ACTIFS PRÉCIEUX

SC-CO2 technology for the extraction, purification and formulation of bioactive compounds from plants. The development of eco-friendly processes and products of natural origin are at the heart of consumer expectations and have been highly recommended by states and international organizations over the last decades. As part of a sustainable development approach, "Actifs Précieux" (APex) adopts the supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction as a novel eco-technology allowing the reduction of energy consumption and the use of alternative solvents for the production of high quality natural ingredients. This project presents, for the first time in Tunisia, a major advance in techniques of extraction and fractionation of natural products by supercritical fluid as a part of a "green" chemistry approach. In constant contact with customer R & D departments, as well as national and international academic research centers, APex is looking for the development of high added value products with new properties. Due to its Mediterranean climate and its geomorphological characteristics, Tunisia benefits favorable conditions for the development of a rich and diverse flora. In this perspective, this project presents a contribution to the valorization of our plant heritage little considered until now and which requires a scientific effort leading to the reinforcement and the establishment of new vegetable transformation industries. The Use of SC-CO2 technology for the extraction, purification and formulation of bioactive compounds from plants. It relies on the use of our large range of equipment from pilot plant to industrial scale. APex is equipped to be able to perform solid extraction but also liquid fractionation and adsorption-desorption processes up to 2x 270 liter scale and operation up 600 bar.