What is the reality of « green » extraction? Consumers want « green », organic, « environmentally correct ». What are the consequences for extraction processes? Interview with Philippe Bertrand (Philbee consulting company) to understand the opportunities (but also the constraints) of this green chemistry. Actif’s Mag: The world of plant extraction seems to have converted to green chemistry. In this context, which extraction processes are currently in vogue? Philippe Bertrand: The trend is towards optimising pro- cesses that allow better use of energy and better control of the Actif’s Mag: Beyond the processes, how can an use of solvents. Manufacturers are looking to improve their extractor already be part of eco-responsibility? processes when possible from a regulatory point of view. But Philippe Bertrand: My answer is short and simple: by fa- above all they are seeking to be or remain competitive. vouring sustainable, responsible and « local » sources of Ultrasonic or microwave extraction are ‘fashionable’ tech- supply. These are really strong trends. nologies. But they are not new. Moreover, their industrial There is currently an opportunity for European extractors to implementation is often dangerous and costly, not very pro- take over production capacity and markets from suppliers on ductive on a large scale and therefore sometimes dissuasive. the Asian continent. But the market price standards of the That said, they can save time and energy and, above all, meet latter are very low, because they have been setting up supply more demanding quality criteria. chains for decades. These chains are productive and mature, Water extraction remains a « natural » standard which can be sometimes even qualitative... So, of course, this challenge combined with membrane processes or even in subcritical is high, but faced with consumer pressure to have local and mode. Pressurised fluids such as CO have proven their wor-2 responsible products, the market is likely to be boosted by a th in the extraction of low polar compounds, certain oils or supply that is lower than market demand. aromatic molecules. Other technologies may still emerge if There is one factor that must be taken into account: the pro- they gain in maturity, but most of the new so-called « green » blem of extraction remains the cost of the raw material. Take extraction techniques are still far from having reached the example of blueberry or elderberry anthocyanins. These the stage of industrial maturity. I am thinking in particu- sources are very expensive. Hence the interest in buying lar of new solvents such as NaDES (Natural Deep Eutectic good quality marc. Solvents) (see box), ionic liquids or even the use of plant- based solvents, which are still expensive for the moment. Actif’s Mag: Is there a place for recovery of co- products? Actif’s Mag: What technologies do you see developing Philippe Bertrand: Philippe Bertrand: Of course, this type in the context of « clean » extraction and meeting of recovery has always existed; extraction companies have consumer expectations for organic products? always had this reflex. At the beginning, this recovery was Philippe Bertrand: I would say today that water, ethanol based on a purely economic motivation, because of the price and CO can meet almost all the needs of the market for or-2 of raw materials that I have just mentioned. Now, it has be- ganic extracts. Extraction with critical CO is a serious alter-2 come a strong marketing argument... But be careful not to native to extraction with solvents. The bio boom we are wit- valorise everything at any price... It is a battle of qualitative nessing will further impose this technology, which has long resources and brilliant ideas that is engaged... In this cir- remained at the precursor stage and is based on expensive cular economy approach, PhilBee has developed for one equipment. of its clients an integrated industrial concept with locally The main changes in the approach to organic consumption controlled raw materials and a qualitative process that pro- are, in my opinion, the raw materials and the specifications duces a high quality extract with co-products that return to of the extracts. Extracting fresh products in short circuits is a the farm. • trend. In this universe, the race for the title is no longer the order of the day. And it is the naturalness rather than the ef- Comments collected by Philippe Millet fectiveness of a family of molecules that is sought after. #76 - 37 -GAM s’fitcA