The Pine Oil Extraction Process

The pine oil market is experiencing a period of exciting growth forecast to match the pace of the broader specialty chemical industry. Consumers and brands are asking for and benefitting from this sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic or petroleum-based ingredients.

As demand has grown, market forces have led to the invention of more efficient extraction processes. This overview of the pine oil manufacturing process explains the basics of pine oil production and provides use cases for this increasingly vital product.

The Essentials of Pine Oil Extraction

Like all essential oils, pine oil can be extracted using various methods. The most efficient pine oil-making processes are steam distillation, solvent extraction, and microwave extraction (ME). Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Some are better suited to creating specific pine oil aroma products like Pine 85 or solvents like FloraSolv^TM LX307.

Steam Distillation

Steam distillation is the most common method for extracting pine oil. As the name suggests, this method utilizes steam to vaporize volatile compounds from raw pine material, which may include sap (used in resin production) or pine needles (typically used in essential oils).

There are three key steps to steam distillation. While proprietary and formulation methods may vary slightly, most pine oils are extracted using this general process:

1. Raw pine materials are added to a large still, usually made from stainless steel. High-temperature steam is then pumped into the still.
2. The vaporized plant compounds travel to the condensation flask or condenser. The condenser is outfitted with two pipes. The first allows hot water to exit the condenser, while the second pipe brings in cold water to cool the vapor, returning it to liquid form.
3. The resulting aromatic liquid is then released into the separator chamber. Because oil and water do not mix, the distilled pine floats on top of the water where it is siphoned into a separate container.

The Advantages of Steam Distillation for Pine Oil

Steam distillation is simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly, making it ideal for producing pine oil on an industrial scale.

Disadvantages of Steam Distillation for Pine Oil

Steam distillation requires careful temperature regulation. Some compounds, including pine, are very sensitive to heat and can be thermally degraded when exposed to high temperatures. Conversely, lower temperatures result in longer distillation times, increasing energy costs associated with maintaining steam pressure in the still.

Read more: Citrus-Flavored Sports Drinks Are Having a Moment

Solvent Extraction

The solvent extraction method produces a hyper-concentrated substance called an absolute. Absolutes are used in aromatic products.

1. Raw pine material is cleaned, dried, and macerated to increase the surface area during extraction. It is then placed in a large container.
2. A solvent is then added to the container. Hexane is commonly used in traditional solvent extraction, though ethanol is used for organic preparations.
3. The resultant mixture containing plant material and solvent is heated to extract the pine oil.
4. The mixture is then separated to remove the thick pine oil concentrate from the remaining pine material.

Advantages of Solvent Extraction for Pine Oil

Solvent extraction uses less energy than steam distillation. It also requires a shorter production cycle while producing higher absolute yields.

Disadvantages of Solvent Extraction for Pine Oil

The powerful odor of hexane and other solvents makes the process less than ideal for aroma products. Pine absolute derived from this process is often used in solvents and cleaners. Additionally, manufacturers must take extreme caution in handling and storing hexane, which is flammable and potentially dangerous to human health.

Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE)

Also known as microwave-assisted solvent extraction, MAE is a newer technique with tremendous upside. MAE often improves yields and quality compared to traditional solvent extraction. Here’s how it works:

1. Pine material is cleaned, dried, and macerated to increase its surface area before being placed in a container.
2. Next, a microwave energy-absorbable solvent (often ethanol, methanol, or water) is added to the mixture.
3. The container is exposed to microwaves, causing a rapid increase in temperature. The heat improves the degree of dissolution, increasing yields.
4. The warm solvent extracts the oil compounds from the pine material.
5. The mixture is separated, and the solvent is removed, usually through evaporation. The concentrated pine oil is left behind.

Advantages of Microwave-Assisted Extraction

MAE is efficient, quick, and uses safer solvents than traditional solvent extraction. It also produces a higher yield, especially for pine terpenes. Finally, it uses less energy than other methods, lowering the extraction process’s carbon footprint. The equipment used for MAE is more expensive, but most manufacturers realized relatively short return on investment timelines.

What Is Pine Oil Used For?

These processes, and others, are vital for meeting the world’s growing demand for pine oil. Various formulations are used in diverse applications, including:

• Air fresheners
• Aromatherapy
• Household cleaning products
• Industrial cleaning products
• Insect repellent
• Skincare
• Pharmaceuticals

One of the benefits of pine oil in today’s market is its sustainability. Manufacturers prize pine oil as a bio-based alternative to traditional products. Increased demand has ramped up pine oil market forecasts through the next decade. The global market size is forecast to hold a 4.1% CAGR through 2030, reaching over $356 million.

Get Ahead of the Curve with Bio-Based Products from Florachem

We’re committed to helping manufacturers across industries source sustainable pine oils that meet their needs. Our team has over thirty years of experience crafting quality pine oil products for use across verticals, all backed by experienced engineers. Learn more about our pine products by contacting a representative today.