The first sod has been turned

Environmental company Ragn-Sells and environmental technology company Vilokan have now commenced construction of a joint facility for processing solvents in Högbytorp, just outside Stockholm. The first sod has now been turned and the facility will have the capacity to process 20,000 tonnes of solvents annually once it is fully operational. By recycling and reusing solvents, the potential exists to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 92 per cent rather than burning them.

At present, solvents are principally made from fossil and finite resources, and used solvents are almost exclusively burned to produce energy. According to independent studies from ETHOS Research, opting for reusing and recycling rather than new production can lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions of between 46 and 92 per cent, depending on the type of solvent.

The construction of the facility is being carried out in collaboration between AF Bygg Syd, Ragn-Sells and Vilokan, and it is expected to be operational in the autumn of 2024. A pellet boiler will be installed to generate steam as the energy source for the process. Once the facility is fully operational, it will be able to handle up to 20,000 tonnes of solvents annually, and it will primarily target the purification and recycling of ethanol, acetone and glycol.

“By combining Ragn-Sells’ extensive experience and broad network as regards collection with Vilokan’s long history in the field of separation technology, we can create something extraordinary. Working together, we can help our customers to achieve their environmental goals and create new products from recycled material in a unique manner,” says Lars Rosell, Vice President, Vilokan Group.

From the left: Magnus Hamnér/Ragn-Sells, Eray Eryilmaz/Vilokan, Erik Gustafsson/Ragn-Sells. Photography: Ragn-Sells.