The Supremacy of Coconut Copra: The Potential Uses

Copra and its derivatives, such as coconut oil, are some of the mainstay export commodities, especially pursued by tropical countries. It is also true with the globally recognized copra and other coconut product Indonesia suppliers. 

On this occasion, we will discuss the uses of copra, traditionally and more recently. 

A Source of Livelihood

In many tropical countries, coconut plantations and processions have been a source of livelihood for the local people, even for ages. The copra farmers know the traditional techniques to produce copra and make coconut oil out of it. 

They learned that the market value of copra lies in the oil extracted. Also, up to date, they have used the resulting copra reside, usually called coconut-oil cake, mostly for feeding livestock. 

A Source of Edible Fats

Let’s turn the time to the 1860s when Europe introduced copra as a source of edible fats – such as margarine – particularly due to the unfortunate shortage of dairy fats in northern Europe.

Later, at the beginning of the 20th century, copra-based edible fats came to the United States. As a result, copra has become one of the crucial exports from many countries like coconut product in Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Mozambique, and the Pacific Islands. 

Copra and Its Derivatives

We traditionally can obtain coconut oil by cleaning and crushing copra through two ways of extractions – pressing and solvent use. Then we get crude oil or a widely known term CCO.

Many countries or manufacturers export the COO and reprocess them further into various derivative products. The following are some of the most commonly marketed products of copra derivatives. 

  • Cooking oil 

It has the property of a high smoke point, allowing you to fry or sautee any food at high heat.

  • Industrial uses

It ranges from soaps, shampoos, and detergents to synthetic rubber and glycerin. 

  • Cosmetics

You may find copra-based VCO (virgin oil) in your cosmetic staples, such as lotions, lipsticks, facial softening items, and more.

  • Edible fats

Coconut oil is refined to remove fatty acids and deodorize, resulting in edible fats like margarine, vegetable shortenings, etc.   

  • Refined coconut oil

Those who mostly use this refined CCO are bakers and confectioners, specifically in products they can store longer once manufactured. 

  • Biodiesel 

Many consider this fuel as an environmentally-friendly one. 

Again, it is unsurprising that many countries have copra as their export commodities, including coconut product Indonesia suppliers and distributors. Thanks to the above various uses, they have marketed copra and its derivatives to many parts around the globe. 

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