Our Work

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Novel processing technologies to develop naturally-derived insect repellents

Citrefine International extracts and uses oil from the eucalyptus citriodora tree in naturally-derived insect repellents. Their active ingredient, Citriodioal®, is now recognised by leading authorities worldwide for its first-rate efficacy – making it the only plant-based repellent with this level of accreditation.

Removing barriers to new markets

The company are looking to expand their product range and move into new over-seas markets. They approached the BDC for assistance reducing the scent of their active ingredient which had been identified as a barrier for certain market segments.

Using our novel processing equipment, the specialists at the BDC were able to remove the volatile compounds responsible for this strong scent without affecting the efficacy of the product.

Citrefine are now trialling the processed ingredient in their insect repellents and have won a BDC grant to invest in equipment that will help them analyse their materials in-house and further improve the quality of their raw materials and products.

We’re thrilled to be collaborating on technologies that are helping commercialise naturally-derived products. Working with the BDC has given us access to processing expertise and advanced equipment we would not have been able to find elsewhere. George Parker, Scientific Officer, Citrefine

Our collaboration is helping the business improve their product portfolio, remove barriers to adoption in new markets, increase their in-house technological capability, and ultimately grow their business.