Market Updates

Natural Ingredients for Modern Farming

Agricultural operations around the world are embracing sustainable practices that promote soil health, reduce chemical load, and ensure long-term crop productivity. In this movement toward green agriculture, d-Limonene – a citrus-derived solvent and terpene – is gaining popularity as a powerful, natural input.

Used in everything from pest control to equipment sanitation, d-Limonene offers farmers a way to reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals while maintaining performance and regulatory compliance.

What Is d-Limonene?

d-Limonene is the dominant compound found in the peels of oranges and lemons. A monocyclic monoterpene, it serves as both a solvent and a natural insecticide, making it well-suited for agricultural applications where efficacy, safety, and biodegradability are key.

Agricultural Applications of d-Limonene

Natural Insect Control

d-Limonene acts as a contact insecticide that disrupts the waxy exoskeleton of many pests, causing suffocation and death. It is commonly used against:

• Aphids
• Mites
• Whiteflies
• Ants
• Mealybugs

Its efficacy, combined with a favorable environmental profile, makes it a useful alternative to organophosphates and pyrethroids in organic or integrated pest management (IPM) systems.

Equipment and Facility Sanitation

d-Limonene’s powerful degreasing action makes it ideal for cleaning:

• Agricultural machinery
• Processing areas
• Packing facilities
• Food-contact surfaces (in food-grade forms)

It removes oil, tar, resins, and chemical residues without introducing harsh fumes or toxic residues.

Soil and Root Zone Treatments

At diluted concentrations, d-Limonene can support root rot suppression and fungal control in soil or hydroponic systems. While still under research, it is being tested as part of integrated organic treatment blends.

Regulatory and Safety Benefits

Because d-Limonene is naturally occurring and biodegradable, it is often:

• Exempt from tolerance levels under EPA 40 CFR 180.950
• Approved for use in organic systems under OMRI guidelines (when compliant formulations are used)
• Free from worker re-entry interval (REI) restrictions in many cases
• Non-toxic to pollinators when applied responsibly

This makes it a compelling option for growers subject to FSMA, Global GAP, or organic certification audits.

Sustainability in Agricultural Inputs

Using d-Limonene supports sustainability on multiple levels:

• Reduces petrochemical use in farming
• Minimizes soil and water contamination
• Improves air quality in enclosed operations
• Supports waste valorization by using a byproduct from citrus juice processing

ICC Citrus: Agriculture-Ready d-Limonene Supply

At ICC, we supply high-purity d-Limonene suitable for agricultural use, with:

• Bulk and drum formats for commercial growers
• Food-grade and industrial-grade variants
• Transparent documentation for organic and commercial audits
• Year-round availability via our Florida and South Carolina warehouses

Ready to bring sustainability to your farm operations with citrus-based inputs?

Contact ICC Citrus for product specs, MSDS, and custom agriculture sourcing.

Two Global Leaders in Citrus Oil Production

The global citrus oil market is heavily supported by two key regions: Florida, USA, and São Paulo, Brazil. Both produce high volumes of essential oils and terpenes extracted from oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits. But while the final products may seem similar, there are meaningful differences in composition, quality, seasonal availability, and end-use application.

For manufacturers, formulators, and supply chain managers, understanding the nuances between Florida and Brazilian citrus oils can lead to better purchasing decisions, optimized formulations, and stronger product consistency.

Origins and Citrus Varietals

Florida

Florida citrus oils are typically sourced from Valencia and Midseason oranges, grown for their juicing potential and aromatic qualities. The oil is often a byproduct of the state’s commercial juice production process, which runs from November through May.

Brazil

Brazil – particularly the São Paulo region – leads the world in orange juice production. Brazilian citrus oils primarily come from Pera Rio and Natal oranges, with the harvest season running from June through December. The larger scale of Brazilian operations contributes to greater overall output and supply flexibility.

Differences in Aroma and Oil Profile

While both Florida and Brazilian citrus oils contain d-Limonene as the primary component, subtle differences emerge in their fragrance, color, and composition:

• Florida citrus oil often has a sweeter, more intense aroma, favored in fragrance, cosmetics, and flavor applications.
• Brazilian citrus oil may exhibit a slightly earthier or drier profile, which is well-suited for industrial cleaning, formulation bases, or solvent applications.

Other differentiators include:

• Terpene concentration levels
• Color tone (Brazilian oils can be slightly deeper in hue)
• Presence of aldehydes and esters, depending onthe  distillation methods

Seasonal Considerations and Supply Planning

The opposite harvest windows of Florida and Brazil allow manufacturers to source citrus oils nearly year-round when both markets are leveraged effectively.

By partnering with a supplier that sources from both hemispheres, like Interstate Commodities Corp., buyers can mitigate seasonal risk and ensure continuous product flow.

Use Case Recommendations by Source

Florida Citrus Oils

Ideal for:

• Fragrance and perfumery
• Food and beverage flavorings
• Personal care and cosmetics

Brazilian Citrus Oils

Ideal for:

• Industrial degreasing and solvents
• Large-scale formulations
• Blending and secondary extraction

ICC Citrus: Integrated Sourcing Across Borders

At Interstate Commodities Corp., we maintain trusted partnerships with citrus processors in both Florida and Brazil. This dual-region approach allows us to:

• Maintain product availability year-round
• Offer consistent quality with documented batch traceability
• Provide tailored recommendations based on your product’s needs
• Reduce lead times through domestic warehousing in South Carolina and Florida

Not sure which citrus oil is right for your application?

Contact ICC Citrus to compare spec sheets, request samples, or build a dual-source plan for your business.

Consistency Is Key in Citrus Oil Supply

For industries that rely on natural ingredients like citrus oils, seasonal supply fluctuations can pose serious risks to production timelines and cost predictability. Whether used in cleaning, personal care, food manufacturing, or industrial chemistry, consistent access to high-quality citrus derivatives is essential.

At Interstate Commodities Corp., we have built a global sourcing and logistics model that ensures our clients can access citrus oils such as d-Limonene, orange oil, and lemon oil year-round.

Why Citrus Oil Supply Is Naturally Seasonal

Citrus oils are byproducts of juice production, which is tied closely to harvest seasons:

• Florida’s primary citrus season occurs from November to May
• Brazil’s citrus harvest, mainly in the São Paulo region, spans June through December

Without strategic planning, this seasonality can lead to availability gaps, price spikes, or procurement delays.

ICC’s Strategy for Ensuring Year-Round Supply

Dual Hemisphere Sourcing

ICC maintains strong partnerships with processors in both Florida and Brazil. This allows us to offset seasonal constraints by leveraging complementary harvest calendars and ensuring supply continuity.

Domestic Warehousing

With facilities in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Ocoee, Florida, ICC stores citrus oils in bulk and drummed formats, offering rapid, on-demand delivery to clients throughout the United States.

Demand Forecasting and Allocation Planning

We work closely with customers to anticipate quarterly demand, allowing us to allocate inventory and adjust sourcing plans accordingly. This reduces lead time and supports long-term purchasing strategies.

Quality Consistency Across Seasons

Our quality control program ensures that oils sourced from different regions meet the same standards for purity, composition, and performance – regardless of season or origin.

Industries That Rely on Year-Round Supply

• Food and Beverage: For flavoring, aroma compounds, and essence oils
• Cleaning and Maintenance: d-Limonene as a degreaser and solvent
• Cosmetics and Skincare: Orange and lemon oils in fragrance and formulations
• Manufacturing and Coatings: Terpenes as biobased ingredients in industrial applications

Building Supply Chain Resilience with ICC

Seasonal disruptions can cost time and money. ICC’s supply model is designed to mitigate risks such as:

• Crop loss due to weather events
• Pricing volatility in peak season
• Import/export restrictions
• Regional labor and logistics challenges

With diversified sourcing and proactive logistics, our clients gain a dependable partner with built-in supply chain flexibility.

The ICC Citrus Commitment

Interstate Commodities Corp. is more than a citrus oil supplier – we are a partner in operational continuity. Our team supports clients with:

• Scalable supply programs
• Regulatory documentation and compliance assistance
• Custom packaging formats
• Long-term sourcing strategy consultation

Need a reliable partner for year-round citrus oil supply?

Contact ICC Citrus to discuss your procurement needs or request a standing order quote.

Natural Chemistry Meets Industrial Innovation

As industries worldwide shift toward more sustainable, eco-friendly solutions, a new class of ingredients is emerging to replace synthetic chemicals without compromising performance. One of the most promising of these is citrus terpenes—naturally derived compounds that offer unique advantages in adhesives and coatings.

Among these terpenes, d-Limonene and related citrus derivatives have gained traction for their solvent properties, volatility profiles, and low toxicity. For manufacturers and formulators seeking to reduce environmental impact while maintaining adhesion strength, durability, and drying performance, citrus terpenes offer a viable, cost-effective path forward.

What Are Citrus Terpenes?

Citrus terpenes are organic compounds extracted primarily from the peels of oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits. They include d-Limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and other naturally occurring hydrocarbons.

In industrial use, terpenes are typically isolated during the distillation or cold-pressing of citrus oils. These compounds are biodegradable, renewable, and exhibit excellent solvency characteristics – making them ideal for resin solubilization, surface preparation, and formulation development in adhesives and coatings.

The Advantages of Citrus Terpenes in Adhesive and Coating Formulations

High Solvency and Resin Compatibility

Citrus terpenes are especially effective at dissolving a variety of resins, including acrylics, polyurethanes, and natural rubber. This makes them useful for formulating pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), hot melts, and solvent-based coatings.

Low Toxicity and VOC Compliance

Compared to traditional solvents such as toluene, xylene, or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), citrus terpenes are less toxic and often comply with VOC regulations. This reduces regulatory overhead and improves worker safety.

Renewable and Biodegradable

Citrus terpenes are naturally sourced from the citrus juice industry, often as byproducts. Their use supports circular manufacturing and provides a renewable alternative to petrochemicals.

Pleasant Fragrance Profile

Unlike harsh-smelling petroleum solvents, citrus terpenes impart a fresh, natural citrus scent, which is often viewed as a benefit in indoor or commercial settings.

Applications Across Industries

• Automotive and Aerospace Adhesives: Used in bonding assemblies, gasket coatings, and composite materials.
• Wood Finishes and Paints: Enhance drying and adhesion in varnishes, stains, and clear coats.
• Construction Adhesives: Provide eco-safe alternatives in construction-grade bonding agents.
• Labels, Tapes, and Flexible Packaging: Increasingly adopted in PSA labels and lamination adhesives for food-safe packaging.

Formulation Considerations: Performance Meets Processability

For formulators, citrus terpenes offer both solvency power and blendability. They can be mixed with other biobased solvents or used to reduce petrochemical content in hybrid systems.

Important considerations include:

• Evaporation Rate: Slower than acetone or hexane, which extends working times.
• Viscosity Modulation: Impacts flow characteristics in coating and spray applications.
• Flash Point: Higher flash points improve storage and transportation safety, but may affect curing times.

Sustainability and Market Demand

As companies prioritize sustainability and compliance, terpene-based products support:

• Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
• Safer workplace air quality
• Alignment with biobased and REACH-certified formulation goals
• Supply chain transparency and corporate ESG initiatives

The ICC Citrus Advantage

Interstate Commodities Corp. supplies high-purity d-Limonene and orange terpenes year-round. Our dual-hemisphere sourcing and warehousing in Spartanburg, SC, and Ocoee, FL, enable consistent, scalable delivery with traceable quality standards.

Looking to upgrade your coating or adhesive system with citrus-based solutions?

Contact ICC Citrus today to request a spec sheet or sample formulation.

Commitment to Excellence: The ICC Approach

Quality isn’t negotiable in the global citrus oil market. Maintaining trusted relationships requires rigorous standards, verified sourcing, and transparency at each link of the chain.

Pillars of Quality Assurance

• Source Traceability: ICC sources citrus oils from verified growers and processors, documenting each batch from orchard to shipment.
• Advanced Testing: Every lot undergoes both in-house and third-party analysis for chemical markers, contaminants, and sensory characteristics.
• Consistent Documentation: Comprehensive batch records and certificates of analysis (COAs) accompany every shipment, reassuring customers of product integrity.

International Standards and Certifications

• ISO Certification: ICC operates within ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 frameworks for quality and food safety.
• Environmental Responsibility: Adheres to leading sustainability and social responsibility certifications.

Transparency and Continuous Improvement

ICC continuously refines processes by:

• Incorporating customer feedback into product development,
• Investing in technology to improve traceability,
• Educating suppliers on best practices.

Ensure quality, consistency, and full traceability for your citrus oil supply. Reach out to ICC Citrus or request a tailored quote and let our experts support your sourcing needs worldwide.

New Value in Specialized Manufacturing

Citrus oils are being adopted in specialized industrial processes, where their effectiveness and green profile are especially valued. In rubber reclamation, d-limonene acts as a solvent that can break down vulcanized polymers without toxic byproducts.

Applications in Rubber and Polymer

• Rubber Devulcanization: Enables recycling of post-consumer rubber materials, reducing landfill load and supporting circular economy practices.
• Green Additives: Used as plasticizers or compatibilizers in rubber and certain bioplastics.
• Mold Cleaning: Citrus oils gently clean production molds, increasing uptime and extending mold lifespan.

Environmental and Economic Impacts

Substituting citrus oils for legacy chemicals:

• Reduces hazardous waste generation,
• Cuts operational costs related to compliance and disposal,
• Improves worker safety with less hazardous material handling.

The use of citrus derivatives aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for responsible production and consumption. For further reading on industrial applications, visit Manufacturing.net’s feature on citrus oil in chemicals and plastics.

Transform your industrial process with sustainable citrus oil solutions from ICC. Contact us or request a quote today to start your journey toward greener manufacturing.