Carbon-negative chemical manufacturing inspired by photosynthesis
The chemicals industry generates trillions of dollars of revenue globally, producing a wide range of products from packaging and paint to food and pharmaceuticals. However, many of the manufacturing processes involved in creating these products rely on high temperatures making the chemical manufacturing industry a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
New Iridium aims to reduce the sector’s impact on the environment by decarbonising the chemical industry. Using next-generation technology powered by light to upcycle CO2, they are able to manufacture lower-cost, carbon-negative versions of existing commodity chemicals - effectively consuming more CO2 than the process emits. Taking inspiration from the natural process of photosynthesis and powered by renewable electricity, New Iridium's technology could eliminate millions of tons of carbon emissions from chemical manufacturing.
New Iridium was selected as a finalist for the Biomimicry Institute's 2021 Ray of Hope Prize, which celebrates nature-inspired solutions addressing the world’s biggest environmental and sustainability challenges.
Up Next in Season 2
-
RE:TV Repackaging Naturally
Biodegradable alternatives to plastic packaging
Nearly 10 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced in little more than a hundred years - with an additional half a billion tonnes being produced each year. While plastic has revolutionised the way we live, it has created oceans and mountains of ... -
RE:TV Reconsidering Transport
Highlighting how and where we can reduce transport emissions
Transport systems are the engines of the economy, both locally and globally, but they are one of the main sources of CO2, accounting for almost 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, 40% of which comes from road transport alone.
Susta... -
RE:TV Reusing Captured Waste
We need to reduce the emissions coming from the energy and industrial sectors if we are to reach Net Zero. CCm Technology's Chief Executive Officer, Pawel Kisielewski and Chief Technical Officer, Professor Peter Hammond explain how they capture carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrogen and other waste st...
