The Palm Oil Refining Process

DIGESTION

The fruits are heated and the exocarp is digested in the digester. Mesocarp is separated from the endocarp and kernel.

PRESSING

Mesocarp is pressed to release crude palm oil in the extraction or pressing machine. Kernel is separated from the endocarp before crude palm kernel oil (CPO) is extracted.

CLARIFICATION & PURIFICATION

Insoluble content is removed during clarification.

REFINING & FRACTIONATION

CPO is refined to form bleached and deodorised oil (RBDO). Fractionation separates the liquid part (olein) from the solid part (stearin).