Epax (Norway) has given a major upgrade to its facility and launched its next-level molecular distillation technology.

The Norwegian marine lipid specialist already guaranteed omega-3 with 90 percent minimum triglyceride content as standard. Now a $40 million investment in its facility in Aalesund has enabled it to increase its distillation capacity and further improve its ability to offer premium quality omega-3 concentrates.

The upgrade includes the introduction of highly sophisticated quality process technology. Branded EQP+Tech, it allows individual fatty acids to be separated from fish oil and ultra-concentrated without the use of excessive heat or harsh chemicals.

The black box-protected technology is the result of years of research and development, according to the company. Using data from over a thousand test runs and analyses, Epax’s process engineers studied the performance of various fatty acids in the company’s high-tech molecular distillation equipment. By finding the optimum balance between pressure, temperature and time, they identified the best possible way to separate each fatty acid from fish oil while retaining its natural quality.

Based on the research, Epax fine-tuned its re-esterification process and invested in new customized equipment. It includes highly sophisticated digital technology, with sensors monitoring thousands of data-points and making constant adjustments, allowing in-depth tracking of the re-esterification process and ensuring consistent high quality.

EQP+Tech will help Epax continue to guarantee a minimum 90 percent triglyceride content across its range of EPA and DHA ingredients, as well as developing new highly concentrated omega-3 products for a range of health needs.

“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,” said Bjørn Refsum, CEO of Epax.  “Epax was already a leader in ultra-concentrated omega-3, but this upgrade takes us to a whole new level. To our knowledge, no-one else is using technology as sophisticated as this and the possibilities for manufacturers are huge. They’ll 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.”

The upgrade concludes a major phase of Epax’s investment in its facility, with further improvements and investments already in progress.

For more information, visit www.epax.com.