BASF and INOCAS (Innovative Oil and Carbon Solutions) have entered into a long-term partnership to develop the production of Macaúba Kernel Oil and Macaúba Pulp Oil. The agreement also includes an R&D project and options to acquire equity shares in INOCAS in future.
Alternative to palm oil and fossil resources
INOCAS will supply BASF with both kernel and pulp oil. BASF will use the Macaúba kernel oil from INOCAS in its Personal and Home Care portfolio in Brazil and Europe. Commercial pilot volumes will be available in 2025.
“As a leading supplier of ingredients for personal and home care, our Care Chemicals division is committed to securing and diversifying its supply of sustainable raw materials. A significant portion of our products are derived from renewable sources such as natural oils,” said Mary Kurian, President Care Chemicals at BASF. “Together with our customers, we are striving for sustainable sourcing, protecting ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices. Macaúba kernel oil represents a new sustainable opportunity in this effort.”
The pulp oil can be used in the process of obtaining bio-naphtha, which then can be converted into polymers, solvents, detergents, lubricants, synthetic fibres, fuels and other products. Regular Macaúba pulp oil offtake for use as an alternative feedstock to substitute fossil resources will start in 2027.
Sustainable silvopastoral model
Macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) is a native tree in Brazil and is adapted to semi-arid conditions and poor soils. Fruits can be processed into pulp oil, kernel oil and residual biomass. Since 2015, INOCAS has developed, implemented and refined an innovative model to cultivate Macaúba trees on degraded pastureland, and to improve soil quality and productivity. INOCAS aims to plant at least 50,000 hectares of Macaúba trees in partnership with smallholder farmers by 2030.
“This system supports regenerative agriculture by combining forestry and livestock farming without an additional land use change. It has positive impacts on soil quality, erosion control and biodiversity. Agricultural partnerships with smallholder farmers aim at improving livelihoods for their families,” explains BASF in a press release.
