Imagine a future where the very industries that have contributed to carbon emissions become the heroes in the fight against climate change. That future is closer than you think. CO280 Solutions Inc. (CO280), a pioneer in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects, has just achieved a groundbreaking milestone: successfully completing a field pilot at a U.S. pulp and paper mill to capture biogenic CO2 emissions. But here’s where it gets even more exciting—this isn’t just another pilot project; it’s a game-changer for the entire industry.
In partnership with a leading pulp and paper manufacturer, CO280 tested SLB Capturi’s liquid amine technology to capture CO2 directly from the recovery boiler stack emissions at a mill on the U.S. Gulf Coast. The results? Nothing short of remarkable. SLB Capturi’s Mobile Test Unit (MTU) operated for over 4,000 hours in Q3 2024, consistently achieving a 95% capture rate efficiency. This isn’t just a technical achievement—it’s a clear signal that large-scale carbon capture is not only possible but practical.
And this is the part most people miss: the MTU didn’t just meet expectations; it exceeded them. It hit all key performance indicators, including energy consumption, solvent durability, and absorber emissions. With a design capacity of 3 tonnes per day (tpd), this pilot proves that the technology is ready for commercial deployment. As Jonathan Rhone, Co-Founder and CEO of CO280, puts it, ‘This critical milestone clears the way for deploying commercial-scale carbon capture and removal projects at pulp and paper mills.’ But what does this mean for the industry? It means a pathway to affordable, high-quality CDR that could transform how we tackle climate change.
CO280’s approach is uniquely scalable. By retrofitting existing mills with modular carbon capture units, they’re making it feasible for the pulp and paper industry to not only reduce emissions but also permanently store biogenic CO2. This isn’t just about cutting carbon—it’s about revitalizing an entire sector while delivering CDR credits to the market. And they’re not stopping here. CO280 is already developing over 10 projects across the U.S. Gulf Coast and Canada, with several set to deliver carbon removal by 2030.
But here’s the controversial part: while the technology is proven, scaling it up will require significant investment and policy support. Is the industry ready to embrace this shift? And more importantly, will governments and investors step up to make it happen? Egil Fagerland, CEO of SLB Capturi, is confident: ‘There are no technical barriers to deploying commercial-scale carbon capture plants.’ But the real question is, are we willing to take the leap?
The pulp and paper industry in North America alone produces over 100 million tonnes of biogenic CO2 annually. With CO280’s projects, a substantial portion of this could be captured and stored, turning a major emissions source into a climate solution. But this isn’t just about numbers—it’s about setting a new standard for permanence, quality, and affordability in CDR. As CO280 continues to partner with pulp and paper companies, they’re not just removing carbon; they’re reshaping the future of an industry.
So, here’s the question for you: Do you think carbon capture technologies like these are the key to achieving global climate goals? Or are there other solutions we should be focusing on? Let’s spark the conversation—because the future of our planet depends on it. To learn more about CO280’s mission, visit www.co280.com.