AAK's patented dry-fractionation technology is set for its first commercial deployment at NURA Speciality oils & fats, the joint venture between AAK and KLK currently under construction in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia. The technology will be used to produce specialty palm-mid fractions (PMFs), a key ingredient in high-quality cocoa-butter equivalents used in chocolate and confectionery.
Complementing AAK's existing fractionation capabilities, the technology creates opportunities to reduce both the initial capital investment and operating costs as well as CO₂e emissions while maintaining the high-quality standards required for specialty fats.
"Taking this technology from a research project to commercial production is an important milestone for AAK. It demonstrates how long-term innovation combined with close collaboration across functions, can create new opportunities for more efficient and sustainable production. NURA is the first deployment, and we see strong potential for the technology going forward," says Jeppe Lindegaard Hjorth, Head of Process Development.
“For AAK, this technology will further strengthen our position as a market leader in the CBE space and allow us to leverage AAK’s fractionation capabilities for growth in other business areas as well,” says Alexander Perlaky, Strategy & Projects Director, Europe.
The NURA facility will strengthen AAK's upstream access to specialty palm fractions used in cocoa-butter equivalents and support the long-term growth of the company's Chocolate & Confectionery Fats business.
Ramp-up for NURA is expected in 2028, followed by full production in 2029.
