Vioneo, a player in sustainable industrial solutions, has entered into a strategic partnership with Honeywell to utilize Honeywell’s cutting-edge technology for producing plastics with green methanol.
The collaboration aims to establish a new facility in Antwerp, Belgium, where the innovative approach will transform the plastic production process, making it more eco-friendly.
Honeywell’s Advanced Methanol-to-Olefin Technology
Vioneo will incorporate Honeywell’s advanced methanol-to-olefin (MTO) conversion technology. This technology allows Vioneo to replace fossil fuels like coal and crude oil with green methanol, which is derived from biogenic carbon dioxide.
The shift to green methanol will drastically reduce the carbon emissions typically associated with plastic production, while still ensuring the production of essential components like propylene and ethylene.
These components are used in everyday products such as medical equipment, food packaging, automotive parts, personal care products, and toys.
Aiming for Cleaner Production and Green Innovation
Alex Hogan, CEO of Vioneo, emphasized the company’s commitment to transitioning the plastics industry toward cleaner, large-scale production.
He noted that this initiative could position Europe at the forefront of the €5 trillion chemicals and materials sector’s transition to sustainable practices.
Hogan stated, “Our collaboration with Honeywell for our Antwerp production facility marks a significant step in supporting this transition.”
A €1.5 Billion Green Methanol Facility in Antwerp
Vioneo’s new plant in Antwerp will be a €1.5 billion facility that relies on green methanol produced from renewable energy-based hydrogen and biomaterials.
Additionally, the plant will be powered by renewable electricity, reinforcing the commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy transition.
The sustainable approach aligns with Honeywell’s efforts to address key megatrends, including the global move toward a low-carbon future.
Honeywell’s Role in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Honeywell is proud to support Vioneo in its efforts to create a more sustainable plastic production process.
Rajesh Gattupalli, President of Honeywell UOP, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating that Vioneo’s plant could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help Europe lead the charge in lower-emission industrial innovation.
He stated, “Our MTO technology is essential in helping the industry meet its emission reduction goals and supporting the EU’s ambitious climate targets”.
Sustainable Processes for High-Purity Olefins
In addition to the MTO technology, Vioneo will implement Honeywell’s light olefins recovery process (LORP) and olefins cracking process (OCP).
These advanced processes will ensure the production of high-purity ethylene and propylene, while also capturing and reusing byproducts.
The holistic approach aims to minimize waste, save energy, lower costs, and maximize the yield from the production process.
Future Milestones and Timeline
The development of the Antwerp-based plant will be carried out in phases.
The first step involves completing the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) in the fourth quarter of 2024, followed by a potential Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2025.
The commercial operations of the plant are expected to begin in 2028, marking a milestone in the effort to revolutionize plastic production with greener practices.
As per the press release, through the collaboration, both Vioneo and Honeywell are taking significant steps toward reducing the environmental impact of the plastics industry, positioning Europe as a leader in sustainable industrial innovation.
