Green chemistry: A new approach for coco industry
The Lao family’s Chemrez Technologies Inc. wants to tap the limitless potential of coconut or the “tree of life” through green chemistry.
“Green chemistry is a new discipline in designing products and processes that optimizes the use of resources and minimizes the generation of waste. We are guided by the principles of green chemistry in the engineering and formulation of our products,” said Chemrez managing director Dean Lao Jr.
Lao, president of the United Coconut Association of the Philippines (UCAP), urged coconut industry stakeholders to “promote and share the goodness of coconut to the world through sustainable businesses.”
“As a vertically-integrated partner, Chemrez is competitive at any point of the value chain in maximizing the benefits of the coconut in order to preserve our fragile environment and improve the quality of life,” Lao said.
“Our green initiative is embedded all the way - from coconut oil refining, oleochemicals manufacturing, concept formulations, and privatelabel manufacturing.
This value-added innovative partnership that we offer clients is shown through our array of products in the industries of agriculture, building and construction, composite, oil & gas, paint & coating, per- sonal & home care, petroleum and plastic,” he added.
Oleo-Fats, a subsidiary of Chemrez’s parent firm D& L Industries Inc., stressed that coconut oil is “the healthiest vegetable oil in the world.”
“With the rising global trend of healthy lifestyle conscious consumers turning their attention to the nutritive value of food that they consume, Oleo-Fats has definite competitive advantage. As Oleo-Fats manufactures a variety of coconut-based specialty fats, oils and ingredients, we can assure our consumers of tasteful food solutions that conform to international quality standards and also more importantly now, responsive to their need for conscious consumption, ”said Vincent Lao, managing director of Oleo-Fats.
He said consumers nowa- days are aware of the benefits of coconut oil and seek coconut oil in the products they consume.
“Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are good oils found in coconut oil and other food. Health- conscious consumers are very much aware of MCTs as an important element in their diet since it is more easily absorbed by the body and used as energy, without getting stored as body fat.
He said coconut oil promotes a leaner body, a healthier heart, improved brain function, and a stronger immune system.
Among Oleo-Fats’ various coconut-based products are refrigerated and nonrefrigerated margarine, milk fat substitute, shortening, ice cream coating dips, coconut oil, and cocoa butter substitute.