Replacing Fossil Natural Gas in the Chemical Industry
The Swiss industry magazine Innovation Chemie Pharma reported on Cyclize as a technology company addressing one of the chemical industry’s core challenges: reducing dependence on fossil natural gas. Today, most basic chemicals and everyday products are derived from fossil feedstocks. Cyclize has developed a process that enables natural gas to be replaced by mixed plastic waste and captured CO₂ from industrial exhaust gases, allowing the production of chemicals, plastics, foams, adhesives, paints and coatings without fossil resources. At the same time, CO₂ is not only avoided but materially utilized.
Carbon Circularity Through Chemical Recycling and CCU
The article explains how Cyclize’s technology closes the carbon loop by combining chemical recycling of plastic waste with Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU). Unlike conventional recycling approaches, the process can handle mixed and contaminated plastic waste streams — including fractions currently incinerated or landfilled. Together with captured CO₂ from point sources such as cement plants, this waste is converted back into the carbon cycle. Up to 5 kg of CO₂ can be materially utilized per kilogram of waste, creating a non-fossil carbon source for the chemical industry. While the industry remains carbon-based, the carbon itself is defossilised through circular feedstocks and electrification.
Plasma-Based Process Enables Industrial Scaling
Cyclize’s patented plasma-based process converts plastic waste into synthesis gas by first gasifying the material using plasma heat and then reforming the resulting gas stream into syngas. This synthesis gas — a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen — is a key intermediate for producing basic chemicals, fuels and hydrogen. Traditionally, it is generated from natural gas or coal via steam reforming. Cyclize’s process can replace this first production step without requiring major changes to downstream infrastructure, enabling a minimal-invasive transformation of existing chemical plants.
The article highlights Cyclize’s progress toward industrial deployment, supported by an EXIST research transfer grant from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. A demonstration plant is currently validating continuous operation at pilot scale, with the next step planned in a chemical park. Due to lower energy demand compared to alternatives such as electrolysis and the use of low-cost feedstocks, the process is described as both economically viable and scalable, offering a pathway for large chemical and refinery sites to meet climate targets while remaining competitive in Europe.
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You can find the entire issue, including the article on Cyclize (pages 12 to 13) here.
About Innovation Chemie Pharma
Innovation Chemie Pharma is a leading Swiss trade medium focused on innovation, trends and developments in the chemical, pharmaceutical and life-science industries. Published regularly with in-depth articles and analysis, the platform provides decision-makers and industry professionals with insights on technology, sustainability, management and market topics relevant to these key sectors. It supports informed debate and showcases cutting-edge solutions shaping the future of chemistry and pharmaceuticals in Switzerland and beyond.
