Innovative approach to vegetable oil production and refining technology in Indonesia: a review

Indonesia, as one of the world’s largest producers of vegetable oil, consistently develops oil production technology, including the extraction and refining process. This study reviews recent innovations in vegetable oil extraction and refining technologies across Indonesia, emphasizing industrial scalability, efficiency, and sustainability. Key extraction methods include mechanical pressing, solvent extraction, and advanced techniques such as microwave- and ultrasound-assisted extraction. Refining stages—degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization—have seen technological advancements including enzymatic and membrane-based degumming, bio-adsorbent-based FFAs removal, and regeneration of spent bleaching earth. New methods like microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and the use of natural adsorbents from waste materials are being used to improve oil quality, reduce harmful compounds, and make the process more efficient and eco-friendly. These innovations aim to improve oil yield, purity, and functional quality while minimizing environmental impacts. The review consolidates data from 40 recent studies and highlights the potential of integrating these technologies to elevate Indonesia’s vegetable oil industry toward higher quality, eco-friendly, and economically viable production. While significant development has been made in extraction and purification using biosorbents, improvements in degumming and deodorization are still limited.