#Sustainability

2024-04-25

Best CO2 Utilisation 2024 Innovation Award - Three CCU solutions steering society towards a fossil-free future

Carbon Capture & Utilisation (CCU) enables the substitution of fossil carbon in sectors where carbon is necessary. Dioxycle, D-CRBN and Twelve showcase winning solutions that pave the path for a renewable carbon society. 230 participants from 27 countries worldwide joined the innovation award ceremony at the CO2-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference 2024 in Cologne, Germany, and online.

Renowned as one of the premier global events for the entire CCU and Power-to-X industry and its stakeholders, this year’s 12th edition spotlighted the latest advancements in the rapidly expanding realm of carbon capture and utilisation.

Six nominees showcased their innovative CCU solutions to a diverse audience of global experts. Following this, a majority of the attendees participated in live voting to select the three winners of the “Best CO2 Utilisation 2024” innovation award.

From renewable ethylene to textile fibres and plastics to cutting edge plasma-based CO2 conversion and a synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) reducing lifecycle emissions, the three winning CCU solutions open the road to transition away from fossil resources.

The innovation award “Best CO2 Utilisation 2024” granted to Dioxycle

The innovation award “Best CO2 Utilisation 2024” has been granted to the French company Dioxycle for the development of an ethylene producing electrolyser. This remarkable carbon electrolysis technology transforms industrial emissions into sustainable ethylene solely utilising renewable electricity and water. As a result, Dioxycle’s technology is capable of generating carbon-neutral ethylene at a competitive cost compared to the fossil-based method, offering an economically appealing route to decarbonise numerous industrial and commercial sectors. Ethylene, being the most utilised organic chemical globally, is integral in various everyday products including textile fibers, plastics, and construction materials.

http://www.dioxycle.com

Winner "Best CO2 Utilisation 2024" (f.l.t.r. Asta Partanen (nova-Institute), Michael Carus (nova-Institute), Sarah Lamaison (Dioxycle), Martin Lindmeyer (YNCORIS), Gill Scheltjens (D-CRBN), Anastasios Perimenis (CO2 Value Europe))

D-CRBN was awarded the second prize for a cutting-edge plasma-based CO2 conversion technology. The Belgian-based company developed a modular and scalable plasma technology capable of splitting the CO2 molecule into CO, all within a fully electrified, gaseous phase, devoid of solvents or catalysts. The CO is subsequently converted into high-value chemicals, including e-fuels, organic acids, polymers, etc., serving as essential feedstocks for industries such as chemical, petrochemical, maritime, and metallurgical sectors, among others.

http://www.d-crbn.com

Twelve, based in the US, won the third prize for its groundbreaking technology E-Jet® fuel. The technology produces Power-to-X sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using just three components: water, renewable electricity, and CO2. This innovative fuel underwent testing and certification by the U.S. Air Force in 2021, demonstrating it is a drop-in solution in existing aircraft. Manufactured to ASTM D7566 specifications, the same stringent performance standard upheld by fossil-based jet fuel, E-Jet® fuel boasts up to 90 % lower lifecycle emissions, alongside reduced sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other particulate emissions.

http://www.twelve.co

Sponsors and partners

The Innovation Award “Best CO2 Utilisation 2024” was sponsored by Yncoris, a service partner for the future-proof chemical industry, and it is co-organised by nova-Institute and CO2 Value Europe, the international association representing the CCU community in Europe and beyond. GIG Karasek supported the event as a sponsor.

The CO2-based Fuels and Chemicals Conference 2024 was held under the patronage of Mona Neubaur, Minister of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and is supported by numerous industry and trade associations, non-profit organisations, research institutions and interest groups, that are thematically linked to the conference: BCNP Consultants (DE), BBE – Bundesverband Bioenergie (DE), C.A.R.M.E.N. e.V. (DE), ChemCologne (DE), Chemie-Cluster Bayern (DE), CLIB – Cluster Industrial Biotechnology (DE), CO2Value Europe (EU), Global CO2 Initative (International), IN4climate.NRW (DE), IBB – Industrielle Biotechnologie Bayern Netzwerk (DE), kunststoffland NRW (DE), Plastics Europe (DE), Renewable Carbon Initiative (International), VoltaChem (NL).

http://www.co2-chemistry.eu

Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 signed by Governor

Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) is proud to announce that Senate Bill 707 (SB 707), the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, has been signed into law by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. This groundbreaking legislation establishes the country’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) textile recycling program, marking a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat waste and promote sustainability.

Modtissimo promotes sustainability with 28 coordinates in the Green Circle

Modtissimo is proving more and more to be a textile and clothing show that delivers the latest innovations in the area of sustainability, with the iTechStyle Green Circle being the main showcase for companies' creations. In this 60+4 edition, taking place on 12 and 13 September, 28 coordinates will be exhibited in a section organised by CITEVE and curated by Paulo Gomes.

The EU and Egypt team up to mobilise private sector investments at Investment Conference and sign a Memorandum of Understanding underpinning €1 billion in macro-financial assistance for Egypt

At the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, co-organised by the EU and the Government of Egypt on 29-30 June, the EU and Egypt are teaming up to intensify private sector investments in Egypt. They are also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the disbursement to Egypt of up to €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance.

Pioneering open-source framework shows how early innovation drives a just and net-zero fashion future

The non-profit H&M Foundation, in collaboration with Accenture, has unveiled From Signals to Systems Change, an insight report calling on the fashion industry to rethink its role in transformation. At its core is the Reimagined System Map, a pioneering open-source framework that visualises how early-stage innovation could drive a just and net-zero textile future.

Lenzing confirmed as global leader in Canopy sustainability ranking

Lenzing AG has once again taken first place in this year's Hot Button Report published by the Canadian non-profit organization Canopy. With 34.5 out of 40 points and no known risk of sourcing from ancient and endangered forests, Lenzing remains one of the most sustainable companies in regenerated cellulose fiber production – setting a benchmark for responsible business practices in the textile and nonwovens industries.

Nike unites innovation, design and product teams to accelerate athlete-centered innovation

Nike, Jordan Brand and Converse are joining forces under a new, athlete-focused creation structure aimed at accelerating innovation and driving growth across NIKE, Inc. The new setup unites the Innovation, Design and Product teams from all three brands into a single “creation engine” that will enable greater sharing of insights, technology and manufacturing methods throughout the innovation process. This integration is part of Nike’s new Sport Offense strategy and is designed to enhance the creation of products that help athletes perform at their best.

DORNIER celebrates its anniversary at ITMA Asia + CITME

To mark its 75th anniversary, machine and plant manufacturer Lindauer DORNIER will be presenting the latest developments in its rapier and air-jet weaving machines at ITMA Asia + CITME in Singapore (Hall 2, Stand B401) from 28 to 31 October 2025. The focus will be on energy-efficient weaving technologies, new IoT solutions for networked textile production and systems for the series production of modern fibre composite components.

BCI warns against ‘dangerous dilution’ of EU corporate directives

The approval of the European Commission’s Omnibus I proposal by the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs, accepting controversial changes to key sustainability directives is of great concern. These changes, namely to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), threaten to significantly dilute business reporting and due diligence obligations.