Epax distillation facility upgrade paves way for next-gen ultra-concentrated omega 3s

02 Mar 2023 --- With a US$40 million upgrade of its distillation facility, marine lipid specialist Epax has advanced its molecular distillation technology capability, which will see it progress the development of highly concentrated omega 3s.

The Norwegian company is one of a handful of companies producing omega 3 with 90% minimum triglyceride content.

“In omega 3 production, the big question is how you balance the never-ending quest for higher concentration with the need for quality and reproducibility,” says Bjørn Refsum, CEO of Epax.

The company recently introduced the first product within its NovusLipid category – Epax Cetoleic 10. The product comprises gondoic acid (omega 9) and cetoleic acid, an omega 11 marine lipid. Research commissioned by the company demonstrates advantages for skin health because Epax Cetoleic 10 is high in long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (LC-MUFAs).

Process tech for fatty acids
The result of years of R&D, the upgrade features sophisticated quality process technology known as black box-protected technology.

Process engineers studied the performance of various fatty acids using data from more than a thousand test runs and analyses. They managed to identify the optimal way to separate each fatty acid from fish oil while retaining its natural quality by tweaking the balance of pressure, temperature and production time.Epax’s upgraded distillation facility will advance the production of highly concentrated omega 3s (Credit: Epax). 

“This upgrade takes us to a whole new level. The manufacturers will benefit, not just from high concentration, purity and consistency, but also great sensory properties, allowing them to create products that meet the growing consumer demand for high-quality omega 3,” Refsum explains.

Branded EQP+Tech separates individual fatty acids from fish oil and is ultra-concentrated without excessive heat or harsh chemicals.

In other developments, the omega 3 industry is a step closer to creating Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) following evidence that maintaining high levels of omega 3 can benefit the immunity and cell structure of healthy adults. That’s according to two studies on the omega 3 fats docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Meticulous monitoring of data points
Epax fine-tuned its re-esterification process and invested in new customized equipment. It uses sensors that monitor thousands of data points and make constant adjustments, allowing in-depth tracking of the re-esterification process.

With EQP+Tech, Epax can uphold the standard of producing a minimum of 90% triglyceride content across its range of EPA and DHA ingredients. It can also develop new highly concentrated omega 3 products for a range of health needs. 

The speed and gentleness of the process ensure particular application opportunities in delivery systems where sensory properties are key to the outcome.

In related news, Grøntvedt Biotech launched CETO3 for its cetoleic acid and omega 3 ingredients, sourced from Norwegian herring. Known as “omega 11,” cetoleic acid has been studied for its ability to convert plant-based omega 3 alpha-lipoic acids into eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in liver cells. 

By Inga de Jong