PharmAust Limited (ASX:PAA) subsidiary Epichem OHD Pty Ltd has entered into a licensing agreement with Illinois-based Thermaquatica Inc. to research, develop and promote a novel, innovative and disruptive waste to fuels technology.
Epichem OHD will advance innovative OHD technology using biomass/feedstock flow reactor material science. The flow reactor is a world-first with its potential to turn a wide range of waste and biomass feedstock into valuable fuels, fine chemicals, agricultural growth stimulants and ethanol.
The company is capitalising on recent Australian policies at national, state and local government levels towards zero organic waste to landfill.
The benchtop flow reactor under development will be carbon neutral, environmentally sustainable and uses oxygen and water at high temperature and pressure to break down input materials and form useful end products.
The flow reactor has the potential to convert:
“There are many things the flow reactor appears to be able to convert – we are eager to learn more of its capabilities and applications,” said Epichem CEO, Colin La Galia. “The flow reactor could make a significant contribution in the capability to deal with waste and produce diesel, liquid fuels, biofuels, liquid fertilisers and biostimulants.”
The technology is a novel invention from US-based Australian Ken Anderson, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Thermaquatica Inc, under a licence agreement and patented IP.
The OHD technology will help support Australia’s focus on sovereign capability to produce our own ethanol for our PPE requirements including the manufacture of hand sanitiser,” Mr La Galia said.
“It has the ability to support and sustain industries, provide innovative, disruptive technology in Australia, can be scaled up for a range of industry partners and create employment opportunities in WA and Australia.”
The technology has the potential to create new revenue streams from: removal of organic waste; conversion of organic waste to valuable end user products; and reduction of landfill.
Epichem was awarded a $200,000 WasteSorted e-Waste Grant from the Western Australian Government New Industries Fund in January 2021. The company continues to seek other government grants and funding support to advance this initiative.