CO2 emission – Polyplastics Co., Ltd., a leader in engineering plastics, has introduced LAPEROS® bG-LCP, a biomass-balanced liquid crystal polymer designed to reduce CO2 emissions and increase renewable content 14-09-2024
KraussMaffei Presents Recyclate-based ‘Sandwich’ Molding at Fakuma
The blue turtle that will be molded at the international plastics processing trade show has a black core made of mechanically recycled PC/ABS and an outer layer made of chemically recycled ABS.
Lightweight, with a glossy surface and a sustainable message, describes the small blue turtle that will be produced on an all-electric PXZ 121-380-180 Multinject press using the sandwich process at the KraussMaffei stand at Fakuma.CO2 emission
It has a black core made of mechanically recycled polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) and a high-quality outer layer made of chemically recycled ABS.
Numerous features of the PXZ 121 injection press — such as the new sandwich platen, near-contour mold temperature control from partner Contura MTC, and the APCplus machine function, which uses specific property values of different resin grades — make the multi-component process even more efficient and economical, according to KraussMaffei.
Sustainability reinvigorates sandwich structures
“The increased use of recyclates has brought sandwich technology back into focus in multi-component technology and offers great potential,” said Manuel von Varchmin, responsible for sales of injection molding technology and automation at KraussMaffei. CO2 emission
“Thanks to its precision, efficiency, and flexibility, our all-electric PXZ Multinject version is ideally suited for this. We will be demonstrating this at Fakuma using the example of the Turtle project, which we have implemented with Contura MTC and other partners.”
ENI is undergoing a major organizational restructuring, creating three new segments: Chief Transition & Financial Officer, Global Natural Resources, and Industrial Transformation
CEO Claudio Descalzi emphasized that this evolution will enhance operational excellence, support decarbonization efforts, and boost efficiency, especially in areas facing structural challenges.
The new structure features three Chief Operating Officers reporting to the CEO. Francesco Gattei will lead the Chief Transition & Financial Officer segment, overseeing financial strategy and energy transition initiatives through Plenitude and Enilive.
Global Natural Resources, led by Guido Brusco, will manage technical, operational, and engineering projects. This segment will integrate Power Generation, Marketing, and Trading Oil, focusing on upstream development with low emissions and multi-local strategies. CO2 emission
Giuseppe Ricci will head Industrial Transformation, concentrating on restructuring and innovation in the chemical sector (Versalis), and advancing traditional refining into bio-refining. This division will also focus on environmental remediation (Eni Rewind) and new circular, specialized bio platforms.
The overarching goal is to accelerate the transition of traditional industries into bio and circular platforms, enhance environmental remediation, and improve margins in transition businesses. CO2 emission
Previero, a portfolio company of Ambienta, has acquired Parini, a sorting equipment manufacturer based in Orologia, Italy
Ambienta, a European asset manager focused on environmental sustainability, highlights that this acquisition enhances Previero’s capabilities in recycling technology, particularly in plastics. CO2 emission
Previero specializes in recycling equipment, including plastics washing and size reduction. Parini, known for its mechanical sorting systems, separates waste like rigid plastics and films, and removes contaminants. According to Ambienta, this partnership improves the overall efficiency and output quality of recycling processes.
Giuseppe di Carpegna, CEO of Previero, expressed enthusiasm, stating that the acquisition of Parini strengthens their position in the sorting sector and boosts their turnkey solutions. Parini’s general manager, Fabio Parini, is equally optimistic, emphasizing that the collaboration merges Parini’s technical expertise with Previero’s research and development strengths. Together, they aim to expand their integrated solutions across the plastic recycling value chain and beyond. CO2 emission
German Plastics Industry Sees Modest Recovery
In the second quarter of 2023, the German plastics industry showed signs of recovery, with a 2.2% rise in production compared to the previous quarter. This marks the first year-on-year improvement since early 2022. However, production levels remain 21% lower than three years ago, and orders continued to decline slightly, according to Plastics Europe Deutschland. CO2 emission
In 2022, the sector faced significant challenges, with production dropping by 15%, while sales, exports, and imports fell by 22%, 11%, and 14%, respectively. Despite the recent uptick, structural problems persist, such as high energy costs, raw material prices, excessive bureaucracy, and long approval times.
“While we see a temporary halt in the negative trend, the German plastics industry still struggles with competitiveness,” said Alexander Kronimus, interim general manager of Plastics Europe Deutschland. He warned that without government support to make Germany a competitive industrial hub, investments in circular transformation may be delayed. CO2 emission
Looking ahead, only moderate recovery is expected, driven primarily by non-European markets, where industrial production is stronger. Kronimus emphasized the importance of making Germany both circular and competitive to advance in the global market. Meanwhile, the rubber industry continues to face challenges, with a 4.7% decline in production during the first half of the year, according to the WDK association.
World’s Largest EV Battery Maker Lowers Lithium Mining Targets: Is the Future Sodium-Ion Batteries?
China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), the world’s largest EV battery manufacturer, has reduced its lithium mining targets, sparking a rise in lithium stocks in the U.S. Companies like Albemarle, SQM, and Lithium Americas saw gains, raising questions about the future of battery technology. CO2 emission
Lithium-ion batteries have long been the industry standard due to their high energy density and efficiency. However, lithium’s rarity and high extraction costs present scalability challenges. Sodium, a more abundant and cost-effective element, is emerging as a viable alternative. Sodium-ion batteries are cheaper to produce, using aluminum instead of copper. Though less energy-dense than lithium, advancements in sodium-ion technology have improved its efficiency, offering benefits like faster charging and reduced fire risks.
China is leading in sodium-ion battery development, recently launching the world’s largest sodium-ion energy storage system. This technology’s compatibility with existing infrastructure could make the transition easier, positioning sodium-ion batteries as a potential replacement for lithium-ion ones. CO2 emission
CATL’s move may signal a broader industry shift toward sodium-ion batteries. While lithium stocks have benefited from the immediate impact, the future may see sodium-ion technology become a more affordable and sustainable option, reshaping the EV battery landscape and reducing the reliance on lithium.
Polyplastics Co., Ltd., a leader in engineering plastics, has introduced LAPEROS® bG-LCP, a biomass-balanced liquid crystal polymer designed to reduce CO2 emissions and increase renewable content
Set for commercialization in spring 2025, this sustainable material expands Polyplastics’ DURACIRCLE® initiative, which includes DURACON® bG-POM.
LAPEROS® bG-LCP is produced using a mass balance approach, blending biomass and fossil-based raw materials, while maintaining the same chemical and physical properties as conventional products. This method allows a portion of the resin to be considered biomass-derived based on the input ratio. It also eliminates the need for separate production processes for biomass and fossil-based materials, helping accelerate carbon neutrality goals. CO2 emission
The LAPEROS® LCP line offers excellent heat resistance, thin-wall capabilities, and high-flow properties, making it ideal for ultra-small, precision components in advanced IT devices like smartphones and tablets. Its low linear expansion coefficient and mechanical strength make it a reliable choice for compact, high-performance applications.
Polyplastics’ DURACIRCLE® initiative supports sustainability through the use of renewable feedstocks, resin recycling, and post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. The initiative also emphasizes chemical recycling and CO2 reuse in raw material technology development. Through innovations like LAPEROS® bG-LCP, Polyplastics is driving the shift toward a more circular and eco-friendly economy. CO2 emission
SK tes has launched a new recycling plant in the Port of Rotterdam, focusing on the recovery of materials from used lithium batteries, electric vehicle batteries, and production waste
The facility extracts crucial raw materials, including lithium, cobalt, and nickel, from discarded batteries and production debris. These recovered elements, collectively known as ‘black matter,’ are essential for battery manufacturing and are reintroduced into the supply chain. CO2 emission
By recycling these materials, SK tes aims to reduce the environmental impact of battery waste while addressing the growing demand for rare metals required in new battery production. The facility currently has the capacity to process up to 10,000 tonnes of material annually, with plans to expand.
Initially spanning 10,000 square meters, the plant has the potential to grow to 40,000 square meters by acquiring adjacent land, further increasing its capacity to support sustainable battery recycling. CO2 emission
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