Due diligence

Due Diligence is Axion’s service for investors in technology-based resource recovery ventures. The service provides technical, operational, market and commercial appraisals to support investment decisions in new plants or process expansions.

Due diligence

We take a hands-on approach to due diligence. On top of desk-based work, we also conduct tests, trials and market research to check assumptions, fill in information gaps, and identify risks.

Sectors, technology areas and materials types

We understand a wide range of material separation, processing and waste recovery technologies. This includes:

  • Processing of mixed dry recycleables
  • Clean up and refining of complex waste fuel mixtures
  • Energy from waste
  • Anaerobic digestion
  • Liquid fuel products
  • Pyrolysis
  • Gasification

What we can assess

We can assess business plans and provide expert independent testimony on:

  • Technology options, processing issues and associated risk factors
  • Operational assumptions on cost, equipment performance, downtime and quality
  • Market factors for both inward supply and output product sales
  • Financial analysis, including P & L, cash flow and balance sheet forecasts for the investment
  • Sensitivity analysis –  which elements of the plan have major impact on profitability and return?
  • The management team – suitability plus skills gaps and how they could be filled

We also provide practical support with:

  • Sampling and analysis work to confirm waste stream composition
  • Plant trials to validate critical separation efficiencies in the process mass balance
  • Advice on choice of equipment
  • Recommendations for improvements to plant layout to reduce technical risk
  • Bespoke market research to challenge or verify assumptions

It’s a comprehensive approach that involves engaging with the client, identifying areas of high risk, and highlighting where business plans need more rigour – all with a view to improving the success of the plant or project.