Since climate change has been identified as a major threat to humanity, efforts to develop carbon capture technology have been ongoing since the 1970s. However, current carbon capture technologies have not significantly improved in efficiency. For every ton of carbon captured, factoring in the 30%-100% CO₂ emissions generated during the capture process, the net reduction is only 0-0.7 tons. This means that traditional carbon capture methods struggle to significantly reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, the captured CO₂ is typically stored underground, making it impossible to achieve a true carbon circular economy.
In this context, YOUWAN Concentrate Consultants has created groundbreaking value for CO₂ recovery and reuse through its proprietary “YOUWAN Method” technology, offering an innovative and highly efficient solution. Founder Slone Wang, in an interview with《The Icons》, emphasized that the development of environmental technologies is not only critical for industrial innovation but also an inevitable trend for the future of humanity:
“Our goal is not just to solve the CO₂ problem but to create value for carbon-based products, making carbon recovery the standard for the next generation. This is not only about environmental protection but also about enhancing corporate competitiveness by maximizing the utilization of carbon resources, thereby driving sustainable development across the industry. We hope to inspire more people to join this resource revolution, turning the impossible into reality and truly transforming the world.”
Turning Wastewater into Gold: An Innovative Path to Resource Recovery and Reuse
Slone Wang possesses a robust academic background and extensive practical experience, specializing in chemical engineering, environmental protection, and industrial safety technologies. His tenure with multiple Fortune 500 companies has provided him with a profound understanding of the importance of resource recovery technologies in industrial applications and has inspired a mission to address environmental challenges through innovative solutions.
Wang gradually realized that traditional environmental protection measures alone were insufficient to solve resource wastage issues. Innovative technologies were essential to enhance resource reuse efficiency. This recognition ultimately led to his entrepreneurial vision: establishing a company that could transform waste into valuable resources, leveraging technology to drive sustainable industrial development.
“I have always believed that recycling and reusing resources from waste is the greatest contribution to the environment. This process requires combining scientific technology with market demands to ensure that resource recovery technologies are practical. With each technical improvement, we must consider economic feasibility to enable businesses to achieve maximum environmental benefits at minimal cost,” said Wang.
The inspiration for his venture stemmed from his initial work in treating electroplating wastewater. During the treatment of heavy metal wastewater, Wang realized that metals such as copper and nickel held significant economic value. However, in Taiwan, these metals were often discarded as waste, leading to substantial resource loss. This insight prompted him to develop a technology capable of concentrating heavy metals from wastewater by up to 500 times, transforming them into materials with recoverable value.
“At that time, we discovered that relying solely on heavy metal recovery wouldn’t sustain the company’s long-term growth. We began exploring other markets with greater potential, seeking broader technological applications to achieve both larger market value and environmental goals,” Wang shared.
“YOUWAN Method”: Low-Cost, High-Efficiency Carbon Reduction Driving Economic and Environmental Synergy for Businesses
The “YOUWAN Method” is a revolutionary “three-in-one” resource recovery technology that effectively absorbs, concentrates, and converts carbon dioxide from the air into stable carbon products such as calcium carbonate or sodium carbonate. Unlike gaseous forms that can easily escape, these solid-state carbon products are stabilized through “sequestration” and transformed into materials like construction aggregates. This innovative approach not only achieves real carbon reduction but also generates additional economic benefits for businesses.
The innovation of the “YOUWAN Method” lies in its high efficiency in concentrating and transforming carbon dioxide. It extracts CO₂ from the air with remarkable efficiency and converts it into reusable solid products, outperforming many traditional technologies. Furthermore, its cost-effectiveness ensures that companies can reduce their environmental impact without compromising economic viability. These converted carbon products can be applied in various industries, including construction materials and cleaning agents, adding significant commercial value:
“Our technology turns carbon dioxide into valuable products instead of merely venting it. This is not just a carbon capture technique; it’s a resource reutilization method that strongly supports the development of a circular economy.”
Unlike conventional technologies, the “YOUWAN Method” stands out for its exceptional concentration and conversion capabilities. Verified by SGS Taiwan under Swiss standards, the method captures one ton of CO₂ with 100% efficiency. According to the sustainability analysis by the XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition, it can achieve an additional 4.5 tons of carbon reduction, resulting in a total reduction effect of up to 5.5 tons, even accounting for emissions during the capture process:
“Our goal is for this technology to be widely adopted across various industries, enabling substantial carbon reduction. We aim to make the ‘YOUWAN Method’ a benchmark standard, applicable in sectors ranging from heavy and light industries to household products, significantly reducing carbon footprints.”
Additionally, the YOUWAN Method excels in water resource recovery, setting a new industry benchmark. Traditional technologies have achieved a maximum water utilization rate of 350%—equivalent to reusing one drop of water 3.5 times. However, the “YOUWAN Method” pushes this figure to an astounding 50,000%, enabling one drop of water to be reused 500 times. This extraordinary efficiency underscores its dual environmental and economic benefits.
“YOUWAN Method” Takes Center Stage in Global Carbon Reduction
The XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition, organized by the XPRIZE Foundation, aims to address one of humanity’s greatest challenges—counteracting climate change and rebalancing Earth’s carbon cycle. Sponsored by Elon Musk, the competition boasts a historic prize pool of $100 million, making it one of the most lucrative contests ever held. In April 2024, YOUWAN Concentrate Consultants, with its “YOUWAN Method” Carbon Removal” technology, emerged as one of the top 100 finalists from approximately 5,700 global teams, proudly representing Taiwan as the only team to reach this stage.
The “YOUWAN Method” demonstrated not only its ability to efficiently capture and convert carbon dioxide but also its innovation in carbon reduction and resource reuse. Its performance and economic feasibility position it as a critical tool in combating global climate change:
“Participating in this four-year, top-tier global carbon removal competition and making it to the top 100 is not only a validation of our technology but also the best reward for our team’s dedication. We aspire to continue playing a significant role in the global carbon reduction mission.”
Founder Slone Wang emphasized the invaluable learning and networking opportunities gained during the competition, which showcased cutting-edge technologies and innovative ideas from around the world. By participating in the XPRIZE competition, YOUWAN Concentrate not only demonstrated its capabilities but also shared experiences and insights with other teams, further refining its application strategies for the “YOUWAN Method”. The competition instilled immense confidence in the team and underscored the urgency and necessity of global carbon reduction. YOUWAN Concentrate looks forward to collaborating with environmental technology experts worldwide to expand the application of its technology across more countries and industries, contributing substantively to the global carbon neutrality goal.
In addition to its XPRIZE achievements, YOUWAN Concentrate’s founder, Slone Wang, participated in Climate Week NYC 2024, organized by Climate Group, a global nonprofit advocating initiatives such as RE100. This annual climate event, held during the UN General Assembly in New York, is among the world’s most prominent, with the 2024 theme, “It’s Time,” calling for immediate action to phase out fossil fuels and accelerate effective climate solutions.
On September 23, 2024, YOUWAN Concentrate, as an XPRIZE Carbon Removal Top 100 finalist, was invited to the Impact Reception hosted by the XPRIZE Foundation at the New York Stock Exchange’s closing bell ceremony. This event not only highlighted Taiwan’s carbon removal technological achievements but also provided a platform for global climate innovators to exchange ideas and gain insights into the latest trends in international decarbonization markets:
“Gathering with professionals from business, government, finance, investors, and carbon removal innovators to exchange the latest developments and perspectives in decarbonization is a significant boost to the growth of YOUWAN Concentrate’s business. Through this, we aim to provide the best decarbonization and ESG solutions for enterprises and continue assisting the world in tackling climate change challenges.”
Expanding into the U.S. and Japanese Markets: YOUWAN Concentrate Partners with Local Businesses to Accelerate Green Transition
In market applications, YOUWAN Concentrate is actively promoting its latest air treatment equipment, which has already been tested in several factory sites, yielding significant results in carbon reduction and energy efficiency improvement. This equipment not only captures harmful substances in the air but also processes carbon dioxide efficiently, making it reusable—an especially impactful solution for high-pollution industrial environments.
Additionally, Slone Wang is collaborating with the semiconductor industry to develop large-scale carbon capture systems capable of reclaiming millions of tons of CO2 annually. These development projects aim to achieve even more ambitious carbon reduction goals, creating a profound impact across the entire industrial value chain.
YOUWAN’s technology demonstrates remarkable flexibility and adaptability, allowing it to be effectively applied across diverse sectors, from high-pollution heavy industries to precision semiconductor manufacturing. Its broad utility enhances its potential for significant carbon reduction across multiple fields.
The air treatment equipment currently promoted by YOUWAN has already surpassed 40,000 hours of continuous commercial operation in factories. Its carbon capture processing equipment has also operated for over 4,000 hours, purifying 15,000 cubic meters of air in Taiwan’s Hsinchu County, while achieving notable carbon reduction and energy efficiency improvements. These systems not only capture carbon dioxide but also handle other harmful substances, transforming them into reusable materials—a groundbreaking solution for industrial sustainability.
Wang is also planning expansions into the U.S. and Japanese markets, collaborating with local enterprises to develop carbon reduction technologies and help more companies achieve their environmental goals. The demand for eco-friendly technologies in these markets is immense, driven by strong governmental and corporate commitments to carbon neutrality. By partnering with leading local businesses, YOUWAN aims to accelerate the localization and application of its technologies, building a robust international collaboration network.
Despite facing challenges from market competition and technological advancements, Wang is confident that continuous innovation and market adaptation will lead YOUWAN to greater achievements. “Our innovation is not limited to technology; it extends to business models. This ensures that while we meet client needs, we maintain cost efficiency, enabling widespread adoption and greater benefits for more businesses,” Wang said. By embracing and overcoming challenges, YOUWAN has not only enhanced its technological capabilities but also established a solid reputation in the global market, laying a strong foundation for future expansion.
From Technological Innovation to Real-World Impact: YOUWAN Concentrate’s Global Carbon Reduction Mission
In the future, Slone Wang aims to establish the “YOUWAN Method” as a cornerstone technology in global resource recycling and carbon reduction, setting an industry benchmark. As the global demand for sustainability continues to rise, he recognizes that only through ongoing innovation can carbon emissions be effectively reduced while generating long-term value. The carbon reduction capabilities of the “YOUWAN Method” offer multi-layered application potential, serving both heavy industries and high-tech sectors to enhance environmental performance across industries:
“Our vision is to make the world greener and more sustainable through technological innovation. We strive not just for R&D but for the practical application of technology in various industries.”
YOUWAN Concentrate will continue to lead innovation in resource recycling and carbon reduction technologies, strengthening collaborations with international enterprises to achieve shared sustainability goals. The company is committed to promoting the “YOUWAN Method” as an industry standard, particularly in high-emission industries:
“Our promise is to help clients achieve low-carbon and zero-carbon goals through action. YOUWAN Concentrate’s mission is to transform technological innovations into tangible environmental outcomes, assisting enterprises in reducing carbon emissions while driving sustainable growth across industries. We firmly believe that with relentless effort, we can inspire more businesses to embrace sustainability and collectively shape a greener future.”
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