Right now, to get oil out of soybeans or other crops, the industry soaks them in hexane — a chemical made from petroleum that's toxic and bad for the environment. Think of it like dry-cleaning your food with gasoline. EcoXtract developed a plant-based solvent that does the same job without the health and environmental risks, and they've built the world's first extraction plants using it. Oilseeds make up about one-fifth of global crop production, so switching away from hexane is a massive change for the entire agri-food chain.
The global vegetable oil industry depends on petroleum-based hexane for extracting oil from crops — a toxic, flammable chemical that creates health risks for workers, environmental liabilities, and growing regulatory pressure. With oilseeds accounting for about one-fifth of global crop production, this is a million tonne/year problem that affects every major oil processor and increasingly the plant protein sector too.
The consortium built the world's first large-scale and first small-scale oil extraction plants using the patented EcoXtract® biobased solvent, replacing hexane. They completed industrial-scale testing, validation, optimisation, and prototype testing with potential customers, developing three new business lines for both low and high volume markets.
If you are an oilseed processor dealing with hexane handling costs, safety compliance, and environmental regulations — this project developed a patented biobased solvent (EcoXtract®) that replaces hexane in oil extraction. It has been tested at industrial scale in both large and small extraction plants, targeting a million tonne/year hexane replacement market.
If you are a plant protein manufacturer struggling with solvent residues affecting product quality and clean-label demands — EcoXtract® offers a biobased extraction alternative validated through prototype testing with potential customers. The technology works across protein-rich crops and legumes, opening cleaner processing routes for the growing plant protein market.
If you are an extraction equipment company looking to offer next-generation processing lines — this consortium built the world's first large-scale and first small-scale EcoXtract-based extraction plants. The patented solvent technology is designed for retrofit and new-build, with three business lines developed within the EcoXtract® framework.
The project data does not disclose specific pricing for the EcoXtract® solvent. However, the technology targets a million tonne/year hexane market, suggesting competitive economics were a design goal. Contact the consortium for current pricing and total cost-of-ownership comparisons.
Yes. The project constructed the world's first large-scale and first small-scale EcoXtract-based oil extraction plants in Europe. An extensive programme of industrial-scale system testing, validation and optimisation was carried out, with prototype testing documented for potential customers.
The EcoXtract® solvent technology is patented and owned by Pennakem, described as a global leader in green solvent systems. Licensing or supply arrangements would need to go through the consortium. The technology name EcoXtract® is a registered trademark.
The project specifically targets oil- and protein-rich crops. The objective mentions oilseeds, soybeans, and legumes. Three business lines were developed within the EcoXtract® framework covering both low and high volume markets.
The project was funded under Horizon 2020's Societal Challenge 2 (food security and bioeconomy) and the EIC Fast Track to Innovation programme, which requires regulatory pathway consideration. Based on available project data, specific regulatory approvals are not detailed — direct inquiry with the coordinator is recommended.
The project ran from May 2021 to April 2024, during which both large-scale and small-scale plants were built and tested. The consortium includes NHE, a leader in operating and scaling up extraction systems, which suggests deployment support is available. Exact retrofit timelines would depend on your existing plant configuration.
The consortium of 6 partners across 4 countries includes specialists in solvent technology (Pennakem), extraction systems (NHE), oilseed products (De Wit), and agri-food value chains (Agroprotein). The project website ecoxtract.com may provide current contact points and support offerings.
This is an all-industry consortium of 6 partners across 4 countries (Germany, France, Netherlands, UK) with zero academic or research organisations — a clear signal this is about commercialisation, not basic research. Three of the six partners are SMEs. The consortium is purpose-built for market entry: Pennakem owns the patented solvent, De Wit brings oilseed market access, NHE provides extraction system scale-up expertise, and Agroprotein coordinates agri-food value chains. The 100% industry ratio and Fast Track to Innovation funding scheme both indicate this technology was already past the lab stage when the project started.
Agroprotein GmbH (Germany) coordinated the project. Use SciTransfer's coordinator lookup service for direct contact details.
Want an introduction to the EcoXtract® team? SciTransfer can connect you directly with the right person at the consortium for licensing, partnership, or technology adoption discussions.
