INEOS produced bio-based high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been used to create the world’s first fully sustainable gas pipeline. Installed by French gas utility network operator, GRDF, the pipeline only uses the low carbon footprint polymer.

The new pipeline is installed in Clermont Auvergne Métropole, in the French city of Clermont-Ferrand, as part of a GRDF program to ‘green’ pipelines in parts of the region with a similar commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. One kilometre of pipeline will be laid across three sites in the Clermont Auvergne Métropole gas network.

The pipeline is made from bio-based, certified HDPE supplied by INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe. It’s made from wood processing residues from the paper industry, which are transformed into tall oil, a bio-naphtha. The tall oil is turned into bio-ethylene in INEOS Cologne and transported to INEOS’ polymer plant in Lillo, Belgium, where it is used to manufacture bio-based HDPE.

The result is a polymer with a significantly lower carbon footprint than conventional, fossil-based polymers and because of this it has been recognised by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (or ISCC), an independent, third-party organization. ISCC have certified that the production of the pipes laid by GRDF met ISCC Plus standards by replacing the use of fossil fuel-derived feedstocks to produce the new material.

Rob Ingram, INEOS Olefins & Polymers North CEO, said: ‘Our congratulations to GRDF for this world first. At INEOS, we’re very proud to play a part in this game-changing innovation. Alongside the work we are doing to drive down emissions and reduce plastic waste in the polyolefins industry, it’s another example of our commitment to working with partners to develop efficient, lower emission solutions for transporting important utilities and goods around Europe’s cities.’

Alexandre Pierru, GRDF Innovation Project Manager, said: ‘GRDF has proven that it’s possible to distribute biomethane, a bio-based gas, with bio-based certified polyethylene pipes. It’s thanks to our collaboration with partners such as INEOS who showed a strong will to find solutions to decarbonize the raw material of our pipes.’