The challenge
D-CRBN is an organisation that captures CO2 and by using plasma technology converts this into CO. This CO, carbon monoxide, can then be used to form chemicals, polymers or e-fuels. In his circular approach, focussed on the redistribution of the raw-material carbon, carbon monoxide is the carbon-carrier to bring that carbon back into the economy.
D-CRBN wanted to know how much carbon is released for the molecules that they are creating. And how “carbon-negative” the carbon molecules are that they are making.
The approach
Hedgehog Company conducted an LCA study to assess the environmental impact of the production of 1 ton of CO. The LCA was a key piece in order to calculate the carbon footprint and to prove the validity and the sustainability of the chemical process.
Conducting an LCA for a complex chemical process was a challenge, and the process is a very novel field of physics and chemistry.
The results
D-CRBN earned in-depth insight into their own prices, leading to a re-consideration of their business model. They now know much better how to sell their technology and how to refer to the products that they are making.
This really assures security to their customers, because to communicate properly about your product, you first have to understand your product properly.