Technology
Supercritical CO₂ Extraction
The method is the argument.
Above 31 °C and 74 bar, carbon dioxide becomes supercritical: it combines liquid-like density with gas-like diffusion. In that state it can carry selected constituents from plant material; reducing pressure separates CO₂ and extract again.
Why this method
Why we extract this way
The choice of method decides what ends up in the extract, and what can be evidenced afterwards.
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No organic extraction solvent
The core method uses CO₂ as the extraction medium. Product-specific test scope is separate and is published only after confirmation.
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Controlled through process parameters
Pressure and temperature affect the solvent properties of CO₂. Concrete product parameters belong in the confirmed product specification.
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Lower temperatures are possible
The method can operate below the temperatures used in steam distillation. The specific operating mode is product-dependent.
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Separation through pressure reduction
Reducing pressure lowers solubility, allowing the carried fraction to separate from the CO₂.
Process
The process in four steps
A general explanation without plant detail. Product-specific parameters and actual CO₂ handling are published only after confirmation.
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01
Preparation
Plant material is prepared for extraction. The exact preparation is raw-material and product specific.
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02
Supercritical phase
CO₂ is taken beyond its critical point, giving it the properties used for extraction.
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03
Extraction
Supercritical CO₂ passes through the plant material and carries soluble constituents.
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04
Separation
Reducing pressure separates the carried fraction from the CO₂. Plant-specific CO₂ handling is pending.
Method
Process variants
Supercritical CO₂ extraction is confirmed.
Supercritical CO₂ extraction
Above the critical point, CO₂ combines gas-like diffusion with liquid-like density. Reducing pressure allows the carried fraction to separate again.
Why it is usedThe adjustable pressure and temperature window enables selective extraction without organic solvents.
Where it fitsEssenzNatur’s confirmed core method.
Subcritical CO₂ extraction
Below the critical point, CO₂ remains liquid. The lower pressure and temperature window is especially gentle on thermolabile and highly volatile aromatic compounds.
Why it is usedThe route trades some yield and speed for a more selective, purer aromatic cut.
Where it fitsBest suited to delicate florals and light citrus or herbaceous profiles.
Fractional separation
A multi-stage separation step divides the output after primary extraction and can separate waxes and heavy co-extractives from a lighter target fraction.
Why it is usedThe desired fraction can be enriched inside the CO₂ process without a downstream solvent-based purification step.
Where it fitsRelevant where waxes or heavy co-extractives affect potency or solubility.
Standardisation to marker content
Standardisation keeps a defined marker compound within a guaranteed range: as in Curcumin 95% or Piperine 95%.
Why it is usedThe marker is measured analytically; where needed, controlled processing or blending suitable batches brings the extract into its target range.
Where it fitsThis supports reproducible dosing. Product-specific methods, ranges and standardisation status remain open until technical release.
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