NOVA Chemicals, Enerkem advance commercialization of chemical recycling technology
NOVA Chemicals and Enerkem are advancing their versatile and energy efficient chemical recycling technology to pilot stage in Edmonton, Alberta, thanks in part to C$4.5 MM in funding from Alberta Innovates.
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.
“By taking waste streams that are otherwise non-recyclable, we can complement mechanical recycling efforts and provide an important solution to close the gap between recycling targets and the important role plastics play in our daily lives,” said Michel Chornet, Executive Vice President, Engineering, Innovation and Operations at Enerkem. “The project aims to expand the types of materials that can be recycled and increase recycling rates while reducing emissions from incineration and landfill and keeping plastic out of the environment. It is a significant step in realizing the vision of the circular economy.”
“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.”
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