First UK Recycling Enabled CO2 Production Plant

Phil Black - PII Editor 21/11/2015

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Linde Gases, a division of The Linde Group, today announced that its UK and Ireland subsidiary BOC is to construct an inaugural carbon dioxide (CO2) purification plant in the UK, following the signing of an agreement with Cargill for the provision of raw CO2 feedstock.

The Linde plant will leverage raw CO2 gas, a by-product of Cargill’s wheat fermentation process, used to produce potable alcohol for consumer products such as perfumes, mouth-wash and beverages, to produce high purity liquid CO2 for the food and beverage industry.

“We are delighted to be part of this innovative project. Recycling our CO2 waste stream means that 100 per cent of Cargill’s by-products are now re-used, thus contributing to the environmental sustainability of our site,” said Paul Kingston, General Manager Cargill Starches & Sweeteners.

The installation will also include 1,200 tonnes of bulk liquid storage, enabling efficient stock management during plant maintenance periods and in times of peak demand in the wider supply network.

Purified CO2 has many well-known applications in the food and beverage industry including drinks carbonation; extending shelf life through modified atmosphere packaging; efficient food freezing and chilling; as a more environmentally friendly refrigerant; to enhance plant growth in greenhouses; and in the treatment of wastewater. In its solid state (dry ice) it is an effective alternative to solvent-based cleaning agents. CO2 also has multiple applications in the medical, R&D and entertainment industries.