+ What is Bio-Herbolysis?

Our first proprietary technology, Bio-Herbolys™, delivers a high quality, solvent-less extraction, with a simple one-step process that is industrially proven (>300kg/h), yielding over ~90% full spectrum efficiency, and with a cost that is a fraction (both in capex and opex), relative to CO2/Ethanol processes.

The technology applies very well for hemp (easily scalable), as well as cannabis (highly efficient), with the added benefit of being capable of processing wet material and preserving the cannabinoids in the original acidic form.

+ Is Bio-Herbolysis GMP compliant?

Yes, the equipment complies with all the construction canons dictated by the GMP guidelines for the production of API and herbal extracts, as certified by an external regulatory consultant, together with which a regulatory assessment and a verification of the specific requirements was carried out. The process is validated, the outputs are solid and repeatable in case process constraints identified through HACCP analysis are respected (CCP).

+ What are the main components of the Bio-Herbolysis equipment?

Our standard 100 kg/batch unit is equipped with:

• A loading conveyor belt
• A knife crusher
• One horizontal stainless steel mixing reactors with heating system
• Two in-line centrifugal separators (one for the removal of solids and one for the separation between lipid extract and water)

+ What level of support can Herbolea provide for the design of the extraction room?

Herbolea delivers turn-key solutions. Our engineering department typically work with the client personnel to optimize:

• the design of the production areas
• customization of the equipment based on the specific needs of the customer
• the optimization of logistics and workflow

+ How does the Hydrocan process work? How is the THC remediated?

Hydrocan is a process that allows to concentrate the cannabinoids present in the oil (Bio-Herbolysis full-spectrum lipid extracts).

During the concentration process it is possible to leave (optionally) the THC in the carrier oil without extracting/concentrating it.

In this way we obtain:

• a solid and granular concentrate having 90% potency
• an exhausted oil containing unwonted cannabinoids (THC can be remediated)

+ How can I remove pigments from the Bio-Herbolysis extract? Is it required for Hydrocan too?

The Bio-Herbolysis first extract is a full-spectrum oil containing all the compounds initially present in the plant material, including cannabinoids, terpenes and other non-polar substances. A low amount of Clorophyll is present and is easily removable by filtration, in case a clear and golden extract is desired.

We supply on-demand a filtration module consisting of:

• a roughing filter
• a lenticular activated carbon filter
• a sterilizing filter

Filtration can be avoided in case Hydrocan protocol is applied to Bio-Herbolysis lipid extract.

+ Do we need to condition the extraction room to be an explosion proof zone?

No. Both Bio-Herbolysis and Hydrocan processes don’t require any inflammable, explosive or dangerous inputs, therefore, is not necessary any ATEX certification.

+ What is the recommended cleaning frequency of the equipment?

It depends on the definition of each “batch”. Typically, we recommend a cleaning at the end of the production campaign (multiple load of the same material can be intended as one unique batch).

+ Does the extraction system include purification steps from contaminants?

The risks of contaminants in the final product are excluded if the guidelines of the HACCP analysis are respected. Herbolea can provide appropriate COAs demonstrating the absence of contaminants in the finished product. In-process microbiological load abatement systems can be delivered (plant material initial pasteurization and lipid extract filtration) and optionally activated.

+ What are the control and monitoring functionalities delivered with the equipment?

The control panel mounts a siemens PLC and is programmed with the standard recipes (extraction and cleaning) which make the processes completely automated. The operator is able to remotely control the equipment and it is possible to retrieve KPIs related to production through a remote control and monitoring system.

These functionalities provide the following capabilities to:

1) Management

• Review process KPI (extraction yield, process lead time, etc.)
• Track downtimes and operational performances
• Review production volumes and associated economics

2) Operators

• Fully control operations from remote
• Review process status receiving feedback on potential system alarms
• Adjust process receipts and cleaning cycle operating parameters

3) Herbolea engineering team

• Execute preventive and remote maintenance as well as troubleshooting activities
• Upload software updates
• Review in real time extraction performances providing feedback for continuous improvement

+ What is the lead time (time from signing agreement to getting the equipment in our facility)?

Typically about (4) months, depending on specific destination and electrical requirements (UL/CSA vs CE, standard voltage/frequency).

+ What level of support and training can Herbolea provide before and after process startup?

All the necessary, as Herbolea provides ongoing support to partners and is responsible to execute full training to the personnel (simulating troubleshooting activities and fully performing the technology transfer).

+ Does Herbolea sell its equipments?

No, Herbolea licenses its proprietary technologies by providing turnkey industrial solutions and providing all the necessary support to facilitate the equipment commissioning and marketing of the generated outputs. Herbolea provides access to the technological platform allowing its partners to take advantage of all the developments resulting from the continuous research of its scientists.

+ Which collaborative structure does Herbolea foresee with its partners and customers?

Herbolea carefully chooses its partners, giving life to all-round collaborations. Usually a turn-key agreement is implemented that gives access to the entire technological platform (and all its subsequent upgrades).

Companies can collaborate with Herbolea through:

1. Licencing agreement
2. Joint venture
3. Capacity agreements