Phytonext and TOP BV Finalize Research on Natural Preservative Extraction

15 Mar 2016 --- Extraction company Phytonext and food innovation company TOP BV have finalized a research to apply extraction of preservatives from natural resources at an industrial scale. This enables replacement of conventional preservatives like benzoic acid and sorbic acid, which provides new opportunities for food processors.

Phytonext and TOP BV have recently finalized a feasibility study on preservatives from natural recourses that inhibit growth of micro-organisms. A positive side effect is that – in contrast to conventional preservatives – the natural extracts are also active in a non-acid environment (for example dough, soups, sauces and processed meats). The research is supported by the European Fund for Regional Development.

TOP BV has a lot of experience in preservation methods and sees two factors driving the development. In the trend to ‘clean label’, existing, synthetic preservatives are becoming less desirable. And the existing preservatives are only effective in acidified products.
 
Preservation with natural extracts is already described throughout scientific literature, but the step towards industrial application has not been taken before.

The method that Phytonext has developed is innovative, as it uses no chemical (and often toxic) solvents to extract the natural preservatives. Phytonext employs a mild and clean extraction process.
 
In the coming period Phytonext and TOP want to test the potential application extensively and validate it. Manufacturers are called upon to provide challenging products for this purpose. The methodology is expected to be available in the market in two years’ time.