On December 2021, the Biomass Technology Laboratory (BTL) in close collaboration with our partners CelluFuel found an approach allowing the conversion of waste disposable masks into a mixture of alkanes that could eventually be used as low carbon intensity (IC) fuel.
The masks have been converted using CelluFuel proprietary liquefaction methodIn the process, the BTL team used, as well, waste motor oil, hence converting two challenges into a single opportunity! Although such fuel could not be named “biofuels” they would be recycled carbon fuels, with the potential of replacing fossil fuel that would be otherwise burnt in engines. This conversion would make it possible to divert huge quantities of this waste, which is likely to end up in nature and thus contaminate our environment, towards a useful end product.
While the BTL does not address directly the microbiological issues linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are proud to be active in the aftermath, including protecting the environment while contributing in the reduction of our carbon footprint. We are echoing civil society organizations that advocate for a revival of the green economy after post-COVID in addition to addressing the issue of single-use plastics.