Castor

The castor plant, Ricinus communis, is a versatile crop for extracting oil that can be used for many different purposes. Oil from the castor seeds, also known as beans, are rich in ricinoleic acid which is an 18-carbon fatty acid useful as a feedstock for many different chemistries. The leading global producer of castor oil is India, farming 80-90% of the world's supply.

Castor produces moderate land yields of 350-1200 kg oil/ha/yr

Does not compete with food crops

Thrives in a wide variety of environments

Naturally drought resistant and resistant to many pests

About 3/4 of Inolex castor supply is from members of the Sustainable Castor Association

No deforestation

The Pragati Initiative championed by the Sustainable Castor Association, works to ensure good agricultural, health, and safety practices. The intentions are to increase yields and farmers' incomes and to respect human rights and the land used to grow castor.

The Sustainable Castor Association has developed a standard called the SuCCESS Supply Chain Code. Farmers can be audited and certified to this code. The organization is currently working on expanding certification process downstream the supply chain utilizing a mass balance model. Although Inolex ingredients are not yet SuCCESS certified, many are eligible and we are exploring certification for the future.