This project aims to close the loop by converting waste back into useful products. The initial partners are AkzoNobel, Enerkem, the NOM (the investment and development agency for the North Netherlands), Groningen Seaports and InnovationQuarter. The project will test various local waste streams, including residual municipal and agricultural waste.

“By making synthesis gas from waste, we will create a sustainable and cost-effective feedstock for the chemical industry. This will be fully in line with our Planet Possible approach to sustainable manufacturing,” explains Peter Nieuwenhuizen, AkzoNobel’s Director of Innovation and Partnerships.

Vincent Chornet, President and CEO of Enerkem, adds: “We are pleased to be working with AkzoNobel and partners to further demonstrate Enerkem’s ability to recycle the carbon contained in non-recyclable waste into renewable chemicals. These chemical building blocks hold countless potential applications, and with our combined efforts to develop waste-to-chemicals facilities in Europe, the shift towards a circular economy now appears to be truly within reach.”

Waste remains a problem in many regions and is generally regarded as being under-utilized for the production of chemicals. The advantage of Enerkem’s proven conversion process is that it is complementary to existing technologies, such as recycling and anaerobic digestion.

The partners have come to an agreement to invest in an advanced waste-to-chemistry installation in Rotterdam. It will be the first installation of this type in Europe which provides a sustainable alternative for the burning waste. This waste-to-chemistry project is an important step on our way to a more sustainable industry in Rotterdam, which fits in our ambition in the field of circular economy.

 

More info here: https://www.portofrotterdam.com/nl/nieuws-en-persberichten/partners-starten-financiering-voor-waste-to-chemistry-project-in-rotterdam