Raw material processing
Ethanol can be produced from agricultural raw materials containing fermentable sugars or starches, including sugarcane, sugar beet, maize, and wheat.
Starch-based feedstocks require additional processing to convert complex carbohydrates into sugars suitable for fermentation.
Fermentation-derived ethanol is also referred to as bioethanol, although pharmaceutical applications require additional purification and quality testing.
Fermentation
During fermentation, sugars are fermented by yeast, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide through a biochemical process.
Fermentation commonly produces alcohol concentrations of approximately 10–15%, depending on the raw materials, yeast strain, and operating conditions.
Ethanol can also be synthesised through the hydration of ethene using a phosphoric acid catalyst. However, Nedstar's pharmaceutical ethanol is primarily sourced from agricultural feedstocks.
Distillation and dehydration
Distillation separates ethanol from the fermentation mixture in a controlled manner, increasing its concentration by exploiting differences in volatility.
Conventional distillation can concentrate ethanol to approximately 95–96%, while additional dehydration processes are used to produce anhydrous ethanol with very low water content.
Purification and quality testing
Further purification removes unwanted impurities and other substances, ensuring pharmaceutical ethanol meets the required purity specifications.
Quality testing includes verifying ethanol concentration, water content, chemical properties, and impurity limits, including methanol.
Batch-specific Certificates of Analysis confirm compliance with applicable pharmacopoeial standards and support consistent product quality.
Pharmaceutical formulations and medicines
- Dissolving selected active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients
- Acting as a carrier solvent in oral solutions, tinctures, and topical preparations
- Supporting the manufacture of syrups and other liquid medicines
- Serving as a volatile processing aid during wet granulation in tablet production
- Functioning as a preservative or stabilising ingredient in suitable formulations
Antiseptics, disinfectants, and hygiene products
- Manufacturing alcohol-based hand sanitisers and disinfectant gels
- Producing antiseptic solutions for skin disinfection in approved applications
- Formulating suitable disinfectants for healthcare environments
- Supporting the preparation of iodine tinctures and other topical antiseptics
- Cleaning compatible surfaces and equipment under validated procedures
Pharmaceutical extraction and research
- Extracting active phytochemicals from medicinal plants
- Preparing botanical extracts and herbal medicines
- Supporting solvent-based separation and purification processes
- Serving as a reaction medium in selected chemical synthesis procedures
- Preparing samples and solutions for pharmaceutical research
- Supporting molecular biology research and laboratory sample preparation
- Removing compatible adhesive residues from laboratory equipment
- Cleaning compatible laboratory glassware and instruments
Cosmetics and personal care products
- Dissolving fragrances and other formulation ingredients
- Acting as a carrier in perfumes and cosmetic solutions
- Supporting the extraction of selected botanical compounds
- Formulating suitable cleansing and hygiene products
- Providing rapid evaporation in certain topical formulations
Specialised medical applications
- Supporting the manufacture of certain medical and healthcare products
- Serving as an ingredient in approved topical preparations
- Acting as a therapeutic agent in specific procedures, such as percutaneous ethanol injection, when supplied and administered under appropriate medical standards
High purity and controlled impurities
Pharmaceutical ethanol is produced and tested against defined quality specifications. Controlled impurity levels help reduce the risk of unwanted chemical interactions, contamination, and potential adverse effects on patients.
Uncontrolled impurities can affect drug stability, reduce potency, and alter the absorption of active ingredients, making strict quality control essential for pharmaceutical applications.
Strong solvency and formulation versatility
Ethyl alcohol dissolves many organic compounds, including certain resins, and mixes readily with water, making it a versatile solvent for medicines, extraction processes, and topical preparations.
Its solvent properties support consistent ingredient distribution and formulation performance.
Antimicrobial properties
At suitable concentrations, ethanol disrupts microbial membranes and denatures proteins, helping eliminate susceptible bacteria in approved antiseptic and disinfectant formulations.
Its effectiveness depends on factors such as alcohol concentration, contact time, and the microorganisms involved.
Reliable quality and traceability
Consistent specifications and batch documentation are essential for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Nedstar supports customers with product information and quality documentation to help maintain traceability throughout procurement and production.
Reach
REACH provides a framework for gathering and evaluating information on the properties, uses, and potential risks of various chemicals.
GMO-free
GMO-free certification options allow customers to source ethanol that meets their requirements for non-genetically modified raw materials and traceable origins.
USDA-NOP
Nedstar offers USDA-certified organic products that comply with National Organic Program standards, helping customers source certified organic raw materials.
EU Organic
EU Organic certification helps ensure that eligible agricultural products meet European organic standards, supporting traceability, regulatory compliance, and accurate product labelling.
IBC tote
Mid-sized shipments: our stackable IBC totes provide an efficient and reliable solution for transporting fusel alcohols.
ISO container
Bulk international shipments: ISO containers offer a secure and efficient option for transporting fusel oils across global supply chains.
Tanktruck
Large-volume deliveries: tank trucks provide an efficient solution for regional transport of fusel alcohols.
