Cases are all about green and sustainable chemistry.

SoilControl

For CO₂ reduction and better Soil Stabilization of Roads.

Problem/Challenge

Mineral oil based bitumen is used as a binder of aggregates and also as a water repellant in road construction. Bitumen has a poor CO₂ footprint and also needs to be heated to 120-180 oC (energy intensive).

Our Solution

A cold mix blend of polymer (binder) and silane that reacts chemically with the silicium in the stone and also works as a strong water repellant. The silane is highly concentrated and diluted with local water from rivers. Also improves swell, deformation, breathability, capillary rise, extends the season and reduces the hours of traffic closure needed during road construction.

Result

Improved CO₂ footprint and higher quality of soil stabilized roads.

PFAS treatment

For removal of PFAS from water and the ambient environment.

Problem/Challenge

Named the ‘forever chemicals’, the term PFAS refers to per- and/or polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of thousands of chemicals that are harmful to both humans and wildlife and known to cause cancers, liver malfunction, reduced immunity, reduced fertility, hormone interference, developmental delays and behavioural changes in children. Their chemical composition is extremely robust, and therefore difficult to decompose. Through human activity, PFAS has been released in the natural environment, ending up in ground water and surface water. Although PFAS has been in use for decades, it is only recently that the extent of the problem has come to light, and, consequently, new regulations on PFAS levels are continuously coming into effect.

Our Solution

Activated carbon and ion exchange resins are widely known to be the most effective solution in the permanent removal of PFAS from water and air. When the molecular weight of the PFAS molecule you are dealing with is lower, ion exchange resins are the best option and if the weight is higher, activated carbon performs best. Transported captured PFAS to disposal site will only move the problem, as PFAS is of such robust chemical composition. However, we now have a solution where the PFAS molecules are broken down into fluoride compounds during the reactivation process of the spent carbon. This is a forward step in solving the problem of these “forever chemicals”, and it is the most sustainable way to manage concentrated PFAS waste in activated carbon.

Result

The PFAS is broken down into fluoride compounds, permanently removing it from our environment. The spent activated carbon is reactivated and can be used in other applications, making it a highly sustainable and cost-effective solution to remove PFAS from water and the environment. Learn more about our solutions for PFAS treatment here.

Cellulose Fiber

For CO₂ reduction and higher quality of Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA)

Problem /Challenge

Paper from (old) magazines, pocket books, newsprint being disposed (land disposal) or burned. Waste of resources and poor CO₂ footprint

Our Solution

Convert the paper to granules / pellets and use it to avoid runoff of the binder in production of Stone Mastic Asphalt SMA).

Result

Improved CO₂ footprint and higher quality of the SMA roads

Seabed capping

Nature Restoration

Problem /Challenge

All around our planet we have traces of human activity, contaminated toxic seabed inhibit spices in the soil and forward toxic components into the food chain with restriction for human consumption and lowering the reproductivity even for polar animals.

Our Solution

Cover the contaminated seabed- hot spots- with biobased active carbon. The carbon adsorb organic toxic material and with the use of biobased carbon you store CO₂ in the seabed as well.

Result

Helping nature to overcome human mistakes and store CO₂ in the same operation.

Biochar as soil amendment

Problem /Challenge

Agriculture is a big to methane and CO₂ generator. 100 years with heavy use of fertilizers have destroyed soils around the world.

Our Solution

Biochar from local pyrolysis process based on waste materials combining organic manure to make the local fertilizer plan for the farmer.

Result

Biochar is a valuable soil amendment. It boost soil fertility and microbiology, upgrade soil structure, accelerate plant growth and store CO₂ in the soil.

Composite waste

Reused in roofing material

Problem /Challenge

Composite industry has for more than 60 years used landfill depot for waste and used material. Minerals and polymers have long degradation time in depot. Re- use of new production waste and used material is important to find new markets.

Our Solution

Mill down composite material and identify the chemical / mechanical properties and identify potential new users from cladding to roofing. From windmills to sports equipment.

Result

Re-use valuable materials – find local users – lower the transport and save virgin minerals incl CO₂.

Coconut based activated carbon

For flue gas treatment in Waste to energy (WtE) plants

Problem/ Challenge

Incineration of waste generates small amounts of highly toxic mercury, dioxins and furans. Traditionally the local WtE industry has used virgin HOK produced from German brown coal which is blown into the flue gas stream to adsorb and filter out the toxins.

Our solution

Activated carbon from coconut shells is more efficient and is produced from waste-based and biological raw material.

Result

30% less consumption, less carbon footprint, less nature footprint.

For drinking water treatment

Problem/ Challenge

Drinking water plants use activated carbon to remove unwanted taste, color and microtoxins from drinking water. Traditionally activated carbon produced from Chinese coal is used.  The coal is regenerated and re-used once, then sent to landfill.

Our solution

Replace by activated carbon from coconut shell is produced from wastebased and biological raw material.  After regeneration and re-use at the drinking water plant, the material will be regenerated and re-used for other applications with a lower requirement.  (industrial water treatment)

Result

Less carbon footprint, less nature footprint, prolonged material lifetime (material is given a second use in other applications).