1. Comprehensive Commercial Grade Comparison Matrix
Each lot is tested at our plant and supplied with a COA. Independent inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas or Intertek can be arranged at the buyer's request and cost. The table below details standard analytical parameters across our manufacturing grades in North Gujarat:
| Quality Parameter | Commercial Grade | First Special Grade (FSG) | Pale Pressed (PPG) | Cold Pressed (CP) | Castor Oil BP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extraction Method | Mechanical Expelling (Crude) | Expelled + Refined + Bleached | First Press + Multi Bleached | Virgin Hydraulic / Screw (Single Press) | Multi-Stage Refined |
| Colour (Lovibond 1" Cell) | Dark Yellow / Brownish | ≤ 20.0 Y + 2.0 R | ≤ 4.0 Y + 0.5 R | ≤ 15.0 Y + 1.5 R | ≤ 10.0 Y + 1.0 R |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | ≤ 4.00 – 6.00 | ≤ 2.00 (Typically ≤ 0.80) | ≤ 1.00 | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 2.00 (Typically ≤ 0.75) |
| Free Fatty Acid (FFA %) | ≤ 2.00% – 3.00% | ≤ 1.00% (Typically ≤ 0.40%) | ≤ 0.50% | ≤ 1.00% | ≤ 1.00% |
| Moisture & Volatiles (%) | ≤ 0.50% | ≤ 0.25% | ≤ 0.15% | ≤ 0.25% | ≤ 0.25% |
| Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g) | 160 – 168 | 160 – 168 | 160 – 168 | 160 – 168 | ≥ 160.0 |
| Iodine Value (Wijs) | 82 – 90 | 82 – 90 | 82 – 88 | 82 – 90 | 82 – 90 |
| Key Target Applications | General lubricants, cutting oils, alkyd resins, rubber compounding | Polyurethanes, surface coatings, plasticizers, chemical synthesis | High-end color cosmetics, lipsticks, personal care formulations | Organic cosmetics, aromatherapy, traditional formulations | Pharmaceutical excipients, oral/topical carriers, APIs |
2. Refining Process Differences: From Seed to Monograph Grade
The journey begins with seed preparation and cleaning. In our continuous extraction facility, North Gujarat castor seeds undergo magnetic separation, aspiration, and destoning.
- Commercial Castor Oil: The direct output of mechanical expelling, filtered through plate-and-frame filter presses to remove suspended meal fines. Retains natural golden color and trace phosphatides.
- First Special Grade (FSG / BSS): Crude oil is degummed and refined with dilute sodium hydroxide (caustic refining) to hydrolyze free fatty acids, followed by bleaching with activated bleaching earth and vacuum drying.
- Pale Pressed Grade (PPG): Extracted exclusively from the first hydraulic or low-temperature screw press cycle of select high-grade seed, subjected to intensive multi-stage bleaching to achieve ultra-low Lovibond red values.
- Castor Oil BP: Refined to satisfy the exacting monograph requirements of the British Pharmacopoeia, including strict thresholds for heavy metals, peroxide value, refractive index, and unsaponifiable matter.
Frequently Asked Buyer Questions
What is the difference between FSG and BSS castor oil? +
FSG (First Special Grade) and BSS (British Standard Specification) refer to essentially the same refined, clarified, and bleached industrial castor oil complying with British Standard BS 650. Both feature acid values under 2.0 mg KOH/g and Lovibond color under 20Y + 2.0R.
Can Commercial Grade Castor Oil be used for polyurethane synthesis? +
While possible, the higher acid value and moisture content in Commercial Grade consume isocyanate groups prematurely and can cause foaming. FSG is strongly recommended for polyurethane elastomers, adhesives, and coatings.
What HS code applies to these castor oil grades? +
All refined and unrefined castor oil grades are classified under HS code 1515.30 (indicative classification; final HS code confirmed at the time of export).
What are the standard packaging formats for international buyers? +
Supplied in 200/225 kg new steel or HDPE drums, 1,000L composite IBC containers, or 20–24 MT bulk flexitanks and ISO tank containers.
How can buyers obtain trial samples for testing? +
Contact our sales desk at nagdevproducts@gmail.com or via WhatsApp (+91 63520 98306) to request 500ml–1L analytical laboratory sample lots with batch Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Operational Plant · Supplying Commercial Volumes Now
Direct farmer-level sourcing from North Gujarat's castor belt (Banaskantha and Vav-Tharad region) ensures transparent pricing, reliable ocean freight logistics, and strict compendial quality compliance. Contact our export sales desk for samples and forward volume commitments.