Circular Economy – Heimtextil Trends 25/26, curated by Alcova under the theme “Future Continuous,” offers a forward-thinking perspective on the profound role textiles play in technological, cultural, and ecological developments 24-09-2024
Circular Economy
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Sesotec GmbH, a leader in detection, sorting, and analysis systems, will showcase its latest innovations at the FAKUMA trade fair in Friedrichshafen from October 15–19, 2024
Under the motto “Economy meets Ecology,” the company will demonstrate how intelligent technologies promote a sustainable and profitable circular economy. Visitors can find Sesotec at Hall B1, Stand 1301 & 1302.
The highlight of their exhibition is the enhanced PRE-SORT sorting platform, which combines the VARISORT COMPACT sorting system, dedusting units, material conveying, and a central control system into a single, optimized solution. Circular Economy
Improved components deliver more precise sorting results, and the modular design allows easy access for maintenance.
Sesotec will also present new features for its PROTECTOR metal separators, notably the “Monitoring Package.” This optional sensor unit records parameters like moisture, temperature, and color fluctuations directly on injection molding machines and extruders. It addresses challenges such as fluctuating product quality and heterogeneous input materials, enabling process adjustments to ensure high product quality. The package integrates quickly into processing lines, reduces plastic waste, ensures consistent melting points, lowers energy consumption, and boosts profitability. Circular Economy
Additionally, the FLAKE SCAN analysis system now includes:
- Label printer connectivity for easy sample labeling.
- Barcode scanner integration for simplified batch number entry.
- Enhanced particle size analysis for optimizing recycling processes.
Sesotec underscores FAKUMA’s role as a platform for innovation and industry collaboration. Company leaders emphasize that advanced sorting technologies, especially those utilizing AI, are essential for transforming plastic waste into high-quality, reusable materials, driving sustainability in the plastics industry. Circular Economy
PLASTICS Commends Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Recycling Infrastructure
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) applauds the introduction of the Accelerating a Circular Economy for Plastics and Recycling Innovation Act (H.R. 9676), a bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Larry Bucshon (R-IN) and Don Davis (D-NC). Aimed at modernizing the nation’s recycling infrastructure, the legislation seeks to spur innovation and reduce plastic waste. Circular Economy
“This bill is a significant step forward,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “We commend Representatives Bucshon and Davis for recognizing the essential role plastics play in our daily lives and for addressing comprehensive plastics recycling. Upgrading our recycling infrastructure and developing markets for recycled materials are crucial for increasing recycling rates and ensuring plastic waste remains within the economy rather than harming the environment. We look forward to collaborating with legislators in Washington to achieve our shared sustainability goals and ultimately see this bill signed into law.”
PLASTICS is the only organization that represents the entire plastics supply chain, including equipment suppliers, material suppliers, processors, and recyclers.
The association represents over one million workers in the $519 billion U.S. plastics industry. Circular Economy
Committed to advancing its members’ priorities, PLASTICS focuses on investing in technologies that enhance recycling capabilities and sustainability, while providing essential products that ensure protection and safety in daily life. Since 1937, PLASTICS has worked to make its members and the eighth-largest U.S. manufacturing industry more globally competitive. The organization supports circularity through educational initiatives, industry insights, events, networking opportunities, and policy advocacy, including hosting NPE: The Plastics Show, the largest plastics trade show in the Americas. Circular Economy
Borealis’ Porvoo site manufactures polyethylene and polypropylene plastics, which are widely used across society and are easily recyclable
Borealis aims to replace plastics made from virgin raw materials with those made from recycled plastics, while maintaining their material properties. As its first KGD commitment, Borealis plans to use 30 metric kilotons of Finnish plastic waste as a raw material by 2035.
Borealis among first companies to join Finnish Environment Ministry’s Circular Economy Green Deal Circular Economy
Borealis is joining the Finnish Environment Ministry’s Circular Economy Green Deal (KGD), announced on September 12, 2024. KGD is a voluntary commitment in which the participating organizations aim to reduce their use of natural resources and to set effective goals that promote a low-carbon circular economy. Borealis plans to use 30 kilotons of Finnish plastic waste as raw material by 2035 and to improve its energy efficiency by 360 GWh. These commitments align with the SPIRIT program, initiated and led by Borealis in Finland, which aims to shift Finland’s plastics industry towards using renewable raw materials, achieving carbon-neutral production, and establishing a circular economy for plastics. Circular Economy
“The Circular Economy Green Deal is very welcome. Its goals and direction align well with Borealis’ sustainability goals and its EverMinds™ ambition of accelerating action on circularity. The Green Deal outlines a long-term vision for Finland’s progress towards greater sustainability, with the circular economy creating new opportunities for the country.
BMW and Toyota have announced a collaboration to develop a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle set for release in 2028
This vehicle will incorporate Toyota’s efficient third-generation fuel-cell stack, known for being 50% cheaper to produce and offering 20% more range per kilogram of hydrogen compared to previous versions. While BMW hasn’t specified the model that will feature this new powertrain, it’s likely to be an SUV built on the versatile Neue Klasse platform, which can accommodate both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell systems.
Michael Rath, BMW Group’s vice president of hydrogen vehicles, emphasized that fuel-cell vehicles are essentially electric vehicles with a different energy storage method. He pointed out that components like electric motors and power electronics are identical in both battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (HFCVs). Rath noted that hydrogen powertrains complement BEVs by offering advantages in long-distance travel, towing capacity, and performance in heavier vehicles. Circular Economy
The Neue Klasse EV architecture is poised to support this hydrogen initiative, with production planned in Hungary, Mexico, and later China. However, the rollout of hydrogen vehicles heavily depends on the availability of a robust fueling infrastructure. Rath mentioned that markets need a “really dense” network of hydrogen stations for successful adoption. Countries like Japan, South Korea, China, and members of the European Union are actively investing in this infrastructure.
In contrast, North America faces challenges due to the higher costs of establishing hydrogen fueling stations compared to electric vehicle charging networks.
While hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in global energy decarbonization, its impact on personal transportation remains uncertain in regions lacking adequate fueling infrastructure. Circular Economy
Nylon Tire Yarn Prices Show a Sign of Recovery in September, Headwinds from August Persists
Nylon Tire Yarn prices (NTY) prices moderately moved up by 1% in the given first half of September due to moderate demand before NE Asia goes for autumn holidays. The headwinds from August persists as Indian markets remained relatively subdued. The drop in NTY prices recorded in Indian markets remained significant, 2.4% month over month in August, have not been able to recover the previous levels for NTY. Spreads for imports have been increasing across the markets in APAC as oversupply and easing of demand continues partially due to credit situation and partially due to floodings and typhoons hitting China, Korea and parts of SE Asia. Circular Economy
NTY markets, which serve as a major constituent of end-use automotive sales, however, have been facing headwinds comprising of lower demand, higher lead times and high input cost.
From supply perspective, the prices of Caprolactam dropped in August due to lowering of contract prices as the markets remained well fed. Weak Caprolactam spot prices eased cost pressure on NTY feedstock, caprolactam spot prices dropped 7.4% in the beginning of August and carried till the first half of September. NTY upstream market of cyclohexane spot prices hit rock bottom by the end of August, hitting as low as FOB Shanghai USD 1110/MT, a drop of 10% MoM basis, while it recovered marginally. On the other hand, energy prices, especially gas as well as crude prices remained lower than July. Autumn festivities in the coming month to further weigh on production side of NTY in APAC as labor market tightens. Circular Economy
Heimtextil Trends 25/26, curated by Alcova under the theme “Future Continuous,” offers a forward-thinking perspective on the profound role textiles play in technological, cultural, and ecological developments
Through six insightful interviews with international designers, researchers, and industry leaders, the trends highlight how textiles can shape a more sustainable and conscious future by intertwining tradition with innovation. Circular Economy
Textiles are more than mere fabrics; they are deeply rooted in our history and culture, having served as primary means of expression long before written language. Pioneers like Janis Jefferies emphasize that spinning and weaving were humanity’s first technologies, laying the groundwork for advancements in architecture and mathematics. Today, there’s a significant shift towards regenerative practices that focus on restoring and renewing, moving beyond the traditional sustainability concepts of recycling and reusing.
In an increasingly digital world, there’s a resurging appreciation for the physical and tactile. Textiles and traditional craftsmanship offer authenticity and sustainability, countering the disposable culture prevalent today. Influential figures like Ilse Crawford and Christine Ladstätter highlight the revival of natural fibers—hemp, jute, flax, and nettle—and the importance of local materials and techniques in reconnecting people with their cultural heritage. Circular Economy
The industry stands on the cusp of transformation towards circularity and transparency. Leaders like Dirk Vantyghem note the heightened focus on textiles within the EU, propelled by initiatives like the European Green Deal. Efforts to combat greenwashing and promote traceability are enabling more informed consumer choices. Innovators such as Simone van der Burg, Lucas Evers, and Eugenia Morpurgo advocate for open-source production and a reevaluation of agricultural practices to enhance sustainability.
The trend’s color palette, inspired by these discussions, symbolizes the dynamic balance between tradition and innovation, reflecting a vision that extends beyond sustainability towards continual renewal and growth Circular Economy
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