Sensient Expands With New CO2 Extraction Plant

The plant comprises two commercial scale supercritical CO2 extractors as well as several pilot units available for research and development purposes.

Aug 16 2011 --- Sensient Flavors & Fragrances Group has expanded its extraction capabilities with a new, state-of-the-art CO2 extraction plant based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The new plant is in addition to the company’s original CO2 capabilities based in Bletchley, U.K. The plant comprises two commercial scale supercritical CO2 extractors as well as several pilot units available for research and development purposes. It continues Sensient’s dedication to, and investment in, proprietary extraction techniques and will enhance the company’s ability to customize and deliver ever more innovative, high-performance natural extracts.

Sensient has been employing combinations of proprietary extraction techniques for more than 30 years worldwide. The decision to expand its extraction capabilities in the U.S. was in direct response to customer needs, increased sourcing opportunities, and demand driven by the overall health and wellness market trends.

“Today’s consumer market places an increased emphasis on foods and beverages with authentic tastes and recognizable, wholesome ingredients,” said Jean-Philippe Giorgis, Sales Director, Sensient U.S. Flavor Systems.  “We’ve responded to these trends with an R&D focus on our proprietary botanical extracts line, Sensient Natural Origins, which can now be manufactured in the U.S. as well as at our facility in the UK.”

The Sensient Natural Origins portfolio is the result of Sensient’s longtime technical expertise in combining its technology driven extraction techniques. Other technologies used in conjunction with CO2 extraction at the plant include counter current extraction, molecular distillation and more traditional methods such as percolation distillation and cold solvent extraction.

Driven by Sensient’s innovation teams in the U.S. and the U.K., Sensient Natural Origins is an extensive line of highly concentrated, 100% natural botanical extracts. Produced at Sensient’s state-of-the-art facilities by employing selective, low-temperature extraction processes, the extracts capture the true, natural flavor and aroma profiles of original botanicals and are ideal for use in a wide range of applications in the dairy, savory, sweet and beverage sectors.