Other news
Nouryon reduces carbon dioxide emissions with additional bio-steam supply
Nouryon will increase the use of bio-steam at its salt production at Hengelo, in the Netherlands, making the production more sustainable and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
AFYREN secures over 60 million euros of financing to move into its industrial development phase
In order to offer industrial firms a reliable alternative to using acids based on oil derivatives, AFYREN has confirmed the production of bio-based organic acids on a pre-industrial scale for use with multiple applications. Today, AFYREN is launching its industrial development phase after securing total financing of 60 million euros, including a 21 million euro capital increase.
Braskem and Haldor Topsoe start up demo unit for developing renewable MEG
The mechanical completion of the innovative first process step of the demonstration plant is the first milestone to be achieved by Braskem and Haldor Topsoe’s partnership to validate the MOSAIK™ sugar-to-biochemicals solution for production of cost-competitive bio-based MEG (monoethylene glycol). Currently, MEG is made from fossil-based feedstocks, such as naphtha, gas or coal. The demonstration plant is expected to produce more than 100 tons per year of glycolaldehyde, the precursor for MEG, when it begins operation on March 1, 2019. MEG is a key component of PET plastic used for food packaging, especially bottles, and polyester fabrics. The global MEG market represents a value of 25 billion dollars.
First production of isobutene from wheat straw at demo scale
New phase for the H2020 Optisochem project after 18 months of activity. Sugars from wheat straw produced at Clariant’s Sunliquid® pre-commercial plant have been shipped to Global Bioenergies’ Leuna demo plant. Successful test runs for production of straw-based isobutene, batches delivered to INEOS for evaluation
Ercros has started up the second expansion of the Vila-seca I chlorine plant
Barcelona - Ercros has started a second expansion capacity of 26,000 t/year at the chlorine and caustic soda production plant of its factory in Vila-seca I, in accordance with the investment plan announced by the company.
At present, Ercros is undertaking a third expansion, also of 26,000 t/year, which it expected to be operational by mid-2019. Following this expansion, Ercros' global chlorine production capacity will be 217,000 t/year and will consolidate its leading position in the Iberian market.
The purpose of all these actions is to restore the real Ercros’ chlorine and caustic soda production to the level the company had before the cessation of mercury technology on December 11, 2017, following the European ban on the use of mercury in electrolytic plants. Currently, all the chlorine and caustic soda in Ercros is manufactured using membrane technology, which is considered the best available technology (BAT).
