The Future of High-Quality Oud Oil Production
Supercritical CO₂ extraction is an advanced, eco-friendly, and highly efficient method for extracting premium-quality agarwood oil. Unlike traditional steam or solvent extraction, this method preserves delicate aromatic compounds, resulting in purer, more potent oud oil with a superior fragrance profile.
What is Supercritical CO₂ Extraction?
Supercritical CO2 is obtained by increasing the pressure and temperature of carbon dioxide until it becomes a solvent, an intermediate between a gas and a liquid.
Thanks to these properties, supercritical CO2 penetrates to the heart of the material to extract the compounds of interest. By varying the extraction operating parameters, we can control the solvent power of CO2 and thus select the extracted molecules or compounds according to their chemical nature.
Supercritical fluids are used as effective solvents in processes such as extraction, impregnation, particle formation (SAS, PGSS, RESS), formulation, sterilization, coating of compounds, extraction of active ingredients, cleaning and chemical reactions, and others to be discovered.
This solvent is “green” because the CO2 used in the process is a recovered product. It is itself a co-product generated during certain industrial processes. It is therefore easily recovered and reused for future extractions. This method requires less energy and resources than a conventional process. As well as being more environmentally friendly, supercritical CO2 also offers other economic advantages. It is more cost-effective than traditional chemical solvents, which can leave undesirable chemical residues in the final products. Supercritical CO2 leaves no residue, simplifying post-processing.
Supercritical CO2 is already used in many industries, including food production, pharmaceuticals and perfumery. However, its development potential is still immense and could be used in many other sectors.
Supercritical CO2 represents a unique opportunity to build a greener, more economical future. It’s important to continue exploring and developing this technology to ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Supercritical CO₂ extraction uses carbon dioxide (CO₂) in a supercritical state—where it behaves like both a gas and a liquid—to dissolve and extract the essential oil from agarwood.
✅ Supercritical CO₂ acts as a solvent that efficiently extracts resinous compounds without leaving toxic residues.
✅ Adjustable pressure & temperature allows precise control over the extraction process, maximizing oil yield and quality.
Step-by-Step Supercritical CO₂ Extraction Process
1️⃣ Preparation of Agarwood Chips
✔ High-resin content agarwood is finely ground into small chips or powder.
✔ Drying is done to remove excess moisture and enhance oil yield.
2️⃣ Loading the Extraction Chamber
✔ The agarwood material is placed inside the CO₂ extraction vessel.
✔ Supercritical CO₂ is introduced into the chamber under high pressure (~100-300 bar).
3️⃣ Extraction Phase
✔ The CO₂ penetrates the agarwood and dissolves the essential oil compounds.
✔ Controlled temperature (~31-50°C) and pressure ensure selective extraction of only the valuable aromatic molecules.
✔ The CO₂ with dissolved oil is passed into a separator, where pressure is reduced, causing the oil to separate from CO₂.
4️⃣ Collection & Purification
✔ The pure agarwood oil is collected, while CO₂ is recycled back into the system.
✔ Further filtration/refinement ensures high purity and therapeutic quality.
Advantages of Supercritical CO₂ Extraction vs. Traditional Methods
| Factor | Supercritical CO₂ Extraction | Steam Distillation | Solvent Extraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Purity | ✅ Very High – No chemical residues | ⚠️ Good but some degradation | ❌ May contain solvent traces |
| Aroma Retention | ✅ Best – Preserves delicate fragrance | ⚠️ Moderate – Some loss due to heat | ❌ May alter scent |
| Yield Efficiency | ✅ High – Precise extraction | ⚠️ Moderate | ❌ High, but lower quality |
| Environmental Impact | ✅ Eco-friendly, CO₂ is recyclable | ❌ High energy use | ❌ Toxic solvent waste |
Market Impact: Why Supercritical CO₂ Oud Oil is Highly Valued
Premium-Grade Oud Oil – More potent and pure, commanding higher market prices.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly – No toxic solvents, aligning with green business trends.
Luxury Market Demand – Preferred by high-end perfumers & skincare brands.
Business Opportunity: Investing in Supercritical CO₂ Extraction
✔ High ROI (Return on Investment) – Oud oil extracted with CO₂ is sold at premium prices.
✔ Scaling Potential – Efficient extraction allows for larger production volumes.
✔ Strategic Market Entry – Ideal for luxury perfume brands, aromatherapy, and medicinal applications.
Want to Learn More? Join Our Agarwood Oil Extraction Training Program!
Schedule: Monthly & Special Request Sessions
Location: Aetherial Natural Oils Corp, Tanza, Cavite
Limited Slots: Only 6 participants per session – First come, first served!