Our ambition
Redesign the extraction industry using plant-based chemistry technology
Because our company and our collaborators are inspired by the circular economy model, our ambition is to be at the forefront of the decarbonization of our lifestyles to reduce our dependence on petroleum derivatives by developing EcoXtract® technology, a renewable bio-sourced hexane replacement
Through the elimination of petrochemical residues in our food and cosmetics, this game-changing alternative is a major opportunity to build a future that can enable climate recovery, food security, and global health
Our story
Initiated by an intuition, our story continues with passion
2011
The story of EcoXtract® technology begins when Norbert Patouillard joined the Minafin group bringing his network and knowledge of the extraction industry. He quickly found out the potential of methyloxolane as an extraction agent, until then used as a pharmaceutical synthesis solvent
2013-2016
Guided by Norbert's intuition, Anne Gaëlle Sicaire added methyloxolane to her list of 15 green solvents to be tested as hexane alternatives in oilseeds extraction in her doctoral research in partnership with the University of Avignon and the ITERG in France. The initial hypothesis was confirmed : methyloxolane turned out to be the most effective bio-based solvent among those tested
2017
Laurence Jacques became the Managing Director of the EcoXtract project under the umbrella of the Minafin Group. She started putting up together the experts team in charge of developing the R&D, engineering and partner prospection for methyloxolane.
2018
After securing the obtention of IP rights related to the use of methyloxolane in extraction applications, our team started to carry out toxicological research, proof of safety tests and conducted pilot tests to validate the process at larger scale
2020
A 1st industrial-scale plant entered into an industrial partnership with us to validate EcoXtract® process in a plant initially designed for ethanol (ENAT International, Mexico)
2021
New Holland Extraction Ltd (United Kingdom) placed its trust into our solution and adapted its hexane-based plant to be able to run with methyloxolane as extraction agent
2022
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reported that methyloxolane - the biobased solvent behind the EcoXtract® technology - is safe for processing food. This assessment comes as we obtain confirmed results in the industrial-scale use of this alternative extraction solution to hexane
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Our collaborators
Meet the team
Laurence JACQUES
Managing Director
Laurence joined Minafin in 2013 and brings 28 years of expertise in the industry to develop the company vision for the future
Ombéline CLAUX
R&D Manager
After her doctoral research on oilseeds extraction using methyloxolane as green solvent at Université of Avignon, Ombéline joined officially the R&D team in July 2022 to expand our scientific knowledge and take it to the next level
Mickaël BARTIER
Process & Engineering Manager
Since 2018, Mickaël has been managing the design and optimisation of processes, steering engineering projects from feasibility studies to the commissioning of equipment
Kim VANDEVOORDE
PR & Communication Manager
With experience in events and communication, Kim develops a communication strategy and strengthens our community network to promote our brand
Our group
For almost 20 years, Minafin has been an international expert in fine chemicals and supports the largest industries, for a better future
Minafin® is an international fine chemicals group founded in 2004 which brings together activities in renewable chemistry, industrial subcontracting, development of chemical synthesis and scaling up of tailor-made processes, as well as the patented of products for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural and technological industries