Milan, 7 September 2021 – A new milestone in Maire Tecnimont Group’s green acceleration roadmap: MyRechemical, NextChem’s subsidiary dedicated to waste-to-chemical technologies, and Johnson Matthey (JM), a global leader in sustainable technologies, will jointly cooperate to commercially develop "waste-to-methanol" technology worldwide.
This waste-to-methanol technology has its roots in the chemical conversion of non-recyclable municipal waste, which would otherwise be disposed in landfill or incinerated, into valuable syngas used to produce methanol. Through the chemical conversion of non-recyclable municipal and industrial waste, mainly plastic and dry waste, the resulting hydrogen and carbon oxides can be used to produce more sustainable chemical products.
The methanol derived from this process can be used as an intermediate for low-carbon additives in the blending of gasoline and diesel, replacing the fossil-based component with one derived from recycling, as well as a raw material for the chemical, construction and plastic industries. Ultimately this ensures a lower carbon footprint, demonstrating the sustainability of this technology. Methanol is an important intermediate product used in many goods that play a role in everyday life such as resins, plastics, insulation and fibres. It can be used as a fuel in transportation and, critically, is a potential enabler for decarbonization.
This agreement involves JM’s proven syngas-to-methanol technology, which transforms synthesis gas using a robust and reliable chemical catalytic process to implement new waste-to-methanol plants. Additionally, MyRechemical will integrate JM’s syngas-to-methanol technology into the waste-to-chemical process in order to commercialize this waste-to-methanol technology worldwide.
Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer, Maire Tecnimont Groupand NextChem, commented: "The alliance with JM adds a new important piece to our business strategy. Circular methanol obtained from the technology on which we are partnering with JM can be used in better performing, low-carbon fuels for sustainable mobility, for example for the shipping sector, and as a more sustainable product for the chemical industry. There is a wide and promising market for such a product, aimed at driving the industry towards the use of more sustainable feedstocks, avoiding the consumption of natural resources. This technology, which is immediately applicable, provides a concrete answer to these needs”.
John Gordon, Managing Director, Johnson Matthey, commented: "Joining forces with MyRechemical to develop innovative sustainable technologies demonstrates we are committed to helping the energy and chemical industries manage the transitions needed to decarbonize.” Alternative feedstocks such as municipal waste will play a key role in meeting net zero carbon emissions targets. JM process solutions and flexible catalysts, which can be used in a variety of feedstocks, are well placed to help operators reduce carbon dioxide emissions and meet ambitious sustainability targets”.
Maire Tecnimont S.p.A.
Maire Tecnimont S.p.A., listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, heads an industrial group which leads the global natural resource conversion market (downstream oil & gas plant engineering, with technological and executive expertise). Its subsidiary NextChem operates in the field of green chemicals and technologies in support of the energy transition. The Maire Tecnimont Group operates in approx. 45 countries, through approx. 50 operative companies and about 9,000 people. For further information: www.mairetecnimont.it www.nextchem.com
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