This move marks a substantial step towards INEOS' net-zero commitment, well ahead of the 2050 target, and demonstrates tangible action over mere plans.
INEOS Acetyls, a global leader in chemical manufacturing, today announced the successful completion of a transformative £30 million investment at its Hull manufacturing site, resulting in a remarkable 75% reduction in carbon emissions. This significant achievement, driven by the conversion of the facility from natural gas to clean-burning hydrogen, underscores INEOS' proactive approach to decarbonisation and its commitment to environmental stewardship.
The strategic investment has seen the Hull plant embrace hydrogen as its primary energy source, a move that is equivalent to removing approximately 160,000 petrol cars from the road. This substantial cut in CO2 emissions positions INEOS well ahead of its net-zero commitment, demonstrating tangible progress long before the 2050 deadline.
David Brooks, CEO of INEOS Acetyls, lauded the success of the project, stating, "We’ve put £30 million into Hull to do the right thing – cut emissions, clean up the site, and future-proof our operations. We’ve slashed CO2 by 75%. That’s not a plan. That’s a result." His comments highlight the company's focus on concrete actions rather than aspirational targets, setting a precedent for industrial decarbonisation.
INEOS Acetyls is the sole industrial-scale manufacturer of essential chemicals like acetic acid, acetic anhydride, and ethyl acetate in Europe. These products are integral to various everyday applications, ranging from vital medicines to water purification processes. The Hull site's transition to hydrogen power ensures that these critical chemicals are now produced with a dramatically lower carbon footprint, enhancing the sustainability of the supply chain for numerous industries across the UK and Europe.
Brooks further elaborated on the broader implications of this investment. "Like most chemical businesses in the UK, we are working hard to compete in global markets while facing some of the highest energy and carbon costs in the world. This investment is another step in our plans to supply the UK and European markets with highly reliable and low carbon products,” he explained. This move is expected to deliver a "transformational step change improvement" in the site’s product carbon footprint, which was already considered world-leading.
A key innovation in this project is the utilisation of hydrogen produced as a co-product from existing manufacturing processes. This ingenious approach makes the transition both smart and efficient, maximising the use of resources already available on-site. INEOS believes this model of leveraging existing co-products for clean energy can be effectively replicated across the wider industry, offering a scalable solution for reducing emissions.
