As vulnerabilities in US CO₂ supply become increasingly apparent, industry leaders are investing in domestic, circular solutions—from biogenic capture to sustainable fuels—that promise to boost resilience and environmental goals amid global supply concerns.
At industrial bottling plants and food processing sites, carbon dioxide (CO₂) serves as a critical enabler of efficient production, far beyond its reputation as a greenhouse gas. It is an essential input that provides the fizz in soft drinks, preserves food, supports metalwork, stabilizes water, and even plays a vital role in hospital and laboratory settings. However, the supply chain for CO₂ in the United States has long been fragile, concentrated in a handful of byproduct and natural-well sources that are seasonal, geographically limited, and vulnerable to disruptions from maintenance or energy market fluctuations. This fragility creates significant operational risks: bottling lines can halt, refrigeration costs can soar, and distributors must scramble to source alternative supplies.
The challenge of securing a resilient CO₂ supply is gaining increased attention among industrial leaders who recognise that reliable access to high-purity CO₂ is essential for maintaining production continuity and quality. Industry data shows that the beverage sector remains the largest consumer of industrial CO₂, using the gas extensively for carbonation and cold-chain processes. Similarly, in food processing, CO₂’s role in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) extends product shelf life and reduces spoilage. Yet, health and safety considerations necessitate strict monitoring of CO₂ levels in facilities to avoid hazards from leaks, reinforcing the importance of robust supply chains paired with stringent operational controls.
Achieving a stronger, self-reliant industrial base hinges on building a domestic, circular CO₂ backbone—one that captures CO₂ from renewable and distributed waste streams, refines it to stringent food and beverage-grade standards, and delivers it locally. This approach shortens supply routes, stabilises prices, reduces single points of failure, and lowers environmental footprints. This vision is being advanced by innovative ventures, including AlchemyCO₂, which captures biogenic CO₂ released during renewable natural gas (RNG) upgrading processes. AlchemyCO₂’s strategy aims to build a network of modular processing plants co-located with RNG sites, thereby transforming what was once a wasted byproduct into a reliable and affordable source of CO₂. Their first plants are slated to become operational in 2026, with ambitions to scale to 50 facilities nationwide by 2030, improving resilience and fostering circularity in one of the industrial sector’s most essential gases.
On the materials front, companies like CarbonBuilt are pioneering solutions that not only reduce the carbon footprint of construction but also enhance industrial efficiency. Their proprietary Reversa Binder replaces up to 50% of conventional cement in concrete with a blend of industrial byproducts chemically similar to cement, lowering embodied carbon by more than half while cutting costs. To date, CarbonBuilt’s technology has been used to produce over 50,000 tons of concrete, reducing emissions by more than 2,000 metric tonnes of CO₂. This integration of waste upcycling aligns with broader industrial decarbonisation goals, showing that economic competitiveness can harmonise with environmental performance.
Beyond materials, captured CO₂ plays a crucial role in the emerging market for low-carbon synthetic fuels, particularly synthetic aviation fuels (SAF). By combining captured CO₂ with renewable hydrogen, SAF provides a carbon-neutral alternative compatible with existing aircraft and fuel infrastructure. Although current SAF production remains a minor fraction of total airline fuel use—estimated at around 0.7%—demand is expected to double by 2025. Corporate commitments like Cisco’s early participation in United Airlines’ Eco-Skies Alliance exemplify industry efforts to create early market pull, which is essential for scaling production, securing cost reductions, and bolstering US energy security and competitiveness in hard-to-abate sectors.
Industry sources also highlight the benefits of on-site CO₂ generation using renewable feedstocks such as biogas, which not only stabilises supply but addresses the volatility and rising prices associated with conventional fossil-derived CO₂. Such innovations support supply chain resilience and environmental sustainability, vital as the food and beverage sector forecasts continued growth with the global food-grade CO₂ market projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2033 at a 6% CAGR.
For industrial leaders committed to decarbonisation and operational resilience, the path forward includes actively mapping CO₂ dependencies across their operations—from cooling and carbonation to welding and water treatment—while identifying geographic and supplier concentration risks. Piloting circular CO₂ products and securing multi-supplier strategies enhances supply security and reduces exposure to fragile logistics chains. Furthermore, signalling demand for lower-carbon fuels through buyer alliances and offtake agreements is key to unlocking volume growth and driving price competitiveness in sustainable aviation fuels.
Reimagining CO₂ as a resource rather than merely a pollutant enables a circular, more resilient industrial economy. Supported by backing from organisations like the Cisco Foundation’s Regenerative Future Fund, which invests in early-stage climate and resilience ventures, these advances are turning CO₂ from a supply constraint into a catalyst for industrial vitality. This holistic approach—integrating circular supply chains, carbon-efficient materials, and low-carbon fuels—offers a blueprint for American industry to strengthen competitiveness while advancing decarbonisation targets.
- https://blogs.cisco.com/our-corporate-purpose/carbon-reimagined-strengthening-americas-industrial-base – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.vaisala.com/en/industries-applications/food-beverage-and-agriculture/industrial-food-processing/carbon-dioxide-monitoring-in-food-and-beverages-processing – This article discusses the critical role of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the food and beverage industry, particularly in fermentation and bottling processes. It highlights the necessity of monitoring CO₂ levels to ensure safety and equipment longevity, as excessive concentrations can pose health risks. The piece also emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation in areas where CO₂ is used to prevent accumulation and maintain a safe working environment.
- https://www.oxygenservicecompany.com/the-importance-of-co2-monitoring-in-the-food-and-beverage-industry/ – This article underscores the significance of CO₂ in the food and beverage sector, detailing its applications in carbonation, cooling, and freezing processes. It highlights the cost-efficiency of CO₂ in these operations and the necessity of monitoring CO₂ levels to prevent health hazards due to potential leaks. The piece also discusses the role of CO₂ in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) to extend product shelf life and reduce spoilage.
- https://www.ricardo.com/en/news-and-insights/industry-insights/why-the-food-industry-needs-co2-and-how-to-make-it-sustainable – This article explores the dual role of CO₂ in the food industry, serving both as a greenhouse gas and as a vital component in food preservation and processing. It discusses the challenges posed by rising CO₂ prices and supply volatility, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices. The piece also highlights innovative solutions, such as on-site CO₂ generation using biogas, to enhance supply chain resilience and support environmental sustainability.
- https://www.alchemyco2.com/carbon-for-the-future/ – This article introduces Alchemy CO₂’s innovative approach to CO₂ supply, focusing on capturing CO₂ from organic waste to create a sustainable and circular supply chain. It discusses the environmental benefits of this method, including reducing reliance on fossil-derived CO₂ sources and supporting a net-zero economy. The piece also highlights the potential applications of this CO₂ in various industries, including food and beverage production, and the company’s plans for scaling up operations.
- https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/01/07/2155056/0/en/The-Beverage-Industry-Is-The-Largest-User-Of-The-Carbon-Dioxide-Market.html – This article provides an overview of the carbon dioxide (CO₂) market, emphasizing its widespread use in the beverage industry for applications such as carbonation of soft drinks and beer. It discusses the sources of commercial CO₂, including industrial plants producing hydrogen or ammonia, and the growing demand for CO₂ in various sectors. The piece also touches upon the environmental considerations and the importance of sustainable CO₂ sourcing.
- https://www.foodandbeveragetimes.com/article/780619245-food-grade-carbon-dioxide-market-to-reach-usd-2-7-billion-by-2033-growing-at-6-0-cagr-from-2024-2033 – This article presents a market analysis of the food-grade carbon dioxide sector, forecasting its growth to USD 2.7 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% from 2024 to 2033. It discusses the key drivers of this growth, including the increasing demand for carbonated beverages and the adoption of CO₂ in food preservation methods. The piece also highlights the challenges and opportunities within the market, such as regulatory compliance and technological advancements.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative was published on November 3, 2025, making it highly fresh. It appears to be an original piece, as no earlier versions with identical content were found. The article is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes were identified in the narrative.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from Cisco, a reputable organisation, enhancing its credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with known industry practices. The article includes specific factual anchors, such as company names, dates, and figures, supporting its credibility. The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate communications.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and originates from a reputable source. The claims are plausible, supported by specific details, and presented in a consistent corporate tone.
