Category: Bulk Green CO2

The recent decision by the UK government to lift tariffs on US bioethanol imports has sparked alarm bells across the country’s renewable energy and industrial gas sectors. Domestic producers like Vivergo Fuels and Ensus, which have invested heavily in the UK’s green energy transition, now face a significant threat from cheaper US imports that do not always meet the same environmental and sustainability standards.

But the issue isn’t just about market competition or local jobs. It’s about the integrity of the UK’s CO₂ supply chain, energy security, and long-term sustainability.


Why Bioethanol Matters for CO₂
 

In the UK, bioethanol production is closely tied to food-grade CO₂ generation. Plants produce CO₂ as a by-product when fermenting wheat into ethanol. This CO₂ is captured, purified, and used in:

  • – Food and beverage carbonation

  • – Meat processing and stunning

  • – Modified atmosphere packaging

  • – Healthcare (e.g., surgical tools sterilisation)

  • – Greenhouse enrichment

If these plants shut down or reduce output due to being undercut by US imports, CO₂ production will fall sharply.


What’s at Risk: A CO₂ Crisis Déjà Vu?
 

We’ve been here before.

When CF Fertilisers (formerly Terra Fertilisers) suddenly shut down its ammonia plants in 2021 due to surging natural gas prices, it caused a nationwide CO₂ shortage. The government had to step in with emergency funding to restart production temporarily, but the damage was done:

  • – Abattoirs suspended operations.

  • – Beer and soft drinks faced production delays.

  • – Fresh food supply chains experienced severe disruption.

The situation highlighted just how fragile and central CO₂ supply is to the UK’s critical infrastructure. Now, with bioethanol at risk, we’re heading toward a similar cliff edge—this time one that’s market-driven rather than energy-cost-driven.


Policy Blind Spot: Undermining Domestic Green Production
 

The UK government’s push for cheaper fuel via tariff-free US imports appears to contradict its Net Zero and energy security goals. American ethanol, often derived from corn and shipped across the Atlantic, comes with a higher carbon footprint than UK-sourced wheat ethanol.

Domestic plants like follow stringent sustainability standards and contribute significantly to the rural economy. Their closure would undermine years of investment in green jobs and circular economy infrastructure.


Why Biogas is the Sustainable, Secure Alternative
 

With the volatility in the bioethanol market and the historic unreliability of fertiliser-based CO₂ sources, the case for biogas has never been stronger. More than just an environmental solution, biogas offers superior energy security, operational resilience, and community integration.

Here’s why the future of the UK’s CO₂ supply is rooted in biogas:

1. Self-Powered and Energy Resilient

Most modern anaerobic digestion (AD) plants are self-sustaining, generating their own power using biomethane, a renewable gas produced during digestion. This means:

  • Plants don’t rely on national grid energy or fossil fuels, reducing exposure to external energy price shocks.

  • Operations can continue even during power disruptions or high-demand periods, offering a level of autonomy and continuity that fertiliser and ethanol plants simply don’t match.

This makes biogas plants not just green, but also operationally robust.


2. Locally Sourced Feedstocks = Strong Supply Chains

Unlike US ethanol which is shipped across oceans, UK biogas plants typically use locally sourced agricultural residues, food waste, and crops. This localized model ensures:

  • Shorter, more resilient supply chains—no international trade bottlenecks or long-haul logistics.

  • Tight integration with UK farmers—many AD plants are directly connected to farms, creating circular economies and boosting rural economies.

  • Less competition with global food supply—feedstocks are often waste products or non-edible crops like maize silage or rye.

The result? A reliable and community-supported feedstock stream that can be managed proactively, unlike gas-reliant or grain-sensitive bioethanol plants.


3. Built-In Crop Contingency and Stockpiles

Many UK biogas operators have developed sophisticated crop contingency plans to handle seasonal variation or poor harvests. These include:

  • On-site silage bunkers or clamps with years of feedstock stored in advance.

  • Diversified input streams from organic waste, energy crops.

  • Contracted supply agreements with local farms to guarantee consistent inputs, even during adverse weather or crop failure events. This level of planning gives biogas a major edge over bioethanol producers, who depend on consistent yields of high-quality wheat, and over CF-style ammonia plants that rely on volatile gas markets.


4. Environmentally and Economically Aligned

Biogas is not just a greener source of CO₂—it’s aligned with national policy goals:

  • Net Zero 2050: Biogenic CO₂ from AD plants is part of the natural carbon cycle and can even deliver negative emissions when paired with carbon capture.

  • Rural Development: AD plants provide farmers with secondary income, create local jobs, and support sustainable agriculture.

  • Waste Circularity: They help reduce waste, and produce nutrient-rich digestate for use as fertiliser.

 

What This Means for Pro Gases UK Customers
 

As a bulk CO₂ supplier rooted in green principles, Pro Gases UK is already ahead of the curve by sourcing from biogas plants. Here’s how we’re helping customers weather market uncertainty:

  • Food & Beverage: Ensuring food-grade biogenic CO₂ availability year-round, even when traditional sources face shutdowns.

  • Greenhouses & Agriculture: Providing consistent supply to support yield growth, unaffected by bioethanol market volatility.

  • Industrial Applications: Offering greener gas with better long-term pricing stability and carbon transparency.

 
The Road Ahead
 

If domestic bioethanol production continues to decline due to market distortion, the UK will become increasingly reliant on foreign CO₂ sources—a scenario that threatens price stability, environmental targets, and food security.

But there’s still time to pivot as a und user of CO2.

Biogas is not only the more sustainable choice—it’s the more secure one. At Pro Gases UK, we believe this transition isn’t just inevitable. It’s essential.

Want to secure your CO₂ supply? Contact Pro Gases UK today to discuss switching to biogenic CO₂ from trusted UK biogas producers.

As the food and beverage industry grows more conscious of sustainability and traceability, the source of liquid carbon dioxide (CO₂) is under more scrutiny than ever. Used for carbonating drinks, preserving freshness, and ensuring food safety, CO₂ is critical to the sector. But not all CO₂ is created equal. At Pro Gases UK, we’re seeing a major shift towards green CO₂ sourced from crop-fed biogas plants — and for good reason.

Let’s break down why food-grade CO₂ from biogas is not only cleaner, but also smarter when compared to more traditional sources: ammonia production, bioethanol refining, and natural gas extraction.

1. Crop-Fed Biogas CO₂: Truly Circular and Sustainable


Biogas plants take organic materials — often crop waste, or agricultural byproducts — and convert them into renewable energy through anaerobic digestion. This process naturally produces CO₂ as a byproduct, which can be captured, purified, and liquefied for food and beverage use.

Why it matters:

– Carbon neutral: CO₂ released during use was recently absorbed by the crops, making it part of a short carbon cycle.
– Traceable origins: Customers increasingly care about where their ingredients and processing aids come from — biogas CO₂ provides a clear, clean story.
– Certified green: Our biogas-derived CO₂ is not only food-grade but also eligible for Vegan and Kosher certification — a growing demand among beverage brands.

2. Ammonia-Based CO₂: High Emissions, Heavy Industry


Most traditional CO₂ used in the UK has historically come from ammonia production for fertiliser. While this source produces high-purity gas, it’s tied to a highly carbon-intensive process that relies heavily on natural gas.

Challenges:

– High emissions: Ammonia production is one of the most energy-intensive industries.
– Vulnerability to shutdowns: We’ve seen recent supply chain chaos when fertiliser plants halted operations due to energy costs.
– Fossil-based: No pathway to carbon neutrality without major overhaul.

3. Bioethanol-Based CO₂: A Greener Option, But With Trade-Offs


Bioethanol CO₂ has become a semi-renewable alternative, as it’s produced from the fermentation of crops like corn or sugarcane. While more sustainable than ammonia-based CO₂, the feedstocks used often compete with food production or involve questionable land use practices.

Concerns:

– Indirect emissions: Crop production for ethanol can contribute to deforestation or water stress.
– Food vs fuel debate: Sourcing from food-grade crops can raise ethical and environmental questions.
– Less transparency: Difficult to trace origin and land-use practices across global supply chains.

4. Natural Gas-Derived CO₂: The Fossil Fuel Dilemma


Capturing CO₂ from natural gas processing is another common method, but this is inherently tied to the oil and gas industry — which runs counter to most food and beverage companies’ sustainability goals.

Downsides:

– Non-renewable: Extracted from fossil reserves with no regenerative loop.
– Increasing scrutiny: Beverage brands with strong ESG policies are steering clear of fossil-linked CO₂ sources.
– Greenwashing risk: Consumers are quick to question CO₂ sourced from fossil fuel infrastructure.


Final Pour: Biogas CO₂ is the Future of Refreshment


At Pro Gases UK, we’re proud to offer food- and beverage-grade CO₂ from 100% renewable, crop-fed biogas. It’s cleaner, greener, and already trusted by leading drinks brands looking to align with modern sustainability expectations.

Whether you’re bottling craft beer, sparkling water, or running a production-scale bottling line — the source of your CO₂ can now match the quality of your product and the integrity of your brand.

Ready to switch to renewable CO₂?


Let’s talk — your customers (and the planet) will thank you. Contact us today at sales@progasesuk.com or call 0151 922 1118.

In the beverage industry, carbonation is key. From soft drinks to sparkling water, carbon dioxide (CO2) is the crucial ingredient that gives beverages their fizz. However, as sustainability becomes a top priority, beverage manufacturers are seeking greener alternatives to conventional fossil-based CO2. This is where biogenic CO2, sourced from crop-fed biogas plants, offers a game-changing solution.

What is Biogenic CO2?


Biogenic CO2 is carbon dioxide that originates from biological sources, such as fermentation and anaerobic digestion. Unlike CO2 derived from fossil fuels, biogenic CO2 is part of the natural carbon cycle, meaning it does not contribute to a net increase in atmospheric CO2 levels. At Pro Gases UK, our biogenic CO2 is 100% sourced from crop-fed biogas plants, making it a truly renewable and sustainable option for the beverage industry.


Why Biogenic CO2 is Ideal for Carbonated Beverages


Beverage manufacturers require high-purity CO2 that meets food-grade standards to ensure quality and safety in carbonated drinks. Here’s why biogenic CO2 is the perfect match:

  • – Sustainability & Carbon Reduction: Since biogenic CO2 is captured from organic matter, it significantly reduces the carbon footprint of beverage production compared to fossil-based CO2. This helps manufacturers meet sustainability targets and carbon neutrality goals.

– High Purity for Beverage-Grade Quality: Biogenic CO2 undergoes strict purification processes to meet EIGA and ISBT standards for food and beverage applications. This ensures that drinks remain free from contaminants and maintain their crisp, refreshing taste.


– Vegan & Kosher Friendly: Our biogenic CO2 is certified vegan and kosher-friendly, ensuring it meets the dietary requirements of a wide range of consumers. This makes it an excellent choice for beverage brands looking to cater to diverse markets.


– Renewable and Circular Economy Benefits: By using CO2 from crop-fed biogas plants, beverage manufacturers support a circular economy. Organic materials such as food waste and agricultural residues are transformed into energy, with CO2 captured and reused rather than released into the atmosphere.


– Future-Proofing Supply Chains: Global CO2 shortages have highlighted the risks of relying on fossil-fuel-based sources. Biogenic CO2 provides a more stable and resilient supply, reducing dependence on industrial byproducts from ammonia and ethanol production.


The Industry Shift Towards Sustainable CO2


Major beverage brands are already making the shift towards low-carbon solutions to meet consumer demand for environmentally responsible products. By switching to biogenic CO2, manufacturers can enhance their brand image, align with net-zero commitments, and ensure a long-term, sustainable CO2 supply.


Partner with Pro Gases UK for Sustainable CO2


At Pro Gases UK, we are committed to providing the beverage industry with high-purity, biogenic CO2 sourced from sustainable crop-fed biogas plants. Our solutions help businesses reduce emissions, improve sustainability credentials, and maintain premium product quality.

Ready to make the switch? Get in touch today to learn more about how our biogenic CO2 can benefit your beverage production and help you reach your sustainability targets. Contact us at sales@progasesuk.com or call on 0151 922 1118. 

In recent years, the increasing concern over climate change and the need for sustainable energy sources has driven the exploration of alternative energy options. Biogas, a renewable energy source derived from organic waste, has gained attention due to its ability to generate electricity and heat. A by-product of biogas production is carbon dioxide (CO2), which has become an essential resource for various industries. This blog aims to shed light on the reliability of CO2 production from biogas plants and why it is worth the risk for businesses to transition from traditional CO2 sources.

Reliability of CO2 From Biogas Plants:

One significant advantage of CO2 production from biogas plants is its reliability throughout the year and its renewable energy source. Traditional CO2 sources, such as burning of fossil fuels, contribute to harmful greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of finite resources. This outdated source of CO2 is susceptible to regular shortages and CO2 price increases. In contrast, biogas production from organic waste is continuously generated, meaning the source of biogas is practically infinite and ensures the availability of CO2 all year round. This abundant, sustainable, and uninterrupted supply is crucial for numerous industries and businesses that heavily rely on CO2 for their operations.

Essential for Businesses:

Food and Beverage Industry: The food and beverage industry heavily rely on CO2 for carbonating beverages, preserving food products, and preventing spoilage. The reliable supply of CO2 from biogas plants ensures that businesses in this sector can meet consumer demands consistently. By reducing dependence on traditional CO2 sources, companies can contribute to a more sustainable future while ensuring minimal disruption in their production processes.

Greenhouse Farming: CO2 is an essential component in greenhouse farming as it enhances the growth of plants and improves crop yields. By utilising CO2 produced from biogas plants, greenhouse farmers can enjoy a year-round, reliable supply. This reliability not only aids in maintaining consistent crop growth but also helps reduce the environmental impact associated with conventional CO2 sources.

Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications: The medical and pharmaceutical industries rely on CO2 for various applications, including anesthesia, cooling, and as a solvent. These sectors demand a reliable and pure source of CO2, making biogas plants an attractive and sustainable option. The consistency in CO2 supply ensures uninterrupted medical procedures and high-quality pharmaceutical products without the risk of shortages or production disruptions.

Environmental Benefits:

Moving away from traditional sources of CO2 is not only worthwhile due to its reliability but also because of the numerous environmental benefits. Biogas plants reduce carbon emissions by capturing and utilising methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By leveraging this renewable energy source and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, businesses can significantly contribute to mitigating climate change. Additionally, the use of biogas plants as a source of CO2 reduces the reliance on carbon-intensive industries and promotes a more sustainable approach.

In conclusion, the reliability of CO2 production from biogas plants is a convincing argument for businesses to consider the transition from traditional CO2 sources. The year-round availability of CO2, with limited shutdowns, provides a stable supply essential for industries relying on this resource. The food and beverage industry, greenhouse farming, and medical and pharmaceutical applications can benefit greatly from this consistent supply. Moreover, the environmental advantages associated with biogas plants, including reduced carbon emissions and sustainable energy generation, make it a valuable investment towards a more sustainable future. The decision to embrace biogas as a reliable CO2 source may involve some risks, but the potential benefits make it a risk worth taking.

In the quest for a greener future, industries are seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional carbon dioxide (CO2) production methods. Biogas plants have emerged as a beacon of hope, utilising anaerobic digestion to produce green CO2. This blog explores the fascinating process of green CO2 production through anaerobic digestion and highlights its environmental benefits.

Understanding Anaerobic Digestion:

Anaerobic digestion is a natural process that occurs in the absence of oxygen. It involves the breakdown of organic materials, such as food waste, agricultural residue, or animal manure, by microorganisms. These microorganisms break down the organic matter and produce biogas, a mixture of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The biogas generated typically contains approximately 60% biomethane, a renewable fuel, and 34% CO2, which is considered a natural residual product.

Green CO2 Recovery:

Rather than allowing the CO2 component of biogas to go to waste or be released into the atmosphere, biogas plants employ specialised units to recover and recycle the CO2. This step is crucial in enhancing the sustainability and circular economy credentials of biogas production. The green CO2 obtained from this process is considered a valuable resource with numerous potential applications in various industries.

Environmental Advantages:

The production of green CO2 through anaerobic digestion at biogas plants offers significant environmental advantages. Firstly, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by capturing and utilizing CO2 that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Moreover, anaerobic digestion diverts organic waste materials from landfills, mitigating the generation of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Secondly, biogas production and the subsequent recovery of green CO2 contribute to a circular economy by utilising organic waste as a valuable resource. This process aligns with sustainability goals by minimising waste and promoting resource efficiency.

Additionally, the carbon in green CO2 originates from plant matter that has absorbed CO2 from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. This makes biogas production and green CO2 recovery a carbon-neutral process, as it does not contribute to the net increase of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Applications and Potential:

Green CO2 from biogas plants has a wide range of applications across various industries. It can be used for carbonation in beverages, as an ingredient in food processing, and in agricultural practices to enhance plant growth. Industries such as breweries, food and beverage, agriculture, and manufacturing can integrate green CO2 into their day-to-day operations and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The production of green CO2 through anaerobic digestion at biogas plants is a remarkable feat in sustainability and environmental stewardship. By harnessing this process, industries can reduce their carbon footprint, contribute to a circular economy, and explore innovative applications of green CO2. Embracing green CO2 signifies a crucial step towards a greener and more sustainable future.

It is estimated that more than 230 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2 is used every year worldwide. The fertiliser industry is the largest consumer, with 130 Mt of CO2 used in urea manufacturing, followed by oil and gas, which consumes 70 to 80 Mt of CO2 for enhanced oil recovery.

Many industries depend upon CO2 for their day-to-day operations and production, such as breweries, food and beverage and agriculture to name a few. 

Traditional CO2 Production and its Harmful Impacts

There are many methods of producing CO2 – such as distilling CO2 from the air, but such a method is expensive and inefficient. It is usually more efficient to capture CO2 from other sources where it is a waste material. The majority of CO2 utilised by industry today is a by-product of fossil fuel operations, most often from natural gas or coal-fueled facilities producing ammonia. The gas released during the combustion of these fuels releases harmful amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, now reaching alarming levels.

The rise in CO2 levels produces an excess of greenhouse gases, which causes global warming, which causes climate change. The symptoms of which include melting polar ice caps, rising sea levels, disruption of animal natural habitats, extreme weather events, and a slew of other dangerous side effects. Many are acting by looking at new ways to produce CO2 to try and reduce harmful levels being released into the atmosphere – one of the ways is the production of CO2 from biogas.

Biogas and Green CO2

In recent years, biogas has gained favour as a “greener” fuel. This is the methane produced by anaerobic digestion, which can be utilised to replace conventional natural gas in landfills or “digesters” that convert animal manure or food waste. 

Biogas typically contains 60% biomethane, which is a renewable fuel, and 34% CO2, which is a natural residual product. Rather than wasting and emitting this residual CO2, a specially built unit is designed to recover and recycle all the CO2, enhancing the facility’s sustainability and circular economy credentials. Green CO2 created from biogas is believed to have higher supply reliability and be a more sustainable product than regular CO2 derived from fossil fuels. 

Biogas also helps to reduce methane emissions from landfills and manure lagoons that might otherwise escape. By turning this methane into CO2, which is up to 34 times less potent as a greenhouse gas, using it as a fuel significantly minimises its climatic impact.

As the carbon in biogas comes from plant matter that has fixed CO2 from the atmosphere, biogas production is considered carbon-neutral and does not contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, any fossil fuel consumption that is replaced by biogas reduces CO2 emissions.

In summary, the production of CO2 through biogas is up to 34 times less potent compared to the production of CO2 through conventional processes. It is also more environmentally friendly and green CO2 can be utilised in many industries and industrial processes. CO2 is also being used to innovate different technologies, such as the development of new building materials that could permanently remove carbon from the atmosphere. Green CO2 is the future – will you join us?

Pro Gases UK supplies bulk green CO2 to businesses across the UK.

The benefits of green CO2 and our service are simple:

– Continuity of supply all year round with no surcharges

– Tested and fully certified gases to food grade standards, providing customers quality assurance

– A simple supply chain without complexities to minimise disruption and reduce costs.

For more information, call us on 0151 922 1118, or submit your details below.

Get a quote

As the world grapples with the urgent need to combat climate change, carbon capture has emerged as a promising technology. Biogas plants, known for their sustainable production of energy, play a vital role in this endeavour by capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This blog explores the concept of carbon capture and the process by which it effectively captures CO2 from biogas plants, making significant strides towards a cleaner and greener future.

Understanding Carbon Capture:

Carbon capture, also known as CO2 capture or carbon capture and storage (CCS), is a technology designed to capture and store CO2 emissions from various sources, including industrial processes and power plants. The primary objective is to prevent CO2 from being released into the atmosphere, where it contributes to the greenhouse effect and climate change. Instead, the captured CO2 is stored or utilised in other applications, reducing its impact on the environment.

Carbon Capture in Biogas Plants:

Biogas plants, which harness the power of anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, are an ideal candidate for carbon capture. In these plants, microorganisms break down organic waste materials, such as food waste or agricultural residue, releasing biogas that consists of methane (CH4) and CO2. By implementing carbon capture technology, the CO2 component of the biogas can be effectively separated and captured for further processing.

The Process of CO2 Capture:

The CO2 capture process in biogas plants generally involves several key steps. First, the biogas is directed through a separation unit that separates the CO2 from the methane. This unit may utilise various technologies such as absorption or adsorption to selectively capture the CO2 molecules.

Once separated, the captured CO2 undergoes a purification process to remove any impurities or contaminants. This ensures that the resulting CO2 is of high purity and suitable for various applications. The purified CO2 can be compressed into a liquid form for ease of storage or transported for utilisation in industries that require CO2 as a feedstock.

Benefits and Applications:

The capture of CO2 from biogas plants brings significant benefits to the environment and various industries. Firstly, it helps mitigate climate change by preventing the release of CO2, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. This reduces the overall carbon footprint and contributes to global efforts to combat climate change.

Captured CO2 from biogas plants can be utilised in multiple applications. It can be used in food and beverage production, carbonation processes, as a feedstock in chemical manufacturing, or even injected into oil wells for enhanced oil recovery. This versatility allows for the creation of a circular economy, where CO2 emissions are recycled and utilised, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient industrial ecosystem.

Carbon capture technology holds immense promise in mitigating CO2 emissions and combating climate change. By capturing CO2 from biogas plants, we can tap into the potential of sustainable energy production while reducing the release of greenhouse gases. Embracing carbon capture signifies a crucial step towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.