Competitive Edge: PQ Corporation’s Materials Science

Q: What was the reason for founding your organization – what was the open niche you saw that could be addressed with a new product or service? What was the problem, or gap, or opportunity?

Pennsylvania-based PQ has a history dating nearing 200 years with our first products being soap and candles, among the basic necessities in the early 19th century. From those humble beginnings, PQ has grown into a global company with a presence on six continents. Yet we haven’t strayed far from our original vision to advance living standards to create a cleaner, safer world. 

PQ is rooted in the chemical industry and applies its expertise in silicates and silicas globally to a wide range of industries including Biofuels.

Q: Tell us about your organization. What do you do?

The PQ Corporation’s specific focus within the Biofuels industry is in purification of feedstocks and products.  Our products allow producers to improve the quality of lower cost feedstocks to improve margins, reduce catalyst consumption by increasing the life of the catalyst, reduce raw material loss and control disposal fees.

On the product end, we can help clients meet final product specification to meet market standards or create value-added products.

Q: What stage of development are you?

Commercial stage – have mature products or services on the market.

Q: What do your technologies, products or services do and accomplish – how does it (they) work, who is it (they) aimed for?

Our products are inorganic based adsorbents which can remove or minimize contaminants from organic fuel feedstock.  As an amorphous, i.e., non-crystalline product, our products are generally safe and easy to handle.

Q: Competitively, what gives your technology, product or service set an edge in cost or performance, sustainability, or any other aspect, that makes it stand out from the crowd, In short, what makes it transformative?

Compared to other purification technologies, the PQ Corporation can offer several benefits including:

• • High quality product – minimizing potential side reactions
• • Reduction in Catalyst usage (Sodium Methylate or similar)
• • Extension of Fixed Bed Catalyst Life (such as Nickel / Moly)
• • Reduction in oleofuel or feedstock losses from filter cake
• • Less Filter cake produced hence reduced waste management / disposal costs
• • Longer filter cycles / reduced labor utilization

Q: What are the 3 top milestones you have accomplished in the past 3 years?

1. 1. Successfully went private in August 2021 allowing us to focus on customers and products.
2. 2. American Chemistry Council (ACC) awarded all U.S. sites with Certificates of Excellence in 2019, continuing our strong track record of safety.
3. 3. Completed major capacity expansion, which along with expanded intercontinental logistics, allows us to better serve global customers.

Q: What are the 3 top milestones you will accomplish in the next 3 years?

1. 1. Continuous improvement in safety and ESG areas.
2. 2. Partner and align with key biofuels customers to grow their business through product innovation.
3. 3. Improve the recognition of PQ as a global leader in sustainable solutions in our core areas of expertise.

Q. Where can I learn more about PQ Corporation?

Click here to visit PQ Corporation’s website.