Automotive plastic recycling – TotalEnergies Corbion is set to showcase its Luminy PLA bioplastics at Chinaplas 2024 in Shanghai, highlighting the product’s environmental benefits during Asia’s leading plastics and rubber trade fair from April 23-26 27-04-2024
Automotive plastic recycling
Polyamide in Europe witness Sharp Increase Despite Average Demand
In the European region, the price of Polyamide has increased in the latter part of April following a period of stability in the preceding weeks. This price increase comes despite the demand for Polyamide being in the average range in the European market. As a ripple effect, the cost of Polyamide 6 and 6.6 rose by 2.5% during the week ending 19th April 2024 on a FOB Hamburg basis.
The Polyamide market in Europe is currently experiencing moderate supply levels, with overseas trade facing challenges due to disruptions in ocean routes. These disruptions have led to uncertainties in the supply chain, impacting the availability of Polyamide in the market. Automotive plastic recycling
The demand for Polyamide in Europe is described as average, with purchases being carried out on a needy basis, particularly in the downstream textile and automotive sectors.
In addition to fewer shipping delays, the pressure on supply chains was alleviated by a significant reduction in the purchasing of inputs by eurozone manufacturers. This reduction in input purchases indicates a slowdown in production or a more cautious approach to inventory management by manufacturers in the eurozone. Automotive plastic recycling
Europe manufacturers of Polyamide grades 6 and 66 globally have seen a rise in activity in the second half of April after a period of stability over the past few weeks.
Covestro collaborates with automotive partners on car-to-car plastic recycling
New joint program aiming for efficient, sustainable automotive plastic recycling
At the CHINAPLAS trade fair in Shanghai, Covestro and partners from the automotive value chain agree on a cooperation for the car-to-car recycling of plastics (from left to right). ): Lutz Frankholz (TÜV Rheinland Shanghai & Suzhou), Danilo Teobaldi (Principal Chief Engineer and Head of Advanced Technologies, NIO), Guido Naberfeld (Mobility Global Sales & Marketing Head, Engineering Plastics business entity, Covestro), Martin Hofmann (Head of the Cluster “Climate, Energy, Environment and Biodiversity” at GIZ), Simon Krämer (Head of Sustainability Product in R&D, Volkswagen China) and Qing Guo (Assistant to the President of GEM Green Industry, Wuhan, Innovation Research Institute). © Covestro Automotive plastic recycling
With increasing global environmental awareness and stricter regulatory requirements, the automotive industry is realizing the necessity of plastic recycling for sustainable development. In response, materials manufacturer Covestro, along with partners from the automotive value chain, is spearheading the concept of car-to-car closed-loop plastics recycling, which is emerging as a promising solution to tackle the challenges of plastic waste management in the sector.
TotalEnergies Corbion is set to showcase its Luminy PLA bioplastics at Chinaplas 2024 in Shanghai, highlighting the product’s environmental benefits during Asia’s leading plastics and rubber trade fair from April 23-26
PLA bioplastics are increasingly favored in China, driven by the country’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives. These bioplastics are renewable, industrially compostable, and offer a substantial reduction in carbon emissions—up to 75% less compared to traditional plastics. Automotive plastic recycling
The adoption of PLA bioplastics in China is supported by regulatory measures and a growing consumer awareness towards sustainable products. Industries such as packaging and automotive are actively incorporating PLA into their processes, attracted by its low environmental impact and alignment with China’s sustainability objectives. Hao Ding, the global marketing director at TotalEnergies Corbion, noted, “The growing relevance of PLA bioplastics in China reflects a broader shift towards sustainable consumption and production practices.”
Key drivers for PLA’s increasing market presence include governmental backing, consumer preference for eco-friendly products, and collaborative efforts among government bodies, research institutions, and commercial enterprises. Automotive plastic recycling
Global mLLDPE Market Faces excess supply, Price Decline, Industry faces Challenges in April 2024
In the initial half of April 2024, there was an oversupply of Metallocene Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (mLLDPE) in the market, leading to a global decline in prices. Despite the rise in mLLDPE contracts in Europe throughout April, the overall market sentiment remained stable as demand tapered off following three consecutive months of growth. Similarly, the Asian market saw stable prices due to ample supplies. Several Middle Eastern producers adjusted their prices in April to accommodate shorter working hours during Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, resulting in price reductions in both Asia and Europe.
In the initial part of April, mLLDPE prices in Europe declined mainly due to weak domestic demand and an oversupply situation. Automotive plastic recycling
Manufacturers encountered challenges in matching prices with production expenses in a sluggish market, leading to cost pressures. Despite the rising costs of feedstock Ethylene, some suppliers opted to decrease prices due to better availability. Additionally, ExxonMobil and SABIC declare shutdown of European ethylene cracking plants due to climbing energy expenses and expansion of global capacities. ExxonMobil plans to close its 400,000 tons/year steam cracker together with downstream PP and PE units at the Gravenchon site in France within 2024.
Further, despite the increase in Crude oil prices prompted by supply worries, the global mLLDPE markets continue to face subdued demand from downstream sectors like construction, automotive, and packaging. Automotive plastic recycling
Chinese Spandex Market Sees Sharp Decline in April
In a significant development, the Chinese spandex market has experienced a dramatic downturn in April. The material has shed approximately 65% of its peak value since late 2021. This decline comes after a period of highs in early 2022.
Reasons for the Decline:
Global Demand Slowdown: The global demand for garments has weakened, impacting the spandex market. Economic uncertainties have also played a role in driving down prices. Automotive plastic recycling
Optimism Fades: Despite previous robust demand and optimism about spandex’s use in stretchable garments, the persistent decline in costs has been challenging.
Implications:
Industry Impact: This sharp drop in spandex prices has implications for the textile and apparel industry. Manufacturers and retailers may need to reassess their supply chains and pricing strategies.
Supply Chain Resilience: Companies should focus on building resilient supply chains to navigate market fluctuations effectively.
While the situation remains challenging, industry players must adapt to the changing landscape. Automotive plastic recycling
The decline in spandex prices serves as a reminder of the need for agility and strategic planning in the ever-evolving textile market.
Asahi Kasei to Build EV Battery Component Plant in Canada to Supply Honda, Nikkei Reports
Japanese chemical company Asahi Kasei is set to invest approximately 200 billion yen (equivalent to $1.3 billion) in constructing a battery component factory in Canada, according to a report by the Nikkei newspaper. The project aims to bolster the supply chain for electric vehicle (EV) production.
The new plant will play a crucial role in supporting Honda Motor’s electric vehicle manufacturing operations in Canada. By establishing local production capabilities, Asahi Kasei aims to enhance efficiency and reduce logistical complexities associated with importing battery components. Automotive plastic recycling
The decision to build the factory in Canada underscores the growing importance of the Canadian market for EVs. As the automotive industry shifts toward electrification, securing a reliable supply of battery components becomes paramount. Asahi Kasei’s investment demonstrates its commitment to supporting sustainable mobility solutions and meeting the rising demand for electric vehicles.
Vecoplan shredder boosts plastic recycling at Ys Reclamation site
UK-based plastic reprocessor YS Reclamation has installed a new Vecoplan shredder (model VAZ1700 L6) at their plastic recycling operation in Warrington, UK.
Each day, YS Reclamation processes 27 tonnes of post-consumer LDPE plastic film, turning it into 25 tonnes of high-quality plastic pellets for use in the manufacture of a wide range of plastic products. Shredding is a key part of this process. Automotive plastic recycling
In 2022, YS Reclamation was experiencing issues with the primary shredder at its Warrington plant. The shredder was reportedly unreliable and failed to produce the required quality of shred. During the first 8,000 hours of operation, YS Reclamation had experienced over 1,400 hours of downtime due to mechanical failures and other issues.Vecoplan – a producer and supplier of recycling technology – assessed the installation and recommended replacing it with a new VAZ1700 shredder.
After YS Reclamation had viewed the VAZ1700 in action at the 2022 K Fair – a major trade fair for plastics and rubber, held in Düsseldorf, Germany – the shredder was shipped to the Warrington site. Automotive plastic recycling
Automotive plastic recycling