Day: 29 July 2024

• PET Bottle – Hyosung TNC has announced a significant investment of $1 billion to establish multiple Bio-BDO production plants in Vietnam, with a combined annual capacity of 200,000 tons 22-07-2024
• New enzyme technology for environmentally friendly plastic recycling

LDPE

Mohawk’s RPET Consumption Remains Steady in 2023

Global flooring manufacturer Mohawk Industries’ 2023 impact report provided limited details on recycled plastics consumption, showing little change from the previous year. Located in Summerville, Georgia, Mohawk’s facility is one of the largest integrated recycling operations in the U.S., recycling nearly 6 billion PET water bottles annually for the past decade. LDPE

However, in 2020, the facility recycled “more than 6 billion bottles.”

Despite inquiries from Plastics Recycling Update, Mohawk declined to comment further. The company is known for significantly influencing post-consumer PET bottle bale pricing, a phenomenon referred to as the “Mohawk effect.” Mohawk’s operations are vertically integrated, encompassing recycling, fiber extrusion, and carpet manufacturing.

In 2023, Mohawk improved its PET flake washers, enhancing flake quality while reducing water and chemical usage. LDPE

This upgrade resulted in better performance in downstream processes. The market for recycled PET has shifted, with packaging now consuming more than textiles, including carpet, which has seen a decline since 2017.

Despite launching PETPremier carpet made from recycled PET bottles in 2023, Mohawk’s U.S. and Canada flooring sales dropped by 9% from 2022, reflecting economic downturns in the housing and construction sectors. LDPE

The company’s EcoFlex ONE carpet tiles contain 76% recycled content, equating to 28 PET bottles per square yard.

Starting in 2024, Mohawk expanded its take-back program to include various flooring products, emphasizing resource stewardship. In 2023, Mohawk recovered 44.9 million pounds of end-of-life products, representing 58% of its manufacturing waste, and repurposed discarded carpet fiber into nonwoven rug pads. LDPE

BASF has unveiled Tinuvin® NOR® 211 AR, a pioneering heat and light stabilizer aimed at supporting film producers and converters in the complex realm of plasticulture, where plastic materials are extensively used in agriculture

This innovative stabilizer extends the lifespan of agricultural plastics, providing robust protection against high levels of inorganic chemicals such as sulfur and chlorine. It is particularly effective for plastics exposed to intense UV radiation and thermal stress, crucial for crop management and disinfection practices. LDPE

The evolution of plasticulture, driven by advancements in polyethylene (PE) grades, has emphasized downgauging—reducing the thickness of plastic films without compromising performance. This is achieved by incorporating new polymer grades to enhance the mechanical properties of PE materials. Additionally, converters are investing in advanced equipment to increase the number of layers in films, improving their performance and durability. These transitions are vital for the sustainability of agricultural plastics, reducing plastic waste, boosting production efficiency, and supporting recycling and upcycling initiatives. LDPE

Tinuvin NOR 211 AR stands out as a unique stabilization system suitable for plasticulture, including intensive horticulture, regardless of the region’s UV radiation, heat, and chemical conditions. It is particularly effective in environments with high levels of sulfur and chlorine. As agriculture increasingly adopts “Integrated Pest Management” and “Organic Farming” practices, the demand for effective stabilization of agricultural films grows.

“Tinuvin NOR 211 AR addresses various challenges for agricultural plastics, including sustainability, increased chemical exposure, longer use durations, and downgauging trends,” said Dr. Bettina Sobotka, Head of Global Marketing and Development for Plastic Additives at BASF. “BASF’s NOR HALS solutions advance stabilization beyond traditional methods, fostering collaboration with agricultural plastic producers and farmers to enhance crop yield.”  LDPE

Part of BASF’s VALERAS® portfolio, Tinuvin NOR 211 AR reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. It utilizes renewable electricity in production, optimizes product form to reduce energy consumption and emissions, and improves dosing precision, minimizing dust exposure. This leads to a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly workflow, underscoring BASF’s dedication to sustainable farming practices. LDPE

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