Biobased additives from secondary plant substances (SPS)

Apple extracts, consisting of apple slivers, apple juice and dried extract

Biobased additives for biobased technical products

Biobased additives can be used to replace fossil-based or synthetic ingredients in numerous technical products as well as in personal & home care products. These additives increase environmental sustainability and reduce expensive disposal costs, incurred by conventional products. Likewise, expensive disposal costs incurred by conventional products can be minimized. Suitable raw materials include secondary plant substances (SPSs) or plant proteins, which are naturally characterized by highly functional properties.

We offer the development of all process steps – from the raw material to the end product

We support companies in integrating biobased additives into their products. In doing so, we adapt the additives to the target application depending on their functionality. As a prerequisite for characteristic formulation, we perform specific analysis of the raw materials, taking into account the interactions of individual components. We offer the development of all process steps, from recovery of SPSs to manufacture of application-ready formulations, containing biobased additives. Moreover, we provide our customers with the opportunity to use our facilities for their own developments.  Our Spectrum ranges from laboratory scale to small pilot plant quantities.

Utilization of waste materials from the food and agriculture industries

We design effective extraction processes to isolate valuable plant substances from different raw and waste materials. We focus on utilizing byproduct streams from food and agricultural industries that have not been exploited until now. We subsequently develop model water-, solvent-, or oil-based formulations in order to optimize the solubility of our products in the desired media.

Our range of services for biobased additives

Raw material selection for biobased additives

The focus here is on utilizing hitherto unexploited plant-based raw materials and waste materials from the food and agricultural industries.

 

Extraction of SPSs

We specially adapt the extraction method to the particular raw material and the desired product functionality. We also offer our facilities for use in in-house developments.

 

Analytical characterization

We characterize the chemical and functional properties of additives and their interactions with other components of the formulation.

Application of biobased additives

We evaluate applications where functional biobased additives can replace synthetic additives.

Raw materials for biobased additives

Many plant-based waste materials from the food and agricultural industries contain high quantities of functional ingredients such as proteins and SPSs (secondary plant substances). These include residues from processing fruit (e.g. apple pomace) and vegetables (e.g. cabbage) as well as from plant oil production (e.g. olive and rapeseed press cake) and other plant waste materials.

Using our extensive knowledge of plant raw materials we continually develop and optimize effective methods for the extraction, purification, and stabilization of plant substances. This allows us to recover high-quality plant proteins, plant oils, secondary plant substances, and dietary fiber.

Our objective is to utilize hitherto unused waste material streams to promote the bioeconomy and the holistic usage of materials. Material availability and cost are always considered.

Development of special extraction methods

In order to recover the highest yields of plant extracts having the highest possible functionality we specifically tailor the extraction method to the relevant raw material.

Extraction can be carried out with organic solvents and also, particularly effectively, with supercritical CO2. The extractions are performed using percolation and immersion and are carried out in explosion-proof plants. Treatment steps such as filtration, distillation, and concentration are also conducted under explosion-proof conditions.

Samples can be produced in the laboratory and, after scale-up, in our pilot plants in quantities up to 300 liters,with consideration of industrial feasibility.

We also offer the possibility to use our plants for in-house developments. Depending on the raw material and target application, we offer different extraction plants:

Solvent based extraction plant

Carbon dioxid extraction plant

Analysis and functional characterization

The successful use of biobased additives requires those substances to be characterized as comprehensively as possible. This includes quantitative and qualitative determination of the composition and evaluation of their physical and functional properties.

Particularly important is testing the properties in the relevant application along with the stability and storage behavior. The target application is studied in detail using advanced chemical and physical analytics. Interactions with other formulation components are also investigated.

In order to optimize the functionality we are able to carry out enzymatic, chemical, and physical modifications.

We offer the following analyses:

  •  Extract composition
    • Dry matter
    • Protein content
    • Protein composition (SDS-PAGE)
    • Glucosinolate content (BDCM)
    • Sugar content
    • Identification, quantification (HPLC)
  • Extract functionality
    • Antioxidant capacity (photometric assays)
    • Anticorrosive effect
    • Antimicrobial / antibacterial effect
  • Effect of extracts in model systems
    • Solubility and stability of solutions
    • Emulsion capacity
    • Foaming behavior
    • Gel formation / film formation
    • Color measurement
    • Rancimat test
    • Titrimetry (acid value, peroxide value, …)
    • Infrared spectroscopy
  • Effect of extracts on surfaces
    • Rheology and tribology
    • Microskopy (SEM, optical microscope)
    • Grey cast-iron chip filter paper test
    • Weight loss
    • Contact angle

Application of biobased additives

We evaluate the process options based on the target application and raw material availability. The cost of the processes and their viability for industrial implementation are considered. Lubricants, for example, contain various additives in order to meet the requirements for a specific application.

Antioxidants

Plant oils that are already used for bio-lubricants are very susceptible to oxidation and additives are required to enhance stability. Particularly suitable for this application are SPS-rich extracts that are known for their antioxidative properties.

Corrosion inhibitors

Hydraulic lubricants, for example, largely consist of water hence corrosion protection is essential for formulations. Plant extracts containing secondary plant substances (SPSs) that have anti-corrosion properties due to their chemical structures have the potential here to replace conventional corrosion protection additives.

Anti-abrasion additives

Additionally, it is essential to add anti-abrasion additives that form a protective film on the metal surface. Plant extracts can be used as biobased friction-reducing agents and anti-abrasion additives in hydrophilic and lipophilic systems.

Biobased functional additives are used in various biobased technical products.
Further information on biobased technical products