+1 (718) 736 3643

Carbon Dioxide Extraction, commonly referred to as CO2 extraction, is a sophisticated method employed to extract aromatic compounds from various parts of a plant, including leaves, barks, flowers, roots, and peels. The heart of this technique lies in the utilization of carbon dioxide as a solvent when it’s in its supercritical phase, a state attained under elevated pressure and temperature conditions. This supercritical CO2 penetrates the plant material, facilitating the release of the desired compounds.

CO2 extracts can be broadly classified into two categories:

Select Extracts: Derived from a shorter extraction time, select extracts primarily consist of volatile CO2 soluble compounds. 

Total Extracts: As the name suggests, total extracts offer a comprehensive extraction. Not only do they encompass the compounds found in select extracts, but they also incorporate non-volatile oils, waxes, resins, and other denser components. The extraction procedure is more prolonged and requires heightened pressure. In consistency and composition, total extracts are closely aligned with oleoresins.

Incorporating CO2 extraction in industries can be advantageous due to its precision, efficiency, and the ability to yield purer, more versatile products without the use of chemical solvents.