7 ways CO₂ can be recycled and reused

Carbon capture and storage, or CCS, is a critical technology that can help society reduce CO₂ emissions from hard-to-decarbonize industries by storing them underground. In Southeast Asia alone, there’s enough potential storage capacity for 300 billion tonnes of CO₂. But some technologies, many in the early stages of development, are also starting to use CO₂ as a resource – one that can be utilized, not just stored.

The growth of captured emissions could lead to the development of new products based on CO₂, providing eco-friendly alternatives to everyday needs in areas like agriculture and clothing, as well as the potential to utilize it for existing processes.  Globally, around 230 million tonnes of CO₂ are re-used every year, but demand is growing.

Here are some ways captured CO₂ could be put to good use around the world:

1. Food and beverages

Did you know that your fizzy drink, wine or even coffee may use filtered captured CO₂? Decaffeinated coffee uses CO₂ to remove caffeine without affecting the final taste. Captured CO₂ could potentially be used to carbonate beverages like soda and beer. And it could even be used to help prevent wine from going bad or to keep packaged food fresh.

2. Clothing and accessories

You can now look good and do good. Captured CO₂ could be used to make a range of clothes, sunglasses, shoes and accessories – such as bracelets and phone covers. It also has the potential to create biomaterials that could be used to replace leather, such as vegan leather alternatives.

3. Furniture

You may be able to help reduce global emissions without even getting out of bed. It turns out your mattress might be a source for CO₂ storage. Captured CO₂ can be transformed into polyol, a key component in polyurethane plastics and foams. This polyurethane is a versatile material that can be turned into a range of products – from tables and chairs to lounges, mattresses and pillows.

4. Building materials

CO₂ can also literally help build a better future. Captured CO₂ is being used to make concrete and other building materials, like bricks and cement. CO₂-cured concrete can be less expensive than traditional concrete and have better performance – while permanently storing captured CO₂. Shatterproof safety glass could also utilize captured CO₂.

5. Agriculture

Captured CO₂ can also help feed people. One of the largest users of CO₂ is the agricultural industry, where about 125 million tonnes per year of CO₂ is transformed into urea, a crucial ingredient in fertilizers. With the demand for fertilizer rising, so too is the amount of CO₂ the industry needs.

6. Fuel and energy

Could we power the world by reducing CO₂ emissions? The fuel and energy of the future may be supported by captured CO₂, which can be refined and turned into carbon-neutral fuel. Scientists have already begun to turn captured CO₂ into gasoline. CO₂ is also supporting the development of future fuels, such as hydrogen, as it helps enable the conversion of hydrogen into other fuels, like aviation fuel.

7. Medical

The pharmaceutical industry could use captured CO₂ in solvent consumption, which ensures proper separation and purification of products during manufacturing, so you receive the prescribed dosage each time. Captured CO₂ may also be broken down with water to make alcohol that is turned into sanitizer, with the only by-product of the process being oxygen.

As the potential applications for carbon capture technology expand, the possibilities for captured CO₂ is also growing, laying the groundwork for a lower-carbon future.