THE PROBLEM
In the traditional sunflower oil refining, the winterization process is among the most energy-intensive stages, leading to a high level of energy price dependency and co-related risks. Furthermore, it requires extensive cooling and heating phases, the use of chemicals and water, and complex filtration systems.
Status quo methods result in high energy consumption, increasing production costs, chemical pollution, wastewater, CO₂ emissions, and a decline in oil quality. The perpetual strive for efficiency and sustainability of the system led us to reconsidering the status quo, making it suitable for a cleaner tomorrow and prosperous industry in it.
THE SOLUTION
With Project Sun, Mikroninter-DIG GmbH replaces the entire winterization process in sunflower oil refining with its electrostatic cleaning technology.
This system uses controlled high-voltage electric fields to remove waxes, water, particles, and aging products on a molecular level — without heating, cooling, or chemicals.
The result: a crystal-clear, wax-free, and stable sunflower oil of the highest quality.
The technology development took place in Ukraine in the middle of 1990s. Technology prototypes were initially tested and approved by the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, later shaping into a final industrial solution and reaching an expanded sampling group of major regional electrical networks, and Nuclear Power Plants for diesel oil and research institutions and test facilities for the sunflower oil. Laboratory research showed that sunflower oil processed with this method exhibits high degrees of purity and low content of mechanical impurities, leading to higher quality and health-promoting properties of the product for the consumer.
An initial production line established at that time received technology awards in Germany and Spain.
Technological Foundation
The developed filter technology completely replaces the energy-intensive winterization stage. In its core is an electro-physical treatment system that requires no thermal, chemical, or mechanical stress, drastically reducing energy consumption.
Our solution leverages a unique electro-physical and sorption-membrane technology, utilizing the interaction between contaminant particle fields and precisely focused external electric fields.
Advantages Over Conventional Winterization:
Up to 95% lower energy consumption
No chemicals or solvents
No cooling or heating phases required
No wastewater or residues
Higher oil quality and longer shelf life
CO₂ emissions 356 times lower
Current Operational Impact
Since 2021, the technology has been continuously developed at the Berlin site. Today, Mikroninter-DIG GmbH possesses fully functional prototypes validated on an industrial pilot scale.
The next step is market introduction through small-scale production and the construction of the first pilot plants in cooperation with industrial partners.
Cooperation & Funding
For successful industrialization, Mikroninter-DIG GmbH is open to strategic industrial partners, research institutions, and universities, as well as national and European funding programs.
Our goal is to build an international consortium that connects research, development, and production — creating the foundation for an energy-efficient, climate-neutral future in sunflower oil processing.
Market Potential
Mikroninter-DIG GmbH’s technology opens up a global market potential, targeting all oil mills and refineries processing sunflower oil – from small and medium-sized enterprises to international corporations.
This positions Mikroninter-DIG GmbH within a multi-billion-euro market that is rapidly expanding due to rising energy costs, stricter industry regulations related to the climate goals, growing population and therefore growing demand for high-quality, healthy sunflower oil. Bringing the cost-optimizing cutting-edge technology to such market serves as a strong foundation for expansion.
Sustainable Impact
With our technology, refineries and food producers can:
Reduce energy consumption by up to 95%
leading to a cut of up to 50% of the OPEX for some refineries.
Significantly cut CO₂ emissions
reaching parameters 356 times lower than the industry state of affairs.
Completely eliminate chemicals and wastewater
relying purely on electromagnetism in filtration.
Improve oil quality and shelf life
reaching the outstanding purity levels and leading to a product with more health benefits for the consumer.
This innovation sets a new standard for sustainable, efficient, and high-quality sunflower oil production.
