MARSDEN POINT, NEW ZEALAND, 2 February, 2016 -  New plant significantly increases long-term CO2 reliability and supply for New Zealand industries

Leading gases and engineering company BOC today opened its new $40 million CO2 capture and purification plant at Refining NZ’s Marsden Point oil refinery, ensuring long-term CO2 reliability and supply for its growing customer base in the food processing, beverage, wine, meat and dairy industries.

Colin Isaac, BOC South Pacific Managing Director, said the new plant can purify up to 50,000 tonnes of food-grade liquid CO2 annually and features innovative technology that allows the leading industrial gas supplier to exceed internationally recognised food and beverage standards.

“BOC is proud to have expanded our local supply capability of CO2, an essential gas used across many New Zealand industries from drink carbonation in the beverage industry, to modified atmosphere packaging and chilling for the food industry.

“This new plant has significantly increased our CO2 capture and purification capability and storage capacity in New Zealand, allowing us to meet future increases in CO2 demand and providing reliability of supply to large volumes of CO2 to customers in high consumption industries such as the major dairy export market.”

Underpinned by a long-term agreement with Refining NZ exceeding 15 years, BOC will purify the CO2 byproduct from the oil refining process into food-grade CO2 at its processing plant.

“BOC has operated in New Zealand for more than 100 years and understands the importance of investing in local partnerships and infrastructure to ensure we meet the needs of our customers long into the future. This new plant demonstrates a strong commitment from BOC and our long-term partner Refining NZ to deliver innovative solutions that supports growth in the New Zealand economy.”

Sjoerd Post, Refining NZ Chief Executive Officer described the opening of the BOC plant opposite the refinery as a “win-win” for New Zealand business.

“Taking a by-product to use as an essential feed-stock is a significant growth opportunity for manufacturers and exporters. At the same time it creates a revenue stream for Refining NZ independent of refining margins and the exchange rate.

“We’ve worked closely with our colleagues at BOC to make this a reality and are delighted to finally see the CO2 plant up and running,” he said.