Substances > Distillates and other derivatives

Distillates and other fats and oils derivatives

The REVODS Consortium is supporting registrations for a number of fats and oils derivatives that are obtained primarily from the refining of oils and fats, which do not meet the exemption criteria stated in annex V.9.

The broad groups of substances falling within our registration strategy for these types of substances are:

  • Deodorizer distillates
  • Acidulated soap stocks

Provided below are brief descriptions of the compositions of these substances and the routes of production.


Deodorizer distillates

These substances are obtained by distillation of edible oil feedstocks, either chemically modified or not, during the refining of these oils. Deodorizer distillates usually consist mainly of glycerides, fatty acids and unsaponifiable matter in varying proportions.

Distillation products separated from oils are usually cooled and condensed together by a continuous spraying of condensed distillates. To know more about the process, please refer to the dedicated section below.


Acidulated soap stocks

Acidulated soap stocks are a by-product of oil and fat refining, produced by the treatment of oils and fats with alkali and water followed by acidulation to liberate the fatty acids and glycerides, which are then separated from the aqueous layer.

Typically, acidulated soap stocks are comprised mainly of fatty acids and glycerides, in varying proportions.


Manufacturing process

All crude oils and fats, obtained after rendering, crushing, or solvent extraction, contain variable amounts of constituents other than triglycerides. The objective of the deodorization process – often as the final phase of refining – is to remove the residual constituents from the oils and fats with the least possible negative effect on the glycerides.

The following processes occur, in part simultaneously, during deodorization:

  1. stripping of volatile components (fatty acids, mono- and di-glycerides, and unsaponifiable matter, e.g. tocopherols and sterols, with which will also be carried some triglycerides), and
  2. actual deodorization, i.e., removal of different off-flavours.
Depending on the specific refining process that is used and/or the nature of the feedstock, additional refining steps may be incorporated before deodorization. In the case of the substance covered by the present registration, deodorization is performed in a continuous mode. There are two main types of deodorizers: a horizontal vessel-type and a vertical tray-type. The manufacturing process of a deodorizer distillate starts with stripping of volatile components in the deodorizer unit and ends with condensation of the vapour, usually in a scrubber unit.


List of substances for registration

It is intended that dossiers for the following substances will be submitted to ECHA in time to meet the November 2010 deadline:

EINECS NumberName
270-700-0Oils, vegetable, deodorizer distillates
273-179-8Soaps, stocks, vegetable-oil, acidulated

It is intended that dossiers for the following substances will be submitted to ECHA in time to meet the 2013 deadline:

EINECS NumberName
272-911-3Glycerides, C16-18 and C18-unsatd., deodorizer distillates
272-211-8Soybean oil, deodorizer distillates

However, please note that according to annex V.9, "Vegetable fats, vegetable oils, vegetable waxes; animal fats, animal oils, animal waxes; fatty acids from C6 to C24 and their potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium salts; glycerol" are exempted under certain conditions set out in this Annex. Before registering a derivative from fats and oils processing, it is therefore advisable to consider the composition and means of production of the substance with regards to annex V.9 exemption, and its potential fulfillment with annex V.9 exemption criteria if relevant before proceeding with a registration. To know more about annex V exemptions, please refer to the REACH Regulation and Guidance for Annex V released by ECHA.