Victor Dehon, Vikant Patel
Sustainability is a key aspect in the design of any process, especially in the context of accelerating climate change, and with increasing demand and depleting resources it is essential that sustainability and efficiency are addressed in the development of innovation and invention.
This research project focuses on the development of a process to produce VAM (Vinyl Acetate Monomer), and ensure a sustainable yet profitable process, while also prioritising safety. With the demand of VAM rapidly increasing, the production rate must also be increased, however this also brings along the challenge of minimising the waste produced and the amount of material used in order to provide an efficient and sustainable process. This is a challenge many manufactures face.
From our research we have explored the variety of techniques and practices corporations implement to promote the 3 pillars of sustainability (economic, social and environmental). We have found that the attitude of companies towards environmental sustainability has changed with the pressure of tackling climate change, with many targeting a net carbon zero emission future. Although companies are aware of the importance of sustainability, we have found that it is not always a priority for them.
It sometimes discourages profitability and efficiency, a perspective that must be changed in order to maintain and improve the transition to a greener future.
Victor Dehon, Vikant Patel
3 Pillars of Sustainability
The 3 pillars of sustainability developed by many economists and authors through-out history, outlines the 3 essential pillars that need to be achieved and dealt with before sustainability can be achieved.
Who is leading the way?
Some of the world's most sustainable companies:
Examples of approaches enterprises have taken to conduct sustainable business operations
Patagonia - 1% of their revenue goes to environmental organisations, and they organise workshops where consumers learn how to repair their own clothing and belongings
Tony's Chocolonely - Do not use palm oil in their manufacturing process and work in collaboration with a non-profit organisation to restore landscapes and green areas to offset and reduce any emissions they may have caused
Triodos Bank - Using ethical banking, they use the money of their customers to invest in companies that are sustianble or are working to create a better world. This company prioritises investments in renewable energies and less into fossil fuels
Synthos - One of polands largest producers of raw chemical products. he Group is one of the industrial pioneers which has incorporated Sustainable Development Goals and a Circular Economy philosophy not only into their strategy, but also directly into practice. Synthos’ products have the necessary properties to enable recycling and “closing the loop”. In particular, their expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) products are easily recognizable and separable.
SEA-LEVEL RISE LEADS TO INCREASED FLOODING AT THE EDWIN B. FORSYTHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE IN NEW JERSEY. THE PHOTOS SHOW APPROXIMATELY THE SAME VIEW IN OCTOBER (LEFT) AND SEPTEMBER 2016. BOTH PHOTOS SHOW THE SAME ROUND HILL IN THE UPPER LEFT CORNER.
The Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) process
What is VAM and its uses?
Vinyl acetate monomer is a significant intermediate used in the production of a wide range of resins and polymers for paints and coatings, adhesives, glues and sealants. In a vapour phase reaction VAM is produced by reacting acetic acid. oxygen and ethylene in the prescence of an alumina or silica supported palladium catalyst in cojunction with gold along with an alkali metal
Problems with industrial VAM manufacturing?
VAM demand has surged meaning production must be increased to meet the added demand; an issue however arises from the energy demands of the components of the process. From the process simulation it was found that the energy required to run each components are very high, most of which is heat energy that is produced through electricity which is both expensive and importantly bad for the environment due to the CO2 emissions to produce the electricity required.
How have we ensured our VAM process is sustainable?
- Used air instead of pure oxygen (reduces transport emissions and costs)
- Using excess heat from parts of the process to heat other streams saving utility costs but also reducing carbon emissions
- C02 removal section implemented
- Safety features introduced for plant to limit exposure of workers to hazards
Why companies with sustainable business practices succeed
More than just the direct benefit on the environment, companies that care about sustainability also benefit from a positive image amongst customers, business partners and investors. These companies also represent a resilience and adaptablity to any changes in environmental law and always strive to be one-step ahead at every stage of their busniness. With changing attitudes, the most sustainable brands are in a strong position.
What can other companies learn from this?
- Educate staff, associates and even the public on these critical matters
- Be the change you want to see
- Work with others to make the changes
- Be transparent and allow the public to create their image.
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