Johnson Matthey and Nextchem partner to develop waste-to-methanol tech

Italian firm NextChem’s subsidiary that is dedicated to waste-to-chemical technologies, MyRechemical,  and Johnson Matthey, a global leader in sustainable technologies, will jointly cooperate to commercially develop waste-to-methanol technology globally.

This waste-to-methanol technology has its roots in the chemical conversion of non-recyclable municipal waste, which would otherwise be disposed in landfills or incinerated, into valuable syngas used to produce methanol. Through the chemical conversion of non-recyclable municipal and industrial waste, mainly plastic and dry waste, the resulting hydrogen and carbon oxides can be used to produce more sustainable chemical products.

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 with one derived from recycling, as well as a raw material for the chemical, construction and plastic industries. Ultimately this ensures a lower carbon footprint, demonstrating the sustainability of this technology. Methanol is an important intermediate product used in many goods that play a role in everyday life such as resins, plastics, insulation and fibres. It can be used as a fuel in transportation and, critically, is a potential enabler for decarbonisation.

This agreement involves JM’s syngas-to-methanol technology, which transforms synthesis gas using a robust and reliable chemical catalytic process to implement new waste-to-methanol plants. Additionally, MyRechemical will integrate JM’s syngas-to-methanol technology into the waste-to-chemical process in order to commercialize this waste-to-methanol technology worldwide.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Maire Tecnimont Group and NextChem, commented: “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. 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.”

John Gordon, Managing Director, Johnson Matthey, commented: “Joining forces with MyRechemical to develop innovative sustainable technologies demonstrates we are committed to helping the energy and chemical industries manage the transitions needed to decarbonise.” Alternative feedstocks such as municipal waste will play a key role in meeting net zero carbon emissions targets. JM process solutions and flexible catalysts, which can be used in a variety of feedstocks, are well placed to help operators reduce carbon dioxide emissions and meet ambitious sustainability targets.”