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utilising CO2 to save our planet

ViridiCO2™ delivers innovative, disruptive technology, capable of addressing the lack of mitigative Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) technology.  We do this by transforming carbon dioxide into a variety of high-value chemical intermediates. ViridiCO2™’s patented technology enables manufacturers to derive chemical products using CO2 whilst directly replacing traditional petrochemicals. This process reduces reliance on fossil-fuels, actively reduces CO2 emissions and helps to transition manufacturers towards a circular economy.

utilising CO2 to save our planet

ViridiCO2™ delivers innovative, disruptive technology, capable of addressing the lack of mitigative Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) technology.  We do this by transforming carbon dioxide (CO2) into a variety of high-value chemical intermediates. ViridiCO2™ technology enables manufacturers to derive chemical products using CO2 whilst directly replacing traditional petrochemicals. This process reduces reliance on fossil-fuels, actively reduces CO2 emissions and helps to transition manufacturers towards a circular economy.

valorising waste

Globally as humans, we produce 51 billion tonnes of greenhouse emissions every year; of which carbon dioxide makes up 80%.  The foundation, formulation and chemical industries are the world’s greatest polluters and we want to engage with them to reduce the combined 7 billion tonnes of waste CO2 that they produce, annually.

The biggest manufacturing nations in the world have signed up to carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, manufacturers must change and adopt their policies, laws and propositions.* To achieve carbon neutrality, manufacturers must change and adopt new technologies.  ViridiCO2™’s proprietary technology allows manufacturers to use waste CO2 before it is released into the atmosphere and directly replaces traditional petrochemical feedstocks in the manufacture of high-value chemicals.

*According to data by Net Zero Tracker

of global annual emissions are caused by waste CO2 from foundation, formulation and chemical industries
0 %

replacing fossil fuels in the production of chemicals

ViridiCO2™ technology efficiently and sustainably converts carbon dioxide into high-value chemical products such as surfactants, polymer feedstocks and small molecules.

Using our patented, innovative process, manufacturers can directly replace up to 50% of traditional petrochemical feedstocks with the captured waste CO2.

ViridiCO2™ technology takes carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere and turns it into chemicals that can be used in the production of greener and more sustainable products including; consumer personal products, cosmetics, furniture, and clothing.  Buying products that are manufactured using waste CO2 provides an excellent opportunity for companies to enhance their green credentials, save money, reduce their emissions and help to save the world.

Point source redirection of waste gas

Our aim is to eliminate emissions from point source.  By using waste carbon dioxide from existing on-site processes, CO2 can be redirected and used in place of traditional petrochemicals to manufacture chemical products.  Simply put, ViridiCO2™ technology is simplifying and securing the supply chain, reducing costs,  energy consumption and utilising CO2 to save our planet. 

ViridiCO2™’s patented technology provides manufacturers a route to directly replace fossil fuels with re-purposed waste CO2. Through retrofitting ViridiCO2™ technology to the CO2 output streams of high-emitting manufacturers, we can together close the carbon loop.

reduction in manufacturing costs when using CO2 related chemicals
0 %

ViridiCO2 technology

At the heart of ViridiCO2™’s innovative, technology is a solid-phase catalyst that is capable of activating carbon dioxide towards chemical transformations. ViridiCO2™ has harnessed the power of this catalyst to build a technology that out-performs all known competitors, enabling manufacturers to derive chemical products from CO2 under far reduced temperatures and pressures.

Our patented technology not only reduces petrochemical reliance through direct replacement with waste CO2, but reduces the energy required to fuel the manufacturing process. This ultimately leads to cheaper manufacturing costs, higher productivity and a far greener manufacturing process that actively reduces CO2 emissions.

“Our ultimate goal is to play a pivotal role in achieving net zero emission targets globally”

Dr Daniel Stewart - co-founder & CEO

Sustainable solutions to engage customers

Using carbon dioxide in the production of consumer goods is now a possibility.  VirdiCO2™ exploits novel and innovative chemical technology allowing consumers to play an active and pivotal role in mitigating and achieving net-zero CO2 emissions. Consumers are then able to purchase shampoos, detergents, furniture, or even clothes made from waste carbon dioxide.  It has been reported that manufacturing products from CO2 results in a 30% reduction in costs compared to traditional petrochemical methods.

In the UK, in 2019 the market for ethically and sustainably sourced goods was worth £41 billion, its value having risen almost fourfold within 20 years*

Increasing marketability

A global eco-wakening means that consumers are now driving sustainability.  Research by Deloitte 2021* shows that this eco-wakening is occurring among high and low-income countries and in developed and emerging economies. Consumers want brands as well as governments to take responsibility for positive change. Report findings suggest that it is no longer acceptable to ignore sustainability, and brands must have a reason to exist beyond making money.

Brands that deliver on pursuit of purpose, that drive a culture of sustainable innovation, are the front runners in consumers' eyes - and they are watching

Cristianne Close - Global Markets Practice Leader, WWF International**

Almost a third of consumers believe it’s a lack of information that is stopping consumers from choosing brands that have ethical practices/values. We must empower the public to contribute towards environmental sustainability through buying sustainable products made from CO2.

Sustainable manufacturing

In the UK alone, the market for ethically and sustainably sourced goods in 2019 was worth £41 billion, its value having risen almost fourfold within 20 years*.

Globally, foundation, chemical and formulation industries are coming under increasing commercial and regulatory pressure to manage their CO2 output; to produce more sustainable products that meet net zero emission targets. We are committed to assisting in the effective removal of scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions**.

ViridiCO2™ aim to help manufacturers to create greener, more sustainable products that are better for the environment

want to
know more?
meet our team

EQT Ventures

we’re announcing an
exciting new partnership

ViridiCO2™ is excited to welcome EQT Ventures as a new shareholder, after EQT invested £3 million to accelerate the development and commercialisation of ViridiCO2™’s technology. 

“We look to back generation defining companies and ViridiCO2™ is definitely one that has the potential to accelerate the energy transition of a whole industry… it is great to see such a game-changing company with the technology and potential to transform the sector and the world spinning out of one of the UK’s top universities.”

Ali Mitchell, Partner, EQT Ventures

Daniel Stewart 

Daniel Stewart 

MChem, Ph.D, MRSC

Position: I am the CEO and Co-founder of ViridiCO2

Background:

I have long understood the threat of climate change and how, without making huge changes, continued greenhouse pollution would lead to global catastrophic disasters. As I progressed through education, it became clear that there were no technologies capable of addressing the ensuing climate disaster.
As an undergraduate at Southampton University, I studied under Robert Raja and much inspiration was derived from his module on ‘sustainable chemistry and designing catalysts capable of making industrial processes cleaner and more energy efficient’. Having completed my undergraduate, I sat down with Robert and what became clear was that my PHD should be meaningful and impactful, building on work he had taught. Together we decided to focus on methods to utilise carbon dioxide.

Project Involvement:

ViridiCO2™ technology was conceived during my Ph.D. Very early on, we developed a process which could turn waste CO2 into a variety of high-value chemical intermediates. This technology means that manufacturers can replace traditional petrochemicals whilst producing greener, more sustainable products.

Right now:

We are working with early adopter customers and scaling our technology to ensure we provide a commercially viable proposition.

Future Hopes:

My vision is to successfully transform industries from highly polluting into clean, sustainable eco-systems.

Joshua Le Brocq

Joshua Le Brocq

MChem, MRSC

Position: Development Chemist

Background:

I’m from Jersey in the Channel Islands and came to Southampton to pursue a Master’s degree in Chemistry. Since sixth form, I have taken a keen interest in Chemistry, in particular I have been interested in the design and study of nanomaterials and their applications. During my Chemistry Masters Degree at Southampton University, I brought together traditional organic and inorganic chemistry techniques to template metal organic frameworks. I completed my Masters thesis in Spain at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, where I worked on functionalising silica surfaces with photoactive organic films. Since then, I have completed a PhD in the Raja Group in Southampton, sponsored by TotalEnergies, during which I studied how different design parameters affected the properties of heterogeneous catalysts.

Project Involvement:

At ViridiCO2™ I am responsible for the application development of our technology. This can encompass quite a broad spectrum of duties; one day I might be working on organic chemistry, and the next I’ll be concentrating on inorganic chemistry.

Right now:

I can safely say that I have never had a boring day so far, which is why I love working in research and development.

Future Hopes:

I would love to still be a part of meaningful innovation with my work in the future. I have high hopes that ViridiCO2™ technology can be successfully scaled up and that in the not too distant future we will be taking on more meaningful challenges. Ultimately, I would like to see manufacturers tackle climate change and reach net zero, or net negative by 2050.

Panashe Mhembere

Panashe Mhembere

MChem, MRSC

Position: Development Chemist

Background:

During early education, my introduction to the concept of pollution resulted in the perspective that any by-products of chemical processes are inherently not useful and introduce ecological challenges. This perspective has radically shifted as I progressed through education, as my exposure to the various ways in which by-products can be incorporated into downstream processes.
In particular, my MChem project on the ‘dry reforming of methane’ showed me that even Carbon Dioxide can be used in the manufacture of useful materials. This helped to broaden my horizons in terms of my understanding of how pollutants can be turned into feedstocks by development of the relevant technologies. My PhD project was under the supervision of Prof Robert Raja at the University of Southampton, and he helped me develop my knowledge of heterogeneous catalyst systems and their application in the synthesis of polymer feedstocks.

Project Involvement:

Whilst working in the Raja lab, my intrigue with the use of CO2 as a chemical feedstock was rekindled through talking with Dan about his work. He explained how he was using CO2 as a feedstock for the synthesis of useful polymer materials. I knew immediately that I wanted to get involved with this kind of work.

Right now:

Currently implementing a scaling solution to meet the requirements of some early adopters.

Future Hopes:

As much CO2 in everyday materials as possible!

Isabelle Sumner

Isabelle Sumner

BA (Hons) MA

Position: Administrator

Background:

I studied History at the University of Southampton and then went on to complete a Masters’ in Art Gallery and Museum Studies at the University of Manchester. Having completed my Masters in the middle of a pandemic, it quickly became clear that getting a starter job in a tourism-driven sector was going to be difficult. Instead, I decided to develop my skills (and also retain my sanity!) by taking work in another sector. I initially worked for the University of Southampton’s Chemistry department as the administrator for an EU Horizons 2020 project, before joining ViridiCO2™ in late 2021.

Project Involvement:

As the company administrator, I do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work to keep the team on track. I sit in the centre of everything, and no two weeks look the same. Right now, I’m in the middle of double checking our HR procedures ahead of new development.

Right now:

In a typical week, however, tasks might include arranging company meetings or external visits, managing our social media presence and keeping track of the company budget, as well as anything else that comes across my desk.

Future Hopes:

I’d like to see the world take real action against climate change. Apart from that, I’m not sure yet. I’m just waiting to see where life takes me.

Professor Robert Raja FRSC

Professor Robert Raja FRSC

MSc (Hons), Ph.D, FRSC

Position: Professor of Materials Chemistry & Catalysis | University of Southampton | Co-founder and Chief Scientific Advisor of ViridiCO2™ | Deputy Head of School (Research & Enterprise)

Background:

I have over 25 years’ experience in atomic scale design of heterogeneous catalysts and have worked with multinational chemical and pharmaceutical companies to successfully licence and commercialise catalyst technologies. Developing sustainable catalytic technologies, which mitigate the generation of greenhouse gases, such as CO2 has been core to our research vision and strategy. For the past 6 years, we have been working on the predictive design of platform catalysts for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies, where we have developed novel materials for the direct conversion of CO2 to fuels.

Project Involvement:

Daniel Stewart’s Ph.D project developed from using this predictive catalytic platform, which in turn led to the discovery of novel heterogeneous catalysts that could be deployed for the conversion of waste CO2 into polymers and other valuable chemicals. From a research perspective, it was quite satisfying to see a fundamental concept that we developed in the laboratory, now being commercially deployed by ViridiCO2™, to provide industrial decarbonisation solutions, in our quest for Net Zero carbon emissions.

Right now:

As ViridiCO2™ pushes on the commercial front, we will be expanding the scope of our research to integrate our CO2 utilisation solutions with other emerging technologies, such as green hydrogen, with a view to incorporating our predictive catalyst design platform in a wider range of sustainable technologies.

Future Hopes:

The chemical industry still relies heavily on fossil fuels as feedstock for the manufacture of bulk chemicals. Using our catalytic platform technology to harness renewable feedstocks and combining this with our CO2 utilisation technology could pave the way for closing the carbon loop in the future.

Will Barton

Will Barton

OBE, MA, DPhil, FRSC, MIoD

Position: Chairman

Background:

After completing a first degree in physics and a doctorate in theoretical physics at Oxford, I returned to ICI, where I had previously taken a gap year pre-university. I progressed through a series of technical / manufacturing roles culminating in a 5 year spell as Manufacturing Director of a USA division. After 5 years in a larger role with a division of FMC, I joined a joint-venture of Monsanto and Akzo Nobel to become VP of Manufacturing & Technology, a global role based in Belgium. In 2005, I returned to the UK and began working with university spinouts, initially Oxford Catalysts (now Velocys plc) and later in non-executive roles with Oxford Biotrans, NiTech Solutions and HydRegen. During this period I also spent time with Innovate UK (then TSB) where I led the Manufacturing team and set up / initially led the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, later helping set up and now chairing the board of the Republic of Ireland’s equivalent (Irish Manufacturing Research). I am a Board and Council member of the Chemical Industries Association.

Project Involvement:

I was introduced to the ViridiCO2™ business proposition as a member of the Dragon’s Den that assessed Dan’s winning submission to the RSC’s Emerging Technologies Competition in 2020. Subsequently I helped with the preparation for spin-out and the development of the business plan.

Right now:

As Chairman of the Board, I see my principal role as one of coaching and mentoring Dan, enabling him to benefit from my network of contacts in the chemical industry.

Future Hopes:

Play a part in the creation of a company that can have a meaningful impact on the planet by enabling clients around the globe to incorporate captured CO2 emissions into valuable chemical intermediates.