Supercritical CO2 vs Steam Distillation Chemical-Free Process

Many industries, including **food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals**, prioritize **chemical-free extraction methods** to ensure purity and safety. This article compares **supercritical CO2 extraction** and **steam distillation** in terms of their **solvent-free nature, purity, and efficiency**.

1. Chemical-Free Extraction and Purity

• Supercritical CO2 Extraction: Uses **CO2 as the only solvent**, leaving **no chemical residues**.
• Steam Distillation: Uses **only water**, making it a **natural but less efficient method**.

2. Retention of Bioactive Compounds

• CO2 Extraction: Preserves **full-spectrum bioactive compounds** without degradation.
• Steam Distillation: Some volatile compounds may be **altered or lost** due to heat exposure.

3. Applications in Organic and Clean-Label Products

• CO2 Extraction: Meets **organic and clean-label product standards**, ideal for **premium extracts**.
• Steam Distillation: Common for **bulk essential oil production**, but may require **longer processing times**.

4. Case Study: CO2 Extraction in Solvent-Free Herbal Extracts

A nutraceutical company **achieved 100% chemical-free certification** after adopting CO2 extraction.

5. Conclusion

For **chemical-free extraction**, **supercritical CO2 extraction** offers **higher purity and efficiency**. Companies like **SHANGHAI NORTH BROOKS** provide **CO2 SUPERCRITICAL EXTRACTION MACHINE** solutions for **solvent-free processing**.

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