Product Overview & China Production Capacity
Glycerol (Glycerin, CAS 56-81-5, molecular formula C₃H₈O₃, MW 92.09) is one of the most versatile and widely consumed pharmaceutical excipients globally. It functions as a humectant, co-solvent, plasticizer, sweetening agent, tonicity adjuster, and emollient across virtually every pharmaceutical dosage form — from oral liquids and soft gelatin capsules to topical creams, suppositories, and parenteral formulations. Its complete miscibility with water, low toxicity, and GRAS status make it indispensable in modern pharmaceutical manufacturing.
China is the world’s largest glycerol producer with annual output exceeding 1.5 million MT, driven by both biodiesel co-production and dedicated oleochemical splitting operations. Our refinery in Guangdong Province produces 80,000 MT/year of pharmaceutical-grade glycerol (≥99.7% purity) through multi-stage distillation, ion exchange, and activated carbon treatment of crude vegetable glycerine derived from palm and soybean oil splitting.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Our glycerol refinery holds ISO 9001:2015, and FSSC 22000 certifications. The product meets USP/NF, EP, BP, JP, and ChP monograph requirements for Glycerol. Kosher, Halal, and vegetable-origin certificates are maintained. We produce both 99.5% (cosmetic/pharmaceutical grade) and 99.7% (super-refined pharmaceutical grade) specifications.
Quality control includes specific gravity, refractive index, GC assay, related impurities (diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol), color (APHA/Hazen), chloride, sulfate, heavy metals, fatty acids and esters, residue on ignition, water content, and bacterial endotoxin testing for parenteral-grade material. Every batch is tested against 20+ parameters before release.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid |
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.7% |
| Specific Gravity (25°C) | 1.249–1.262 |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | 1.470–1.475 |
| Color (APHA/Hazen) | ≤10 |
| Water Content | ≤0.5% |
| Chloride | ≤10 ppm |
| Diethylene Glycol / Ethylene Glycol | ≤0.01% each |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤5 ppm |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤0.01% |
Packaging & Export Logistics
Available in 250 kg steel drums, 1,000 kg IBC totes (food-grade HDPE), and ISO tank containers (20–24 MT) for bulk buyers. Smaller packaging in 25 kg or 50 kg jerrycans for laboratory and small-scale users. Store at 15–30°C; glycerol remains liquid at standard temperatures (freezing point 17.8°C for pure glycerol). Shelf life is 36 months. Non-hazardous for transport.
We export from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai ports. ISO tank container shipments are available for high-volume buyers — approximately 23 MT net per ISO tank. Complete documentation includes COA, MSDS, vegetable-origin declaration, and Halal/Kosher certificates.
China Supply Advantage
China’s massive oleochemical industry generates abundant high-quality crude glycerine feedstock, enabling pharmaceutical-grade glycerol pricing 30–50% below European refineries. Our large-scale refining infrastructure and proximity to Southeast Asian palm oil sources ensure both cost efficiency and uninterrupted supply.
MOQ is 1,000 kg (4 drums) with immediate dispatch from stock. We maintain 1,000+ MT ready inventory. Bulk ISO tank pricing is available for annual contracts. We offer both vegetable-origin (palm-based) and non-palm alternatives for customers with sustainability requirements. Contact us for a competitive competitive quotation.