INEOS-produced bio-based high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been used to create the world’s first fully sustainable gas pipeline.
Installed by French gas utility network operator, GRDF, the pipeline only uses the low-carbon footprint polymer, according to INEOS.
Installed in Clermont Auvergne Métropole, in the French city of Clermont-Ferrand, the pipeline has been installed as part of a GRDF programme to install green pipelines in regions with commitments to reducing their carbon footprint.
One kilometre of pipeline will be laid across three sites in the Clermont Auvergne Métropole gas network.
The pipeline is made from bio-based, certified HDPE supplied by INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe.
It is made from wood processing residues from the paper industry, which are transformed into tall oil, a bio-naphtha.
The tall oil is turned into bio-ethylene in INEOS Cologne and transported to INEOS’ polymer plant in Lillo, Belgium, where it is used to manufacture bio-based HDPE.
The result is a polymer with a significantly lower carbon footprint than conventional, fossil-based polymers and because of this it has been recognised by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC).
ISCC has certified that the production of the pipes laid by GRDF meet ISCC Plus standards by replacing the use of fossil fuel-derived feedstocks to produce the new material.
The bio-polymer has the same technical characteristics as conventional polymers the highest standards of safety, according to INEOS.
Rob Ingram, INEOS Olefins & Polymers North CEO, said: "Our congratulations to GRDF for this world first. At INEOS, we’re very proud to play a part in this game-changing innovation. Alongside the work we are doing to drive down emissions and reduce plastic waste in the polyolefins industry, it’s another example of our commitment to working with partners to develop efficient, lower emission solutions for transporting important utilities and goods around Europe’s cities."
Alexandre Pierru, GRDF innovation project manager, said: "GRDF has proven that it’s possible to distribute biomethane, a bio-based gas, with bio-based certified polyethylene pipes. It’s thanks to our collaboration with partners such as INEOS who showed a strong will to find solutions to decarbonise the raw material of our pipes."
INEOS produces “first fully sustainable gas pipeline”
