Our JV Arbios Biotech Forms Global Alliance with Shell Catalysts & Technologies, with Cat-HTR™ at the core

Alliance aims at creating low-carbon, circular economy focused biorefinery

Arbios Biotech, a joint venture between Licella and Canfor, and Shell Catalysts & Technologies (“SC&T”), have formed a new global alliance aimed at utilizing SC&T’s upgrading technology capability in the pursuit of a low-carbon intensity, circular-economy focused biorefinery.

Arbios Biotech was formed to commercialize Licella’s Cat-HTR™ platform, a globally leading hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology, for various forms of wood and post-consumer biomass around the world, particularly in North America, South America and Europe. The Cat-HTR™ uses near or at supercritical water to create high-quality biocrude, a renewable and sustainable bio oil for the circular economy.

This alliance between Arbios Biotech and SC&T anticipates that Shell upgrader units will work in concert with commercial Cat-HTR™ plants, strategically located near aggregated post-consumer biomass feedstock sources. By linking SC&T upgrader units with Cat-HTR™ plants, Arbios Biotech would have the capability to upgrade biocrude to finished products in one continuous, efficient process.

“We are very pleased to be working with Arbios Biotech on this exciting initiative as they look to develop a low-carbon circular economy,” said Kathren Murray, VP New Business Development with Shell Catalyst & Technologies. “We look forward to further developing a strong and collaborative relationship that will meet the needs of the global marketplace.” Kathren said.

“Shell Catalysts & Technologies will play a critical role in helping Arbios Biotech realize its vision of a low-carbon regional circular economy, bringing an end-to-end biorefinery solution in many jurisdictions where no such options exist today, while also supporting efforts to deliver attractive economic returns and desired sustainability outcomes,” said Don Roberts, Chairman of Arbios Biotech.

Download the media release here.

About Arbios Biotech

Arbios Biotech is a joint venture between technology pioneers Licella and integrated forest products company Canfor. Arbios Biotech uses cutting edge technology to convert end-of-life wood and biomass into renewable biofuels and biochemicals. Licella is a global leader in the field of Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL). The company has dedicated over a decade to developing its patented Cat-HTR™ (‘Catalytic Hydrothermal Reactor’) platform that produces low-carbon biocrude (a renewable and sustainable bio oil for the circular economy), from which low-carbon transportation fuels and chemicals can be produced. Canfor is one of the world’s largest producers of sustainable lumber, pulp and paper, and is a North American leader in green energy production. Arbios Biotech represents two leaders coming together with a shared vision – to create a low-carbon circular economy. For more information, please visit www.arbiosbiotech.com

About Shell Catalysts & Technologies

Shell Catalysts & Technologies believes that technology and innovation will play a key role as we transition to a cleaner energy future.  Shell has set itself an ambition to become, by 2050 or sooner, a net-zero emissions energy business. Shell Catalysts & Technologies is at the forefront of developing new services and technologies for the energy and petrochemical industries and committed to provide the market with cutting-edge products which reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, including solutions that support waste into biofuels. These innovations include advanced catalysts for refining and petrochemicals, as well as licensing and technical services to support these ambitions. Shell Catalysts & Technologies is committed to enable industry to provide more and cleaner energy solutions for today and the future. Shell Catalysts & Technologies is an affiliate of Royal Dutch Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with operations in more than 70 countries.

To learn more, visit www.shell.com/CT

Media Contact

Andrea Polson – andrea.polson@arbiosbiotech.com