Plastics to fuels
On 3 June in its Millesimo (Savona, Italy) facility, Demont officially unveiled "De Fuel", a plant that transforms plastics into diesel fuel. There were more than 50 companies represented at the event, including large multi-utilities and smaller firms, which all responded enthusiastically to the new industrial product. De Fuel is an innovative system for recovering waste plastic - specifically: polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutadiene and polystyrene - that produces one litre of diesel fuel for every kilogram of plastic.
The plant represents the final link in the lifecycle of plastics, allowing sustainable energy production while respecting the environment. Not only does De Fuel represent a smart way to use plastics that would otherwise accumulate in landfills, with consequent environmental impact and disposal costs, but it makes it possible to produce excellent quality sulphur-free fuel. It thus makes it possible to transform the problem of disposal of plastics and production by-products into an opportunity for environmental benefits and excellent financial returns.
De Fuel was developed in 2010-2013 following a long process of research and development inspired by the principles set forth by the Energy & Ecology company, Demont's initial technological partner. Over 50,000 hours and 2 million euros went into developing the system.
Fabio Atzori, Demont president and managing director, says he is "satisfied with the research and development work done by my company. It is a testament to our aptitude for innovation and ability to discern the needs of the market that have always characterized Demont and its employees. We will continue developing and selling De Fuel in Italy and abroad, facilitated by the fact that the system comprises only three units that can easily be shipped anywhere in the world".
Project director Mirko Garbero adds: "We have successfully completed the experimentation and industrialization phases. We now begin the marketing of this new technology, in which we believe very strongly for its highly innovative aspects and ability to protect the environment".
Demont is an established international player, active since 1972 in the following markets: energy, district heating, oil & gas, petrochemicals, civil and industrial systems engineering, paper production, maintenance, hoisting systems. It is also a supplier of kilns, boilers, desalinization plants and components for high voltage systems. It has offices and production units in Italy, Poland, Romania, Libya, Chile, Bosnia Herzegovina, South Africa, Slovakia and Germany.