Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our CO₂ extraction process, products, and services.
Technology & Process
Supercritical CO₂ extraction uses carbon dioxide above its critical point (31.1°C and 73.8 bar) to dissolve and extract compounds from plant materials. In this state, CO₂ has both gas-like penetration and liquid-like solvency, making it ideal for extracting heat-sensitive compounds like terpenes, essential oils, and antioxidants. When pressure is released, the CO₂ evaporates completely, leaving a pure extract with zero solvent residue.
CO₂ extraction offers several advantages:
- No solvent residues in the final product (clean label)
- Low operating temperatures preserve heat-sensitive actives
- Selective extraction by adjusting pressure and temperature
- Environmentally friendly with 99% CO₂ recovery
- Produces extracts with authentic plant chemistry profile
Our laboratory system (SC-1000, 1 L) operates at pressures up to 500 bar, while production runs on the P-60 (2 × 30 L) at a declared working pressure of 345 bar. Temperatures are typically between 35-60°C. The exact parameters depend on the target compounds — lower pressures (80-150 bar) for volatile terpenes and essential oils, higher pressures for heavier compounds like oleoresins and lipids. Each product has optimized extraction conditions developed through our R&D process.
Fractionation uses multiple separator vessels at different pressures to collect different compound classes separately. For example, we can isolate a volatile essential oil fraction from a heavier oleoresin fraction in a single extraction run. This allows us to offer both total extracts and specific fractions tailored to your formulation needs.
Products & Quality
Every batch comes with:
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS) — specifications and active compound content
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) — handling and safety information
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) — actual batch test results from our in-house GC-MS, GC-FID, and HPLC analyses
Quality control happens at every stage: incoming raw material testing (identity, moisture, contaminants), in-process monitoring, and final product analysis. Our in-house laboratory is equipped with Shimadzu GC-MS (QP2020 NX), GC-FID (Nexis GC-2030), and HPLC systems. Every batch is analyzed and released only when it meets specifications.
A standardized extract is adjusted to contain a guaranteed minimum level of specific active compounds — for example, rosemary extract standardized to 13% carnosic acid, or black cumin extract standardized to 3% thymoquinone. This ensures consistent potency across batches for reliable formulation.
Yes. Our CO₂ extracts are solvent-free and suitable for INCI labeling. We provide INCI names, CAS numbers, and full composition data. Popular cosmetic ingredients include amaranth seed extract (squalene source), rosemary extract (antioxidant), and various essential oil fractions.
Ordering & Delivery
MOQ varies by product and is typically between 1-5 kg for standard extracts. For custom extractions or specific standardization requirements, please contact us to discuss your needs. We can also provide samples for evaluation before placing a larger order.
Yes, we provide evaluation samples for most products. Sample quantities are typically 50-100g, sufficient for formulation trials. Contact us with your specific product interest and intended application.
For products in stock, lead time is typically 3-5 business days. For made-to-order extractions or custom standardization, lead time is usually 2-4 weeks depending on raw material availability and batch size. We recommend contacting us early for large volume or time-sensitive orders.
We ship worldwide. Products are packed according to IATA regulations where applicable. Shipping terms (EXW, FOB, CIF) can be arranged based on your preference. Contact us for a shipping quote to your location.
Custom Projects & Consulting
Yes. We operate both laboratory-scale (SC-1000, 1L) and industrial-scale (P-60, 2×30L) extraction systems. This allows us to:
- Develop extraction parameters for new plant materials
- Adjust standardization levels for active compounds
- Scale from R&D quantities to commercial production
- Produce custom fractions (e.g., essential oil vs. oleoresin)
Yes. If you are planning to invest in supercritical extraction equipment, we can help with capacity assessment, process development, and documentation setup. Our hands-on experience with both lab and industrial systems means we can advise on practical considerations that equipment vendors may not cover.
Our extracts are used in:
- Nutraceuticals & Dietary Supplements — standardized actives like thymoquinone, carnosic acid, piperine
- Cosmetics & Personal Care — INCI-compliant botanical actives, squalene, essential oils
- Food Industry — natural antioxidants, flavoring agents, oleoresins
- Animal Feed — natural preservatives and functional ingredients
Altraflora is based in Denizli, Turkey. Our production facility houses both extraction systems and our analytical laboratory equipped with Shimadzu GC-MS, GC-FID, and HPLC instruments for in-house quality control.
Still have questions?
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