CO2 extraction

​​

Introduction

 

The CO₂ extraction process is an advanced and environmentally friendly method for obtaining valuable plant extracts. It has proven effective across various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, as it allows for a clean, residue-free, and precise extraction. For companies processing medicinal plants like *Artemisia annua*, investing in their own CO₂ extraction system offers numerous advantages. This allows full control over the entire extraction process and eliminates reliance on external providers.

 

The CO₂ Extraction Process in Detail

 

This method uses supercritical CO₂, which exhibits properties of both a gas and a solvent. This state is achieved at temperatures above 31°C and pressures exceeding 74 bar. Supercritical CO₂ efficiently extracts bioactive compounds, such as artemisinin, from plant materials. This method preserves the quality of the compounds and avoids the use of chemical solvents, making it especially beneficial for sensitive plant substances.

 

Application in Artemisia annua

 

For cultivating and processing *Artemisia annua*, the CO₂ extraction process is particularly suitable as it extracts bioactive compounds, including artemisinin, in their purest form. Until now, we have outsourced raw materials for processing using this method to external providers. However, by acquiring our own CO₂ extraction system, we can keep the entire value chain in-house, from raw material processing to final product manufacturing.

 

The benefits of having an in-house system include:

 

• Independence from external providers: The need to send raw materials to external processors is eliminated. This enables us to respond flexibly to changes in demand and optimize production schedules.

• Complete quality control: With our own system, we maintain full control over the extraction process, ensuring that the quality of the extracts remains at the highest level, from raw material intake to the finished product.

• Cost savings: In the long term, external processing costs are eliminated, resulting in significant savings.

• Flexibility in product development: An in-house CO₂ extraction system allows us to quickly respond to market developments and test new formulations and extracts without relying on external providers' capacities and processes.

 

Application in Other Plant Extracts

 

In addition to *Artemisia annua*, CO₂ extraction offers significant benefits for a variety of other plants, including lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and cannabis. These plants contain essential oils and other valuable compounds that can be extracted in high purity without the use of chemicals. Having our own extraction system enables us to respond flexibly to customer demands and offer a wide range of plant extracts.

 

Economic and Operational Advantages of the Acquisition

 

• Return on investment: The initial investment in a CO₂ extraction system can pay off quickly as external processing costs are eliminated, and we maintain control over the entire production process.

• Quality assurance: Integrating extraction into our own production process allows us to implement strict quality controls, which is especially important in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

• Faster time-to-market: Independence from external processors enables us to develop and launch products faster, providing a significant competitive advantage.

 

Conclusion

 

Investing in our own CO₂ extraction system is a strategic move to take control of the production of *Artemisia annua* and other plant extracts. This investment will not only reduce our dependence on external providers but also enhance quality assurance and save costs in the long term. Additionally, it offers the flexibility to expand our product portfolio and explore new markets.