Why is Ethanol Used for Plant Extraction?

Why is Ethanol Used for Plant Extraction?

  1. It’s Safer than CO2 & Butane

Safer for Consumers

Ethanol is a food-grade compound safe for ingestion in low amounts. Unknown to most, this solvent is the intoxicating compound found in grain alcohol such as brandy, wine, and beer. For this reason, it is preferable for plant extraction and is most commonly used in CBD products such as edibles and tinctures, as well as cooking products like olive oil and vegetable oil.

Safer for Manufacturers

Ethanol is a flammable and volatile chemical that requires care when handling. However, this compound is significantly safer for manufacturers and employees to use compared to CO2 or butane, which are the other two most popular extraction solvents. CO2 is a silent killer that has the potential to leak into the air and harm workers, while ethanol mainly remains a threat due to its flammability at uncontrolled temperatures. Monitoring the temperature of the workspace at all times and using professional machinery will help ensure safety.

  1. It’s Eco-Friendly

Ethanol is a renewable biofuel and can come from several different fermented sources such as:

  • Corn
  • Wheat
  • Barley
  • Potatoes & more

After using this alcohol to extract cannabidiols or other compounds from a plant, don’t throw it away. This solvent is up to 95% reusable and is a great solution for environmentally conscious companies.

  1. It’s Cost-effective

This compound’s reusable qualities make it an attractive choice for manufacturers who don’t want to spend more than they have to.

  1. It’s Quick & Easy to Use

Using ethanol paired with an extraction system can help manufacturers process thousands of pounds of extraction compounds per hour, allowing them to produce a larger amount of high-quality products in a shorter amount of time.

Want to Buy Solvents?

Visit our website here to view a list of our solvents available to help your next extraction go smoothly. If you have any questions about our products or would like to speak to one of our team members, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll be in touch soon.