The process would turn non-recyclable municipal and industrial waste, mainly plastic and dry waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill or incinerated, into synthesis gas (syngas), which would be used to produce methanol. In addition, the resulting hydrogen and carbon oxides could be used to produce more sustainable products.

Under the partnership, JM's established syngas-to-methanol technology will be integrated into a waste-to-chemical process in order to commercialize the route and build waste-to-methanol plants.

JM said the methanol derived from this process can be used as an intermediate for low-carbon additives in the blending of gasoline and diesel, replacing the fossil-based component, as well as a raw material for the chemical, plastic and construction industries.

"The alliance with JM adds a new important piece to our business strategy. Circular methanol obtained from the technology on which we are partnering with JM can be used in better performing, low-carbon fuels for sustainable mobility, for example for the shipping sector, and as a more sustainable product for the chemical industry," said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Maire Tecnimont and NextChem.

"There is a wide and promising market for such a product, aimed at driving the industry towards the use of more sustainable feedstocks, avoiding the consumption of natural resources. This technology, which is immediately applicable, provides a concrete answer to these needs,” Folgiero added.

NextChem launched MyRechemical in November 2020 in order to concentrate the technical skills necessary for developing and commercializing the chemical recycling of waste, which it said is receiving increasing interest from the market.

Last month, JM announced another alliance agreement related to its methanol process, that time with KBR to license Formox integrated Urea Formaldehyde Concentrate (iUFC) technology. The iUFC technology combines JM's methanol and UFC production processes with KBR's proprietary ammonia process, either for installation in new plants or retrofitted into existing units.

“Following our successful alliance for ammonia–methanol co-production with JM last year, KBR is excited to offer the iUFC process for new and existing fertilizer complexes to efficiently upgrade their end products,” said Doug Kelly, KBR president, technology, adding that the technology will "allow integrated fertilizer complexes to upgrade their urea quality for maximizing crop yields while ensuring the lowest carbon footprint.”

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist