Application and market prospect of glycerin

According to the Soap and Detergent Association, there are over 1,500 uses for glycerin. The uses range from energy bars to cough syrups to protective boat coatings. With 1,500 uses, the market is expected to be fragmented. While this traditionally meant that refiners commanded more market power, much of this power has been undermined with the recent glut of crude glycerin in the domestic market. The top three uses for refined glycerin are food products, personal care products, and oral care products. These three uses account for 64% of refined glycerin consumption. The graphic at right denotes a complete breakdown of glycerin consumption by end use. Glycerin has unique properties which make it a useful component of food products – mostly as humectants in food products. As a humectant, glycerin absorbs water molecules from the air, helping keep food moist and prevent crumbling. This property of glycerin helps preserve food and keep it fresh for longer periods of time. Glycerin is also making inroads into the sporting world as a unique carbohydrate source. Its chemical properties give it a sweet taste, but unlike other carbohydrates, glycerin does not cause an insulin surge during the digestion process. This means excess energy from glycerin is not stored in the body as fat, making glycerin ideal for body-builders as it provides short-term energy but does not increase body fat. Moreover, glycerin has water-retention properties which make it ideal for sports drinks. Glycerin can be used as a lubricant in food manufacturing facilities because it is non-toxic and has many lubricant properties. Personal care products account for 23% of the usage of refined glycerin. The properties of glycerin are ideal ingredients in many personal care products, mostly helping to prevent moisture loss. Thus, glycerin is used as an emollient in skin creams, lotions, shaving creams, makeup, and deodorant. Oral care product usage accounts for 17% of refined glycerin demand. Glycerin is commonly found in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and sugar-free gum, giving these products a sweet taste without contributing to tooth decay. Gel toothpastes generally contain more glycerin than traditional toothpastes because glycerin helps to provide a smooth appearance. Glycerin is used as a humectant and sweetener in the manufacture of tobacco, accounting for 11% of refined glycerin consumption. Glycerin is often sprayed on leaves before processing to prevent crumbling and dehydration. It is used as a plasticizer in cigarette papers as well as a sweetener in chewing tobacco. Glycerin provides one of the basic chemical building blocks for the construction of rigid polyurethane foams. The usage in this category accounts for 8% of glycerin consumption. Glycerin is used in many medicinal formulations, accounting for 7% of refined glycerin consumption. Glycerin provides lubrication and smoothness to many cough syrups and elixirs. It can be used as a plasticizer in gel caps and is an active ingredient in the emergency heart medicine, nitroglycerine. Miscellaneous uses of glycerin account for 10% of refined glycerin consumption. About 3% of refined glycerin is used for the formulation of alkyd resins. Alkyd resins are used as protective surface coatings, components of plastics, and paints. Glycerin is also a component of nitroglycerine explosives. Asia, Western Europe, and the United States together accounted for three-fourths of the total world consumption of refined glycerin in 2011. Overall, refined glycerin consumption is expected to grow very strongly in the next several years, at an average annual rate of 10%. Asia accounted for about 36% of global consumption of refined glycerin in 2011. The region was led by China, which accounted for about 18% of total global use. China will drive world consumption growth with very high growth rates resulting from the further expansion of glycerin-to-epichlorohydrin production. Growth in glycerin demand for polyether polyol production and pharmaceutical uses will also make a relatively big contribution to the glycerin consumption increase. It is expected that by 2016, China will account for 27% of the world’s refined glycerin consumption. Thailand will also experience high growth rates as a result of epichlorohydrin production. Both Indonesia and Malaysia will continue to export large amounts of refined glycerin. Japan’s refined glycerin consumption growth is expected to remain flat in the next several years. Overall, Asian consumption will significantly increase to 45% of the global refined glycerin total in 2016. Western Europe accounted for 26% of the total world refined glycerin consumption in 2011. Consumption has been mainly for applications such as personal care, food and beverages, polyether polyols, and pharmaceuticals. Strong growth of nearly 8% annually is expected for the region as a result of the use of glycerin as a raw material for novel chemical production such as syngas, propylene glycol, and epichlorohydrin. Consumption in the United Sates has recovered somewhat from the decline caused by the economic recession in 2009. Fairly strong growth of 6–8% annually is expected in the next several years. Moderate growth will occur for traditional glycerin market segments, while high growth for newer applications, such as propylene glycol production and recreational vehicle fluids, is expected. Other regions, such as Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East, will experience strong annual consumption growth of 6–7% during the next five years. In Central and Eastern Europe, increased demand in markets such as personal care and functional food will continue, along with epichlorohydrin production. In the Middle East, personal care and food account for more than one-third of the overall demand for glycerin, followed by alkyd resins because the region has a highly developed paints and coatings industry. Growth is expected in all applications. Africa will also show strong growth of 9% annually (cosmetics and personal care products have experienced the highest demand growth in recent years). The remaining world regions, such as Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and Oceania, will continue to represent only a minor share of the world total. Refined glycerin is at some risk for substitution by competing products, mainly sorbitol and glycols. Substitution depends on availability and prices. The ASG team has identified specific sources of crude glycerin supply as well as critical target customers of the plant production. These target customers include large, multinational companies as well as regional buyers and producers of glycerin products. There are numerous import and export opportunities available to ASG.

Glycerin Refinery Background

Glycerin (also called glycerol and glycerine) is a colorless, odorless, viscous, water-soluble liquid with slightly sweet taste. It is a three carbon alcohol which serves as the backbone of the triglyceride molecule. Glycerin is non-toxic and can be used topically in cosmetics or consumed in food products and pharmaceuticals. Glycerin is made synthetically using petroleum as a feedstock. It is derived naturally using two methods:

• Soap and fatty acid production (hydrolysis)
• Biodiesel production (transesterification)

Transesterification of fats and oils processing can yield crude glycerin as a byproduct at a rate of 10% per unit of biodiesel (methyl ester). Methanol, which is mixed with fats or oils in the transesterification process, is present in the glycerin residue. When excess methanol is removed from the glycerin, the substance is called “crude glycerin”. The content of crude glycerin varies widely, but it is generally 85% glycerin (range: 40%-90%), 10% water (range 8% to 50%), 4% salt (range 0% to 10%), less than 0.5% methanol, and around 0.5% free fatty acids. There are three basic grades of refined glycerin, differentiated by purity and potential end-uses. Glycerin is generally sold as 99.5% pure and 99.7% pure. The three grades of refined glycerin are:

• Technical grade – used as a building block in chemicals, not used for food or drug formulation
• United States Pharmacopeia (USP) – glycerin from animal fat or plant oil sources, suitable for food products, pharmaceuticals
• Kosher – glycerin from plant oil sources, suitable for use in kosher foods

The properties of glycerin create a versatile product that can be put towards many end-uses. In fact, there are over 1,500 end-uses for the chemical. In most products, however, it is only used in very small portions. There are only a few end-uses which require a significant amount of glycerin in their formulation.

Glycerin Supplements

Glycerin, also called glyercine or glycerol, is a nutrient sold as a supplement for use in food, as a treatment for constipation and on the skin. Manufacturers add glycerin to protein bars because when taken with water, it facilitates "hyperhydration," according to the Supplement Research Foundation. It is sweet, clear and odorless. Glyercin is classified as a carbohydrate by the FDA.

Starwest Botanicals Vegetable Glycerin

Starwest Botanicals vegetable glycerin contains pure vegetable glycerine. The 2010 price was about $4.50 to $6.50 for a 4-oz. bottle. You can apply it to dry skin or take it internally. Dilute the product with water if using on your skin. You can add vegetable glycerin to food as a sweetener or to give it a moist texture, as protein bar manufacturers do.

Now Foods Vegetable Glycerin

Now Foods vegetable glycerin is water soluble and comes from vegetable oil. This supplement may be taken orally, but you can use it for cosmetic purposes too. It costs between $5 and $9 for a 16-oz. bottle.

Fleet Pedia Lax Glycerin

Fleet Pedia Lax Glycerin is a children's glyercine supplement that you use as a suppository. The product may relieve discomfort from constipation and is meant for occasional use. It comes an applicator. Fleet Pedia Lax Glycerin was previously marketed under the name Babylax.

Heritage Products Vegetable Gylcerin

Heritage Products Vegetable Gylcerin contains USP grade pure vegetable glycerin. Pure glyercin is safe for internal use so you can use it as a sweetener. Use it on your face and body like a lotion, too. You may use this supplement as a base for herbal extracts by mixing a teaspoon of glycerin with 3/4 oz. water and a few drops of your favorite herbal remedy. It costs between $6.50 and $9.50 for an 8-oz. bottle.

SciFit Glycerol Infusion

SciFit Glycerol Infusion is a supplement that has 19 g of glycerin per serving. It is marketed to bodybuilders and athletes, particularly endurance athletes, because of glycerin's hydration benefits. Each serving provides 75 calories and 19 g of glycerol esters. One 16-oz. container costs from $10 to $17. SciFit recommends taking the product two hours before a competition or workout with water or a 16-oz. sports drink.

The Advantages of Glycerin

Glycerin is an organic compound synthesized from animal fat. It was first manufactured in the 19th century by soap-makers who created their soap products from animal fat. Since then, it has developed widespread influence in many industries. Glycerin is a key ingredient in dynamite, soap and skincare products, suppository medications, eye drops, laboratory experiments, fruit and plant preservatives and more. This substance offers advantages for a variety of applications.

Water Absorption

Glycerin is a hygroscopic substance, meaning it can easily absorb water from its surroundings, whether they are liquid or air. One advantage of glycerin is that it can de-humidify a room if left in the open. In eye drops, it reduces excess "corneal haze" as it removes water, according to Drugs.com. In the bowel, it relieves constipation by softening stool through water absorption. In skincare products, glycerin softens the skin, potentially because of its ability to attract moisture (though there is some debate as to the exact cause of glycerin's effect on skin).

Viscosity

Glycerin is highly viscous, which means that it is a very thick liquid. This is advantageous, as its extends the applications for this compound. Because of its thickness, it can be used as a main ingredient in certain pastes or glues, such as those used to create sawdust logs, which burn better than ordinary logs, according to an article about glycerin on the website, JourneyToForever. In the science laboratory, glycerin is a logical choice for physics experiments that require thick liquids. Researchers at the University of Virginia used glycerin to study the effects of viscosity on friction.

Nontoxic

An important advantage of glycerin is that it is nontoxic. Medicines such as suppositories and eye drops involve absorption of glycerin into the body. Because glycerin is nontoxic, these medications are safe and often sold over the counter. Glycerin is also safely used as an effective preservative. You can preserve plants and flowers using glycerin. You can coat leaves and buds with a mixture of water and glycerin to create a permanent state for the plants for year-round decorative display. In the food industry, glycerin is added to food products to increase shelf life.

Benefits of Glycerin Soap

Soaps vary a great deal in terms of their ingredients. For example, while some soaps make your skin dry, other soaps are very moisturizing. Glycerin soaps are considered to be one of the most moisturizing types of soap. The unique quality of this type of soap allows it to be both moisturizing and effective for all different kinds of skin. The benefits of glycerin soap help your skin become healthy and moisturized.

All Natural

One of the benefits of using glycerin soap is that it can be completely natural, with no synthetic ingredients added to it during the manufacturing process. All soap manufacturers differ, however. While glycerin soap can be totally natural, some glycerin soap manufacturers do add a small amount of synthetic ingredients.

Sensitive Skin

Because glycerin soaps can be completely natural, they are particularly beneficial for people who have sensitive skin. Synthetic ingredients can create skin complications or irritate dormant skin problems. Glycerin soap, on the other hand, can be used for even the most sensitive skin. It can even be used with skin problems like eczema or psoriasis. Glycerin soaps do not irritate the skin or create negative reactions like normal soap does.

Moisturizing

Glycerin is thought to be a humectant, which means that it can attract moisture. Due to this quality, glycerin soaps attract moisture to your skin and keep it locked in. This provides your skin constant hydration. Unlike some soaps that dry your skin out and make it feel tight and even flaky, glycerin soap keeps your skin feeling more hydrated for several hours after you use it. Using glycerin soap on a regular basis can help your skin become softer and suppler.

Healthy Skin 

By keeping your skin well moisturized, you can create the foundation for healthy skin. Completely moisturized and healthy skin prevents you from developing wrinkles, stretch marks and tears in your skin. Although glycerin is a great soap to clean your whole body, using it to wash your face can offer you additional benefits. Using harsh soap that dries out the skin of your face often causes your skin to make up for its dryness by creating extra oil, which clogs your skin and creates skin problems. Glycerin soap can help decrease or completely rid you of acne when you use it as a face wash.

Foods Containing Glycerin

Glycerin, also called glycerol, is sometimes added to foods to help thicken them, to control their moisture level or to stabilize them if they contain a mix of water and oil. It’s mainly used in processed foods and sweets and is generally regarded as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Dairy and Protein Foods

Dairy products, including cheese, yogurt and powdered milk or cream, are among the potential sources of glycerin. You may also find glycerin in condensed milk, whey products, pudding, clotted cream and dairy-based drinks. Processed meat and poultry, soybean products, processed seafood, dried eggs, canned eggs and egg-based desserts can contain this additive as well. Check the ingredients list to verify whether individual products contain glycerin.

Processed Vegetables and Fruits

Vegetables and fruits generally don’t contain glycerin unless they’re processed. Some examples of vegetables that could have glycerin include dried vegetables, canned vegetables, processed fruit, precooked vegetables and sauces containing vegetables. If you’d like to avoid glycerin, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables or those frozen without any added sauces.

Grains and Baked Goods

Precooked pasta, rolled oats, breakfast cereals, rice or tapioca pudding, breading or batters, precooked rice products and baked goods are all potential sources of glycerin. The less processed a grain-based food is, the less likely it is to contain glycerin. Baking goods and cooking grains yourself will help you limit your glycerin intake.

Other Foods

Many other foods can also be sources of glycerin. Some potential beverage sources of glycerin include alcoholic beverages, cider and flavored beverages made with water. The little extras you add to your food, such as sauces, vinegar, mustard, condiments, table-top sweeteners, butter and similar spreads, and nut butters may contain glycerin, and so can candies, soups and edible ices. Foods with added sweeteners sometimes contain glycerin because of the sweet taste it imparts.

Glycerin & Yeast Infections

More than 75 percent of women will acquire at least one yeast infection in their lives, according to Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Harvard Medical School Joan Bengtson, M.D. There are many causes, but the main reason for a yeast infection is the vaginal environment becoming upset, causing a disruption in the pH and an overgrowth of the normally present yeast. One of the common culprits in causing this disruption is sugar, and recently experts have linked glycerin, a general additive in processed foods, beverages and cosmetics, to posing problems in women already prone to yeast infections.

Yeast infections are an overgrowth of yeast, a fungus called Candida albicans, in the vagina. It is normally present in small amounts, but with a disruption of the pH the yeast rapidly produces, causing the varying symptoms of a red, itchy, burning, painful vaginal area with a heavy discharge. There are many reasons for getting a yeast infection including antibiotics, birth control pills, pregnancy, stress, lack of sleep, normal hormonal shifts in the menstrual cycle and eating too many sugary foods. Yeast infections can be cured by over-the-counter medications or prescribed one-time pills, and in addition, many women believe in various home remedies.

Glycerin is used to provide preservation and sweetness to many processed foods, including low-fat commercially baked foods, candy and fudge. It is also used in cosmetics and personal lubricants to provide preservation and for its humectant qualities, used to draw moisture to the skin. It is derived from the chemical element glycerol, an alcohol, and glycerin is the byproduct of either animal or plant sources. (In the 1800s when candles were made of animal fat, glycerin was a byproduct of candle-making.)

To help avert yeast infections, many gynecologists advise staying away from a diet rich in refined sugar. Yeast in the vagina feed off of sugar, so any access to excess sugar provides a possible food source for the already present yeast. Not only is too much sugar a risk for yeast infections, but it is also hard for the body to digest and can lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Sugar can be found in more places than people think; all-purpose enriched wheat flour is one of the most common ingredients in commercially processed foods. The “wheat” in this ingredient is only part of the actual grain, the part that breaks down in the body exactly as raw sugar. Whole-wheat flour and products are best for avoiding yeast infections and for overall health.

Avoid Glycerin in Lubricants

Many gynecologists warn if women are already susceptible to recurring yeast infections, they should steer clear of personal lubricants containing glycerin. Since it is processed exactly as sugar in the body, and applied directly to the vagina, it is assumed vaginal yeast benefits from its addition. If women do not get frequent yeast infections experts say using lubricants with glycerin is okay; KY Jelly, the No. 1 brand in America, is full of glycerin. Some people may be more sensitive to glycerin’s effects than others. Glycerin is found in most water-based lubricants, but there are some water-based brands free of glycerin. The other choice, silicone-based lubricants, do not contain glycerin, but many complain about the bad taste and dislike their resistance to water for cleaning.

Although the popular brand KY contains glycerin, other big brands like Astroglide make a glycerin-free version. Simply check the ingredients listed on the back of water-based lubricants for glycerin.Natural lubricants that have stood the test of time are extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil.