What Is Copra Used for in the Oil Industry?
When we think of coconuts, we often imagine tropical beaches, refreshing drinks, or fragrant curries. But beyond the kitchen and cocktail glass, the humble coconut type has another valuable asset: copra — the dried meat or kernel of the coconut. In the oil industry, copra plays a vital role as the primary raw material for producing coconut oil, a versatile and globally traded commodity.
When we think of coconuts, we often imagine tropical beaches, refreshing drinks, or fragrant curries. But beyond the kitchen and cocktail glass, the humble coconut type has another valuable asset: copra — the dried meat or kernel of the coconut. In the oil industry, copra plays a vital role as the primary raw material for producing coconut oil, a versatile and globally traded commodity.
In this blog, we’ll explore what copra is used for in the oil industry, how it’s processed, and why it's an essential product in both traditional and modern industries.
What Is Copra?
Copra is the dried inner white flesh of a mature coconut. Once coconuts are harvested, they are split open and dried-either under the sun, in kilns, or by smokes drying. This dried product becomes Dry Fruit Market, which contains about 60–70% oil by weight.
Copra’s Main Role: Coconut Oil Extraction
The primary use of copra in the oil industry is to extract coconut oil through mechanical pressing or solvent extraction. There are two main types of coconut oil derived from copra:
1. Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized (RBD) Coconut Oil
- Extracted from dried copra and then processed to remove impurities.
- Odorless, tasteless, and suitable for cooking, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
- Widely used in commercial food production (snacks, margarine, etc.).
2. Industrial-Grade Coconut Oil
- Used in soap making, detergents, lubricants, and even biofuels.
- Often not food-grade but valuable for its fatty acid content.
How Coconut Oil Is Extracted from Copra
The typical steps in the oil extraction process include:
- Cleaning & Crushing: Copra is cleaned and ground into smaller pieces.
- Pressing: It’s cold or hot pressed using mechanical expellers to extract the oil.
- Filtration or Refining: The crude oil is filtered or refined to improve quality.
- By-Product – Copra Cake: The leftover solid mass is used as high-protein animal feed.
Global Significance
Countries like Philippines, Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka are major producers of copra and copra from coconut. The oil industry in these countries relies heavily on copra farming and processing, making it an essential economic resource.
Summary
Copra might seem like a simple dried coconut product, but in the oil industry, it is a powerhouse. From soap and cosmetics to biofuels and processed foods, the oil derived from copra meaning is a multi-purpose commodity with global relevance. As sustainable and plant-based solutions gain popularity, copra-based oil products continue to expand their footprint across industries.
