Graymark is advancing preparations for its next major milestone — the glycol recovery pilot, an extension of Project Regen that will expand our chemical recovery capabilities beyond CCA timber waste.

This upcoming pilot will target the recovery and purification of spent glycols — key compounds used in antifreeze, cooling systems, and heat transfer fluids across New Zealand’s industrial and transport sectors.

The project aims to demonstrate that glycol waste can be reclaimed and reused at scale, reducing the need for costly imports while minimising the environmental footprint of industrial cooling systems.

The opportunity

Every year, thousands of litres of glycol waste are disposed of or degraded through incineration, often due to contamination or lack of recovery infrastructure.

These fluids still contain valuable compounds that, with proper filtration and purification, can be recovered for reuse in manufacturing and heavy industry.

Graymark’s approach applies the same principles that underpin the CCA pilot — filtration, separation, and refinement — adapted for liquid chemical systems. By developing a national process for glycol recovery, we aim to turn a previously unserviceable waste stream into a viable circular product line.

Development and early design

Initial feasibility analysis is complete, and system design is progressing toward prototype stage.

Early engineering models integrate centrifugal separation, activated carbon filtration, and multi-stage purification, optimised for contamination removal and quality consistency.

The pilot is planned to run at small commercial scale to validate recovery efficiency, product purity, and cost per litre benchmarks before expansion to regional deployment.

Why glycol recovery matters

Glycol waste management has long been overlooked in New Zealand, despite its scale and environmental impact.

By developing a reliable, circular recovery pathway, Graymark can help reduce chemical imports, lower disposal costs, and establish a new recovery service for primary and industrial clients.

It’s another step toward our broader mission: building circular systems that turn industrial waste into recoverable, profitable resources.

Next steps

Plant development and partner engagement are now underway, with pilot activation targeted for 2026.

Interested partners or industrial operators with suitable glycol waste streams can register their interest via contact@graymark.co.nz.