ASCO
ASCO is a Swiss industrial technology company that designs and manufactures CO2 recovery systems (SGR, BPR, RRSI), dry ice production and blasting equipment, and the FLEXPOWER PLUS gas-engine carbon-capture platform, serving heavy-industrial customers in cement, steel, oil, power, and food & beverage as the CO2 competence center of the Messer Group.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1975
- HeadquartersRomanshorn, Switzerland
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ASCO does
ASCO (ASCO Kohlensäure AG) is a Swiss industrial technology company founded in 1975 and headquartered in Wittenbach, Switzerland, that specializes in CO2 recovery systems and dry ice production and handling equipment. Since 2007, it has operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Messer Group, functioning as the group's global competence center for CO2 technologies, with regional offices in Germany (Bad Hönningen) and the USA (Orange Park, Florida) and a customer base spanning more than 160 countries. ASCO serves heavy-industrial customers in cement, steel and metals, oil & refining, power generation, biogas, food & beverage, desalination, and adjacent verticals.
The company's core technology is the proprietary ASCOSORB-RS absorbent, used in modular, fully automatic CO2 recovery plants (SGR for flue gas, BPR for by-product, and RRSI for recovery from dry ice production) that deliver 99.9%+ purity suitable for food-grade applications. On the dry-ice side, ASCO offers the EVO-Series pelletizers (P55, P75i, R70i, BP420i, BP425i), ASCOJET dry-ice blasting machines, packaging and storage systems, and the Active Dry Ice Saw (AAS). In partnership with Landmark Power Holdings and Rolls-Royce Power Systems, ASCO co-developed the FLEXPOWER PLUS modular concept integrating CO2 capture with mtu gas engines, demonstrated at a 10 MW commercial plant in Worksop, UK.
ASCO's revenue model is anchored in capital-equipment sales (CO2 recovery plants, dry ice machines, ASCOJET blasters, storage tanks, dosing and cylinder-filling systems), supplemented by a Carefree rental offering, a global service and remote-maintenance network, and direct dry-ice sales. Distribution is predominantly direct enterprise field sales, supported by website-driven inbound inquiries and the regional offices; pricing is custom-quoted, reflecting the engineered-to-order nature of the equipment.
ASCO firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ASCO
- Legal name
- ASCO KOHLENSÄURE AG
- Website
- https://ascoco2.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1975
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- ASCO is a Swiss industrial technology company that designs and manufactures CO2 recovery systems (SGR, BPR, RRSI), dry ice production and blasting equipment, and the FLEXPOWER PLUS gas-engine carbon-capture platform, serving heavy-industrial customers in cement, steel, oil, power, and food & beverage as the CO2 competence center of the Messer Group.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ASCO industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial CO2 and Dry Ice Equipment
- NAICS
- Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (333415), Heating Equipment (except Warm Air Furnaces) Manufacturing (333414)
- SIC
- Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585), Heating Equipment, Except Electric & Warm Air Furnaces (3433)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Post-combustion Capture Systems (Solid Sorbents & Structured Adsorbents) (EUABAGAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Waste Heat Recovery & Heat Integration (HRSG/ORC, Pinch Analysis, Heat Exchangers) (EUABAJAF), Industrial Process CHP (Refineries, Chemicals, Pulp & Paper, Metals) (EUACAKAI), Industrial Gas & Air Separation Equipment (ASU, PSA, Cryogenic Systems) (IMAHAEAI), Gas Processing Plant Equipment & Skids (Separators, Heat Exchangers, Turboexpanders) (EUAAABAH)
Keywords
Where ASCO is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Romanshorn
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
ASCO business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Industrial Equipment Sales: Sale of CO2 recovery systems, dry ice production machines, dry ice blasting equipment (ASCOJET), CO2 storage tanks, CO2 filling systems, CO2 vaporizers, and other specialized CO2 and dry ice equipment. Products include pelletizers, packaging machines, and dosing systems.
- CO2 Recovery Systems: Custom-engineered CO2 recovery plants for industrial applications including stack gas recovery (SGR), by-product recovery (BPR), and recovery from dry ice production (RRSI). These are large capital equipment projects.
- Carefree Rental Solution: Rental solutions for dry ice and CO2 equipment, providing customers flexible access to technology without capital investment.
- Service and Maintenance: Global service network with technicians and service partners worldwide. Remote maintenance capabilities for global support.
- Dry Ice Sales: Sale of dry ice produced by ASCO equipment or direct dry ice sales to customers.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
ASCO product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ASCO designs, manufactures, and services industrial CO2 recovery systems and dry ice technology. Its portfolio includes CO2 recovery plants for flue gas, by-product, and dry-ice-production streams using the proprietary ASCOSORB-RS absorbent, the EVO-Series of dry ice pelletizers, ASCOJET dry ice blasting machines, CO2 storage tanks, dosing systems, and the FLEXPOWER PLUS modular carbon-capture concept co-developed with Rolls-Royce and Landmark Power Holdings.
Product overview
ASCO (ASCO Kohlensäure AG) is a Swiss industrial technology company offering comprehensive solutions for CO₂ and dry ice applications. The portfolio consists of two main product lines: (1) CO₂ Recovery Systems — including the SGR (flue gas recovery), BPR (by-product recovery), and RRSI (from dry ice production) systems, complemented by CO₂ storage tanks, CO₂ dosing systems, and CO₂ cylinder filling equipment; and (2) Dry Ice Technology — encompassing the EVO-Series pelletizers (P55, P75i, R70i), dry ice blasting machines (ASCOJET series), dry ice storage solutions, packaging systems (PBM), and the Active Dry Ice Saw (AAS). The FLEXPOWER PLUS® platform represents a modular carbon capture and power generation concept developed with Landmark Power Holdings and Rolls-Royce. Since 2007, ASCO has been part of the Messer Group and serves as its competence center for CO₂ technologies.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ASCO SGR CO2 Flue Gas Recovery System Industrial CO2 recovery system that captures carbon dioxide from flue gases in cement production, oil refining, power generation, and steel works using the ASCOSORB-RS special absorbent in an absorption column.
- ASCO BPR CO2 By-Product Recovery System CO2 recovery system that captures high-purity carbon dioxide generated as a by-product in chemical and biotechnological processes such as ammonia or ethanol production.
- ASCO RRSI CO2 Recovery from Dry Ice Production System that recovers CO2 from ASCO's own dry ice production processes and reuses it within operations, creating a closed CO2 cycle.
- ASCO CO2 Dosing System Compact, ready-to-connect system for precise CO2 dosing for pH neutralization in water treatment and desalination. Stainless steel construction with CO2 pressure reducing valve, filter unit, gas flow meter, control valve, pressure gauges, safety valves, and pre-wired control cabinet.
- ASCO CO2 Cylinder Filling System LH900 CO2 cylinder filling system for filling CO2 into cylinders, part of ASCO's CO2 equipment portfolio.
- ASCO CO2 Storage Tanks Storage tanks for liquid CO2, available in vacuum-insulated, polyurethane-insulated, transportable, and ISO tank container configurations.
- ASCO Dry Ice Production Machines (BP420i, BP425i) Dry ice production machines for industrial-scale manufacturing of dry ice blocks, pellets, and particles.
- ASCO P55 Dry Ice Pelletizer (EVO-Series) High-performance dry ice pelletizer with production capacity of up to 550 kg of dry ice per hour, featuring a newly developed hydraulic unit.
- ASCO P75i Dry Ice Pelletizer (EVO-Series) EVO-Series dry ice pelletizer with integrated hydraulic unit for high-capacity dry ice pellet production.
- ASCO R70i Dry Ice Reformer Dry ice reformer for processing dry ice into various formats as part of the EVO-Series.
- ASCOJET Dry Ice Blasting Machines Dry ice blasting machines (ASCOJET series) for industrial cleaning applications, featuring high-performance blast nozzles designed for optimal non-abrasive, residue-free cleaning of equipment and surfaces.
- ASCO Active Dry Ice Saw (AAS) Electric active dry ice saw for series production, described as the world's first active dry ice saw, expanding ASCO's dry ice product portfolio.
- ASCO Pellets Packaging Machine (PBM) Packaging and filling system for dry ice pellets, enabling automated packaging of produced dry ice.
- ASCO ARS Pellet Transfer System Transfer system for dry ice pellets, enabling safe handling and transfer of dry ice between production and packaging stages.
- FLEXPOWER PLUS Modular CO2 Capture Power Station Modular concept for clean power generation with integrated CO2 capture from gas piston engines, developed in collaboration with Landmark Power Holdings and Rolls-Royce Power Systems. The 10 MW Worksop plant in Nottinghamshire, UK serves as the proof of concept.
- ASCO CO2 Condensing Plant CO2 condensing plant supplied jointly with Hitachi Zosen Inova for innovative Swiss energy projects, condensing CO2 from energy generation processes.
- Carefree Rental Solution Rental solution for dry ice and CO2 equipment, providing customers flexible access to technology without capital investment, including service and support.
Quantifiable outcome
- CO2 recovery systems achieve 99.9%+ purity suitable for food-grade applications
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use ASCO
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments17 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
ASCO technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
ASCO partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Hitachi Zosen InovaminorJointly supplying CO2 condensing plant for innovative Swiss energy project with CO2 Energie AG (subsidiary of Regionalwerke Baden and Recycling Energie AG). ASCO provides CO2 condensing technology as part of the solution.
- Landmark Power HoldingscoreJoint development of FLEXPOWER PLUS modular concept for clean power generation with CO2 recovery from gas piston engines. Landmark provides the power station concept and holds the patent. ASCO provides CO2 recovery technology. The collaboration created the world's first gas-fired power station with integrated CO2 capture at Worksop, UK (10 MW, now in commercial operation). This is a flagship flagship collaboration demonstrating innovative carbon capture utilization (CCU).
- Rolls-Royce Power SystemscoreCollaboration on clean energy generation with CO2 recovery from gas engines. Rolls-Royce provides mtu gas engine technology for the FLEXPOWER PLUS concept. ASCO provides CO2 recovery systems. Joint explanatory video produced on how CO2 capture works. The 10 MW Worksop plant uses Rolls-Royce mtu technology.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
ASCO competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Carbon Clean Solutions: UK-based provider of modular CO2 capture technology using its proprietary CycloneCC technology. Direct competitor to ASCO in supplying carbon capture systems to heavy industry with a similar modular product philosophy.
- Aker Carbon Capture: Norwegian company providing industrial-scale post-combustion CO2 capture solutions using amine-based and solvent technologies. Direct competitor to ASCO in modular CO2 capture plants for cement, steel, and power generation customers.
- Cold Jet: North American manufacturer of dry ice production and dry ice blasting equipment. Direct competitor to ASCO in the dry ice pelletizer and ASCOJET blasting product categories across industrial cleaning customers.
- IceTech (by TOMRA): Danish dry ice production and blasting equipment manufacturer, now part of TOMRA. Direct competitor to ASCO in dry ice pelletizers and cleaning machines serving European industrial customers.
Broad incumbents
- SLB (Schlumberger): Global energy services and technology company with a CCS portfolio (formerly Carbon Capture & Storage division). Broad incumbent competing in industrial-scale CO2 capture and CO2 utilization for EOR applications, overlapping with ASCO's midstream CO2 gathering work.
- Linde plc: Global industrial gas major that supplies bulk CO2, operates CO2 capture and purification projects, and is the parent of ASCO's rival Messer competitors. Adjacent incumbent competing with ASCO in industrial CO2 supply chains.
- Air Liquide: Global industrial gas major offering bulk CO2 supply, biogas upgrading, and carbon capture solutions. Broad incumbent serving the same customers as ASCO across food, beverage, refining, and industrial applications.
- Honeywell UOP: Honeywell's process technology business offering amine-based CO2 capture solutions for refinery, petrochemical, and gas processing plants. Broad incumbent competing with ASCO in industrial-scale CCUS projects.
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries: Japanese conglomerate with a dedicated CCS engineering division offering the KM CDR Process (amine-based) for power and industrial clients. Broad incumbent and reference competitor in large-scale post-combustion capture.
Emerging players
- Climeworks: Swiss direct air capture (DAC) company with proprietary solid sorbent technology. Competes with ASCO in the broader CCUS market and shares the Swiss industrial decarbonization ecosystem; differs by being DAC-focused rather than industrial point-source capture.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ASCO social profiles
Digital presenceASCO compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
ASCO financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ASCO leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
ASCO subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
ASCO funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ASCO M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ASCO
What does ASCO do?
ASCO designs, manufactures, and services industrial CO2 recovery systems and dry ice technology. Its portfolio includes CO2 recovery plants for flue gas, by-product, and dry-ice-production streams using the proprietary ASCOSORB-RS absorbent, the EVO-Series of dry ice pelletizers, ASCOJET dry ice blasting machines, CO2 storage tanks, dosing systems, and the FLEXPOWER PLUS modular carbon-capture concept co-developed with Rolls-Royce and Landmark Power Holdings.
Is ASCO a public or private company?
ASCO is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was ASCO founded?
ASCO was founded in 1975. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is ASCO based?
ASCO is headquartered in Romanshorn, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does ASCO make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Industrial Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are CO2 Recovery Systems, carefree Rental Solution, service and Maintenance and dry Ice Sales.
Who are ASCO's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Carbon Clean Solutions, Aker Carbon Capture, Cold Jet and IceTech (by TOMRA). Broad incumbents are SLB (Schlumberger), Linde plc, Air Liquide, Honeywell UOP and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Climeworks is listed as an emerging player.
Does ASCO have an API?
No public API is recorded for ASCO.
What industry is ASCO in?
ASCO's product category is Industrial CO2 and Dry Ice Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUABAGAB, Post-combustion Capture Systems (Solid Sorbents & Structured Adsorbents), with a secondary code of EUABAJAF, Waste Heat Recovery & Heat Integration (HRSG/ORC, Pinch Analysis, Heat Exchangers). Its NAICS code is 333415 and its SIC code is 3585.