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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Isle firm to launch 'green' refineries

Carbon Diversion Inc., a Waipahu-based company trying to commercialize technology that turns waste into biofuel, has entered into a joint venture to launch a series of biorefinery systems.

The company is partnering with Mantria Industries LLC, a unit of Philadelphia-based Mantria Corp., which is a $79 million company involved in green community development, renewable energy and other ventures.

"We are thrilled to be entering into this venture with individuals so aligned with our mission of environmental responsibility," Troy Wragg, Mantria founder and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

The joint venture will work to launch systems that help reduce pollution and turn waste into valuable products.

Carbon Diversion is one of the licensees of a technology developed at the University of Hawai'i that uses "flash carbonization," to produce charcoal from waste materials. Carbon Diversion is installing processors that use the technology at Campbell Industrial Park and has a deal to install one of its units in Carlsbad, California.

Carbon Diversion Chief Executive Officer Michael Lurvey said his company looks forward to working with Mantria to develop biorefinery technology.

"We've had a wonderful collaboration and want to continue to raise the bar on clean energy technologies," Lurvey said.

Carbon Diversion said it has developed a transportable biorefinery system that weighs about 35 tons.