Iris / Orris Root (Iris germanica, Iris pallida) Distillation Plant

An Iris or Orris Root distillation plant is a specialized facility designed to extract precious essential oil from the dried rhizomes of Iris germanica and Iris pallida plants. Orris root oil is highly valued for its powdery, floral, violet-like fragrance and is widely used in high-end perfumery, cosmetics, and aromatherapy due to its fixative properties and subtle therapeutic benefits.

The extraction process involves steam distillation or more commonly solvent extraction (though steam distillation is also used for certain preparations), where the carefully harvested and aged iris roots are processed to release their delicate aromatic compounds. In steam distillation, dried roots are placed in stainless steel distillation units, and steam passes through the material to vaporize essential oils. The vapors are then condensed, and the oil is separated and collected. The extracted orris oil is filtered and stored in airtight, dark containers to preserve its unique fragrance.

Modern distillation plants are equipped with efficient steam boilers, corrosion-resistant distillation chambers, condensers, and oil separators, often enhanced with automated controls to maintain ideal temperature and pressure conditions for optimal oil yield and purity. Orris root oil contains valuable compounds such as irone isomers, which give it its characteristic scent and valuable fixative qualities. The plant operates under stringent quality control and hygiene standards, ensuring the production of premium-grade orris root essential oil for use in luxury perfumes, skincare products, and aromatherapy blends.