worth mentioning that biodiesel can be used in standard diesel engines without the need for major technical modifications, making it an attractive alternative for individuals and companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. However, there are some challenges associated with its production and use, such as potential problems with biodiesel’s low freezing point, which can cause paraffin precipitation and clogging of fuel filters at low temperatures. Despite these challenges, biodiesel remains one of the most important alternatives to fossil fuels in the context of pursuing sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

2 Detergent production.

Fatty acids are a key ingredient in many detergents, including soaps and laundry powders. Due to their ability to emulsify, these acids allow them to effectively remove dirt and grease from surfaces. Emulsifiers, which are formed by combining fatty acids with alcohol, are key in creating stable emulsions, which is important in detergent production.

3. Cosmetics production.

In the cosmetics industry, fatty acids are used as moisturizing ingredients and emollients in creams, lotions and soaps. Thanks to their emollient properties, these acids help maintain the skin’s moisture level and form a protective layer on the skin’s surface, which is important in skin care.

4. Manufacture of paints and varnishes.

Fatty acids are also used in the manufacture of oil paints and varnishes. They act as solvents and film-forming ingredients to achieve the desired consistency and durability of paint coatings. They give paints better adhesion and weather resistance.

5. Production of building materials.

Fatty acids can be used in the production of various building materials, such as floor waxes and shoe polish. These waxes, derived from fatty acids, give surfaces a shine and protection from moisture and dirt.

Fatty acids are used in a variety of chemical processes that are crucial in industry. Here are the most important of these:

1. Esterification.

Esterification is the process by which fatty acids react with alcohol to form esters. It is a basic reaction for lipids, occurs in an acidic environment, and is reversible. This process is crucial in the production of fats and oils, which are important ingredients in the food and cosmetic industries.

2. Hydrolysis.

Fatty acids are also formed by hydrolysis, which can be acidic or basic. Acid hydrolysis leads to the breakdown of fats into glycerol and fatty acids, while alkaline hydrolysis, known as saponification, converts fats into soaps. These processes are important in the production of soaps and detergents.

3. Oxidation.

Fatty acids can undergo oxidation processes, which is particularly important in the context of rancidity. Oxidation leads to the formation of undesirable chemicals, such as aldehydes and ketones, which affect the quality of fat. This process is monitored to prevent deterioration of the organoleptic properties of the products.

4. Transesterification.

Transesterification is the process by which fatty acids are converted into biodiesel by reacting with alcohol, usually methanol or ethanol. This process is crucial in biofuel production, making it important from an environmental perspective.

5. Polymerization.

Fatty acids can also undergo polymerization, which leads to the formation of more complex chemical structures. Polymerization is used in the production of various materials, including waxes and varnishes, which have applications in the cosmetics and construction industries.

6. Emulsification.

Fatty acids act as emulsifiers, which is important in the formation of emulsions, or mixtures of two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water. Emulsification is crucial in the production of many cosmetics, foods and paints, where emulsion stability is important to product quality.

In summary, fatty acids are used in a wide range of chemical processes that are crucial in industries ranging from food to cosmetics and chemicals. Their versatility makes them an essential raw material in the production of many everyday products.

Regarding price and market forecasting for fatty acids, there is a lack of concrete data and information publicly available. Although accurate data on the future of the fatty acid market is limited, we can draw some important conclusions based on current trends:

1. Sunflower oil as a key factor: The expected stabilization or increase in sunflower oil production, especially in Ukraine, will have a direct impact on the prices of fatty acids derived from this commodity.

2. Increasing demand for dairy products: Increasing demand for dairy products, such as butter, may lead to price increases for dairy fatty acids.

3. Fertilizers and their impact: The slow stabilization of the fertilizer market, including nitrogenous fertilizers that are linked to fatty acids, may lead to lower prices for these compounds in the second half of the year.

4. Health trends drive demand: Growing health awareness and increased consumption of products rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, may lead to increased demand and prices for these valuable fatty acids.

In summary, the situation in the fatty acid market in 2024 will be shaped by many factors, such as sunflower oil production, dairy product demand, fertilizer prices and health trends. We can expect both price increases and decreases, depending on the specific type of fatty acid and prevailing market conditions.

In other words, the future of the fatty acid market is uncertain and depends on many variables. However, we can expect prices for these compounds to be influenced by both global (e.g., armed conflicts) and local (e.g., weather conditions affecting crop production) factors.