Esters of fatty acids are currently produced in batch processes. In this study we present an innovative process based on reactive distillation (RD). The synthesis of a several fatty esters is possible in the same RD set-up, making possible the development of a continuous multipurpose process. Conceptual design is presented as a systematic methodology based on thermodynamic analysis combined with computer simulation. This approach sets also targets for limited experimental work. The methodology is illustrated by the esterification of lauric acid with 2-ethylhexanol and methanol, the heaviest and lightest alcohol in the C-1-C-8 series. The first part presents the design of a RD set-up based on chemical equilibrium. Both reactions can be accommodated in the same hardware, but with different operation procedures. The alternative with alcohol reflux is suitable for heavy alcohols that form heterogeneous azeotropes with water. Another alternative with acid reflux can accommodate both light and heavy alcohols, and may be seen as a generic process for fatty acid esterification. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.