Supercritical CO₂ extraction

• hop extraction

• extraction of dried hemp biomass
• coffee decaffeination
• recovery of natural colourings, aromas and flavour compounds
• removal of lipid compounds
• production of oleoresins, essential oils, vegetable fats, polyphenols and other bioactive substances

Wrocław Technology Park operates a supercritical extraction module that uses carbon dioxide as a solvent, enabling the production of extracts of the highest purity – without the use of toxic organic solvents. The process is environmentally friendly and aligned with the principles of Green Chemistry.

• extraction from a wide range of raw materials – from dried plant material, through powders (e.g. egg yolk powder, yeast), to granulates

• co-solvent dosing (e.g. ethanol) to broaden the range of extracted compounds
• operation at pressures of up to 900 bar and temperatures of up to 80°C
• use of three extraction vessels with a working volume of 3 × 8 dm³
• operation with an entrainer, enabling extraction of polar compounds.

Supercritical extraction is a method that enables the production of pure, stable and fully natural extracts, preserving the full composition and biological activity of the raw material.

Key benefits:

• no solvent residues and no need for extract purification

• high process efficiency and safety
• preservation of full chemical and sensory properties of the raw material
• environmentally friendly process – no toxic waste

The service is delivered at the WPT pilot-scale facility (Beta building). We offer both short-term test projects and long-term R&D activities. Members of the NUTRIBIOMED Cluster may additionally obtain support in the form of de minimis aid.