It is very important for the industry to look closely at the valorisation of 'residual streams'. Gouda-based chemical company Croda has given maximum thought to how to efficiently utilise residual streams - in this case, glycerine. Through the 'Quarterback' project, Croda has completely eliminated this waste stream and used it as an energy carrier for biogas fermentation. For this, the company was awarded the VNCI's Responsible Care award on 1 June.
The project was cleverly designed, taking an integrated approach and supported by the parent company. An enthusiastic, fine example of thinking from within its own chain. The savings are relatively small, but a good example of Responsible Care. The project has led to 14% water savings for the company as a whole and a 6.5%CO2 reduction. Moreover, around 7 700 tonnes less glycerine transport takes place every year. Also positive is the importance the company attaches to involving the local environment: residents were carefully explained what was going to change in the process.
- Watch the video on Croda's project here
The jury was impressed by the project. Jury chairman Gert-Jan de Geus: "Croda is working hard to establish and demonstrate leadership in the context of Responsible Care. The project is a good example in which long-term thinking has resulted in a project with a longer payback period, but with support from corporate and the tenacity of the project leadership and board results in an excellent RC project."
About the Responsible Care award
The VNCI annually awards the Responsible Care Prize to the most inspiring and appealing project from the Dutch chemical industry. The winning project must achieve a substantial improvement in performance for safety, health, environment, sustainability or chain management, the core values of the Responsible Care programme. The winner also competes for Cefic's international Responsible Care Award.
