Frequently Asked Questions
CO₂ becomes a supercritical fluid when it is compressed above a pressure of 73,8 bar and heated to a temperature above 31,1 °C. Above this critical point, it has special properties: it combines the advantages of a gas-like, low viscosity – which makes it easier to diffuse into a solid matrix – with a liquid-like, high density and hence very good solvation properties.
Furthermore, scCO₂ can easily switch its aggregation state from supercritical back to gaseous or liquid by pressure and temperature change, which allows it to be used for separation or impregnation processes.
Supercritical CO₂ extraction, also known as supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), is an advanced separation technology that uses carbon dioxide above its critical point of 73,8 bar and 31,1 °C to selectively extract valuable compounds from natural or synthetic raw materials.
In its supercritical state, CO₂ combines gas-like diffusivity with liquid-like solvent strength. This unique physical behavior enables deep penetration into solid matrices while maintaining high selectivity and extraction efficiency. Once the extraction step is complete, CO₂ can be separated from the product simply by reducing pressure, leaving no solvent residues behind.
For manufacturers targeting food-grade, cosmetic-grade, nutraceutical, or pharmaceutical markets, supercritical CO₂ extraction represents a high-purity, future-proof processing technology aligned with regulatory and sustainability expectations.
In short: it is non-flammable, germicidal, the extract and the raw material are solvent-free, it is gentle and preserves volatile substances, it can be recycled within the plant, and the solvent properties can be tuned by pressure and temperature change.
Across international markets, regulatory requirements, consumer expectations, and ESG-driven sustainability strategies are reshaping industrial processing. Supercritical CO₂ extraction directly supports these developments.
Supercritical CO₂ is non-flammable, non-toxic, and operates in a closed-loop system where CO₂ is recycled. It enables gentle processing of thermally sensitive and volatile compounds while allowing precise control of solvent strength through pressure and temperature adjustment. Compared to conventional organic solvents such as hexane, supercritical CO₂ delivers superior product purity, simplified regulatory acceptance, and strong clean-label positioning.
Companies investing in industrial CO₂ extraction systems are not only improving technical performance, but also strengthening long-term market competitiveness and regulatory resilience.
Most processes at an industrial scale are used for extractions, but it can also be used for impregnation, chromatography, powder generation, or as a gas for reactions. Examples are spices and herbs, decaffeination, and wood impregnation – but there are many more applications.
Industrial-scale supercritical CO₂ extraction systems are widely used for coffee and tea decaffeination, hop extraction for brewing, spice and botanical extraction, omega-rich oil production, pharmaceutical active ingredient processing, cosmetic ingredient manufacturing, cork cleaning, and wood impregnation.
In global markets, demand for solvent-free extracts and natural ingredients continues to grow. Supercritical CO₂ technology allows producers to meet strict quality standards while maintaining industrial scalability and economic feasibility.
It highly depends on what should be dissolved in the scCO₂ during the process. In general, there are ideal operating points for a lot of products, whereas for others, solubility rises with pressure and temperature. For some products, increasing the pressure can therefore reduce energy consumption, as long as the purity of the extract stays within the desired quality. Moreover, even though higher operating pressure increases solubility, it should remain in a range where industrial equipment is available.
As an overview:
- At low temperatures and pressures of around 100–150 bar, volatile compounds are already soluble
- At medium pressure and temperature of 50 °C and 300 bar, a high amount of oils, fats and waxes can readily be dissolved
- Around 500 bar is used for a lot of “full botanical extracts” or defatting applications, because it is an ideal range between investment and solubility
- Up to 1000 bar is used for just a few very valuable products such as astaxanthin
There are some limiting factors that define the exact extraction time (such as particle size, equipment size, pump capacity, extraction conditions, etc.), but typically extractions at medium size take 1–5 h. At very big scales and for bulky products such as green coffee beans, extraction time can also reach 14 h or even more.
We can support you throughout the entire development journey – from the initial idea and product development to market introduction and, ultimately, the realization of a full-scale industrial plant. This work begins in our R&D center, where we evaluate material properties and produce initial samples. These samples can then be tested or shown to potential customers.
Through our strong network of partners, we can also facilitate the production of larger material volumes on a toll-extraction basis. This allows you to bring your product to market without the need for upfront capital investment in your own production facilities.
At the final stage – and well beyond – we provide customized supercritical CO₂ extraction systems and other CO₂-based process equipment, along with commissioning support, training and long-term optimization assistance to ensure reliable and efficient operation over the extensive lifetime of the equipment.
Natex is internationally recognized as a leading supplier of large-scale industrial supercritical CO₂ extraction systems. We have delivered numerous plants operating at the thousands-of-liter scale, including decaffeination systems, hop extraction facilities, spice extraction plants, pharmaceutical CO₂ units, wood impregnation systems, and specialty ingredient production facilities worldwide.
A key differentiator is the engineering-driven approach to fully customized plant design. Rather than offering standardized modules, each CO₂ extraction system is tailored to product specifications, throughput requirements, certification standards, and site conditions. This ensures long-term reliability, regulatory compliance, and optimized economic performance in global markets.
Extensive experience with PED, ATEX, GMP, and hygienic design standards enables seamless project execution across different jurisdictions.
Yes, co-solvents can modify the solvent polarity, enhancing the solubility towards more polar compounds. This is commonly used at an industrial scale as well, e.g., water for decaffeination or to extract phospholipids from maritime products.
Nevertheless, it should be considered that co-solvents can remain in the extract and the raw material. If a flammable co-solvent such as ethanol is used, this also needs to be considered for the ATEX rating of the equipment and might involve special requirements – and hence additional costs.
It is a non-polar solvent, so it does not solubilize very polar substances such as polyphenols, sugars, and proteins. Also, the application should benefit from the special properties and advantages of CO₂: at industrial scale, it is financially not feasible compared to conventional solvents like hexane if there are no clear advantages – such as products intended for human consumption.
Supercritical CO₂ extraction is particularly advantageous when applications require solvent-free production, high purity standards, regulatory compliance, gentle treatment of sensitive compounds, and sustainable manufacturing processes. It is especially relevant for manufacturers targeting premium food ingredients, nutraceuticals, cosmetic actives, and pharmaceutical compounds in highly regulated markets.
If you are planning market entry, plant modernization, GMP-compliant production, or replacement of conventional solvent-based extraction, an early feasibility assessment can clarify the technical, regulatory, and economic potential of your project.
We invite you to discuss your application with our specialists to evaluate how supercritical CO₂ extraction technology can strengthen your competitive position in global markets.
