Methyloxolane is an innovative, bio-based solvent for the extraction of vegetable oils, plant proteins, and natural ingredients. It is produced from agricultural byproducts (e.g., sugarcane bagasse). Its carbon footprint is only 10% that of the petrochemical solvents it replaces.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) panel of experts has reported that methyloxolane is a safe solvent for use in the food industry. EFSA’s positive opinion is based on its expert panel’s review of a full application dossier, including state-of-the-art scientific studies performed under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's latest standards. The dossier and the expert opinion show that methyloxolane provides unprecedented safety for the consumer. This allows methyloxolane to be added to the 20 solvents approved for food use in Europe (Directive 2009/32/CE). This is a breakthrough with worldwide impact. Except for ethanol, all the other solvents approved for use in food production are totally or partially produced from petroleum.