Catalyco is creating a circular economy supply chain for zinc oxide (ZnO) that reduces dependency on imported materials through sustainable sourcing and recycling practices. This approach enables industries to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards while enhancing resource efficiency.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Many industries rely on virgin zinc oxide (ZnO), contributing to resource depletion and environmental concerns associated with traditional extraction and production methods. Additionally, waste streams containing ZnO often end up in landfills, representing a loss of valuable materials and potential environmental hazards.
Solution
Catalyco provides high-purity, high-surface-area zinc oxides (ZnO) produced from industrial waste streams, enabling a circular economy approach. Their thermal alkaline multi-step precipitation process recovers ZnO from sources like spent catalysts with a recovery rate exceeding 95%. This method reduces reliance on virgin materials, lowers energy consumption compared to pyro- and hydro-metallurgical processes, and minimizes waste. The resulting high-performance ZnO can be used in various industrial applications, often requiring less material due to its enhanced surface area and reduced impurities.
Target Audience
Catalyco serves industries including chemical, rubber, tire, cosmetics, ceramics, and glass, particularly those seeking sustainable materials, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced resource efficiency.
Features
- Thermal alkaline multi-step precipitation process for ZnO recovery
- High recovery rate (over 95%) from various waste streams
- Production of high-purity, high-surface-area ZnO (above 50 m2/g)
- Reduced cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and sodium (Na) impurities
- Lower temperature requirements compared to conventional pyro- and hydro-metallurgical processes
- Reduced water consumption due to the elimination of nitrates and chlorides in the process