Carbonxt JV achieves mechanical completion of Kentucky activated carbon production plant
Carbonxt (ASX: CG1) and joint venture (JV) partner Kentucky Carbon Processing have achieved mechanical completion of their cutting-edge activated carbon production plant in Kentucky.
The initial 10,000-tonne-per-annum plant will allow Carbonxt to enter the liquid-phase activated carbon market with domestically manufactured, premium-grade products.
It will also address sustainability challenges by producing high-performance solutions for critical environmental needs with low carbon dioxide emissions.
Expanded capacity
Mechanical completion represents a pivotal moment in Carbonxt’s strategy to expand production capacity and meet escalating demand for premium activated carbon products nationwide.
“Following the energisation of kiln circuits and control system integration, the plant is now set for the commissioning stage,” the company said.
“The facility’s innovative kiln design, integrating advanced temperature control and exhaust gas recycling sets it apart in terms of sustainability and operational efficiency.”
Quality standards
Carbonxt expects the new plant to help it meet the highest quality standards and ensure its leadership in the North American market.
It aligns with the company’s sustainability commitment, offering solutions to address pressing environmental challenges such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination and industrial emissions.
Often referred to as “forever chemicals”, PFAS are widely used chemicals found in soil, water and air that break down very slowly over time, with scientific studies showing links between prolonged exposure and harmful health effects.
Activated carbon market
The globall activated carbon market is growing strongly, with changing environmental regulations and industrial needs accelerating North American demand.
Activated carbon plays a critical role in water treatment, industrial air purification, food processing, chemical separation and pharmaceutical purification.
Constrained global supply continues to create favourable market conditions for Carbonxt’s plant, which the company has strategically positioned to address supply shortfalls.
NewCarbon JV
Carbonxt established the “NewCarbon” JV in 2023 to transition Kentucky Carbon Processing’s existing Inez Power facility into a state-of-the-art activated carbon plant.
The partnership positions Carbonxt to access a major addressable market opportunity in the US water and wastewater treatment industry, underpinned by new water quality standards introduced by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Carbonxt said customer interest in the plant’s output remains high, with multiple sales negotiations underway.
The production of samples in the March quarter will enable the company to finalise long-term offtake agreements and further strengthen its position in the market.