A research project which is focused on the possible direct conversion of waste into chemicals via a sustainable route has been backed by a number of major chemicals companies.
The research, launched by industry group the Global Impact Coalition (GIC), will be carried out by five GIC member companies: BASF, Clariant, Covestro, LyondellBasell and SUEZ, along with scientists from ETH Zurich, and will look at key scientific and technical challenges in waste-to-chemicals conversion. This will also include the processing of heterogeneous waste materials and integrating new feedstocks into existing chemical value chains.
The GIC said that by combining key industry knowledge with ETH Zurich’s research, the project aims to provide a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with using waste streams as feedstocks. One of the challenges is the economic feasibility of using waste as feedstock due to the complex processes and large capital requirements. However, advancements in process technology make it possible to gasify waste directly to C2+ molecules, lowering costs.
“Our collaboration with ETH Zurich scientists represents a significant step toward realising a circular and net-zero chemical industry. By leveraging cutting edge research and industry expertise, we aim to explore scalable solutions that address both environmental and economic challenges,” said GIC CEO Charlie Tan.
The group said that direct conversion is a promising technology that can turn complex waste streams into valuable C2+chemical compounds such as ethylene and propylene via gasification. Ethylene and propylene, which are conventionally produced via fossil-based feedstock, are used in the production of everyday materials such as plastics, detergents, paints and textiles. A process whereby waste materials could be converted to produce feedstocks, has the potential to cut emissions from chemical production and reduce reliance on virgin fossil-based materials.
In 2019, the petrochemicals supply chain accounted for about 2.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year, or around 5.7% of the fossil carbon extracted that year. But that consumption is growing at about 5-8% a year – meaning that, without intervention, it could roughly double every 10 years. And while there is a pressing need to stop using fossil carbon, finding new and sustainable sources of the carbon needed is an ongoing challenge.
ETH-Zurich will conduct environmental and techno-economic assessments of the direct conversion process. The findings from these studies will help assess the viability of a proof-of-concept and identify conditions for any future pilot scale efforts.
Richard Haldimann, chief strategy and technology officer at Clariant and chairman of the GIC Executive Committee said, “This partnership shows how science and industry together can drive real progress toward a circular future. With direct conversion technology, we can turn everyday waste into valuable chemical ingredients, cutting down on fossil resources and closing the loop in chemical production.”
Professor André Bardow, chair of energy and process systems engineering at ETH Zurich added: “The chemical industry must shift from fossil-based inputs to renewable and circular carbon sources. Through our collaboration with GIC on direct conversion, we’re exploring how to transform waste into essential chemicals—an important step toward operating within planetary boundaries.”
Further reading on sustainability and chemistry:
- Turning polystyrene waste into valuable chemicals - using bacteria
- Flue2Chem points the way towards a low-carbon, circular economy
- Chemical looping turns waste into syngas
- First global inventory of plastic pollution details environmental impact
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