Page 154 - CW E-Magazine (27-8-2024)

News from Abroad

PARTNERSHIP
Repsol to deploy Honeywell technologies to develop

new pathways for renewable chemicals and fuels

Honeywell and Spanish energy plastics that can be turned into polymer
major, Repsol, have announced a col- feedstock. “Renewable fuels and plas-
laboration to create new production tics recycling are crucial to Repsol’s
pathways for biofuels and circular commitment to achieve net zero emis-
materials. The two will also explore the sions by 2050,” said Ms. Berta Cabello,
possible integration of these methods Repsol’s Director of Renewable Fuels.
into Repsol’s existing facilities. “Our collaboration with Honeywell to
Honeywell can apply new technologies advance and adopt cutting-edge tech-
The companies plan to scale and to reduce carbon emissions while pro- nologies will help us reduce our carbon
commercialise Honeywell’s technolo- ducing biofuels and advanced materials footprint and become a benchmark in
gies, which use various wastes like leveraging current refinery infrastruc- renewable fuels and hydrogen produc-
fats, oils, greases, biomass and solids ture,” he added. tion by 2030,” she added.
for chemical production and renewable
fuels at Repsol’s refineries. Their goal Repsol is also analysing the deploy- The two companies have a history
is to produce different biofuels, includ- ment of Honeywell’s UpCycle process of successful cooperation in various
ing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and technology, which turns waste plastic areas, such as licensing and deve-
renewable diesel, while making use of into ‘Honeywell Recycled Polymer loping petrochemical units, catalysts,
existing refinery assets. Feedstock’ for new plastics. It can recy- technical support and troubleshooting,
cle diverse plastics like coloured, flexi- digitalisation and technology. In 2023,
“As a global leader in sustainable ble, multilayered packaging and poly- Repsol selected Honeywell’s Ecofining
fuel technologies, we seek collabora- styrene. When used in conjunction with technology to make renewable fuels
tions to provide innovative solutions other chemical and mechanical recyc- from sources like used cooking oil and
that help our customers and stakeholders ling processes – along with improve- waste animal fat at its plant in Puerto-
to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas ments to collection and sorting – Honey- llano, Spain. This technology was
emissions through biofuel production,” well’s UpCycle process technology has developed and commercialised jointly
said Mr. Bryan Glover, Chief Growth the potential to help create the capa- by Honeywell in collaboration with
Officer and CTO of Honeywell Energy bility to recycle nearly 90% of waste Italy’s Eni. Repsol is building this plant
and Sustainability Solutions. “Our col- plastics. This would represent a conside- to produce about 240-ktpa of renewable
laboration with Repsol illustrates how rable increase in the amount of waste diesel and other products.

ASSET OPTIMISATION
Indorama to shut down PTA plant in Canada

Thailand-based petrochemicals ma- sation rates and other plant closures
jor, has revealed plans to discontinue in the region,” the company said. “To
operations at its Purified Terephthalic remain cost competitive, Indorama has
Acid (PTA) plant in Montréal-Est undertaken a strategic review of its
(Canada), with preparations for the portfolio including asset optimisation
closure beginning in September 2024. where necessary. Customers will not
be affected by this closure, as Indorama
The polyester industry has been Ventures’ production assets in the US
new builds and continued overcapacity and its extensive global footprint will
in China with majority of it integrated. feedstock cost pressures, along with ensure continued competitive and
This has put competitive pressure decreasing demand and the inflation- reliable supply solutions,” the com-
on most Western producers. “These ary environment, have led to low utili- pany stated.

154 Chemical Weekly August 27, 2024

Contents Index to Advertisers Index to Products Advertised