From Crude to Clear: The Science Behind Activated Bleaching Earth in Oil Refining
The activated bleaching earth market has traditionally revolved around its role in the refining of edible oils and fats, lubricants, and waxes. Known for its adsorptive properties and wide surface area, this naturally occurring clay—usually processed from bentonite—is widely used to remove color, impurities, and oxidation products. While the broader applications of bleaching earth are well-documented, one emerging area that has not garnered enough mainstream attention is the increasing relevance of regenerable activated bleaching earth (R-ABE) in tandem with the growth of bio-based oils . This shift is not merely technical; it represents a strategic evolution aligned with global trends in sustainability, circular economy principles, and cost-efficient refining. As plant-derived oils—especially used cooking oils (UCO), algal oils, and bio-lubricants—gain traction as feedstocks for biodiesel and specialty chemicals, the demand for more sustainable and reusable filtration media lik...