Utilization
CO₂ as a raw material
It is undisputed that carbon dioxide in the atmosphere must be reduced in order to make a sustainable contribution to global warming. People often talk about injecting carbon dioxide (CO₂ for short), but CO₂ is also a versatile raw material that can be harnessed using innovative technologies.
CO₂ can be used as a raw material in various industries. Converting CO₂ into valuable products opens up numerous possibilities for creating a CO₂ circular economy.
Utilization of CO₂ as a raw material Ⅰ
Food and beverage industry: Here, CO₂ is used for carbonation to make beverages fizzy. Green CO₂ offers an environmentally friendly alternative. It can also be used in preservation and packaging (MAP packaging) to extend the shelf life of food and reduce the need for synthetic CO₂.
Construction industry: Green CO₂ can be used in the production of construction materials such as cement by binding the CO₂ within the materials. This process, known as Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU), could help significantly improve the CO₂ footprint of the construction industry, as the materials store CO₂ throughout their lifespan.
Utilization of CO₂ as a raw material ⅠⅠ
Agriculture and greenhouses: CO₂ is often used in greenhouses to promote plant growth. Green CO₂ can meet the CO₂ requirements of plants without increasing fossil CO₂ emissions. This contributes to more sustainable agriculture by reducing dependence on conventional CO₂ from industry.
Pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry: Green CO₂ can be used in the production of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products as a solvent or as a component in certain chemical processes. The advantage lies in the sustainability and availability of CO₂ as a raw material obtained from renewable sources.