The Quality Behind the Quality: Delving into Our Key Metrics
20. October 2023
The term “quality” isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the very bedrock of what we do. To ensure the consistently high standard of our natural ingredients, we rely on the rigorous tracking of specific metrics.
IOI Oleo GmbH is renowned for its top-tier products. We firmly believe that enduring, reliable and long-term partnerships are only formed on the foundation of consistently high quality. This is especially true given that our emollients, emulsifiers and multifunctionals often form the basis of cosmetic formulations.
Our comprehensive monitoring encompasses Acid Value, Hydroxyl Value, and Saponification Value. Here’s what these KPIs indicate:
The Acid Value is a pivotal quality factor that signifies the stability of a lipophilic product. All of IOI Oleo GmbH’s offerings are ester products, some with shorter fatty acid chains. The shorter the chain, the tougher it is to achieve a low Acid Value and thus produce a stable product. This stability — or a low Acid Value — affects the product’s shelf life and ensures it has minimal inherent odour and taste.
The Hydroxyl Value depicts the count of free alcohol groups (OH groups) in a product. This metric offers insights into product composition. Unlike the Acid Value, every molecule has its unique Hydroxyl Value, which means that a lower value isn’t necessarily better. For instance, triglycerides typically have a lower Hydroxyl Value, whereas monoglycerides possess a higher one.
The Saponification Value serves as another marker to characterize lipophilic products. It’s determined by the sum of the Ester and Acid Values (Saponification Value = Ester Value + Acid Value). Depending on its molecular size, free fatty acids, and esterification degree, a lipophilic product will exhibit a specific Saponification Value. A value within a narrowly defined range signifies a high-quality product.
Quality Pursuit: An Ever-Evolving Journey
Achieving and upholding top-notch quality isn’t a one-time feat — it’s a continuous endeavour. For us, pinpointing and integrating reliable metrics isn’t just a formality; it’s a vital tactic for the consistent reproduction of superior quality in our production processes.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about our stringent standards.
Insa Waller
Insa Waller has a background in cosmetic chemistry and marketing. Before joining IOI, she gained experience in B2C product development (skin care) and production. After a position as sales manager (german-speaking countries), Insa moved to the CARE Studio, IOI Oleo's in-house showroom and application lab in Hamburg, as an application engineer. Since graduating with a degree in marketing, she also works as technical marketing. Insa has a passion for cosmetics, fashion and trends and enjoys going for a run.
