Biofuels international news
Published Sun 19 Apr 2020
Clariant begins monthly production of 2 million litres of disinfectant during Covid-19 outbreak
A chemical company has announced it has started monthly production of 2 million litres of disinfectant at its facilities in Germany. This disinfectant made by Clariant in Gendorf will then directly, or via repacking partners, be sent to regional hospitals and other vital institutions in Bavaria, who are currently facing limited availability of this critical product during the COVID-19 outbreak.
At its facility in Gendorf, Clariant will be able to use its available infrastructure to blend the necessary ingredients into disinfectant on a large scale. This allows the company to fulfill close to two-thirds of the monthly target demand of the Bavarian state. The company is aiming for a total of 10 million litres of disinfectants to be produced over the next three months. Costs associated with this programme are financed by a crisis fund set up by the state of Bavaria, and the company offered its contribution at cost price.
“At times like this, it is vital that everyone, be it individuals or companies, contributes in every way possible to reduce the spread of the virus. We at Clariant have the capability to support those working the hardest to protect all of us. Therefore, our employees acted decisively to ensure it was done," said Hans Bohnen, the firm’s chief operating officer.
In order to realise the production of such large volumes of disinfectant, Clariant has co-operated with several other companies.
The main ingredient, ethanol from renewable sources, was provided by CropEnergies AG. Their facility in Zeitz, Saxony-Anhalt, one of Europe’s largest production sites for renewable ethanol, produces the ethanol and then ships it to Clariant in Gendorf.
For this process, support was given by several logistics and infrastructure partners. After inspection and approval, the ethanol is then mixed with other ingredients in its production facilities to produce disinfectant according to an official standard of the World Health Organisation.
Upon completion, the disinfectant is filled into large tank containers. Other partnering companies fill packaging in suitable sizes, ranging from 1 to 1,000 litres, after which the disinfectant is distributed to regional hospitals and other vital institutions.
Thanks to these vital contributions, it is possible to support the Bavarian authorities and establish a stable supply chain for disinfectant on short notice and of large proportions.
The total of 10 million litres will represent about 750ml of disinfectant for every resident of Bavaria.
Stephan Trautschold, head of operations for Clariant’s industrial and consumer specialties business, added: “Being able to establish production of such large quantities of disinfectant so quickly is an impressive achievement.
“I am very proud of our entire team at the Gendorf site, Clariant’s service functions and very appreciative of the support from all other partnering companies and the Bavarian authorities. Together we can make a difference by supporting those in need.”
An education in biodiesel during the global lockdown
Tens of millions of people across the world are now working from home as they desperately try to do their bit to halt the spread of Covid-19.Like many others trying to “flatten the curve” during this global pandemic crisis, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) staff are also staying at home and working remotely. Most NBB staff members have children and understand the challenges of learning at home.
Many families across the US are finding themselves living in this “new normal” as well. Parents have found themselves suddenly juggling work, managing the household, and home schooling children all at the same time.
To help, the NBB has put together some biodiesel educational resources and fun ideas for extending the learning experience beyond the classroom, or dining room table.
It has collected biodiesel educational resources and STEM activities to help children expand their understanding of energy, sustainability and renewable biodiesel.
These resources include energy curriculum for eight- to 2-year-olds and some simple experiments and worksheets.
UAE-based biofuels’ company hits the mark
Neutral Fuels has become the first biofuel firm to successfully get certification under the UAE’s new Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) biodiesel quality standard.
The ESMA certification proves that Neutral Fuels and its products and services satisfy the quality standards required by UAE laws, procedures and codes of conduct.
ESMA is the federal entity responsible for setting standards for quality control. Its biodiesel standard was established to ensure that B100 – pure biodiesel – complies with local standards in order to be blended with diesel fuel.
The UAE is the first country in the Middle East to set its own standard for biodiesel.
Karl Feilder, CEO of Neutral Fuels, said the award adds one more layer of regulation to the company’s high quality standards, and provides an added assurance for its customers.
He said: “ESMA certification requires strict quality control measures, advanced technology and the use of high quality raw materials.
“This is the standard we’ve always set. Extensive in-house testing and years spent perfecting our manufacturing processes gave us the confidence to put ourselves forward as the first biofuel producer to be tested, and helped us become the first to be certified.”
“Meeting the high quality standard for the UAE’s biofuel requires high levels of commitment and quality management. These are shared values that percolate every level of our organization. It is also a tribute to our suppliers and customers, many of whom have been with us since we started producing biofuel in the UAE in 2011,” he added.
Neutral Fuels was the first biorefinery in the United Arab Emirates to pioneer 100% pure, European compliant biofuel from used cooking oil for use in cars, trucks, buses and generators.