Enerkem Named One of World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company
February 16, 2011
For Immediate Release
MONTREAL, Quebec (February 16, 2011) — Enerkem Inc., a leading waste-to-biofuels company, was named one of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies for 2011 by Fast Company Magazine, in a list that includes Apple, Twitter and Google.
“To create the Most Innovative Companies list, Fast Company’s editorial team analyzed information on thousands of businesses across the globe,” said Robert Safian, Fast Company’s Editor. “The result is a package unlike that of any other business media. It’s not just about revenue growth and profit margins. We strive to identify creative models and progressive cultures in order to define the many forms of innovation that exist across the business landscape.”
“It’s an honour to be ranked among such amazing innovators that include household names,” said Vincent Chornet, Enerkem’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Enerkem was founded on the belief that people can live sustainable lives through energy innovation. We are thrilled to be recognized for this and our work in making trash into transportation fuels and advanced chemicals a reality.”
This announcement is one in a line of good news for the company. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy have announced a combined US$130 million in financial support, building on investments from significant partners: Rho Ventures, Braemar Energy Ventures, Waste Management, Cycle Capital and BDR Capital. In August 2010, the company broke ground on the world’s first commercial municipal solid waste-to-biofuel facility, located in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada) and now looks forward to the groundbreaking of a twin biorefinery in Pontotoc, Mississippi (U.S.) later this year. Enerkem has been named one of the 50 Hottest Companies in Bioenergy by Biofuels Digest for two years in a row and a 2010 Global Cleantech 100 Company by the Cleantech Group and The Guardian.
About Enerkem
Enerkem develops biofuels and chemicals from waste. With its proprietary thermochemical technology, Enerkem converts abundantly available municipal solid waste (mixed textiles, plastics, fibers, wood and other non-recyclable waste materials) into chemical-grade syngas, and then methanol, ethanol and other chemical intermediates that form everyday products. By using waste instead of fossil fuels, Enerkem addresses the growing demand for renewable energy sources and chemicals, while reducing landfill volumes and greenhouse gas emissions. Headquartered in Montréal, Canada, the company currently operates both a pilot and a commercial demonstration facility in Québec, has its first waste-to-biofuels full-scale commercial plant under construction in Edmonton, Alberta, and is developing several similar facilities in the U.S. and Canada that will convert municipal solid waste into biofuels and chemicals. For more information, visit www.enerkem.com
For more information
- General Inquiries
- Marie-Hélène Labrie
- Vice President, Government Affairs and Communications
- Enerkem Inc.
- (514) 875-0284, x231
- mlabrie@enerkem.com
- Investor Relations:
- Benoit Leroux
- Vice President, Finance Enerkem Inc
- +1 514.875.0284, x. 229
- investors@enerkem.com
- Media Relations:
- Alex Wellins The Blueshirt Group
- +1 415-217-5861
- alex@blueshirtgroup.com
About Braemar Energy Ventures
Braemar Energy Ventures is a venture capital fund making early to mid-stage investments in energy technology companies. The firm's principals have invested in more than 60 companies in the sector and have more than 100 years of combined technical, operational and financial experience in energy and energy-related industries. Braemar partners with exceptional companies and management teams, in both alternative and traditional energy markets, that can contribute to a more profitable and efficient energy landscape through innovation and marketplace expertise. Additional information is available at www.braemarenergy.com.
For more information
- CJP Communications
- Chris Brown
- (212) 279-3115 x206
- cbrown@cjpcom.com