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Innovators in nutrition, health and beauty. Read more about our new company at dsm-firmenich.com or continue here to read more on the incredible solutions and services that we offer.

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Supercritical Fluid Extraction

Bringing responsible innovation into nature

Supercritical Fluid Extraction, a cleaner, more efficient method

 

We have been a pioneer in SFE technology for 30 years.

We transform carbon dioxide into a supercritical fluid and diffuse it through natural materials to capture “the richest palette of naturals in our industry” – everything from flower petals to tea leaves.

SFE

A sustainable extraction process

 

ZERO WATER USED

 

CO2 extraction does not use water at any time in the process or during the clean-up. Furthermore, without leftover water in the final product, disposal is much cleaner and easier, less energy consuming process compared to other processes.

Products with no leftover water are also easy to upcycle and store, keep safe and avoid microbe contamination.

ZERO SOLVENT USED

 

Without any solvent residues in the final product, leftovers are clean and good for the environment. Energy is saved from energy it takes to concentrate and evaporate solvents. Exhausted raw materials after extraction are put as non-solvent leftover raw materials, reuiring less resources and energy.

Broadest & finest palette of SFE ingredients

The finest 100% natural and responsible fragrance and flavor ingredients, extracted from flowers, fruits, spices, woods, nuts, and other sources. The SFE technology creates selective extracts with aroma profiles that are truest to the botanical starting material.

See our SFE catalog See our SFE catalog
cardamom

Pioneer & leader since 1995

sfe

From legacy to state-of-the-art innovation

From the 80’s and the first industrial applications of supercritical CO2 extraction, Firmenich has designed game changing ingredients.

 

These natural & sustainable ingredients are inspiring perfumers and flavorists for the most beautiful creations.

Our SFE timeline

1986 - 1995
1998 - 2008
2009 - 2019
sfe

1986 - 1995

  • 1986

    • Firmenich acquires a pilot plant

  • 1987

    • First acquisition of an industrial extractor

  • 1995

    • First Pink Pepper SFE, developed by Firmenich for the very first time and corner stone of the iconic perfume Pleasures (Estée Lauder)

SFE

1998 - 2008

  • 1998

    • The technology is used to purify primary solvent extracts

  • 2007

    • SFE is used as an alternative to banned solvent extractions

  • 2008

    • Essential oil fractionation by supercritical CO2 extraction 

rose SFE

2009 - 2019

  • 2009

    • Creation of the Firmenich Center of Expertise in Grasse (South of France)

  • 2016

    • Firmenich strengthens its position by launching in exclusivity for one of its customer, the first ever fresh flower extracts

  • 2019

    • Acquisition of supercritical C02 extraction technology unit from Evonik in Trostberg (Germany), introducing the liquid liquid extracts into Firmenich portfolio - patented in 2015

A journey to natural transformation

Discover Firmenich Supercritical Fluid Extraction process, proven to be safe for the halal, casher, and organic production of extracts.

See more process videos

Ingredients catalog

Fragrance

Fragrance

Flavors

Flavors

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