For achieving “net-zero” emissions by 2050 for constraining global temperature rise to 1.5 to 2.0 degrees Celsius (°C), negligible or minimal (low) carbon hydrogen is receiving much attention. Different types of hydrogen are based on a color palette defined by environmental footprint and impact include grey, blue, green, brown, and others. Blue hydrogen projects are a major enabler for achieving “net-zero” emissions. Viable pathways for producing blue hydrogen mainly consist of steam methane reforming (SMR) and Autothermal Reforming (ATR). These are advanced commercial technologies and processes which must be integrated with carbon capture and sequestration where national and state level subsidies or incentives are utilized.

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the sulfonation/sulfation technology used to produce surfactants, including the economics and markets. Commercial process technologies based on Desmet Ballestra Italy (DBI) and Chemithon licensed technology are assessed. Cost of production estimates of these production routes are included to illustrate the cost competitiveness of different sulfonated products in selected regions. A market review including regional sulfonation capacities and a discussion of supply and demand is also presented.

EPDM is produced by the polymerization of ethylene, propylene, and typically another monomer containing side-chain unsaturation such as ethylidene-5-norbornene-2 (ENB). It is produced by Ziegler-Natta or metallocene (includes single site or similar catalyst types) catalyzed solution processes, or a Zeigler-Natta catalyzed slurry process. EPDM has a fully saturated molecular backbone that provides excellent ozone resistance, weatherability and heat resistance properties, very good dielectric performance, and low temperature flexibility. This report includes an analysis of EPDMs markets, end-uses, and production technologies. Production economics were prepared for world-scale Ziegler-Natta solution, Metallocene solution, and Ziegler-Natta slurry processes. The economics were prepared for plants located in the U. S. Gulf Coast, Western Europe, and China Coast.

This TECH report focuses on the technology to sort and bale waste plastics from a Dry-Mixed Recyclables (DRM) or Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) stream for use by recyclers. This report provides details on screening, air separation, electromagnetic, eddy current and optical sorting technologies employed at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). The report provides an estimate of the cost of production for sorting of DMR for the U.S. and Western Europe. Major suppliers for sorting equipment and developing recycling technologies are profiled.