Month: January 2025

Ukraine is a world leader in the production and export of sunflower oil. High-quality products, modern technologies and flexibility in cooperation with importers and distributors make Ukrainian producers reliable partners in the international market. In this article, we will look at the sunflower oil packaging process and the benefits offered to customers. We offer a full range of services for the production of sunflower oil under a private label, covering all stages of creating a finished sunflower oil, from raw materials to packaging and delivery. A detailed description of our services is given below.

HOW IT WORKS

Careful quality control at all stages of production. All leading sunflower oil producers in Ukraine adhere to strict quality standards. Control begins when sunflower seeds are harvested and checked for oil content, moisture, and purity. Afterwards, the seeds are transported to production facilities, where they are cleaned, dried and prepared for further processing. During processing, automated systems eliminate the human factor and ensure stable quality at the output. Thanks to modern methods of refining and deodorization, the finished sunflower oil meets the highest international standards (ISO, HACCP).

Modern packaging technologies are the final, but no less important stage in the production of sunflower oil. Ukrainian manufacturers use innovative automated lines that provide. Absolute tightness of the package to preserve the freshness and quality of the oil. Accuracy of dosing, which is important to avoid losses during transportation. The ability to quickly reconfigure the lines for different volumes and packaging formats. Each package undergoes a test for tightness, resistance to mechanical damage and compliance with the stated standards. This allows us to guarantee the safety and convenience of using the product by end consumers. The Ukrainian sunflower oil producers focus on the needs of different customer categories. Available formats include:
Plastic bottles (PET). The most popular format for the mass market (from 0.5 L to 10 L).
Canisters. Suitable for catering establishments and industrial use (20 L).
Innovative packaging. The ability to use environmentally friendly materials (e.g. bag-in-box) or create non-standard formats according to your wishes.

Unique Bottle shape: Benefits for Large Customers Request

1. Brand recognition
   A unique bottle shape of sunflower oil allows your sunflower oil to instantly stand out on supermarket shelves. An unusual design becomes a tool to attract the attention of buyers.
2. Increasing trust in the product
   Packaging that looks high-quality and modern is associated with the health and safety of the product. Consumers trust brands that pay more attention to details of botteld sunflower oil.
3. Individual branding
   For big customers we offer the development of sunflower oil bottles of any shape: classic, minimalist or with unique details, such as logo engraving or elements that emphasize the naturalness of the product.
4. Adaptation to market needs
   For example: Compact bottles of sunflower oil with a bright design are popular in Asian countries. In Europe, preference is given to environmentally friendly materials and bottles that are easily recyclable.

Advantages of cooperation with Ukrainian producers for importers and distributors

1. Guaranteed product quality
Ukrainian sunflower oil is famous for its purity, light taste and high nutritional value. Thanks to modern production technologies, it preserves natural vitamins, antioxidants and healthy fats, which makes it ideal for both cooking and industrial use.

2. Competitive terms of cooperation
Ukrainian sunflower oil producers offer favorable prices due to optimization of production processes and large-scale production. This allows importers and distributors to receive high-quality products at an affordable price.

3. Flexibility in cooperation
Producers are ready to adapt to customer requirements, offering:
Individual terms of supply.
Product batches adapted to specific markets.
Special conditions for long-term partners.

4. Reliable logistics
Ukrainian producers ensure fast and safe delivery of products to international ports such as Odesa, Chornomorsk and Mykolaiv. The use of modern logistics solutions guarantees the preservation of product quality during transportation.

5. Environmental responsibility
Many manufacturers of sunflower oil are actively implementing environmentally friendly technologies. The use of energy-efficient equipment and waste minimization make Ukrainian sunflower oil an attractive choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

Why choose our OEM services?

Thanks to our experience and modern approach, you will receive a high-quality product that will meet the needs of your market:
Flexibility: We adapt to the client’s requirements, regardless of the order volume or product format.
Speed: Modern equipment allows us to fulfill large orders in a short time.
Quality: Production is certified according to ISO, HACCP and FSSC, which guarantees compliance with international standards.
Support: Our team provides full support for your project at every stage.
Thanks to our experience and modern approach, you will receive a high-quality product that will meet the needs of your market.

We understand that in today’s market of sunflower oil manufacturers in Ukraine, the appearance of a product is crucial. The right design and branding can not only attract the attention of buyers, but also inspire trust in your brand. Our team offers comprehensive solutions to create a unique design that adapts to the needs of different markets.

Stages of Work on Design and Branding Sunflower Oil

2.1. Label. We develop an original design that emphasizes the key advantages of your oil: naturalness, premiumness, environmental friendliness.
2.2. Bottle shape. We offer an individual choice of shape and material that will make the product stand out on store shelves and depends from sunflower oil producer posibility.
2.3. Color palette. We use colors associated with the sun, nature and quality, adapting them to local consumer preferences.

Stage 3. Brand personalization. We create a brand that inspires trust:

3.1. Logo. We develop modern logos that reflect your brand values of your sunflower oil.
3.2. Slogan. We select a slogan that remains in the memory of consumers.
3.4. Packaging. From the bottle to the canister of sunflower oil, every detail of your product matches the overall style.

Stage 4. Adaptation to market requirements. We take into account all legal requirements for product labeling in different countries:

4.1. EU. We develop labels that comply with food safety standards (Regulation EC 1169/2011).
4.2. USA. We ensure compliance with FDA requirements for food labeling of sunflower oil.
4.3. Other markets. We take into account local standards and preferences, ensuring the versatility of your sunflower oil.

Our Advantages in Design Creation

Experience and creativity. Our design team has many years of experience in creating successful brands for different markets. We create unique concepts that work.

Comprehensive approach. From concept to finished product (sunflower oil), we provide full support, including testing the design for consumer perception.

Innovation and trends. We follow modern trends in packaging design of sunflower oil. The use of environmentally friendly materials. Minimalist style for the premium segment. Interactive labels with QR codes for additional product information.

Flexibility and adaptability. We develop designs that can be easily adapted to different packaging formats for sunflower oil 0.5L to 10L bottles or 20L canisters.

Case studies of successful projects

European market: We created a premium label design for high-oleic sunflower oil, using a gold palette and a minimalist style that meets the requirements of the HoReCa segment deep frying sunflower oil (hotels, restaurants, cafes).
Asian market: For an Asian client, we developed a design with bright colors and a large logo that emphasizes the naturalness and accessibility of the sunflower oil.
Ecological segment: Packaging with labels on recycled paper and the use of bioplastic bottles of sunflower oil caused a positive response among eco-conscious consumers.

How do we work?

1. Briefing. Meeting with the client to discuss needs, market requirements and wishes.
2. Concept. Preparation of several design options to choose from.
3. Finalization. We take into account all the client’s comments and adapt the concept.
4. Launch. Preparation of ready-made layouts for printing and integration into the production process.

The global vegetable oil market is one of the most critical segments of the agricultural sector, providing a significant share of fat consumption in the food and technical industries. In 2024, the market volume was estimated at $280.5 billion, with a projected growth of $408.4 billion by 2033 [1,IMARC Group]. The market is showing steady growth due to increasing demand for healthy food products, expanding use of biofuels, and introducing new production technologies.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the sunflower harvest in Ukraine in the 2024/2025 marketing year (MY) is forecast at 12.9 million tons, which is 0.4 million tons more than the previous estimate. Sunflower oil production is expected to reach 5.398 million tons, of which 5 million tons will be exported [2, Агропортал]. At the same time, according to analysts’ forecasts, the supply of sunflower oil from the countries of the Black Sea region, including Ukraine, to the world market in the 2024/2025 MY will decrease by 18% [3, APK Inform].

As of December 31, 2025, the world price of sunflower oil was 1276.10 USD per ton, 0.30% higher than the previous period [4, Мінфін]. According to OIL WORLD forecasts, oil prices will increase to a three-year high in the first half of 2025, with sunflower oil likely to lead the price growth due to the expected sharp reduction in global export stocks [5,APK Inform]. Reduced supplies from the Black Sea region and rising world prices may increase the cost of sunflower oil in Ukraine’s domestic market. At the same time, increased production may partially offset this impact. Consumers should expect a possible price increase, while producers may benefit from rising export prices.

Production and Export of Vegetable oils

Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Argentina, and Ukraine are the global leaders in vegetable oil production. Palm, soybean, rapeseed, and Ukraine sunflower oils are the most popular.

Ukraine, for example, remains the largest exporter of sunflower oil despite the challenges associated with geopolitical events. According to the [6, FAO], Ukraine exports sunflower oil, about 50% of global oil.

Indonesia and Malaysia dominate the palm oil segment, producing together more than 85% of the world’s volume. However, strict environmental restrictions in these countries affect supply growth.

Vegetable oil prices vary significantly depending on supply and demand. The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index increased by 7.5% in November 2024, reaching 164.1 points. The main factors behind this growth were: 1) Adverse weather conditions cause higher palm oil prices due to lower production in Indonesia. 2) Higher sunflower oil prices due to export restrictions from Ukraine. 3) Demand for soybean oil due to its increased use in biofuel production in the US [7, Reuters].

Today, Factors influencing: 1) Economic conditions. The strengthening of the US dollar makes oil imports more expensive for developing countries. 2) Geopolitical risks. The war in Ukraine has decreased sunflower oil exports, affecting the global supply-demand balance for 2022-2025. 3) Changes in consumer preferences. Increased demand for healthy products contributes to the popularity of unrefined and organic oils.

The growing use of biofuels is one key driver of market growth, and the increasing use of vegetable oils in biofuel production is also a key factor. According to the [8 OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook,] using vegetable oils for biofuels will increase by 20% by 2030.

The production of sunflower oil consists of many operations during which complex physical and chemical processes occur in the raw material. A simplified schematic diagram of the processing of oil sunflower raw material is shown in the diagram:

Oil raw material → removal of impurities, drying and grinding → mixture of sunflower kernel pulp → separation of husk from kernel → grinding (flattening kernel) → and husk moistening, heating, drying pulp → pressing pulp → oil → oil filtration.

BY CRUSHING THE SUNFLOWER OIL SEEDS KERNEL
By grinding the sunflower kernel to extract the oil, it is necessary to destroy their cellular structure. The result of the grinding operation is to convert the oil contained in the seed cells into a form available for further technological operations. The grinding process is carried out with precision and reliability using five-roll machines of the VS-5 brand, which are specifically designed for this purpose. The sunflower seed kernel is ground in 4 passes through roller machines. The quality of the ground sunflower kernel is significantly influenced by the moisture content. The structure of the kernel cells is optimally destroyed at a moisture content of 5.5-6%, underscoring the importance of maintaining this level for high-quality oil production.
The material obtained after grinding is called pulp, which is characterized by a significant specific surface. It cannot be stored for a long time, because cell enzymes (lipase) quickly decompose fats,
hydrolyzing them into glycerol and free fatty acids, which worsens the quality of the Ukraine sunflower oil. Aside from the destruction of cell membranes, the structure of the oil-containing part of the cell is also disrupted during grinding. A significant part of the crude sunflower oil is released and adsorbed on the surface of the pulp particles. The Ukraine sunflower oil in the pulp is distributed in the form of thin films on the surface of the crushed kernel or seed particles and is held on it by the forces of molecular interaction, the magnitude of which exceeds the pressure created by presses for squeezing oil. To reduce the forces that bind the oil to the surface of the pulp, a moist-thermal treatment is used, which is called roasting. This treatment is carried out in special devices known as roasters. The product obtained after moist-thermal treatment is called pulp. In industry, two types of roasting are known: wet and dry. Each method has its own advantages and is used based on the specific requirements of the production process.

THE WET ROASTING OF SUNFLOWER OILSEEDS
The wet roasting of sunflower oilseeds, a process that demands precision and care, is carried out in two stages. The first stage, a crucial preparatory phase, involves moistening and heating the oilseeds with the addition of water, after which it is steamed, bringing its moisture content and temperature to optimal values. This sets the stage for the second stage, where the moistened sunflower oilseeds are dried, i.e. conditioned, to provide the necessary structure for better pressing.

THE DRY ROASTING OF SUNFLOWER OILSEEDS

Dry roasting consists of drying and heating the pulp to a certain temperature without prior heating and humidification. The combined action of moisture, heat and oxygen during roasting contributes to the inactivation of the enzyme system of the pulp, which contributes to the intensive course of hydrolytic and oxidative processes. Therefore, before dry roasting, enzymes in the pulp are inactivated in steaming screws by intensive and short-term heating to 80-85ºС with simultaneous humidification. Humidification and roasting of the pulp at oil mills are carried out in special roasters, which are divided into three types by design: vat, screw and drum. The pulp from the sunflower kernel when pressed once on double-action presses MP-21 after grinding enters the steaming-humidifying screw, where it is moistened with steam to a humidity of 8-9% and heated to a temperature of 80-85ºС. The moistened pulp is dried in a roaster, bringing the moisture content in it to 2-1.5%, and the temperature to 115-120ºС, the roasting time is 40-45 minutes. In world practice, there are two methods of oil production: mechanical
or pressing and the method of dissolving the oil in volatile organic solvents, or extraction. In the production of vegetable oils, these two methods are used separately or together.

THE SUNFLOWER OIL EXTRACTION BY PRESSING

The seedsoil is adsorbed in the form of thin films on the surface of the pulp particles, held on the surface by significant surface forces. For effective oil removal, this bond must be weakened. For this purpose, hydrothermal (moisture-heat treatment) is used – pulp production. This technological operation is called frying. HTP (hydrothermal treatment) affects the quantity and quality of the final products: oil, cake and meal. When moistening and subsequent heat treatment of the pulp, the bond of lipids with the non-lipid part of the seed – proteins and carbohydrates – is weakened and the oil becomes relatively free. Then the pulp is heated to higher temperatures, the viscosity of the oil decreases noticeably, at the same time the moisture content in the pulp decreases, partial denaturation of proteins occurs, which changes the plastic properties of the pulp and partial inactivation of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes of the seeds, which worsens the quality of the oil. After the WTO, the pulp turns into pulp. Previously, hydraulic presses were used, the disadvantage of which was insufficiently complete removal of oil, as a result of which its content in the meal was 7-8%. Modern plants use screw presses, the main working elements of which are the screw shaft and the seer cylinder. Depending on the pressure created in the seer space on the material being pressed, as well as on the oil content remaining in the meal, oil mills use different types of screw presses. By purpose, they are divided into presses for preliminary oil separation (prepress), deep or final oil separation presses (expellers) and double-action presses (preliminary and final oil separation is carried out in one unit). The pressure at the beginning of pressing is 0.03 MPa and at the cake outlet – 0.35 MPa. The duration of the material’s stay in the press (duration of pressing) depends on the shaft rotation speed, the size of the outlet gap, the physical and mechanical properties of the material, etc. Screw presses, depending on the pressure on the material being pressed and the oiliness of the material, are divided into presses for preliminary (shallow) oil removal (prepress) and presses for final (deep) oil removal.

THE EXTRACTION METHOD OF OIL EXTRACTION

The extraction method of sunflower oil extraction can be used both in its pure form and in combination with the forpress method. An example of the extraction method of oil extraction in its pure form is the direct extraction of “raw pulp” during processing. For the extraction of sunflower oil from sunflower seeds, the forpressing scheme is used, i.e. shallow oil presses are used at the first stage. In sunflwer oil refineries, gasoline is used as a solvent to remove oil by the extraction method, and in recent years, a butane-propane mixture, which is gaseous under normal conditions. After forpressing, the cake is sent for extraction for the final extraction of oil. To increase the contact surface between the solvent and the crushed raw material (cake grits), the latter is passed through a paired flattening roller with smooth rollers and plates with a thickness of 0.2-0.4 mm are obtained. There are two options for extracting oil by the extraction method – infusion and sequential degreasing. During infusion, the material is poured with a solvent. After some time, the oil passes into the solvent and a solution (message) is formed, which is then poured. The degreased material is again poured with a clean solvent and this is repeated until almost all the oil is extracted. In the extraction process, two periods are distinguished: 1) extraction of free oil, that is, that which is contained on the outer and inner surfaces; 292) extraction of oil contained in intact or partially deformed cells. After the end of the extraction, the meal contains approximately 1% oil and about 40% solvent. The message obtained after extraction consists of volatile solvent, oil and solid particles. To remove the solid fraction from it and separate it into oil and solvent, the particles of the solid fraction are separated from the micelle by settling, centrifugation or filtration. Of the three main methods for separating heterogeneous systems, the filtration method is most often used. To distill the volatile solvent from the micelle, the distillation method is also used, using special distillation units for this. First, the micelle is heated in a distiller with steam to a temperature of 100-105ºС. At the same time, part of the gasoline evaporates and the oil concentration increases to 75-85%. After that, the micelle enters the final distiller, where the gasoline is completely distilled with steam at a temperature of 210-220ºС. The oil formed in the final distiller is removed from it, cooled with water in a heat exchanger, weighed and sent to a storage facility from which it is sent for purification. Currently, the extraction method of oil production at factories in the country is the leading one, as it provides a higher oil yield than when using the pressing method.

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