NOVA Chemicals and Enerkem are advancing their versatile and energy efficient chemical recycling technology to pilot stage in Edmonton, Alberta, thanks in part to CD4.5 MM in funding from Alberta Innovates, according to Hydrocarbonprocessing.
The funding, provided through Alberta Innovates’ Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction economic recovery program has enabled the companies to expedite construction of a pilot-scale reactor system that converts syngas produced from used, non-recyclable and non-compostable plastics to feedstocks for virgin-grade plastics.
The team has been working to achieve lower GHG emissions while significantly accelerating the upgrading process for waste materials.
“NOVA has a bold ambition to create a plastics circular economy and work to design a low carbon, zero plastic waste future,” said Greg DeKunder, VP, Polyethylene Marketing at NOVA Chemicals. “Advanced recycling technologies are a game changing component of enabling a circular economy and achieving zero plastic waste in the environment. This joint initiative with Enerkem further demonstrates that industry collaboration will be key to providing economically viable solutions for sustainable, circular plastic production.”
As MRC wrote before, earlier this month, Cyclyx International announced that NOVA Chemicals has joined as the newest member of the consortium. NOVA Chemicals develops and manufactures chemicals and plastic resins that make everyday life healthier and safer. With a focus on sustainability, NOVA Chemicals works toward polyethylene (PE) solutions that enable a more circular economy for plastics. Through its membership in Cyclyx, NOVA Chemicals will continue its work to utilize more post-use plastics in its feedstock supply chain.
According to MRC's ScanPlast report, Russia's estimated PE consumption totalled 2,487,450 tonnes in 2021, up by 13% year on year. Shipments of all grades of ethylene polymers increased.
MRC