Integrated fractionation and cellulose upgrading of pectin side-streams
Integrated process recovering multiple high-value streams from pectin-production side streams by combining high-shear DMSO extraction, supercritical CO₂ fractionation, and proprietary oxidative cellulose upgrading—valorizing both soluble and fibrous fractions in a single approach.
Overview
This integrated valorization process recovers multiple high-value streams from pectin-production side streams—a typically underutilized residue. It combines two complementary technologies into a single pathway: high-shear extraction with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at mild temperatures separates soluble pectin and proteins from a cellulose-rich fraction, while supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) enables efficient solvent recovery and yields a dry pectin-protein product. The remaining cellulose-rich fraction is further purified and functionally upgraded through i-Foria's proprietary oxidative process, tailoring its properties to downstream applications. By valorizing both the soluble and fibrous fractions, this approach converts a waste stream into multiple marketable products with reduced environmental impact.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- High-shear extraction with DMSO at 40°C selectively separates pectin and proteins from cellulose fibers
- Supercritical CO₂ processing recovers solvents and produces a dry pectin-protein fraction
- Ethyl lactate combined with SC-CO₂ enables further separation and purification of the pectin-protein fraction
- i-Foria's proprietary oxidative technology purifies and functionally upgrades the cellulose-rich fraction, adapting its properties to specific application requirements
- Integrated process captures value from both soluble and fibrous fractions in a single, coherent approach
The process operates under mild conditions and relies on recoverable solvents, supporting sustainability objectives. It builds on experimentally validated methods and incorporates more than 15 years of expertise in supercritical fluid processing.
Technology readiness level
The underlying technologies have been validated experimentally, and i-Foria's oxidative process has already been demonstrated in an industrial environment on cellulose-containing residual streams. The integrated process is currently at an early development stage. A 24-month program is planned to advance it through four phases: characterization and optimization of the extraction and SC-CO₂ steps; integration and tailoring of the oxidative treatment; scale-up and validation with mass and energy balances; and assessment of process economics, life-cycle analysis, regulatory and End of Waste requirements, and market demand—culminating in a business case and industrial implementation roadmap.
About i-Foria Italia
i-Foria Italia is an innovative scale-up specializing in sustainability and the circular bioeconomy. The company has developed proprietary, patented technology capable of fully recycling waste from absorbent hygiene products (AHP), such as diapers and feminine hygiene items, transforming them into high-quality secondary raw materials. Their process integrates sterilization, drying, and mechanical separation phases to recover materials like cellulose fiber, superabsorbent polymers, and plastics, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional disposal methods. The technology is designed to comply with stringent regulatory standards and can be scaled to meet the needs of different population sizes.
By offering these circular solutions, i-Foria supports public authorities and companies in managing residual waste streams and advancing their ecological transition goals. Beyond its core recycling technology, the company provides expert consulting services to help partners streamline the installation and operation of recycling plants, leveraging over a decade of industry expertise. Through these efforts, i-Foria seeks to resolve the trade-off between product performance and environmental responsibility, fostering more resilient and competitive production models in Italy and internationally.
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