Partnership brings together Transform Materials' innovative
technology for acetylene production using plasma, Johnson Matthey's
(JM) acetylene-based VCM technology, and JM's proprietary catalyst
to provide a solution that emits fewer carbon emissions when
compared to traditional coal-based processes* to produce the
critical vinyl chloride monomer for PVC production
RIVIERA
BEACH, Fla., June 12,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Transform Materials, a leader in
the development of clean and sustainable chemical technologies, has
joined forces with Johnson Matthey, a global leader in sustainable
technologies. Scientists and engineers at both companies are
applying their combined expertise with the aim of revolutionizing
VCM production through a novel, lower-carbon-emission, mercury-free
process.
The collaboration brings together Transform Materials' advanced
technology for producing acetylene from a range of short-chain
hydrocarbons and Johnson Matthey's unique, mercury-free technology
and catalyst offering for converting acetylene to vinyl chloride
monomer (VCM). Acetylene is typically produced by hydrolysis of
calcium carbide and is a critical building block in many chemical
processes.
Calcium carbide is produced via an energy-intensive process that
uses coal and limestone as feedstocks, while VCM is converted to
PVC via a polymerization reaction. Traditionally, mercury has been
the catalyst of choice to hydrochlorinate acetylene to monomer VCM.
However, with the ratification of the worldwide Minimata treaty,
the use of mercury catalysts in new VCM plants is now banned. JM's
proprietary catalyst offers a solution for new and existing VCM
plants.
Combined, the Transform and Johnson Matthey technologies create
an alternate route to produce PVC with a lower global warming
impact* versus traditional methods and without the use of mercury
catalysts. This addresses three critical challenges facing the
industry:
- A reliance on environmentally harmful products. There
are significant environmental drawbacks associated with traditional
methods of producing PVC from coal and using mercury catalysts.
Through the collaboration between Transform Materials and Johnson
Matthey, a wider range of feedstocks can be used to produce VCM
from acetylene using JM's catalyst.
- Facilitating on-purpose, selective capacity growth.
Unlike traditional ethylene-based PVC production, the approach
offered by these two companies enables producers to selectively
increase output due to the direct route via acetylene to VCM
without forming major by- and co-products.
- Carbon emissions. During the carbide process, carbon
monoxide is generated from the reaction of lime and carbon from
coal. This collaboration enables the use of a process route that
does not emit these carbon by-products and can result in a lower
carbon intensity process when compared to traditional calcium
carbide production.*
"Transform Materials is delighted to partner with
Johnson Matthey, a company with a rich, 200-year history of
innovation and a leader in sustainable technologies," said
Kenn Flessner, CEO of Transform
Materials. "The PVC industry is seeking new ways to meet production
demands while prioritizing sustainability. This partnership enables
us to deliver a cutting-edge solution that allows PVC producers to
increase output incrementally without compromising their
environmental goals."
Today's announcement builds on Transform Materials' recent
market success, which includes the signing last year of an
agreement with Denka, a leading Japanese chemicals company, for the
construction of a Transform Materials acetylene-hydrogen plant.
That plant is under construction and is expected to be commissioned
in 2025.
"Our collaboration with Transform Materials significantly
enhances our value proposition to PVC producers," said Alan Ingham, director of global licensing at
Johnson Matthey. "By combining our leading hydrochlorination
catalyst and VCM technology offering with Transform Materials'
innovative approach to acetylene production, we can now offer PVC
manufacturers a truly compelling path to increase production
capacity in a more environmentally responsible manner. This
partnership aligns with our sustainability goals and positions us
to play a key role in driving positive change within the PVC
industry."
* Lower carbon emissions statement is based upon carbon
footprint analysis compared to a coal-based carbide technology. It
enables a lower global warming potential compared to the
conventional carbide process when using the same non-renewable
electricity sources from cradle to gate. Contact Transform
Materials for further details and verification.
About Johnson Matthey
Johnson Matthey is a global
leader in sustainable technologies. For over 200 years we've used
advanced metals chemistry to tackle the world's biggest challenges.
Many of the world's leading energy, chemicals and automotive
companies depend on our technology and expertise to decarbonise,
reduce harmful emissions, and improve their sustainability. And
now, as the world faces the challenges of climate change, energy
supply and resource scarcity, we're actively providing new
solutions for our customers. Through inspiring science and
continued innovation, we're catalysing the net zero transition for
millions of people every day. For more information, visit
matthey.com.
About Transform Materials
Transform Materials is
dedicated to developing sustainable materials production processes,
with a core focus on transforming the ways acetylene is utilized.
The company is committed to creating a future where materials
manufacturing is aligned with environmental responsibility.
Transform's patented technology and systems are compact and
modular, and can scale to match customer needs, whether for large
plants or small industrial applications. To learn more, visit
transformmaterials.com.
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SOURCE Transform Materials LLC