Sustainability Middle East News’ Post

🤔What is the “methanol economy” and how can methanol lead to an industry transformation of chemicals, transportation and other sectors? ♻️ Check out our Global Impact Coalition article just published by Sustainability Middle East News to learn more! 👉

Sustainability in Petrochemicals: Green Solutions & Initiatives In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, the petrochemical sector stands at a critical crossroads. With increasing concerns over environmental degradation and climate change, the call for #sustainability within this industry has never been more urgent. In response to these challenges, #green_solutions and initiatives have emerged as key drivers of change, paving the way for a more sustainable future for the #petrochemical sector. In conclusion, sustainability in petrochemicals is not just a buzzword but a critical imperative for the industry’s long-term viability. By embracing green solutions and initiatives, petrochemical companies can reduce their environmental impact, drive #economic_growth, and meet the needs of future generations. Together, we can build a more sustainable and resilient petrochemical sector that benefits both people and the planet.

Robert Krumm, Ph.D. P.E. of POWER Engineers shares the following on Energy Central: "3 Pathways to Meet Your Sustainability Goals Ideally, when a product can no longer be used for its designed purpose, it’s reused or recycled to enable a “circular economy.” Under this framework, products are either made from renewable feedstocks or designed to be infinitely recyclable. The purpose is two-fold: first, it decreases reliance on finite resources and second, it reduces landfill waste. A subset of this is chemical recycling, where materials are broken down into their simplest molecular constituents and then reformed into virgin feedstock material. Pyrolysis, also called thermal processing, is the first step in transforming waste materials like plastic back into marketable products. Not only does pyrolysis reduce the need for virgin petroleum-based feedstocks, but it can also be used to make low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels. This promotes long-term sustainability to help you meet your ESG goals, while also achieving resource efficiency, cost savings, and regulatory compliance. While the types of pyrolysis may vary, there are three fundamental ways pyrolysis plays into the circular economy: Torrefaction, Pyrolysis-Derived Fuels, and Pyrolysis Chemical Recycling." Read the rest on Energy Central now: https://lnkd.in/e2YiM7gS

In palm oil production, every step of the way, there are opportunities to do better for the planet.   But you can’t do it all by yourself.   That’s why EPCC companies like Kumar innovate – for sustainable edible oil production and a greener planet.   Head over to our blog for a primer on how you can embed your palm oil production within a circular economy. . . #palmoilproduction #sustainability #circulareconomy #epcc

BASF completes the certification program International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS at its production site in Lemförde, Germany to produce biomass-balanced thermoplastic polyurethanes. Also, the annual recertification according to REDcert2 was successfully completed for numerous thermoplastics and polyurethane systems.  #sustainablepackaging #recyclability #sustainability #circulareconomy #recycledmaterials #resourceefficiency #packagingmachinery

The Role of Biochar/Biocarbon in Green Steel: A Double-Edged Sword In the quest for sustainable industrial practices, the steel sector has turned to charcoal as a greener alternative to coal in the production of what is termed "green steel." Charcoal, derived from biomass, is considered renewable, but the traditional methods of its production present significant environmental challenges. Environmental Impact of Traditional Charcoal Production Traditional charcoal manufacturing involves the pyrolysis of biomass in earth or brick kilns, which is extremely polluting. This process emits: Methane: Approximately 20% of the emissions from traditional charcoal production are methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 28 times that of CO2 over a 100-year period. Carbon Monoxide: Roughly 15% of the emissions are carbon monoxide, which, although less of a greenhouse gas concern, is highly toxic and contributes to air pollution. Other Harmful Pollutants: This includes volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides, all of which contribute to environmental degradation and health issues. These emissions not only counteract the environmental benefits of using renewable charcoal but also pose serious health risks to communities near production sites. The Greenwashing Dilemma Some steel companies are engaging in what appears to be greenwashing by labeling this traditionally produced charcoal as "biochar" on their carbon balance sheets. Biochar, a product of controlled pyrolysis is supposed to be a stable form of carbon that does not release greenhouse gases back into the atmosphere. However, the charcoal used in steel production, when produced through traditional methods, does not fit this description, leading to misleading sustainability claims. The opportunity lies in equipping rural charcoal producers with innovative, accessible technology that allows them to produce charcoal in a non-polluting way. This involves introducing or adapting technologies like efficient kilns or pyrolysis units that drastically cut down emissions. Moreover, it's crucial to develop a system where a part of the "carbon reduction credits" are directly passed on to these rural producers instead of being claimed by the steel companies. Doing so would not only incentivize sustainable practices at the grassroots level but also ensure that the environmental and economic benefits of reduced carbon emissions are shared with those who are making the actual change on the ground.

❗️”The drive for sustainability is revolutionising the chemical industry”; 📈 The research shows that in the beginning of 2023, 66 % of the largest chemical end users (EU) - e.g. automotive, food, and personal-care industries - had committed to reducing GHG emissions by 2030, and 37 % have stablished net-zero targets by 2050. ”This approach has potential benefits for the environment and society”. 💡 “The message is that to create a competitive advantage, firms should invest in novel technologies, sustainable feedstocks and conversion technologies”. Those decisions need to be made NOW / ASAP. Adapted text. #sustainability #industry #GHG

The potential for “bioplastics” to transform our approach to waste is becoming a reality! This cutting-edge research explores how waste biomass—such as agricultural residues and food waste—can be converted into innovative materials, paving the way for sustainable, biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics. By integrating waste valorization into “bioplastic” production, we reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate environmental harm. This approach supports the circular economy, creating value from waste and minimizing plastic pollution. 🔑 Key highlights: ▪️ Conversion of waste biomass into “bioplastics” ▪️Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions ▪️Promoting biodegradable, renewable plastic solutions This research demonstrates the potential to reshape industries like packaging and agriculture by replacing petroleum-based plastics with sustainable alternatives. As demand for eco-friendly materials rises, innovations like these are essential for reducing plastic waste and advancing global sustainability goals. 🔍 Read more: https://lnkd.in/eSFSbrE6 #CircularEconomy #Biomaterials #Sustainability #WasteReduction #GreenInnovation #Biodegradable #Research

What Does the Chemical Industry Need to Achieve Climate Neutrality? ♻️ Imagine we live in a world where plastic waste no longer pollutes the environment but becomes a valuable resource. In which hydrogen is produced without emissions and biomass not only binds CO2 but becomes a key building block for chemicals. A nice vision, but which enablers are needed to achieve this goal? 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲: With only 9% of global plastic waste currently recycled, better waste management systems and economic incentives are crucial to turn waste into a resource. Additionally, integrating chemical recycling alongside mechanical recycling is crucial. While mechanical recycling is resource-efficient, chemical recycling can handle a wider range of plastic wastes and overcome issues like polymer degradation.   🗑️➡️📦 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘀: Biomass, capturing CO₂ during growth, offers the chemical industry a sustainable feedstock to reduce GHG emissions, but its use requires reliable, affordable, and responsibly sourced supplies to avoid deforestation, biodiversity loss, and competition with food production. 🌱 𝗟𝗼𝘄-𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻, produced via water electrolysis with renewable electricity or methane reforming with CCS, can significantly reduce GHG emissions from high-volume chemicals like ammonia and methanol, support carbon circularity by utilizing captured CO₂, and requires robust policy frameworks and streamlined permitting processes to drive investment. ⚡ 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗹 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲: Fossil feedstocks combined with CCS play a vital role in climate neutrality by capturing CO₂ from various points in the chemical value chain, including end-of-life incineration. However, effective deployment requires overcoming challenges such as long planning periods, high capital costs, and the need for public acceptance through robust policy support and investment incentives. 📉 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘄-𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆, is essential for the chemical industry’s transition to climate neutrality, with production processes requiring tailored combinations of renewables, fossil fuels with CCS, and nuclear energy based on local resources and reaction needs, supported by significant investment and robust policy frameworks. 🔋 Achieving climate neutrality in the chemical industry requires innovation, sustainable resources, and strong policy support. Key enablers like recycling, biomass, low-emission hydrogen, and CCS depend on investments and effective collaboration. 👉 Curious to find out which enabler is most critical for achieving climate neutrality in your region? Contact us : https://lnkd.in/e2Efrj8i

🌍🔬 Revolutionizing the Chemical Industry: Towards a Sustainable Future 🌱 The Royal Society's new report (https://lnkd.in/gynpdUkf) offers a blueprint for drastically reducing the #global chemical industry's #carbon footprint, which accounts for 6% of global CO2 emissions. By transitioning from traditional fossil fuel-based feedstocks to more sustainable options like biomass, plastic waste, and captured CO2, we can reshape how everyday consumer products are produced and significantly move towards net-zero emissions. 🚨🌱 This transformation is not just necessary; it is urgent. With projected demands suggesting that carbon in chemicals could double by 2050, the resulting increase in emissions could be catastrophic unless we pivot to alternative, less #carbon-intensive methods. This necessitates a robust commitment to research in catalysis, a surge in #renewableenergy solutions, and a significant expansion of green hydrogen technologies. 🌍⚡ 🤝 Collaboration across industries and substantial government support is imperative to overcome the current uncertainties around feedstock availability and the financial challenges of investing in new chemical facilities. Several pilot projects have already proven the technical feasibility of these sustainable practices, paving the way for widespread adoption. 🔬💼 The shift towards sustainable feedstocks in the chemical industry represents a critical step in our global effort to combat climate change. This is an environmental, economic, and social imperative to ensure a sustainable future. The time for action is now; we must all be ready to support and implement these changes to safeguard our planet for future generations. 🌎🌿 #Sustainability #GreenChemistry #Decarbonization #Innovation #NetZero