Fiber Recycling – Global Naphtha Prices Plunge Amid Weaker Oil Demand and Geopolitical Shifts25-05-2024
Even Faster and More Effective: KHS Enhances Innofill PET DRV Filler
KHS has made significant improvements to its modular Innofill PET DRV filler, enhancing its speed and efficiency for filling still and carbonated beverages into PET bottles.
The Innofill PET DRV, typically used with a stretch blow molder in a duo block or with an additional labeler in a TriBlock, now features three major upgrades. Firstly, it offers higher speeds for large containers without sacrificing flexibility, redefining high speed with an output of up to 90,000 PET bottles per hour. Fiber Recycling
High Capacity for Large Containers
The new Innofill PET DRV HC (high capacity) filler option boosts machine output by up to 15% for containers holding 1.5 liters or more. This is achieved by raising the product bowl for a higher filling speed and introducing a three-step pneumatic switching valve for full flexibility. Beverage producers can now choose between three different filling speeds, ensuring optimal quality for both small and large containers.
Speed Further Increased
To meet the demands of markets like Asia, KHS has increased the DRV filler’s speed to up to 90,000 containers per hour for carbonated soft drinks. Advanced simulation technology ensures gentle and safe conveyance of beverage containers, preventing damage and spillage. Fiber Recycling
BASF bolsters investment in its Performance Materials capacity and competencies in India
- Polyurethane Technical Development Center India to be inaugurated in May and will support market development of polyurethane applications
- BASF will increase the capacity of Ultramid® PA and Ultradur® PBT in Panoli and Thane to capitalize on growing market demand in India
Mumbai, India – May 23, 2024 – BASF India Limited will increase the production capacity of its Ultramid® polyamide (PA) and Ultradur® polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) compounding plant in Panoli, Gujarat and Thane, Maharashtra. Fiber Recycling
Its Polyurethane Technical Development Center India, to be inaugurated on 28 May in Mumbai, will support market development of polyurethane applications in industries such as transportation, construction, footwear, appliances and furniture.
“The capacity expansion of Ultramid and Ultradur in Panoli and Thane, as well as the inauguration of the Center shows our commitment to enhancing local production and capabilities. With this Made-in-India-for-India strategy, we increase our speed-to-market and stay close to our customers, enabling us to shorten our delivery time in terms of products, solutions and technical service,” said Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF. Fiber Recycling
Double Acquisition for Maire Group
The Maire group, an Italian company, has signed an agreement to acquire APS Designing Energy and KTI Poland, enhancing its expertise in rubbers and bioplastics. This acquisition includes APS Evolution, the holding company controlling these entities.
APS Designing Energy and KTI Poland are engineering firms specializing in downstream projects in the petrochemical sector, focusing on tires and green chemistry, particularly biofuels and bioplastics. They offer comprehensive design services, ranging from feasibility studies to engineering, project management, procurement, plant construction, and training. Fiber Recycling
The agreement stipulates a purchase price of approximately 7.7 million euros. An initial payment of 1.2 million euros is due upon completion, with the remaining 6.5 million euros paid in four installments over five years. The transaction is expected to close within three months, pending customary conditions.
Loop Industries Collaborates With On and Unveils Launch of the Cloudeasy Cyclon, a Shoe Manufactured With the Infinite Loop(TM) Fiber-To-Fiber Recycling Technology
Loop Industries, Inc., a clean technology company whose mission is to accelerate a circular plastics economy by manufacturing 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) plastic and polyester fiber, today announced its collaboration with On, the Swiss sportswear brand, and unveiled the launch of the Cloudeasy Cyclon shoe.
This innovative shoe, part of On’s Circular Cyclon™ program, is a groundbreaking achievement in sustainable footwear, featuring an upper crafted from yarn made with Loop’s 100% recycled polyester fiber using the Infinite Loop™ fiber-to-fiber recycling technology. Fiber Recycling
This collaboration combines On’s commitment to performance and sustainability with Loop’s disruptive technology to manufacture a shoe that is not only manufactured with recycled polyester fiber but can also be recycled into new shoes endlessly. This closed-loop system minimizes waste and maximizes sustainability, setting a new standard for environmentally responsible footwear manufacturing.
Coloured, multi-material textile waste that was destined to be incinerated was diverted and upcycled into recycled polyester fiber and used in the upper of the Cloudeasy Cyclon shoe. Fiber Recycling
Scientists have demonstrated that polystyrene (PS) pyrolysis, when combined with distillation, can achieve a 60% yield of 99% pure styrene
This process, however, comes with a significant cost of $2.09 ± $0.21 per kilogram. PS pyrolysis involves heating polystyrene in the absence of oxygen to break it down into smaller molecules.
When followed by distillation, this method can effectively produce high-purity styrene, a valuable chemical used in the manufacturing of various plastic products and synthetic rubbers.
Despite the promising yield and purity levels, the cost of the process remains a major challenge. Fiber Recycling
The high expense is attributed to the energy-intensive nature of pyrolysis and the subsequent distillation steps required to achieve the desired purity.
This cost factor could limit the commercial viability of PS pyrolysis for styrene production, especially when compared to traditional methods of producing styrene from petroleum-based feedstocks, which are generally more cost-effective.
Nevertheless, the ability to recycle polystyrene waste into high-purity styrene through pyrolysis offers a potential environmental benefit, reducing plastic waste and reliance on fossil fuels. Fiber Recycling
Further research and technological advancements are needed to optimize the process and reduce costs, making it a more competitive and sustainable alternative for styrene production.
Global Naphtha Prices Plunge Amid Weaker Oil Demand and Geopolitical Shifts
Recently, the global naphtha market saw a price drop. For the week ending May 17, 2024, U.S. naphtha prices fell by nearly 3%, from USD 590/MT to USD 573/MT. This decline was attributed to weaker oil demand and reduced geopolitical risk premiums. Oil futures markets turned bearish, with increased short selling. Despite demand concerns, major energy agencies made only minor adjustments to their estimates.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported slower growth in U.S. crude oil supply, contributing to the naphtha price decline. Lower demand and a price drop in the downstream naphtha market also played a role. Fiber Recycling
Decreased borrowing costs due to lower interest rates potentially increased oil demand and economic growth. Globally, weaker refinery demand and abundant supply weakened physical crude oil markets, further lowering naphtha prices.
In Brazil, naphtha prices also fell due to decreased domestic demand and reduced geopolitical risks in the Middle East. This easing of tensions removed uncertainties that typically inflated prices, creating a more favorable pricing environment.
In Asia, oil prices fell, leading to lower naphtha prices. Investors anticipated that high U.S. inflation and interest rates would reduce consumer and industrial demand. Additionally, shutdowns at various crackers in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Japan contributed to the price decline. Japan’s crude oil import strategy shift, reducing imports from Saudi Arabia and increasing U.S. shipments, also influenced prices. Fiber Recycling
INEOS Inovyn has launched two new PVC pilot plants at its Jemeppe-sur-Sambre site in Belgium
This initiative is part of the strategic ‘Project Circle,’ aiming to commission an industrial unit with a 40KT recyclable capacity by 2030. These plants will accelerate technologies for recycling non-mechanically recyclable PVC, enhancing Europe’s PVC recycling capabilities.
INEOS Inovyn has joined two value chain consortiums, supported by Walloon and Flemish authorities, to strengthen technical and commercial development. Geir Tuft, CEO of INEOS Inovyn, highlighted the complexity of achieving full circularity for PVC and described Project Circle as a significant step towards developing advanced recycling solutions and supporting Europe’s green transition. Fiber Recycling
Currently, around 30% of PVC waste in Europe is mechanically recycled. Project Circle targets the remaining non-mechanically recyclable waste using new technologies such as dissolution, pyrolysis, and gasification. The goal is to make all PVC waste recyclable, with the first industrial unit expected by 2030.
Fiber Recycling