Ternium captures CO2 in its Direct Reduction areas and sends it to a specialized company for treatment.
Over the past few decades, industries worldwide have increased their efforts to capture and use carbon dioxide (CO2) in matters that benefit humans.
If CO2 is properly treated, it can be used in different sectors such as food, medical, welding, among others. Ternium is one of the companies that has increased its efforts to capture and reuse this gas and to promote its commercial use.
Thanks to investments in modern infrastructure for the Direct Reduction areas of the Guerrero plant in San Nicolás de los Garza and the Largos Puebla plant, Ternium can now capture CO2 before discharging it through its smokestacks. Once the gas is captured, it is sent through a tube that is connected to a company specialized in cryogenic gases for cleaning and treatment.
When these companies receive it, they clean it and remove all impurities. Subsequently, they remove the gases that are not required for the food or healthcare sectors.
"We are proud that our areas of Direct Reduction at the Guerrero and Largos Puebla plants have 100% Mexican technology to capture CO2 efficiently", explained Luis Rechy, Environmental Manager of Ternium.
"This technology was developed in 1984 and first installed in 1986, and it is continuously updated with the aim of being more sustainable. Today, we are the company that sells the most CO2 nationwide."
One of the uses of this gas is for the packaging of food products. The reason is because CO2 inhibits the growth of bacteria, therefore, it improves food preservation.
This can also be used in the making of carbonated beverages, such as soft drinks and sparkling water. Additionally, it can be used for the dry cleaning of refrigeration systems.
Moreover, this gas can be used as an insufflation gas for minimally invasive surgery such as laryngoscopies, endoscopies, and arthroscopies.
Ternium utilizes CO2 for its use in other industries that want to become more sustainable in their processes.