What does CO₂ extraction mean? – The pure power of plants

CO₂ extraction is one of the most modern methods for obtaining valuable compounds from

plants. In the processing of hemp, cannabinoids and essential

oils, this technology is considered particularly precise and gentle. It enables the

production of plant extracts with high purity and without conventional chemical

solvents.

Since 2015, Vaporspirit.ch has relied on super-critical CO₂ extraction to

produce high-quality plant extracts. This process allows a

particularly controlled extraction of natural compounds from the hemp plant.

How does CO₂ extraction work?

This technology is based on carbon dioxide (CO₂). Under controlled pressure

and temperature, CO₂ is brought into a so-called supercritical state.

In this state, CO₂ has properties of both a gas and a

liquid. This allows it to penetrate deep into plant structures and dissolve certain

compounds.

Once the pressure is reduced, the CO₂ evaporates completely. What remains is a

concentrated plant extract that can contain various natural components of the plant,

including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.

What makes CO₂ extraction so special?

Compared with older extraction methods, some of which use ethanol, butane or

oils, CO₂ extraction does not use any conventional chemical

solvent.

The process offers several advantages:

• no solvent residues
• controlled extraction conditions
• gentle processing of plant compounds
• precise control of pressure and temperature

Thanks to these controlled conditions, various plant substances can be preserved, including natural aroma compounds and cannabinoids.

What does “supercritical CO₂” mean?

The term supercritical describes a physical state of carbon dioxide.

This state occurs when CO₂ is heated to above 31 °C and at the same time exposed to a pressure of more than 73 bar.

In this state, CO₂ has both the diffusion properties of a gas and the solvent properties of a liquid. This makes it particularly well suited for extracting plant compounds.

The individual steps of CO₂ extraction

Preparation

The plant material, for example hemp flowers, is ground and placed in an extraction chamber.

Pressure phase

CO₂ is fed into the system and brought into the supercritical state under pressure.

Extraction

Certain components of the plant are dissolved by the supercritical CO₂.

Separation

After the pressure is released, the CO₂ evaporates completely.

Purification

The resulting extract is filtered and analysed.

The result is a concentrated plant extract that can contain various natural compounds of the plant.

Why CO₂ extraction is widely used

Comparison of different extraction methods

CO₂ extraction is often used when the gentlest possible process for obtaining plant compounds is desired.

CO₂ extraction at Vaporspirit – Swiss precision since 2015

Since its founding in 2015, Vaporspirit.ch has stood for high-quality hemp products

and transparent production methods.

For many products, super-critical CO₂ technology is used to obtain plant

extracts under controlled conditions.

Particular attention is paid to the following factors:

• natural ingredients
• controlled production
• laboratory analyses for quality assurance
• THC content below 1 % in accordance with Swiss legislation
• production according to current quality standards

CO₂ extraction and the interplay of plant compounds

The hemp plant contains a wide range of natural components, including

cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.

In research, the term entourage effect describes the possible

interplay of these different plant substances. It is assumed that

different components of the plant can work together.

CO₂ extraction is often used to preserve as many of these natural

compounds as possible in an extract.

Supercritical CO₂ extraction – controlled plant processing

In supercritical CO₂ extraction, carbon dioxide is used under high pressure and

controlled temperature.

In this state, CO₂ can penetrate deep into plant structures and dissolve certain

compounds. After extraction, the CO₂ evaporates completely.

This method is used worldwide in various fields, for example in

the production of:

• plant extracts
• essential oils
• food flavourings
• hemp extracts

FAQ – CO₂ extraction

What is CO₂ extraction?

CO₂ extraction is a process for obtaining plant compounds using

carbon dioxide (CO₂). Under high pressure and controlled temperature, CO₂ is brought into

a so-called supercritical state, which allows it to dissolve certain

components from plants.

Why is CO₂ used for extraction?

CO₂ is particularly well suited for extraction because it evaporates completely after the process

and leaves no residues. This allows plant compounds

to be obtained gently.

What does supercritical CO₂ mean?

Supercritical CO₂ refers to a physical state of carbon dioxide that

occurs when CO₂ is heated above 31 °C and at the same time exposed to a pressure of more than 73

bar. In this state, CO₂ has properties of both a gas

and a liquid.

Which plant substances can be extracted with CO₂?

CO₂ extraction can be used to obtain various natural components of plants,

including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.

Is CO₂ also used in other industries?

Yes. CO₂ extraction is used in various industries, for example in

the production of essential oils, food flavourings, coffee decaffeination

and plant extracts.

Does CO₂ leave residues in the extract?

No. After extraction, the CO₂ evaporates completely, so that no

CO₂ residues remain in the end product.

Is CO₂ extraction a safe method?

CO₂ extraction is considered an established process for processing plant raw materials

and is used in various industrial sectors. Modern systems work

with precisely controlled pressure and temperature conditions.

Which products are often made using CO₂ extraction?

Among other things, the process is used to produce plant extracts,

for example hemp extracts, essential oils or food flavourings.

Note

This article is for general information only and does not

constitute medical advice. Cannabidiol (CBD) is not a medicinal product. No

healing or health claims are made.

Legal notice (Switzerland)

CBD products are legal in Switzerland provided the THC content is below 1 %. The

content of this article refers exclusively to the legal situation in

Switzerland.

Disclaimer

If you have health problems, a medical professional

should always be consulted.