Eucalyptus Oil

Traditional world markets for eucalyptus oil exist already in non- prescription pharmaceuticals, cleaning products and perfumery. Currently the world market consumes 3000 t / pa of eucalyptus oil, most of which is produced in China, Portugal and India (all from Tasmanian Blue Gums), with 200t produced in Australia for specialty markets (fragrances etc).

Eucalyptus oil has many other potential uses if it were available in significant quantities. The biggest potential market is as a solvent, especially for degreasing. This market exceeds 1 million tonnes per annum. Trichloroethane, a popular petrochemical based solvent, is currently being phased out internationally, due to its ozone depleting properties. This presents an ideal opportunity to penetrate the solvent market with eucalyptus oil; a safe, stable, biodegradable, environmentally friendly alternative.

Eucalyptus and eucalyptus oil blends with other natural products such as limonene have proven to be very effective as a degreasing agent. This market is very large, but also price competitive. Retail prices range from $12/kg for specialty and pharmaceutical use down to $3/kg for high volume, low cost solvent use.