LanzaTech, a large waste processing firm, uses microbes to create feedstock from fermented industrial waste.Using a newly created component, the waste management firm can now process the industrial waste into polymers, hydrocarbon fuels and plastics. The company, based in Auckland, has already received US$18 million in funding to move the equipment into the commercial stage and build a waste gas to ethanol plant in China out of a converted steel mill.
The process involves using microbial gas fermentation instead of the conventional approach of breaking down petrol with sugars. According to chief executive Jennifer Holmgren, the process enables chemicals to be removed from petrol and valuable food resources and turned into something else. She added that the firm uses several of the chemicals stripped during the process to make items such as polymers, rubbers, textiles and plastics.
According to Holmgren the new process and equipment will enable the firm to offer a new environmentally sound waste gas-to-fuels service. Additionally, she said the new development meant that firm could deliver a hefty financial return as well by producing high value products from industrial rubbish.
Using waste to produce much needed resources like fuel, compost and renewable energy has become a highly sought after market. With looming EU targets approaching to reduce waste and carbon emissions, waste-to-fuel has become the perfect marriage of both items to reduce greenhouse gas effects in a comprehensive, viable solution.
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