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FAQ’s:

Why is Carbon dioxide (CO2) considered as a safe extraction medium?
The SCFE process uses Carbon dioxide (CO2) as the extraction media with good reason. CO2, when subjected to pressure (in super critical state), exists in liquid and gaseous forms. CO2 is highly selective in dissolving and fractionation i.e. it can dissolve more with increased pressure and thereby allows selective extraction. It is inert, non-toxic and non-flammable. It ensures no thermal and oxidation degradation and no artifacts. It is free of bacterial content, heavy metals and pesticides residue. Further residual CO2 in extracts vaporizes at room temperature.

CO2 is GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) certified by the USFDA (US Food and Drug Administration). GRAS substances are those for which use in food has a proven track record of safety based either on a history of use before 1958 or on published scientific evidence, and need not be approved by the FDA prior to being used.


What are the benefits of the SCFE process?
- SCFE is a gentle extraction process. It does not damage delicate ingredients during the extraction process.
- Extraction is done at high pressure (up to 550 bars) and low temperature (45 degree C) and thereby preserves active ingredients.
- Short extraction cycle keeps active ingredients intact.
- Single step process – simultaneous extraction and fractionation.
- There is no thermal and oxidation degradation.
- Pure and high quality full spectrum extracts.

What is the SCFE Mechanism?
In the SCFE process, CO2, an inert gas, under supercritical condition of pressure and temperature, exclusively dissolves the desired active ingredient in fluid CO2. The dissolved active ingredient is then gently separated from fluid CO2 to obtain pure, clear, safe, concentrated product.

What are the major differences between SCFE and Organic Solvent Extraction?
Some major differences in the solvent extraction method and SCFE method are listed below.

SCFE	Organic Solvent extraction method
The SCFE process is highly selective and extracts active ingredients only, as they exist in nature. Extracts are pure and concentrated and can be easily assimilated by the human body.	Organic solvents are not selective. The process contaminates the extracts with unwanted compounds, solvent, heavy metal  and other residues and then purifies it.
SCFE is a single step process where extraction and fractionation is simultaneous.	The process requires secondary processing for purification from pesticide, solvent residue etc.
CO2 is GRAS certified. It is non-toxic, non-flammable and is acceptable for usage in food and beverages. It is free of bacterial content and microbiological activities.	Organic solvents are highly toxic and hazardous beyond certain concentration levels.
SCFE process creates no environmental hazards Process is gentle on active ingredients since extraction is at high pressure and low temperature. The product is odor-free, stable and has a long shelf life.	Processes involve separation, washing and prolonged heating. Damages active ingredients. Carry odor.
To gain various strengths of extract, SCFE uses  fractionation process.	To obtain various strengths of extract, external vegetable oil is needed to disburse the extract of desired strength.
Shorter and gentler extraction cycles	Low solubility of raw material requires large quantity of solvents and prolonged periods of time for extraction.
Extracts are stable and have long shelf life.	Extracts are less stable and have short shelf life.