The landfill is the de facto destination for all non-recyclable materials. Most of them are short-life products with long, dangerous consequences for society’s well being; the toxic gases they release into the atmosphere are part of that legacy. An evolving conversation is presenting us new challenges to avoid these mistakes in future creations. What can be done with all those materials that are already part of our landscape? Who wants to redeem our monstrous-hybrids?
Enerkem is taking on that challenge with remarkable results.
Fast Company featured Enerkem as one of the 50 most innovative companies of 2011. Their effective material management processes has made Enerkem one of the main players in this area. They introduced a technological process called Carbon Recycling: environmentally sound technology that transforms municipal solid waste – trash – into biofuel, high-value chemicals, and renewable energy. Additionally, some components are transformed in new feedstock, enabling them to have another useful life cycle. Enerkem’s website presents a completedescription of this process.
The United States is constructing an Enerkem plant, which will be completed next year. Canada has been part of this initiative since 2003, with an innovation center and plant. Another site is being constructed and will be ready for operation later this year.
Industrialized countries are becoming aware of the benefits that Emerken’s processes will bring to their societies. We can expect to hear more about them: Emerken will take the challenge to a whole new level
