Specialty chemical company Clariant says it has launched a major global campaign to reduce the climate change impact of nitrous oxide (N2O). Drawing on its catalyst research experience, the company has developed the EnviCat N2O-S catalyst, which it says can remove up to 95% of N2O generated as a by-product of nitric acid production. Clariant offers a free fill of EnviCat N2O-S to 10 nitric acid producers who do not have N2O off-gas treatment in place. Through the campaign, the company intends to help avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to several million tons of CO2 every year.
Of the approximately 500 nitric acid plants operating globally, more than half run without N2O abatement, mostly in regions without applicable emission control regulations, according to Clariant. The company now aims to tip the balance towards more sustainable production processes. Clariant is offering a free first fill of EnviCat N2O-S catalyst to up to 10 nitric acid producers who currently do not use an N2O abatement catalyst.
“Sustainability is no longer an afterthought of business; it is central to what we do and requires action now. That’s why we announced new ambitious science-based climate targets for Clariant,” says Hans Bohnen, chief operating officer at Clariant. “But as a specialty chemicals company we can do more: I am therefore particularly proud to announce that we have committed a substantial investment to help nitric acid producers worldwide virtually eliminate their N2O off-gas emissions. This benefits the climate, while also helping the nitric acid manufacturers to minimize their carbon footprint and progress on their sustainability journey.”
Besides climate benefits, Clariant claims its catalyst can also slightly increase nitric acid yield by improving the efficiency of the ammonia oxidation process.
For more information, visit: www.clariant.com/ClimateProtection
