Transport and Commercialization
The fruits are currently marketed by volume, i.e. weight difference between dry and moist fruits is not considered. The transport to the collection points is usually done by ox-carts and then by truck to the processing facilities. Due to the low density of Acrocomia fruits of around 500kg/m³ and the high transport costs it is recommended to locate Acrocomia plantations close to the processing facilities.During the harvest of 2006/2007 the price for Acrocomia fruits was between 40$ and 80$/metric ton at the factory. These values can change, depending on the market characteristics of each project.
Processing
The most common process is to split the fruits into its main components, to condition the components for oil extraction and to mechanically extract the oil. The side products are pulp and kernel pellets and the outer and inner shell.
It is also possible to extract the oil with help of chemicals (solvents) to increase the oil yield. This option is recommended for projects that have a sufficient economy of scale.
Industrial yields depend strongly on the quality of the raw material used. The oil yield is principally determined by the quantity and quality of the pulp of the harvested fruits. This is quite variable due to the use of fruits from wild palms which have not been agriculturally managed and deficiencies in harvesting and conservation.
For this reason, Acrocomia Solutions recommends the use of pre-selected and propagated material and the application of correct cultivation, harvesting and production techniques in order to provide successful yields. The processing costs are similar to other oil crops.
Subproducts and specifications
As opposed to several other oil crops, no part of Acrocomia is poisonous, i.e. all parts can be used for feed or human consumption. This is a large advantage in the manipulation and exploitation of the species. The following described products are produced by mechanical processing.
Coco Kernel Oil: This is the most valuable product and market price is usually above other vegetable oils for human consumption. The oil belongs to the group of Lauric oils, like that of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and coco oil (Cocos nucifera).
Acrocomia kernel oil is currently traded in South America, although a well-developed market exists world-wide for this kind of oil.
The utilization of Acrocomia kernel oil is not very different from palm oil, apart from its recent application as raw material for Biodiesel. The high melting point allows its use for ice cream, margarine etc. Additionally, high quality soaps with an appealing aroma can be produced.
Possible utilization of kernel oil is:
- Vegetable oil for human consumption
- Confectionery
- Soaps
- Washing powder
- Transformation to raw material for detergents and fatty acids
- Biodiesel
Technically kernel oil can be used for biodiesel fulfilling the specifications of European Directive (EN14214) except those that relate to cold climates. These do not apply in warmer climates.In Paraguay, the technical specifications for commercial coco kernel oil are provided by the directives of the National Institute of Technology and Normalization (INTN).
Coco Pulp Oil: Coco pulp oil pertains to the oils of the palm group, because of the abundance of fatty oils in its composition. It is similar in composition to olive oil, but there are various technical limitations for its use as edible oil. This limits its utilization to modest market volumes, however, it is technically possible to convert it for high production of Biodiesel, which solves in large measures, the restrictions in its applications. The pulp oil tends to have a high content of free fatty acids caused by delayed harvest or long, inappropriate storage of the fruits before crushing.
Historically, its market price is below the average price for traditional vegetable oils. This makes it an interesting option for use in the production of biodiesel. Currently, the oil is mainly used for soaps and washing detergents and is preferred by Paraguayan consumers for its unmistakable aroma. Acrocomia pulp oil is an attractive and cost-efficient raw material for biodiesel. Biodiesel based Acrocomia pulp oil can fulfill the EN 14214 quality requirements.
Current and possible uses
- Production of fatty oils
- Soaps
- Detergents
- Biodiesel
Coco Pulp Pellets: Constitutes the solid portion that is obtained by the mechanical compressing of the pulp or mesocarp of Acrocomia. Its utilization as an animal feed supplement, pure or mixed, is also well known in Paraguay. It has had very positive results in relation to traditional indicators of growth and production, above all in pork and milk production. (See related Article). The composition and nutrition values vary significantly depending on the quality of the raw material. The average values are as follows:
| Moisture (max.) | 10% |
| Protein | 6 % |
| Fat | 13 % |
| Fiber (max.) | 21 % |
| Ash (max.) | 8 % |
| Carbohydrates | 47 % |
| Energy (Kcal/kg) | 3240 |
In Paraguay, the technical specifications of commercial coco pulp pellets or cake are provided by the directives of the National Institute of Technology and Normalization (INTN).
Coco Kernel Pellets: Constitutes the solid portion that is obtained by the mechanical compressing of the kernels of Acrocomia. Its utilization as an animal feed supplement, pure or mixed, is very old in Paraguay. It has had very positive results in relation to technical indicators of growth and production.
The average composition is as follows:
| Moisture (max.) | 10 % |
| Protein | 37 % |
| Fat (max.) | 9 % |
| Fiber (max.) | 16.5 % |
| Ash (max.) | 8.5 % |
| Carbohydrates | 31 % |
| Energy (Kcal/kg) | 3516 |
In Paraguay, the technical specifications of commercial coco kernel pellets or cake are provided by the directives of the National Institute of Technology and Normalization (INTN).
Coco Kernel Shell: The kernel shell or "Carozo" protects the seed. The shell has a very high lignin content which provides the kernel with a very high strength and extra-ordinary robustness.
High production of this derivative of the Acrocomia fruit, per unit of cultivated area means that it is a totally renewable substitute for the generation of thermal energy, avoiding the use of lumber and the deforestation of native forests.
Another possibility is the carbonization of the kernel shell for the production of carbon briquettes, resulting in a carbon of high quality. It is capable of substituting the carbon of lumber in the majority of processes, including steel production. It can also be utilized as the raw material of active carbon.
Finally, it should be mentioned that the ash of kernel shells contains about 25% potash and hence is a good fertilizer.
Fruit Shell: The fruit shell of Acrocomia also has a higher heating value than most wood. Hence it is used as heating material in potteries and for steam production.
The volume of shells generated by an oil crushing facility that processes Acrocomia fruits can satisfy all the steam requirements of the industrial process and there are even remnants for commercialization. It can also be used as an organic fertilizer without limitations as it contains no toxic elements.
The composition of the ash has been revealed to contain around 50% potash.
Technical and Economical Considerations
For each ton of pulp oil the following by-products are generated:
| By-product | Amount (Ton) |
| Oil Cake (feeding) | 2.36 |
| Kernel oil | 0.45 |
| Shells (carbon) | 4.5 (1.1) |
Each by-product has an established market including quality standards which could be applied in other countries.