INFORM April 2026

34 INFORM APRIL 2026 , VOL. 37, NO. 4

ECOMEO VERSUS HEXANE Our semi-industrial study directly compared hexane with a 2-MeOx system containing one percent water to isolate the impact of the solvent itself on extraction performance and product quality. Under comparable operating conditions, 2-MeOx achieved similar, or better, extraction yields compared to hexane, as reflected by consistently lower residual oil in the meal. We observed some differences in oil characteristics. Crude oil extracted with 2-MeOx contained fatty acid profiles comparable to hexane extracted oils, but with higher levels of polar compounds (typically polyphenols). The result was a darker crude oil HEXANE REGULATION IN EUROPE In September 2024, the European Union updated its harmonized classification of n-hexane, recognizing it as a substance capable of causing serious nervous system damage following repeated exposure. In February 2026, the European Chemicals Agency identified n-hexane as a Substance of Very High Concern, a designation used in the EU to prioritize particularly hazardous chemicals for substitution and potential future restrictions.

with better oxidative stability. Although we measured higher peroxide values, this likely reflects limitations of non selective analytical methods unsuited for polar solvents, rather than a true decrease in oil quality. The enhanced oxidative stability of crude oils extracted with 2-MeOx indicate that minimally processed or non refined oils—naturally enriched in polyphenols—could be technically viable for specific applications, rather than conventional refining steps. We also measured meal quality. The protein content was similar to hexane with better protein functionality, including PDI and KOH solubility. These findings confirm that 2-MeOx cannot In parallel, the European Food Safety Authority concluded in September 2024 that “technical hexane,” currently authorized as a food extraction solvent, requires a full safety re-evaluation.

That reassessment is now underway. These developments increase the regulatory scrutiny and long term uncertainty around hexane use in Europe.

be considered a simple drop in replacement for hexane. It has different polarity and interactions with the solid matrix that modify extraction behaviour and product outcomes. Beyond yield and product quality, transitioning from hexane to 2-methyloxolane affects extraction kinetics and start-up behaviour, critical for industrial operation. At semi industrial scale, our study showed that systems operated with 2-MeOx required a longer time to reach steady state conditions compared to hexane. This delay is due to the solvent’s different polarity and partial miscibility with water, which influence mass transfer dynamics and solvent distribution along the extractor. While this longer