Sub-zero Ethanol Extraction for Eco-friendly Absolute Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cosmetics and perfumery industries face challenges in obtaining eco-friendly absolutes due to the use of toxic and non-renewable solvents like hexane, which are harmful to humans and the environment, and there is a need for a more environmentally friendly process for extracting plant-based fragrances.
Innovation Solution
A process involving ethanolic extraction at temperatures below 0°C, specifically bioethanol extraction at temperatures below −10°C, to extract odorous molecules from plant materials, which replaces traditional solvent-based methods and results in a more sustainable and effective production of absolutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional organic solvents like hexane are used for extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but environmental harm and toxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by performing extraction at sub-zero temperatures (below 0°C, preferably below -10°C) instead of room temperature. This parameter change enables the use of ethanol as a solvent, which is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, while maintaining effective extraction of odorous molecules from plant material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and harmful petrochemical solvents (hexane, heptane, cyclohexane) with bioethanol, which is renewable, non-toxic, and environmentally benign. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects associated with traditional solvents while maintaining extraction effectiveness.
2Productivity
If petrochemical solvents are used, then extraction performance is improved, but renewability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes non-renewable petrochemical solvents with bioethanol, which is derived from renewable resources. This ensures the extraction process uses renewable materials, aligning with environmental sustainability goals while maintaining extraction performance.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the temperature parameter to sub-zero conditions, the patent enables the use of bioethanol as an effective solvent, bridging the gap between renewable solvents and extraction efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction processes are used, then extraction completeness is improved, but extraction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to sub-zero conditions, which enhances the extraction rate and completeness. This parameter change allows for faster and more efficient extraction of odorous molecules from plant material compared to conventional room-temperature methods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This process yields absolutes with a comparable or superior olfactive profile to those obtained with hexane, while being free of toxic solvents, and is certified for organic farming standards, offering a faster and more sustainable extraction method that meets stringent environmental and quality certifications.
Implementation Method 1
extracting the plant material in ethanol, preferably bioethanol, at a temperature below 0°C, and more particularly below −10°C
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for the eco-responsible preparation of absolutes that may be used in particular as perfume in the cosmetics and perfumery sectors or as flavour in the food sector. This process is characterized by a step of ethanolic extraction of the plant material at very low temperature.