Oleon to double palm processing capacity

Belgian oleochemicals maker Oleon Holding NV will double its plant capacity in Malaysia to 34,000 tons in the next two years to meet growing demand for palm oil-based products in the food and auto sectors. That uptake will rise, thanks to growing European and U.S. demand for biodegradable lubricants for vehicles and performance-enhancing fuel additives made from palm oil, Managing Director of Oleon Malaysia, James de Caluwe, said. “Asia is also a growth area as markets grow increasingly health-conscious and our specialty palm-oil-based oleochemicals can serve this purpose,” de Caluwe told Reuters in an interview. Oleon plans to spend €6 million (US$8.95 million) to boost production capacity for the plant which will be located near Malaysia’s busiest port, in the central state of Selangor. (November 19, 2009)