Month: January 2024

Plastic film

In recent developments in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, Chinese shipping companies are strategically redeploying their vessels to exploit perceived immunity from Houthi attacks

Analysts note that China’s involvement in the region aims to capitalize on spaces left vacant by international container transport lines, which have diverted to avoid potential Houthi attacks. The Financial Times reports that smaller Chinese lines, such as Transfar Shipping based in Qingdao, are serving ports like Doraleh in Djibouti, Hodeidah in Yemen, and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, all experiencing decreased traffic.

Transfar Shipping, an emerging player in the trans-Pacific market, operates two of its three vessels, the Zhong Gu Ji Lin and Zhong Gu Shan Dong, in the Middle East. Houthi leaders, backed by Iran, have pledged not to attack ships associated with China or Russia, as long as they have no ties to Israel. The U.S. has urged China to influence Iran in restraining the Houthis, but there has been no apparent success.

MarineTraffic data indicates that seven freighters from new Chinese operators were active in other markets in October 2022. Sea Legend, a Qingdao-based company, operates in the Red Sea with the protection of the People’s Liberation Army Navy. They offer a weekly scheduled service in the Red Sea region from Asia to Europe, citing protection from the worsening maritime crisis provided by the Chinese Navy.

China has expressed deep concern about escalating tensions in the Red Sea, emphasizing the region’s importance as an international trade channel for goods and energy. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin urged all parties to avoid adding fuel to the tensions and jointly safeguard the safety of navigation in accordance with the law. Reports suggest that China may have sought assistance from Iran to mitigate Houthi attacks and protect commercial relations with Tehran.

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Toray Industries, Inc. has achieved a significant breakthrough in materials engineering by developing a plastic film with a remarkable tensile strength of 1,200 megapascals, nearly equivalent to stainless steel

This innovation is based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), an engineering plastic with molecular weight ten times that of regular polyethylene. The material’s exceptional strength, typically utilized in high-strength fibers, has been hindered by low processability due to the complexity of its long and entangled molecular chains.

Toray overcame this challenge by employing its proprietary extrusion and biaxial stretching technologies, creating a nanostructure with highly oriented UHMWPE molecular chains in two dimensions. The resulting film boasts strength comparable to stainless steel and more than twice the tensile strength of commonly used polyethylene terephthalate film. Furthermore, it matches the toughness of aramid, a robust plastic film. The applications of Toray’s film extend to superconductivity, space, and cryogenic environments, offering weight and space savings.  Plastic film

Beyond its strength, the film’s nanostructure contributes to a remarkable in-plane thermal conductivity of 18 watts per meter-kelvin, over 10 times higher than polyethylene terephthalate film. This characteristic positions Toray’s film as a potential heat-dissipating material for flexible devices and applications requiring miniaturization, lightness, insulation, and flexibility.

UHMWPE has gained attention as an eco-friendly alternative to fluoropolymer, addressing environmental and health concerns. Toray’s film also exhibits high chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and a low dielectric constant, making it suitable for semiconductor manufacturing processes. Toray will showcase this groundbreaking material at nano tech 2024, highlighting its commitment to innovation and contributing to societal advancement through the continued application of core technologies in synthetic organic and polymer chemistry, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.  Plastic film

World Bank’s New Outcome Bond Helps Communities Remove and Recycle Plastic Waste

The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD) today priced a seven-year $100 million, principal-protected Plastic Waste Reduction-Linked Bond. This innovative bond provides investors with a financial return linked to Plastic Waste Collection Credits, Plastic Waste Recycling Credits (collectively, plastic credits), and Voluntary Carbon Units (carbon credits) expected to be generated by two projects.

The selected projects in Ghana and Indonesia aim to reduce and recycle plastic waste in vulnerable communities, cutting plastics leaking into nature and oceans. Citi acted as Lead Manager for the transaction.

This ground-breaking outcome bond mobilizes private capital to support the financing of projects with positive climate and development impacts – with outcomes measured by the generation of plastic and carbon credits issued on the Verra Registry.

Through the transaction, investors are providing approximately $14 million in up-front financing required by the projects to increase capacity at existing facilities, expand to new collection and recycling sites, and install food-grade recycling equipment.

In addition to reducing plastic pollution, the projects create improvements in local pollution and air quality, reduce associated health impacts, and create jobs in often overlooked and marginalized communities.

The innovative use of plastic credits in this transaction introduces an entirely new way of financing plastic collection and recycling operations as well as preventing plastic waste from leaking into the ocean.

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Teijin to Produce Carbon Fiber from Sustainable Raw Materials

Waste and biomass residue earmarked for production of precursor acrylonitrile.

At a Glance

• ISCC Plus–certified carbon fiber is produced at the company’s Mishima plant in Japan
• Properties, performance, and processing are on a par with petroleum-derived carbon fiber
• Drop-in replacements reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Japan’s Teijin Ltd. will commence production and sale of Tenax carbon fiber made with sustainable acrylonitrile (AN) based on waste and residue from biomass-derived products or recycled raw materials that have received ISCC Plus certification from the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification system. The Tenax carbon fiber under ISCC Plus certification will be produced at Teijin’s Mishima plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, using the mass balance approach.  Plastic film

In June 2023, the company obtained ISCC Plus certification for Tenax carbon fiber and the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor fiber produced at its Mishima plant. The sustainable AN has the same physical properties as petroleum-derived AN, while Tenax carbon fiber based on this material delivers the same performance and processing attributes as equivalent fossil-based Tenax products. This similarity allows customers to easily drop in Tenax carbon fiber made with bio-based or circular materials, helping to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the product’s lifecycle.

Teijin aims to expand its lineup of sustainable products. To this end, the company is pursuing ISCC Plus certification not only for carbon fiber, including its precursor, but also for intermediate products such as prepregs and short fibers that use sustainable raw materials.  Plastic film

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European Adipic Acid Prices Stagnant in January 2024 Amid deteriorating Demand

In January 2024, the Adipic Acid market continued to exhibit a narrow to decline trend that carried over from the previous year, maintaining a bearish stance in business activity. The Eurozone Adipic Acid market experienced a sustained decline in demand, particularly from the downstream Polyamide and textile sectors.

This protracted downturn indicates challenges and reduced consumption within these key industries, contributing to the overall subdued performance of the Adipic Acid market in the Eurozone.  Plastic film

Downstream businesses have persistently faced challenging demand conditions at the beginning of the year, as evidenced monthly decrease in the inflows of new orders. Enterprises, particularly in the case of Adipic Acid, reported customer hesitancy attributed to high financing costs and geopolitical uncertainty. Germany’s economic slowdown was influenced by lower international demand, with a notable impact stemming from the decline in export orders. The prolonged reduction in new work inflows indicates a cautious economic environment marked by factors affecting both domestic and international business activities.

Despite an increase in the raw material Benzene in the Euro region, the cost of Adipic Acid remained stable. The rise in upstream crude oil prices at the beginning of the year influenced the Benzene market, but this increase did not have a significant impact on the downstream Adipic Acid market.  Plastic film

Merchants in the Eurozone market had sufficient materials to meet domestic requirements from downstream sectors.

As per European commission in January 2024, there was a slight dip in consumer confidence within the eurozone area as enterprises experienced reduced purchasing activity. However, there was no notable increase in demand for the product during this timeframe. Despite the European Union (EU) maintaining its position as the primary destination for Turkish textiles, exports to the EU experienced a notable contraction of 17.6% in 2023. The downstream textile industry faced a decline of 2.3%, with the most significant drop occurring in December at 6.2% within the Turkish market. This indicates muted consumption of Adipic Acid in the textile sector, contributing to the persistent drop in its price.  Plastic film

Manufacturers reduced their purchasing activities in response to lower production needs, leading to a decrease in employment numbers and a subsequent decline in fresh orders from potential customers.

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Loop Industries – Loop & Bormioli Unveil Pharmaceutical Packaging

Loop Industries and Bormioli Pharma Unveil an Innovative Pharmaceutical Packaging Bottle Manufactured with 100% Recycled Virgin Quality Loop PET Resin at Pharmapack 2024

• This packaging innovation will be showcased at Pharmapack Europe 2024 (January 24th-25th, 2024, Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles – booth B78-B79, Hall 7.2)

Loop Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOOP) (the “Company” or “Loop”), a clean technology company whose mission is to accelerate a circular plastics economy by manufacturing 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) plastic and polyester fiber and Bormioli Pharma, an international leader in pharmaceutical packaging and medical devices, today announced that an innovative pharmaceutical packaging bottle manufactured with 100% recycled virgin quality Loop™ PET resin will be unveiled within the Bormioli booth at Pharmapack Europe 2024.    Plastic film

Bormioli Pharma and Loop Industries aim to introduce market-ready solutions for the global pharmaceutical industry and the two companies began to collaborate over a year ago in order to achieve this goal. Bormioli Pharma tested Loop™ PET resin in its packaging, commissioning to independent third parties’ additional analysis to verify extractables levels with different solutions, also taking in consideration the worst-case scenario. The results of these tests set a new benchmark for recycled plastic products within the pharmaceutical industry, as the bottles produced with Loop™ PET resin do not release any substance deemed of toxicological relevance¹.  Plastic film

Bormioli Pharma’s EcoPositive offering, gathering low-impact packaging solutions, currently constitutes 50% of their standard catalogue, contributing to position itself among the players with the broadest sustainable offerings on the international market.

In addition to the independent third-party testing commissioned by Bormioli Pharma, Loop^TM PET resin was also tested by a worldwide leader in laboratory testing services and on December 13th, 2023 Loop announced that test results confirmed its Loop™ PET resin meets the strict requirements and standards outlined by the European Pharmacopeia (Ph.Eur. 3.1.15, Polyethylene Terephthalate for Containers for Preparations not for Parenteral Uses) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP <661.1>, Plastic Materials of Construction) and is compliant for use in packaging applications in the pharmaceutical industry.  Plastic film

“Through this collaboration with Loop we’re strengthening our role as a solid, quality and reliable partner for the pharmaceutical industry” stated Andrea Lodetti, CEO of Bormioli Pharma. “Loop Industries shares our values and commitment, and together we made available a new pharma-grade sustainable solution, showing even greater safety standards than traditional ones.”

Meraxis and Fortum cooperate in Europe-wide distribution of recyclates

The Swiss trading group Meraxis and the Finnish company Fortum Recycling & Waste (Fortum) are deepening their existing cooperation with a strategic partnership. Meraxis will distribute Fortum recyclates throughout Europe. The offer includes PP, HDPE and LDPE recyclates as well as customized re-compounds. Through this cooperation, Meraxis is expanding its product range of recyclates and can thus offer its customers an even larger portfolio of sustainable material alternatives to prime material. Plastic film

Fortum recyclates are made from post-consumer waste in Northern Europe. They are of high quality, durable,versatile as well as reliably available. Meraxis customers can also obtain customized re-compounds from Fortum Circo^® that are specifically tailored to their applications and products. Product development in the Fortum-laboratory tailors technical properties such as strength, processability, and color to individual customer re­quire­ments. Fortum Circo^® materials are suitable for the manufacture of a wide range of products such as household goods, parts for the automotive and furniture industries, and garden tools. Special grades meet the EU toy standard.

«With Fortum Circo^®, we are expanding our range of high-quality recyclates. Our customers will also benefit from the Finnish company’s strong expertise in recycling and material development. Together, we are pursuing the goal of offering polymer processors tailor-made sustainable material alternatives. After all, switching from conventional to recycled plastics is one of the most important levers for reducing CO2 emissions,» says Eddy Khatib, Product Manager Recycling at Meraxis.  Plastic film

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Chemical Recycling Europe, Zero Waste Europe disagree over pyrolysis

Rebuttal to Chemical Recycling Europe’s position paper on Zero Waste Europe’s pyrolysis report: ‘Beyond the headline criticism, elaboration is lacking in their Position Paper’ As a scientific report, ‘Leaky loop “recycling” – A technical correction on the quality of pyrolysis oil made from plastic waste’, published by Zero Waste Europe on 26 th October 2023 (hereafter called Leaky Loop “Recycling”), was written in a way that permits it to be tested for robustness.

This enables science to stand under scrutiny and rebut baseless criticisms, such as those recently made by Chemical Recycling Europe in their Position Paper made public on 11 th December 2023 (hereafter called CRE Position Paper).  Plastic film

Leaky Loop “Recycling” was a meta-research report. Its methodology, commonly called ‘literature review’, collated previous experimental research to derive new conclusions.

Specifically, it analysed twenty-two independent peer-reviewed empirical research papers that had assessed the quality of pyrolysis oil made from predominantly polyolefin plastic waste, along with a further six independent peer-reviewed empirical research papers that had assessed more difficult plastic waste streams.

ZWE report also drew from independent meta-research on the same topic involving more than forty independent empirical research studies (meta- meta-research). All are listed in its Appendices.  Plastic film

Calling them “a narrow set of inconclusive evidence” is incomprehensible. Since the findings of Leaky Loop “Recycling” derive from other independent researchers and authors, it is unclear where the charge of ‘‘grave misinterpretation of facts and scientific evidence” comes from.

Indeed, other authors suggest the need to blend pyrolysis oil with 80 to 95% petroleum naphtha, while some identify that the oil is over a thousand times off specification.

For example: “[…] pyrolysis oil can neither replace nor be blended with naphtha and is not a viable option for closing the circularity of waste plastics […].

The results demonstrate that although there is a very small fraction of pyrolysis oil consisting of saturated alkanes and cycloalkanes, pyrolysis oil obtained from PP [polypropylene] exhibits distinct compositional differences than naphtha and cannot be used as a substitute for it.”  Plastic film

“Contaminant levels exceed established feedstock quality specifications by one or more orders of magnitude such as for nitrogen, chlorine and iron.

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Red Sea Crisis – Oonly Opens Bottling Plant With Revolutionary RefPET Tech 25-01-2024

Plastic film

Textile-to-textile

In the ongoing Middle East conflict:

Houthi authorities in Yemen have instructed US and British UN workers and humanitarian organizations in Sanaa to leave the country within a month. This decision follows attacks by the US and British armed forces, supported by other nations, against military targets of the pro-Iranian Houthi group. The attacks were in response to Houthi-initiated assaults on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

Israel has rejected the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza, with the government emphasizing the destruction of Hamas, the release of hostages, and ensuring Israel’s security. The government spokesperson, Ilana Stein, dismissed rumors about a new agreement with Hamas.  Textile-to-textile

The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that at least 25,700 Palestinians have been killed, and 63,740 injured in Israel’s attacks on Gaza since October 7. In the past 24 hours, 210 Palestinians were killed, and 386 were injured.

The Prime Minister’s office in Iraq warned that US attacks on Iraqi military positions would lead to an “irresponsible escalation” and violate the nation’s sovereignty. The US targeted three facilities linked to an Iranian-backed militia.

Israel and Hamas are reportedly nearing a 30-day ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The potential agreement involves the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Diplomatic efforts by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt aim to mediate differences between the two sides and facilitate increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, a permanent resolution to the Gaza war remains elusive, as Hamas insists on addressing this issue before moving forward.  Textile-to-textile

The United States has sought China’s assistance in addressing Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea

American officials, including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Deputy Jon Finer, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have engaged with senior Chinese officials, particularly Liu Jianchao, head of the Chinese Communist Party’s international department. The discussions aimed to convey a warning to Iran, urging it to restrain Houthi rebels and prevent escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Despite these efforts, there is limited evidence of Chinese pressure on Iran to curb Houthi attacks. The most recent development includes a generic statement from Beijing, issued last week, urging “interested parties” to ensure safe passage for ships navigating the Red Sea—a crucial global trade route.

While the United States plans to persist in raising the issue with Beijing, there is skepticism regarding a change in China’s stance. Some signs of Chinese engagement have been noted, but they are considered insufficient. The Financial Times source cautioned against overestimating China’s actions or their impact on the matter.

In summary, the U.S. has requested China’s assistance in addressing Houthi attacks, but there is little indication that China has exerted significant pressure on Iran to restrain the rebels. The U.S. remains cautious about expecting a change in China’s attitude on this issue.

Toyota : “Electric cars will never dominate the market”

Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota and a prominent figure in the automotive industry, recently reiterated his skepticism about electric cars during a dialogue with employees. Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), Toyoda remains steadfast in his belief that they will not dominate the market, projecting a maximum 30% market share. Emphasizing technological neutrality, he advocates for a multi-path approach to the energy transition, asserting that consumers should not be compelled to choose electric cars over other technologies like hybrids or hydrogen fuel cells.

Expressing concerns about industrial impositions by politicians, Toyoda insists on allowing consumers to decide the best solution for their needs rather than succumbing to regulatory pressures.  Textile-to-textile

He criticizes the idea of a one-size-fits-all approach and champions a diversified strategy to combat the real enemy—CO2 emissions.

Despite facing criticism for Toyota’s perceived delays in developing EV models, Toyoda defends the company’s focus on alternative technologies, acknowledging the challenges of navigating this path independently.

In challenging the legislative landscape, Toyoda predicts that only 30% of the market will be occupied by electric cars, leaving room for hybrid, fuel cell, and hydrogen vehicles.

He underscores the importance of consumer choice and questions the practicality of solely relying on battery-powered cars, especially in regions lacking essential charging infrastructure.  Textile-to-textile

Additionally, he raises concerns about potential financial challenges for companies still engaged in combustion engine production, warning of the risk of banks withdrawing credit support.

In essence, Akio Toyoda advocates for a balanced, consumer-driven approach to the future of transportation, emphasizing the need for diverse options to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the automotive industry.  Textile-to-textile

The “swamp” or the escalation with Iran: what the US risks with the raids against the Houthis

The United States is navigating a complex response to hostile acts by Tehran-aligned forces in the Middle East, particularly in relation to the Houthi aggressions in the Red Sea. In an effort to counter these threats, the U.S. has initiated multiple waves of raids, including cruise missiles, targeting Houthi depots. The well-organized adversary presents a challenge, forcing the Pentagon to consider both preventive actions and reducing the opponent’s arsenal, with uncertainties surrounding the likelihood of success.

The potential risks for the U.S. are multifold. On one hand, massive intervention might lead to entanglement in a protracted conflict, akin to sinking into a swamp. On the other hand, failure to respond could be perceived as encouragement for the militiamen’s challenge. Simultaneously, economic costs are rising for maritime transport, impacting Europe, which has established its own safety plan to safeguard navigation in response to the escalating situation. Textile-to-textile

Iran’s role in supporting the Houthi faction includes intelligence and technical support for anti-ship operations, a command/control base in Sanaa, and ongoing efforts to replace destroyed systems. Despite Iran downplaying its influence, analysts warn of a potential strategy of attrition favoring the militants.

The situation extends beyond Yemen, with pro-Iranian factions launching strikes in Syria and Iraq, presenting a dilemma for the U.S.: how to respond to attacks on its installations without escalating into a total war that might involve targeting Iran directly. Amidst this geopolitical chessboard, Israel adds a variable with its determination to strike enemies beyond its borders, potentially sparking reprisals against not only Israeli but also U.S. interests. Textile-to-textile

The overall scenario underscores the intricate web of challenges faced by the United States in the region, balancing military responses, diplomatic efforts, and the broader geopolitical implications involving Iran, Israel, and the safety of maritime routes.

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Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

BASF and Inditex have achieved a significant breakthrough in textile-to-textile recycling with the introduction of loopamid, a revolutionary polyamide 6 (PA6) made entirely from 100 percent textile waste

This marks a milestone in their collaborative efforts to enhance recyclability within the textile industry. Loopamid, developed by BASF, enables the recycling of discarded polyamide 6 textiles into new, virgin-quality synthetic fibers and materials. Zara, a flagship brand of Inditex, has embraced this innovation by creating a jacket composed entirely of loopamid, aligning with a “design for recycling” approach where every component, including fabrics, buttons, filling, hook and loop, and zipper, is derived from loopamid.

The cutting-edge technology behind loopamid facilitates textile-to-textile recycling of post-industrial and post-consumer textile waste, showcasing its adaptability to various fabric mixtures like PA6 and elastane.  Textile-to-textile

This breakthrough not only improves circularity in the fashion industry but also allows for multiple recycling cycles while maintaining material characteristics identical to those of conventional virgin polyamide.

Dr. Ramkumar Dhruva, President of BASF’s Monomers division, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating it marks a crucial step towards circularity in the fashion industry. The capsule jacket, a result of collaboration with Inditex, serves as proof that circularity is feasible. BASF is committed to scaling up its technology to provide commercial quantities, further contributing to the sustainable transformation of the textile industry.  Textile-to-textile

Javier Losada, Inditex’s Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in fostering a more responsible industry. The loopamid project represents a key step toward a circular solution, addressing the need for increased collecting and recycling capacities to achieve a scaled approach for post-consumer waste.

Both BASF and Inditex share ambitious sustainability goals, with BASF aiming to double its sales from circular economy solutions to €17 billion by 2030. Inditex, on the other hand, strives to have 100% of its textile products made exclusively from materials with a smaller environmental footprint by 2030, emphasizing the use of next-generation materials, recycled materials, and organic and regenerative fibers.  Textile-to-textile

Chinese manufacturer CALB is set to establish a lithium-ion battery factory in Portugal, according to the APA Portuguese environment agency’s announcement on Monday

Portugal, boasting the largest lithium reserves in Europe, is an ideal location for this venture, given lithium’s crucial role in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The proposed factory, strategically situated in the coastal town of Sines, approximately 100 kilometers south of Lisbon, aims to commence operations by the end of 2025.

The APA highlighted the facility’s primary focus on meeting robust customer demand, particularly within the automotive industry. A public consultation period, scheduled until the end of February, will allow stakeholders to provide input on the project. The estimated two billion-euro ($2.2 billion) investment by CALB encompasses the construction of five buildings, with projections indicating the creation of approximately 1,800 direct jobs, a significant boost to the local economy.  Textile-to-textile

Despite potential environmental concerns, APA has conditionally approved two lithium mining projects in northern Portugal. These decisions have faced opposition from environmental NGOs and local residents. The lithium-ion batteries that will be produced at the CALB factory are crucial components for electric vehicles, aligning with global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels and promote green energy solutions.

The initiative plays a role in supporting the automotive industry’s shift towards sustainable practices, contributing to the broader green energy transition agenda.

As the project progresses through the public consultation phase, the successful establishment of CALB’s lithium-ion battery factory in Portugal could mark a significant step towards advancing clean energy technologies and creating a substantial economic impact in the region.  Textile-to-textile

For more information, readers can visit AFP.com, as this article was produced by the Agence France-Presse (AFP), and the Barron’s news department was not involved in its creation.

Introducing igus’s latest innovation, the drylin Econ series, a breakthrough in low-cost linear slides designed for simple adjustment and positioning tasks

Crafted from recycled high-performance plastic, these polymer slides are both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable, offering a greener alternative for linear systems commonly used in adjustable retail displays and similar applications.

The drylin Econ series is a game-changer, providing a solution that is over 80% more affordable than traditional machined aluminum counterparts. The slides, injection-molded from regranulated plastic, boast integrated compensating bearings, enabling smooth cornering on curved aluminum rails.  Textile-to-textile

Ideal for tasks such as adjusting retail store monitors or fine-tuning grippers in snack vending machines, the drylin Econ series offers a cost-effective alternative to linear guides with recirculating ball bearings and steel components, eliminating unnecessary expenses.

“As companies face pressures like inflation, high energy costs, and disrupted supply chains, saving costs has become imperative. In response to these challenges, we are proud to introduce the drylin Econ series,” says Rob Dumayne, drylin and bearings director at igus UK. Textile-to-textile

“This entry-level series is tailored for simple adjustment tasks, providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution, even for non-linear profiles.”

The drylin Econ series not only reduces costs by around 80%, but it also contributes to sustainability efforts. Manufactured from injection molding production waste, the slides utilize iglidur ECO P, a regranulate plastic composed of 100% recycled materials, including production sprues and damaged parts.

This not only lowers material costs but also promotes a circular economy by diverting plastic waste from incineration or landfill.  Textile-to-textile

Additionally, the drylin Econ series stands out for its operational efficiency. Microscopic solid lubricants integrated into the high-performance plastic bearing facilitate dry running without additional lubrication, reducing maintenance time and costs.

The lightweight construction, combining plastic and aluminum, makes it suitable for various applications, including those requiring inconspicuous and quiet operation.

With the ability to effortlessly glide around curved rails, the drylin Econ series ensures ease of movement, making it particularly suitable for vending machines in public spaces. In embracing sustainability and cost-effectiveness, igus continues to lead the way in providing innovative solutions for the evolving needs of industries worldwide.

Textile-to-textile

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Precision Textiles, a leading supplier to mattress manufacturers, is pioneering an industry-first collaboration with Unifi, Inc., makers of REPREVE® recycled performance fiber

This strategic partnership aims to address the surging consumer demand for eco-friendly mattresses.

Precision Textiles is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and by incorporating REPREVE® recycled polyester yarn into all filler cloth products, it becomes the sole bedding component manufacturer utilizing this innovative fiber.

REPREVE®, the world’s premier recycled polyester fiber brand, tackles environmental concerns related to plastic waste by spinning yarns from recycled plastic bottles.

This partnership not only marks a milestone for Precision Textiles but also positions the company at the forefront of sustainability in the mattress industry.

Every 100-yard roll of the company’s ENDURE IFR and ADVANTAGE SB non-woven products will now include REPREVE® fiber, derived from 228 recycled water bottles, eliminating over 20 million plastic bottles annually.  Textile-to-textile

Gerry Welkley, national sales manager at Precision Textiles, expresses pride in being the first FR nonwoven component supplier to embrace REPREVE® technology, emphasizing its positive impact on sustainability initiatives.

Bob O’Connell, executive vice president marketing and merchandising, underscores the customer-driven nature of this collaboration, providing mattress manufacturers with an eco-friendly solution to meet consumer expectations.

Precision Textiles’ longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in its USDA Bio-Preferred and UL Greenguard GOLD certified FR solution product lines, demonstrating a dedication to a sustainable future.  Textile-to-textile

This groundbreaking partnership not only exemplifies Precision Textiles’ dedication but also resonates with conscientious consumers expecting responsible product manufacturing.

Lignin reinforcement enhances PLA biopolymer functionality

As the Process Engineering Development and Project Manager at KraussMaffei Extrusion, Lars Darnedde has played a pivotal role in a groundbreaking collaboration between Synergy Horizon Poland and KraussMaffei, resulting in the development of a 100% bio-based-reinforced thermoplastic: lignin-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA). This innovative process incorporates 30% hydrolyzed lignin during extrusion, creating a compound with natural antioxidant capacity, enhanced mechanical properties, and controlled biodegradability.  Textile-to-textile

The Synergy Horizon group, focused on lignin valorization, strives to transform lignin, often discarded in bioethanol production, into valuable products for diverse applications. With expertise in lignin purification, chemical modification, and functionalization, the group offers lignin-derived products for industries ranging from oil and gas extraction to water treatment.

Synergy Horizon Poland has developed a commercial production line for free-flowing lignin powder, a milestone in utilizing this abundant natural substance.

KraussMaffei’s technical center demonstrated successful incorporation of up to 30% lignin into PLA matrix using specialized equipment, resulting in a significant increase in flexural and tensile modulus.  Textile-to-textile

Extensive mechanical tests have shown that the lignin-reinforced PLA not only enhances mechanical properties but also exhibits a biodegradation rate of over 90% in 99 days, making it ideal for environmentally conscious applications such as food packaging. The unique combination of antioxidant capacity, lack of odor, and improved biodegradability sets this lignin-reinforced PLA apart in the industry, showcasing a sustainable and functional alternative in the realm of biopolymers.

I am a highly skilled chemical engineer with a proven track record in the innovative development of sustainable technologies

In my most recent role, I played a pivotal role in the inauguration and optimization of a groundbreaking demonstration unit for bio-butadiene synthesis from bioethanol at the Michelin factory in Bassens, France. Textile-to-textile

This achievement marked the first-ever plant of its kind in the country, a project I have been dedicated to for the past five years.

Collaborating closely with IFP Energies Nouvelles (Ifpen) and Axens, I successfully completed the construction of the unit within the Michelin facility as part of the BioButterfly project. This cutting-edge facility, finalized in July of last year, boasts a production capacity of up to 30 tonnes per year. My responsibilities include overseeing the unit’s operations to fine-tune the technology, aiming for a seamless transition to an industrial scale.  Textile-to-textile

As an integral part of the project, I have contributed to securing investments exceeding 80 million euros, with substantial support from the French Environment and Energy Agency (Ademe), the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, and the Urban Community of Bordeaux. Additionally, I have played a crucial role in the creation of approximately twenty jobs at the Michelin site in Bassens.  Textile-to-textile

Beyond the immediate success of the project, my focus aligns with Michelin’s commitment to using renewable or recycled raw materials entirely by 2050. I am particularly interested in the commercialization of the bio-butadiene synthesis process by Axens, with Michelin leveraging this sustainable resource in the production of tire compounds.

My expertise extends beyond butadiene production, as evidenced by my involvement in the development of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) using styrene monomer obtained from chemical recycling. I am dedicated to advancing environmentally responsible practices within the chemical engineering field and contributing to the tire industry’s sustainable evolution.  Textile-to-textile

The “Waste Plastic Pyrolysis Processing Plant Project Report 2024” by IMARC Group serves as a comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs and stakeholders interested in establishing a waste plastic pyrolysis processing plant

The report covers a wide range of aspects, providing valuable insights into industry trends, plant setup, machinery requirements, raw material specifications, investment opportunities, costs, and revenue projections.  Textile-to-textile

Waste plastic pyrolysis is an innovative recycling method that transforms plastic waste into valuable resources through a thermal decomposition process conducted in an oxygen-free environment. The report delves into the intricacies of this process, detailing the heating temperatures, reactor types (fixed beds, fluidized beds, and rotary kilns), and the distinction between fast and slow pyrolysis methods. It highlights the significance of converting non-recyclable plastics into useful products, presenting a sustainable waste management solution.

The global market for waste plastic pyrolysis is driven by the increasing adoption of circular economy principles, encouraging industries to embrace waste-to-value approaches.  Textile-to-textile

Technological advancements in pyrolysis processes are enhancing efficiency and output quality, making the technology more attractive to investors and users. The report emphasizes the market’s growth fueled by the rising price of crude oil, which boosts demand for alternative fuels derived from plastic waste.

Moreover, the growing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly practices, coupled with the awareness of environmental issues, is driving the acceptance and adoption of waste plastic pyrolysis. The report identifies additional factors contributing to market growth, including the commitment of companies to sustainability goals, rapid expansion in developing regions, advancements in waste sorting and pre-treatment technologies, and extensive research and development activities.  Textile-to-textile

Entrepreneurs and stakeholders can leverage the detailed financial analysis provided in the report, covering capital investments, project funding, operating expenses, income and expenditure projections, ROI, net present value, and profit and loss accounts. Armed with this comprehensive roadmap, individuals can make informed decisions, ensuring the success of their waste plastic pyrolysis processing units in the evolving landscape of sustainable waste management.

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Hydrogen Revolution – Celanese And Under Armour Develop Innovative New NEOLAST™ Fiber For Use In Performance Stretch Fabrics 23-01-2024

Textile-to-textile