Oil seed processing

Vitellara paradoxa, the Shea tree, grows across a wide swathe of Sub-Sahara Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and is highly valued by the local communities. In addition many other oil seeds and nuts, also highly valued on markets in Europe, USA and Japan are grown in this region. However due to the lack of processing plants many of these seeds and nuts are exported unprocessed depriving the local communities of the so-much needed employment opportunities.

Therefore RSS decided to develop an installation capable of processing different types of oil seeds in rural areas. In cooperation with Dutch engineering companies a mobile processing installation was developed. This installation can process the nuts directly at the source, while processing a high quality standard oil. Due to this standardization the oil from different units can be mixed together before further transport.

The benefit of this approach is:

Ø More added value for African countries due to job creation and higher product value.

Ø Less transport costs. Only oil is exported in stead of whole nuts.

Ø The nut cake can be re-used as fertilizer or cattle feed.

Ø The oil remains its organic properties due to the processing method.

Ø The mobile units can be used the whole year through for different types of seeds and nuts in different areas.

Ø Due to its organic nature the oil can be further refined to be used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food markets. Due to its highly advanced nature, this process will be done in refineries in Europe. (Zaanstreek)