Modern Extraction Machines Powering Today’s Cannabis Concentrates
As the cannabis-concentrate market matures, many formerly well-known equipment makers have exited, been acquired, or shifted focus. Still, several companies are pushing innovation in CO₂, ethanol, hydrocarbon, and solventless extraction—and setting industry standards for safety, throughput, and purity.
CO₂ / Supercritical & Subcritical CO₂ Extraction
CO₂ extraction remains a popular method for producing clean, solvent-free, full-spectrum oils. Modern systems often allow switching between subcritical and supercritical modes to optimize for terpene preservation versus cannabinoid yield.
Notable current manufacturers:
- Vitalis Extraction Technology (Canada): Produces modular, closed-loop CO₂ extraction systems. Their PrimeEx series (e.g., Q-Series+, R-Series+) offers mon-solvent CO₂ extraction, and they also provide a Cosolvent Injection System (CIS) to boost throughput using small amounts of ethanol in conjunction with CO₂.
- Isolate Extraction Systems (IES): Offers a wide range of CO₂ extraction equipment (liquid and supercritical) across scales, with strong customer support, training, and systems that emphasize automation and precision.
These systems tend to be more expensive upfront, require high pressures and safety features, but offer strong regulatory compliance (low risk of residual solvent, cleaner profiles) and good product quality—especially for premium or full-spectrum extracts.
Ethanol Extraction
Ethanol extraction is preferred when large-scale throughput is needed. It is faster per biomass unit than many other methods, and when cold ethanol is used, it helps reduce unwanted compounds like chlorophyll and waxes. However, post-processing steps (winterization, filtration, possibly distillation) are usually necessary.
Brands & systems currently active:
- Luna Technologies: Known for both hydrocarbon and ethanol extraction systems. Their newer Elara model adds automated ethanol extraction to their product offerings.
Hydrocarbon Extraction
For products prized for robust flavor and live resin style terpenes, hydrocarbon (butane/propane) extraction remains popular. But the regulatory, safety, and facility demands are strictly higher: you’ll typically need certified closed-loop systems, solvent recovery, explosion-proof rated (C1D1) environments, etc.
Current makers:
- Luna Technologies again is active in this space. Their hydrocarbon systems are used widely for live terpene-rich products.
- Boutique players such as BizzyBee produce smaller hydrocarbon machines (e.g. machines for wax, shatter, sauce) and serve craft or smaller operations.
Solventless & Mechanical / Rosin Press / Ice-Water / Static Methods
These methods avoid chemical solvents altogether, relying on mechanical separation (pressure, heat) or water / ice / static / cold technologies. They are often favored for purity claims, small batch, craft producers, or premium market segments.
- As of recent reports, the market has some innovations in ice water hash washing and static separation, though commercial-scale solventless presses are less dominant than solvent or CO₂ systems. (No standout national brand with massive scale recognized in recent 2025 reporting solely for large solventless presses.)
Comparative Operational Insights
| Method | Advantages | Challenges / Trade-Offs |
|---|---|---|
| CO₂ / Super- & Subcritical | Clean, minimal residual solvent; tunable for terpene vs cannabinoid profiles; regulatory ease in many jurisdictions. | High capital cost; requires high pressure vessels and safety infrastructure; lower throughput vs large ethanol systems unless using co-solvent or hybrid systems. |
| Ethanol | Fast, high throughput; good for large biomass; efficient when chilled; solvent recovery can be effective. | Need cold and possibly subzero conditions; more downstream processing (winterization, filtration); safety/fire risk with flammable solvent; infrastructure cost. |
| Hydrocarbons | Excellent flavor / aroma (terpene-retaining); fast extraction of some compounds; many existing product profiles rely on these. | Safety: explosion risk, regulatory compliance; facility rated for solvent use; need solvent purging; higher risk/cost. |
| Solventless / Mechanical | Very clean, “solvent-free” perception; often premium product, boutique appeal; fewer regulatory constraints related to solvents. | Lower yields; often labor-intensive; equipment may be slower; scaling is harder; some purity trade-offs depending on method. |
What’s Actually Changed (and Good to Know)
- Some historical big names have merged or scaled back. For example, there has been consolidation in CO₂ extraction equipment providers. IES recently acquired or merged with Apeks Supercritical, boosting combined output and R&D capabilities.
- Innovations like Vitalis’s Cosolvent Injection System are helping CO₂-based systems close the throughput gap with ethanol extractors, while retaining the clean advantages of CO₂ extraction.
- Demand for regulatory compliance (GMP, safety rating, solvent recovery) is rising, so newer machines are designed with those features by default (automation, safety interlocks, higher materials standards).
Conclusion
To succeed in producing cannabis concentrates, manufacturers should choose machinery not just on cost or popularity, but based on the kind of product they want to make, regulatory environment, facility constraints, and scale. As of 2025:
- Vitalis and Isolate Extraction Systems (IES) are leaders in modern CO₂ extraction with solid R&D, safety, and co-solvent innovation.
- Luna Technologies is strong for ethanol and hydrocarbon extraction avenues.
- For craft and solventless extracts, smaller specialized machines still fill the niche.