Enerkem partners with AkzoNobel to jointly explore development of waste-to-chemicals facilities in Europe

MONTREAL, Nov. 12, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Enerkem Inc. (www.enerkem.com), a waste-to-biofuels and chemicals producer, today announced it has signed an agreement with AkzoNobel, a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, to develop a project partnership to explore the development of waste-to-chemicals facilities in Europe.

"Enerkem's global expansion follows the launch of our waste-to-biofuels and chemicals full-scale commercial facility in Edmonton, which sent a strong signal that our technology is ready to be deployed around the world," said Vincent Chornet, President and CEO of Enerkem. "We are pleased to work with AkzoNobel to develop new facilities and products in Europe.  With our lower-cost alternative to incineration and landfilling, we help chemical producers offer more sustainable products derived from waste and renewable sources rather than petroleum and we contribute to the transition to a circular economy."

"By making synthesis gas from waste, we will have a sustainable and cost-effective feedstock for the chemical industry which would be fully in line with our Planet Possible approach to sustainable manufacturing," explained Peter Nieuwenhuizen, AkzoNobel's Director of Innovation and Partnerships.

In this new project partnership, Enerkem will license its exclusive breakthrough technology to convert municipal and other waste feedstocks into chemicals. The final business structure and sites are under discussions and will be announced at a later time. 

About Enerkem
Enerkem makes biofuels and renewable chemicals from waste. With its proprietary technology, Enerkem converts non recyclable municipal solid waste into methanol, ethanol and other widely used chemical intermediates. Headquartered in Canada, Enerkem operates both a demonstration plant and a pilot facility in Quebec and is beginning operations at Enerkem Alberta Biofuels, its first full-scale commercial facility. The company is developing additional biorefineries in North America and globally, based on its modular manufacturing approach. Enerkem's technology and facilities help diversify the energy mix and make everyday products greener while offering a sustainable alternative to landfilling and incineration. www.enerkem.com 

About AkzoNobel
AkzoNobel is a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. We supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and are passionate about developing sustainable answers for our customers. Our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we are consistently ranked as one of the leaders in the area of sustainability. With operations in more than 80 countries, our 50,000 people around the world are committed to delivering leading products and technologies to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing world.

SOURCE: ENERKEM INC.

For further information: Marie-Hélène Labrie, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Communications, Enerkem Inc., 1 514 875-0284, x. 231, [e-mail]