Using a 100% plant-based material to foster innovation
Benefits of our solution
Performance
Laboratory and industrial testing have shown that methyloxolane solvent can provide equal or even better lipids extraction performance than the current industry standard (oil recovery >99%) while providing defatted, undamaged and stable meals
In addition, methyloxolane can effectively solubilize aromatic compounds such as limonene or carvone, natural pigments (carotenoids and lutein) or any kind of lipophilic molecules
Also, its method of use being very similar to hexane, EcoXtract® can be used in existing commercial-scale hexane extraction units using the same extraction and solvent recovery equipment
Scale-up achievements
After validation of the solution at lab and pilot scales, our team successfully adapted the extraction unit of Enat International in Salamanca (Mexico) with a capacity of 10 tons per day for continuous rapeseed oil extraction
Our company successfully completed the conversion of the very first hexane-based unit using EcoXtract® technology at New Holland Extraction in the United Kingdom, in particular thanks to a grant from the European Innovation Council
Our certifications
USDA CERTIFIED BIOBASED PRODUCT
In 2019, EcoXtract® obtained the Certified Biobased Product label granted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) which highlights its 100% percentage of biobased content. Biobased products, through petroleum displacement, play an increasingly important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate global climate change. Also, utilizing renewable, biobased materials displaces the need for non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals
COSMOS-APPROVED
EcoXtract® technology is Cosmos-Approved, an international guarantee given to consumers allowing them to trust organic and natural cosmetic products. EcoXtract® was thus able to prove the compliance of its solvent with the various rules established by the certification :
- Promote the use of products from organic farming and respect the biodiversity
- Use natural resources responsibly and respect the environment
- Use clean processing and manufacturing processes that respect the human and environmental health
- Integrate and develop the concept of “green chemistry”
This certification can enable the development of new creative ingredients, such as oils and oleoresins, for premium organic products
Our awards
SOLAR IMPULSE EFFICIENT SOLUTION
EcoXtract® was attributed the “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution” Label following an assessment performed by external independent experts and based on verified standards. It is thereby joining the #1000solutions challenge, an initiative by the Solar Impulse Foundation to select solutions that meet high standards in financial viability and environmental sustainability
To receive the “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution” Label, EcoXtract® was thoroughly assessed by a pool of independent experts in collaboration with renowned institutions according to 5 criteria covering the three main topics of Feasibility, Environmental and Profitability
The aim of this initiative is to encourage the adoption of more ambitious environmental targets and fast-track the implementation of these solutions on a large scale
PIERRE POTIER PRIZE
EcoXtract® won 2021 Pierre Potier award for its innovative and sustainable bio-based solution which impoves consumer safety. Awarded by a panel of key figures in research, industry and ministries, this prize has become an important benchmark for business support organizations.
“EcoXtract® is immensely honoured to have received the Pierre Potier award, one of the highest industry distinctions for chemistry professionals and academia” said Laurence Jacques, the Managing Director
“We thank the experts panel for its recognition of our bio-based solution to substitute hexane and their support to a safer and petroleum free food chain. We are dedicated to improving the global food safety and supply and fight against food waste. Our commitment has become the ethic of EcoXtract® which lies into a sustainable-oriented mindset that we nurture for ourselves and consumers“
RESPONSIBLE CARE AWARD
EcoXtract® received the CSR award-during the Responsible Care award ceremony held by France Chimie in Paris, France
The technology definitely convinced the jury with its undeniable sustainable dimension: an entirely bio-based extraction solvent from renewable resources which therefore does not require any exploitation of arable land or participation to deforestation, a safe alternative to petro-based extraction solutions
Our public fundings
HORIZON 2020
Delivering a new, efficient and biobased plant oil and protein extraction system, in short EcoXtract
EcoXtract® technology receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. The 2.8 million EUR grant is awarded by the European Innovation Council to support and develop breakthrough technologies and breakthrough innovations to create new markets, particularly, in the protein and vegetable oil sectors
ADEME FUNDING
In collaboration with INRAE, the Institut Carnot France Futur Élevage and the University of Avignon, the EcoXtract® Protéines project was selected to receive total financial aid of €4.8 million under the PIA program operated by ADEME, the French government's ecological transition agency
The EcoXtract® Protéines project aims to offer the animal feed market a 100% biosourced and safe extraction solution for oils, vegetable proteins and natural ingredients. This technology will offer an alternative to the current extraction technique that uses hexane