Cosumar's Groundbreaking Initiative in Casablanca
In a significant industrial advancement, the Cosumar Group has inaugurated the LCO₂ project, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the production of food-grade liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂) in Casablanca. This pioneering initiative is not only innovative but also serves as a cornerstone of Cosumar's ongoing industrial strategy, aimed at developing a high-value-added activity that is seamlessly integrated into its existing industrial framework.
The LCO₂ project focuses on the recovery, purification, and transformation of CO₂ generated through industrial processes, enabling the production of liquid food-grade CO₂ with a purity level exceeding 99.9%. This quality standard aligns with international benchmarks set by the International Society of Beverage Technologists (ISBT) and the European Industrial Gases Association (EIGA), both of which are globally recognized for their strict guidelines on quality, safety, and best practices in the production of CO₂ for sensitive food and industrial applications.
Strategic Benefits and Economic Impact
This new venture allows for the valorization of an existing industrial flow, transforming it into a valuable resource for numerous strategic sectors including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cryogenics, agriculture, and seawater desalination, where liquid CO₂ plays a crucial role in specific industrial and food-related applications. With an overall investment exceeding 500 million dirhams (MDH), Cosumar is poised to strengthen its industrial positioning and diversify the national market's offerings by producing locally what has previously been entirely imported, thereby enhancing Morocco's industrial sovereignty and reducing dependence on foreign imports.
The production unit will be directly integrated into the Casablanca refinery, and the initial phase is set to utilize cutting-edge technology. Equipment acquisition is already underway, with operations expected to commence by the end of 2026, initially boasting an annual production capacity of 20,000 tons of food-grade liquid CO₂.
Moreover, the LCO₂ project is part of Cosumar's broader initiative to enhance the efficiency of its industrial processes and optimize resource usage. By repurposing carbon dioxide, the company aims to improve operational efficiency while also enhancing the energy efficiency of the site and reducing the carbon footprint of the refinery. This initiative is anticipated to generate local employment and create value while cementing Moroccan expertise in the valorization of industrial by-products and ensuring a reliable supply for national industries.
For several years, Cosumar has implemented a structured strategy focused on modernization and continuous improvement of its industrial performance, achieving a remarkable 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions since 2016. The commissioning of the LCO₂ unit in Casablanca marks a crucial first step in a program intended for expansion across other sites in alignment with the group's industrial goals, addressing the growing market demand for food-grade liquid CO₂. Future plans include deploying this innovative project at other industrial units, potentially leading to the production of green biogenic LCO₂ derived from biomass.
As reported by leseco.ma.
