The pursuit of sustainable solutions to combat pollution and halt climate change is more relevant than ever. One of the more exciting developments in this area is products and solutions from BEFORM and our innovative technology for using plastic to manufacture important process components.
In this post, we are pleased to share an exclusive interview with Jon Hermansen, who has extensive experience from the plastic industry, is project manager for Borg CO2, and leader for CCUS Supplier Forum Norway. With this, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the technology and its many advantages. We ask Jon some frequently asked questions about how plastic can revolutionize the way we see it as a useful material, and the way we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near future.
How would you describe BEFORM technology to those who may not be familiar with it?
– First and foremost, BEFORM is an experienced manufacturer of plastic products and has for many years delivered similar products for SO2 purification. Based on this and in addition to this, the company has carried out extensive research and development on materials and products for the carbon capture industry. This has happened both through projects on our own and participation in international EU products with several “heavy” participants. This has made BEFORM AS has a great competence and experience in a market that is still new and will develop a lot in the future.
What makes BEFORM technology unique in comparison with other more traditional methods of carbon capture?
– Now, it is the case that BEFORM AS has developed products and technology that can be used within several carbon capture technologies. That means we have not developed our own capture technology, but made products that improve the process for established manufacturers.
The use of plastic and composite has many advantages, but primarily because of low self-weight and high corrosion resistance. Plastic is an advanced material. Just think of a modern airplane and how much plastic and composite are used there. The same applies to carbon capture technology where the use of plastic can contribute to increasing performance.
Can you explain why plastic is used in BEFORM’s carbon capture technology and what advantages this gives?
– When using steel in a process plant, there is a risk that the steel breaks down the solvent or the chemicals used for purification. By using more plastic and composite, these will last longer. The solvents are expensive and directly affect the operating costs. In addition, there are weight savings.
How does BEFORM contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and what role do you see for this technology in future sustainable solutions?
– To achieve the world’s climate goals and the goals set in the Paris Agreement, we must capture carbon and reduce the use of fossil fuels. We believe that BEFORM’s products can contribute to the development and production of smaller cleaning plants which in turn means that one can not only focus on the large power and waste incineration plants, but everywhere CO2 is released in the flue gas.
What kind of results has BEFORM technology achieved so far, and what expectations do you have for the technology going forward?
– As I said, this is a market and an industry in development that will become big over time. BEFORM has started on a race that will last a long time. As the different technologies achieve higher TRL grades and hence become more mature, a lot will happen. First and foremost, one must find less energy-consuming solutions and make capture technology cheaper. BEFORM will play an important role here.
How can industries benefit from BEFORM technology, and what challenges do you think they may face in the implementation process?
– This is an industry that will conduct extensive tests before new technology is used. Once a product is approved, whether it is made of plastic or another material, it will be well-tested.
What would you say to skeptics who might be concerned about the use of plastic in this context?
– Again, I think the aviation industry is a good example. Previously, aluminum was the preferred material. That is no longer the case. Advanced composites have made the planes both safer and more fuel efficient. Plastic has a bad reputation in many areas that takes time to get rid of, if we can manage that at all. But plastic is much more and can often offer the right solution.
BEFORM’s innovative development represents a significant step forward in the fight against climate change, and the potential for the use of plastic components in carbon capture is enormous. As we have learned in the interview with Jon Hermansen, this technology could play a decisive role in shaping future sustainable solutions across a wide range of industries. Although there are still challenges to overcome, the future for BEFORM and carbon capture is very promising.