“Nature Drops for Sterilization” has announced the inauguration of the first-of-its-kind sterilization station in the Middle East for medicinal and aromatic plants, utilizing infrared light technology powered by clean electricity.
The project, with investments amounting to $2.5 million, aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of Egyptian export products and strengthen their presence in premium global markets such as Europe, the United States, Japan, and South Korea.
This advanced technology reduces microbial load while preserving the color and active ingredients of essential oils, thereby improving the global competitiveness of Egyptian medicinal plants.
A Sustainable Alternative to Steam
Khaled Masalati, Chairman of Nature Drops for Sterilization, stated that the company began operations in Egypt a year ago, offering integrated sterilization services for medicinal and aromatic plants using modern, sustainable, and electricity-based systems instead of diesel fuel.
He emphasized that this German-developed technology is the first of its kind in both Egypt and the Middle East.
Masalati explained that unlike conventional steam-based sterilization, which often alters the color and reduces the active compounds and nutritional value of herbs and essential oils, the new technology maintains their natural color, aroma, and composition, ensuring higher quality and competitiveness in export markets.
He added that the new sterilization plant represents a major leap toward sustainability within Egypt’s export-oriented industries, as it operates with low-carbon emission systems aligned with the European Union’s upcoming clean energy import regulations, set to take effect next year.
Enhancing the Quality of Egyptian Exports
Mohamed Bwadkji, Co-founder of Nature Drops for Sterilization, noted that the new facility will play a crucial role in upgrading the quality of Egypt’s exports of medicinal and aromatic plants and natural oils. It will deliver sustainably sterilized products that meet international food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic standards.
German Technology with No Human Intervention
Bwadkji added that the sterilization process relies on fully automated German machinery, performing all stages of treatment including packaging without human intervention.
He pointed out that Nature Drops had conducted a comprehensive feasibility study over the past three years, identifying a significant gap in Egypt’s market for advanced sterilization stations. This encouraged the company to invest in Egypt, recognizing it as a promising and strategic regional hub for the production and export of medicinal and aromatic plants.
Collaboration with Leading Exporters
The co-founder also revealed that Nature Drops is collaborating with leading Egyptian and international exporters of medicinal and aromatic plants.
The company focuses on providing sustainable technological solutions that align with Egypt Vision 2030 and the requirements of European markets, thereby increasing the value-added and global competitiveness of Egyptian products in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Supporting the Green Economy
Bwadkji emphasized that the company’s adoption of clean production and sterilization technologies is in full harmony with Egypt Vision 2030, which prioritizes sustainability and environmental protection.
He added that Nature Drops’ projects contribute to the country’s green economy and clean energy transition, aligning with Egypt’s broader agricultural expansion policies and government incentives for the medicinal and aromatic plant sector.
In conclusion, he affirmed that Nature Drops aims to expand its partnerships with local and international companies and extend its services to include specialized laboratory testing, in order to increase the export value and strengthen Egypt’s position in this promising global market.
