Page 162 - CW E-Magazine (1-10-2024)

News from Abroad

MARKET REPORT
‘19-mt of drop-in chemicals to be synthesised annually

from captured CO by 2045’
2
The chemicals industry depends
heavily on finite fossil fuel feedstocks
and is responsible for 2% of global
anthropogenic CO emissions.
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A new report from market intelli-
gence firm, IDTechEx, explores how
captured CO could be utilised as a feed-
2
stock for hundreds of different chemi-
cals instead, providing an economic
and environmental incentive to capture
CO and create a circular economy.
2
Carbon capture is viewed as an essen-
tial technology for lowering global CO
2
emissions as it can decarbonise hard-to-
abate sectors. However, carbon capture
technologies are expensive. If captured tion tool, the report states. Recycling Chemicals are already being made
carbon can be utilised to make profitable captured CO and combining it with by recycling captured CO at large
2
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chemical products, this revenue stream low-carbon hydrogen provides a new scale. Players are now focused on ex-
can provide an economic incentive to route to carbon-containing chemicals. tending production to new CO -derived
2
accelerate the uptake of CCUS (carbon Because CO is a thermodynamically chemicals and alternative synthesis
2
capture, utilisation, and storage) tech- stable molecule, an energy input is pathways. Biological conversion and
nologies until stronger legislation that needed for reactions to occur. Currently, electrochemistry for CO utilisation are
2
promotes CO storage emerges. the most mature synthesis pathways for championed by start-ups and show par-
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CO -derived chemicals are thermocata- ticular promise, although these routes
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While many CO -derived chemicals lytic – where heat and catalysts yield may need to be combined with addi-
2
do not represent net-negative or net- favourable reaction kinetics. However, tional thermocatalytic steps to achieve
zero products, they do still represent there is considerable interest in synthe- the most economical synthesis. By
reductions in emissions compared to the tic routes that can be performed at 2045, IDTechEx forecasts 19-mtpa of
fossil fuel-based status quo and should ambient temperatures and pressures, drop-in chemicals to be synthesised
not be overlooked as a decarbonisa- with reduced energy demand and cost. from captured CO .
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RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP
Estée Lauder joins forces with German university to
study connection between fragrance and emotion

American cosmetics maker, Estée The multi-year research collabora- grance product and packaging innova-
Lauder Companies (ELC), has announced tion aims to explore the neurological tion, consumer experiences, marketing
a new scientific research collaboration connections between fragrance and claims and more.
with Dresden University of Technology emotion and better address the growing
(TUD), in Germany and its Smell & Taste demand for perfumes promising innova- “Scents have long been associated
Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngo- tive benefits. Findings from this research with emotions and have a powerful con-
logy, and Professor Thomas Hummel, a will be leveraged by ELC’s scientists nection to wellness,” said Mr. Sumit
leader in olfactory science. and product developers to inform fra- Bhasin, senior vice president, corporate

162 Chemical Weekly October 1, 2024

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