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Tuesday, 19 January 2016

Linseed Oil Market will Reflect Significant Growth Prospects during 2014-20

Linseed oil is natural oil derived from dry and ripe seeds of flax plant. Linseed oil is also commonly known as flaxseed oil. Linseed oil is obtained from the seeds by pressing as well as by solvent extraction process. Linseed oil has an unique polymerizing property by virtue of which it can polymerize into a solid form. This property of linseed oil is responsible for most of the applications it enjoys. Linseed oil is blended or mixed with other resins, solvents and oils in order to be used as pigment binder in paints and coatings, as varnish and impregnator in wood finishing, and as an ingredient in the manufacturing process of linoleum. Apart from these main applications linseed oil is also used in the production of certain soaps and inks.

The linseed oil market is primarily driven by its application as a varnish for wooden products treatment. Linseed oil does not form a solid film coating on the wooden surface and are absorbed by the surface. It provides a shining appearance to the wooden product without appearing glossy. It is the most common oil used in wood treatment process owing to the low cost of the product and easy availability compared to other products. Linseed market is also propelled by its application in the paints and coatings market. Linseed oil is used as a drying oil in paints and coatings owing to its film forming and fast drying capabilities. It is also used extensively as a binding agent for surface coatings in the manufacturing process of hard boards. Driers and a few other compounds are added in linseed oil to impart special functionality to the product. Some of the most common products manufactured with linseed oil as the main ingredient are grinding oil, bonding oil, tempering oil, integral oil, catalized curing oil, litho oil (pale and regular), special conjugated oil and special varnishes amongst some others.

Application of linseed oil in traditional putty is another major market for the product. Linseed oil is added to a paste of chalk powder which is applied to install glass panes in windows. The putty dries in a few weeks time and it can then be painted or coated. Linoleum which is used as a floor covering is manufactured using linseed oil as an important ingredient. Linseed oil helps to bind wood dust and cork particles which comprise linoleum. Linseed oil is used in the pharmaceutical industry in order to manufacture certain varieties of ointments and medicines. Lastly linseed oil also finds application as food supplement. Lignan is an antioxidant that constiturte flax seeds, and is believed to have anti cancer properties. However the edible linseed oils are processed separately without solvent extraction process. Linseed oil has the highest amount of omega 3 fatty acid among all varieties of vegetable oil.


Linseed oil exhibits low irritability when inhaled or in contact with eyes. Use of linseed oil in the processing of children’s product is advised against. Opportunity for linseed oil exists in the application of linoleum. Although linoleum is used since long, it was replaced by PVC. However the market for linseed oil is on the rise owing to the environmental concerns of PVC materials. North America accounts for the largest market share of linseed oil owing to the prevalence of wooden products. Europe market also accounts for a considerable share of the market. The market is Asia Pacific has exhibited the fastest growth rate in the recent years.

Some of the companies operating in this market are Cargill, American Linseed Oil Co., and Krishi Oils Ltd. among others.

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