BOC is to build its first UK carbon dioxide (CO2) purification plant, following the signing of an agreement with food company Cargill for the provision of raw CO2 feedstock.

The plant will be built on Cargills Trafford Park site in Manchester and will capture and purify waste CO2 and convert it into food and beverage grade liquid CO2. The waste CO2 is a by-product of Cargills wheat fermentation process, which produces potable alcohol for consumer products such as perfumes, mouthwash and beverages.

The facility will include 1,200 tonnes of bulk liquid storage, enabling better stock management during plant maintenance periods and shortages in the wider supply network.

Paul Kingston, general manager, Cargill Starches & Sweeteners, says, "We are delighted to be part of this innovative project. Recycling our CO2 waste stream means that 100% of Cargills by-products are now reused, thus contributing to the environmental sustainability of our site."