AVIGNON, FRANCE – Naturex and the University of Avignon have created a joint research laboratory for exploring eco-friendly extraction processes. The processes will incorporate sustainability in steps that are critical for extraction: choice of the solvent or technologies, use of byproducts, reduction of unitary operations, and limitation of chemical alteration of botanical extracts.

The new unit will be known as ORTESA (the French acronym for optimization and research on extraction technologies and alternative solvents). The laboratory should be fully operational by October.

The National Research Agency in France has granted funding for the laboratory. ORTESA will receive €300,000 ($399,000) to fund laboratory operations over the next three years.

Co-heading the laboratory will be Antoine Bily, R.&D. director for Avignon-based Naturex, and Farid Chemat, Ph.D., who also is in charge of the GREEN research laboratory at the University of Avignon. Naturex offers plant-based natural ingredients for the food and beverage, nutrition and health, and personal care markets.