Indorama – Indorama Ventures Centralizes Yarn Production in Italy to Enhance Service to European Textile Industry 30-09-2024

Indorama

Nylon – Carbios and Selenis have formed a partnership to bio-recycle cosmetic and healthcare packaging waste into PETG, a material highly regarded in these industries for its exceptional clarity, durability, and resistance to mechanical and chemical stress 30-09-2024

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Indorama

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

Novapet Expands into PET Packaging with ENSO Acquisition

Novapet, a Spanish polyester manufacturer under the Samca group, has acquired Envases Soplados (ENSO), a Portuguese company specializing in plastic packaging for the food industry, including recycled plastics. Purchased from GED Capital, this strategic move creates a vertically integrated PET supply chain, uniting five production facilities across the Iberian Peninsula. The combined entity now boasts over 600 employees and generates a turnover exceeding 400 million euros. Indorama

To ensure seamless operational continuity, ENSO’s management team, led by Eugenio Real and José Óscar Martínez, will remain in their current roles. Since GED Capital’s investment in 2018, ENSO has seen significant growth, with its turnover increasing from 22 million euros to an anticipated 60 million euros this year. The workforce has expanded from 140 to over 260 employees during this period.

Established in 1989, ENSO operates three plants located in Andújar (Jaén), Marinha Grande, and Lordelo-Guimarães in Portugal. The company specializes in blow-molded, customized PET containers for the food sector—excluding beverages. Its product range includes bag-in-box solutions, caps, closures, and preforms used in packaging a variety of goods such as oil, honey, vinegar, sauces, cocoa, coffee, spices, biscuits, sweets, and pickles. Indorama

Before acquiring ENSO, Novapet operated two facilities in Spain—Barbastro (Huesca) and Fuenlabrada (Madrid)—employing 350 people with a production capacity of 260,000 tons of PET. The acquisition not only enhances Novapet’s production capabilities but also strengthens its position in the PET market by offering end-to-end solutions from manufacturing to packaging.

Novapet Expands into PET Packaging with ENSO Acquisition

Indorama Ventures Centralizes Yarn Production in Italy to Enhance Service to European Textile Industry

Indorama Ventures, a global leader in petrochemicals and polyester fibers, is centralizing a significant portion of its high-performance polyester filament yarn production for the European textile market near Milan, Italy. By relocating production from Germany and consolidating its spinning, draw texturizing, and dyeing operations in Sandigliano and nearby Saluzzo, the company is implementing a strategy to optimize its global asset network. This focused approach aims to effectively serve volatile markets by enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.  Indorama

European textile filament customers stand to benefit from this move through a more efficient and reliable supply of high-quality, colored, spun, and package-dyed yarns, as well as functional yarns available in customized quantities. These products cater to a wide range of applications, including apparel, home textiles, woven labels, and automotive interiors.

Vipin Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of Indorama Ventures’ fibers business, commented, “Our European customers value our expertise and local supply capabilities but also expect us to be highly cost-competitive. By consolidating our operations, we can operate more efficiently and continue to offer our European customers specialized, high-quality products and services at competitive prices.”  Indorama

While the consolidation focuses on Italy, the company’s twisting and air texturizing processes will continue to be carried out in Bulgaria, ensuring that specific customer needs are met without disruption.

This strategic realignment reflects Indorama Ventures’ commitment to adapting to market demands and maintaining its leadership position in the European textile industry. By streamlining operations and concentrating production, the company aims to provide superior value to its customers while navigating the challenges of a volatile market environment. Indorama

Indorama

Wood, a global leader in consulting and engineering, has secured a three-year contract to operate and maintain Freepoint Eco-Systems’ plastics recycling plant in Hebron, Ohio

Spanning 25 acres and utilizing a 260,000-square-foot warehouse, the facility ranks among the world’s largest advanced recycling centers.

The plant will employ advanced pyrolysis technology to convert approximately 90,000 tons of end-of-life plastics into pyrolysis oil through a depolymerization process. This petrochemical feedstock can be used in applications like food-grade and medical-grade plastic packaging, supporting a circular economy. Indorama

Under the contract, Wood will provide full operations and maintenance management, employing over 100 people. The company will also assist with operational readiness processes, including the development of safety and maintenance management systems.

Jess Stanley, Wood’s President of Operations Americas, stated, “This exciting award aligns with our growth strategy and sustainability goals, supporting the circular economy through end-of-life plastics recycling. This contract establishes a new operational presence in Ohio, bolstering the local economy while bringing our proven practices to deliver operational excellence at this world-class facility.” Indorama

Freepoint Eco-Systems is committed to creating renewable pathways for plastic waste and contributing to a circular economy with each advanced recycling facility. The company aims to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to removing 15,000 cars from the road.

This opportunity reflects growth in the plastics recycling market and underscores Wood’s commitment to assisting clients in decarbonizing operations and building circular economy solutions. The partnership not only advances sustainability goals but also supports local employment and economic development in Ohio. Indorama

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Wood, a global leader in consulting and engineering, has secured a three-year contract to operate and maintain Freepoint Eco-Systems' plastics recycling plant in Hebron, Ohio

Stellantis: Gigafactory Project in Zaragoza Moves Forward

The development of Automotive Cells Company’s gigafactories in Kaiserlautern and Termoli has been stalled due to challenges such as slow electric vehicle sales and the difficulty of creating cost-effective, reliable battery chemistry. This highlights Europe’s technological limitations in electrification compared to China. Stellantis, facing delays in its joint venture with Mercedes and Total, is increasingly relying on China for battery supplies.

In France, BYD is expected to supply batteries for the Peugeot e-3008 and e-5008, while in Spain, a €3 billion gigafactory project in Zaragoza, in partnership with CATL, is nearing completion. Indorama

However, two key issues remain. First, the Chinese company CATL is cautious about political tensions between the EU and China over tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Second, the Spanish government’s financial support is still being negotiated, with €300 million available under the Perte Vec program, €53 million of which has already been granted to other companies. Further announcements could come soon, especially with an industry event set for October 8 in Zaragoza, attended by King Felipe VI.

Stellantis: Gigafactory Project in Zaragoza Moves Forward

CG Roxane, the company behind Crystal Geyser Natural Alpine Spring Water, has unveiled a new bottle cap designed to reduce plastic waste

Introduced in August, the EZ-Cap is a tethered cap made of low-density polyethylene that remains attached to the bottle after opening. Indorama

This design simplifies recycling by ensuring the entire bottle and cap reach recycling centers together. While the European Union mandated tethered caps on all plastic drink bottles up to three liters starting in July, CG Roxane’s EZ-Cap is the first of its kind in the United States. The company views this innovation as a commitment to sustainability and a step toward more environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

Despite such advancements, reducing the use of single-use plastics is still the most effective way to combat plastic pollution. Consumers are encouraged to switch to reusable water bottles, select products with minimal or no plastic packaging, and use glass containers for storing perishables. Indorama

These choices help prevent litter and mitigate the environmental issues associated with disposable plastics. By making conscious decisions about packaging and waste, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable future and support industry shifts toward eco-friendly practices.

CG Roxane, the company behind Crystal Geyser Natural Alpine Spring Water, has unveiled a new bottle cap designed to reduce plastic waste

Indorama

China economy – A recent study by the Canadian company Geotab challenges common misconceptions about the rapid degradation of electric vehicle (EV) batteries 28-09-2024

Nylon – Carbios and Selenis have formed a partnership to bio-recycle cosmetic and healthcare packaging waste into PETG, a material highly regarded in these industries for its exceptional clarity, durability, and resistance to mechanical and chemical stress 30-09-2024

Nylon

Nylon

Polyestertime
ITEM 23/09/2024 30/09/2024 +/-
Bottle grade PET chips domestic market 6,220 yuan/ton 6,400 yuan/ton +180
Bottle grade PET chips export market     815 $/ton 845  $/ton +30
LDPE CFR Est China 1,170 $/ton 1,180 $/ton +10
PET Semidull Fiber chips

PET Bright

6,070 yuan/ton

6,100 yuan/ton

6,250 yuan/ton

6,280 yuan/ton

+180

+180

Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA domestic market

Nylon

4,750 yuan/ton 4,950 yuan/ton
+200
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA FOB China 625 $/ton 640 $/ton +15
Monoethyleneglycol MEG South China domestic market 4,450 yuan/ton 4,700 yuan/ton
+250
Monoethyleneglycol MEG CFR China 527 $/ton 543 $/ton +16
Paraxylene PX FOB  Taiwan market 840 $/ton 866 $/ton
+26
Paraxylene PX FOB  Korea market 818 $/ton 844 $/ton +26
Paraxylene PX FOB EU market 891 $/ton  901 $/ton +10
Polyester filament POY 150D/48F domestic market 6,950  yuan/ton 6,950 yuan/ton
Recycled Polyester filament POY  domestic market 6,800 yuan/ton 6,800 yuan/ton
Polyester filament DTY 150D/48 F domestic market 8,500 yuan/ton 8,500 yuan/ton
Polyester filament FDY 68D24F 8,050 yuan/ton 8,150 yuan +100
Polyester filament FDY 150D/96F domestic market

Nylon

7,425 yuan/ton 7,600 yuan/ton +175
Polyester staple fiber 1.4D 38mm domestic market 7,110 yuan/ton 7,200 yuan/ton +90
Caprolactam CPL domestic market 11,950 yuan/ton 11,500 yuan/ton
-450
Caprolactam CPL  CFR China

Nylon
1,640 $/ton 1,600 $/ton -40
Nylon 6 chips overseas  market

Ny66

1,620 $/ton

2,84 $/ton

1,600 $/ton

2,84 $/ton

-20

Nylon 6 chips conventional spinning domestic  market 13,150 yuan/ton 12,700 yuan/ton -450
Nylon 6 chips  high speed spinning domestic  market 14,050 yuan/ton 13,500 yuan/ton -550
Nylon 6.6 chips domestic  market

Nylon

17,800 yuan/ton 17,700 yuan/ton -100
Nylon6 Filament POY 86D/24F domestic  market 15,900 yuan/ton 15,400 yuan/ton -500
Nylon6 Filament DTY 70D/24F domestic  market 18,400 yuan/ton 17,800 yuan/ton -600-
Nylon6 Filament FDY  70D/24F  17,200 yuan/ton 17,000 yuan/ton -200
-Spandex 20D  domestic  marke 28,400 yuan/ton 28,200 yuan/ton -200
Spandex 30D  domestic  market 27,900 yuan/ton 27,700 yuan/ton -200
Spandex 40D  domestic  market  24,900 yuan/ton 24,700 yuan/ton -200
Adipic Acid domestic market

Nylon

8,250 yuan/ton 8,250 yuan/ton
Benzene domestic market East China 8,350 yuan/ton  8,200 yuan/ton -150
Benzene CFR  China 940 $/ton 955 $/ton +15
Ethylene South East market 940 $/ton 940 $/ton
Ethylene NWE market CIF 980 $/ton  957 $/ton -23
Acrylonitrile ACN  domestic market 8,550 yuan/ton 8,475 yuan/ton -75
Acrylonitrile ACN  overseas market 1,200 $/ton 1,200 $/ton
Acrylic staple fiber ASF CFR China

Nylon

14,600 yuan/ton 14,600 yuan/ton
VSF viscose staple fiber 13,650 yuan/ton 13,650 yuan/ton
PP Powder domestic market 7,310 yuan/ton 7,330 yuan/ton +20
Naphtha overseas market  629 $/ton 628 $/ton -1
Phenol domestic market 8,902 yuan/ton 8,990 yuan/ton +88

recycled PET  =                    5,150 yuan/ton  —          5,150  yuan/ton             

Nylon

 

Carbios and Selenis have formed a partnership to bio-recycle cosmetic and healthcare packaging waste into PETG, a material highly regarded in these industries for its exceptional clarity, durability, and resistance to mechanical and chemical stress

PETG is crucial for ensuring the performance, sterility, transparency, and optical brightness of medical and pharmaceutical packaging. It is especially important in complex medical device packaging, pharmaceutical blisters, and various diagnostic equipment.

The collaboration aims to combine Selenis’ extensive expertise in polymerization with Carbios’ innovative enzymatic depolymerization technology. Together, they plan to transform PET waste from the European and American cosmetics and healthcare sectors into premium PETG material. Nylon

Carbios’ enzymatic depolymerization process breaks down PET waste into pure PET and PTA monomers. When Selenis applies its advanced polymerization techniques to these monomers, the resulting recycled PETG possesses properties identical to those of virgin PETG. This means products can be safely packaged in thick, molded pots and lids without compromising on quality or performance.

To ensure the bio-recycled PETG meets the stringent requirements of cosmetic and healthcare packaging, Carbios and Selenis have conducted extensive pilot and industrial polymerization trials. Nylon

These trials have been crucial in refining the final product’s quality, ensuring it adheres to industry standards and is ready for commercial use.

Emmanuel Ladent, CEO of Carbios, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the long-standing collaboration between the two companies. “We are pleased to build on this established relationship to produce PETG issued from Carbios’ unique bio-recycling technology,” he stated. Nylon

Ladent emphasized that the high-specialty, premium material not only meets demanding quality requirements but also contributes to the transition toward more sustainable packaging materials. He noted that the partnership would open new markets for Carbios, particularly in the healthcare sector, as the company continues its worldwide commercial deployment.

Eduardo Santos, Head of Corporate Strategy at Selenis, echoed this sentiment, describing the collaboration as an exciting step in their mission to drive sustainability in the polymerization industry. Nylon

“By combining our 65 years of expertise with Carbios’ pioneering bio-recycling technology that ensures high-quality monomers for the production of virgin-like PETG, we are advancing in the development of sustainable materials,” Santos said. He emphasized the growing demand for environmentally responsible solutions in the cosmetic and healthcare sectors and the potential for this partnership to reshape the future of sustainable plastics.

This initiative comes on the heels of Carbios signing a Letter of Intent with FCC Environment UK. The agreement aims to take an evidence-based approach to the advantages of using enzymes to treat and recycle PET in the UK. Recycling rates have reportedly plateaued in the region, but FCC Environment supports government policies pushing for a circular economy. The company believes that developments in bio-recycling, such as those pioneered by Carbios, could play a significant role in enhancing recycling efforts and reducing environmental impact. Nylon

In addition to the efforts of Carbios and Selenis, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have developed a new chemical process that can “essentially vaporize” polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixed-plastic waste into building blocks for repolymerization. This innovative process is expected to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels required to produce new plastics. It also has the potential to unlock circularity for various single-use plastics, including clear PET water bottles, which are ubiquitous and contribute significantly to plastic waste. Nylon

The collaboration between Carbios and Selenis represents a significant advancement in sustainable packaging solutions for the cosmetics and healthcare industries.

By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, they aim to transform plastic waste into valuable resources, promoting circularity and reducing the environmental footprint of plastic packaging. The production of bio-recycled PETG that matches the quality and performance of virgin material is a critical step toward achieving sustainability goals in these sectors.

The combined expertise of both companies positions them to meet the stringent demands of the market while also addressing environmental concerns. Their efforts align with a broader industry trend toward adopting sustainable practices and developing materials that reduce reliance on non-renewable resources. Nylon

As they continue to refine their processes and expand their market reach, Carbios and Selenis are poised to make a significant impact on the future of sustainable plastics.

This partnership not only addresses the pressing need for high-quality, sustainable packaging materials but also serves as a model for how industry leaders can collaborate to drive innovation and environmental responsibility. By turning waste into premium products, they are setting a precedent for others in the industry to follow, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy.

Furthermore, the advancements made by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley complement these industry efforts by providing new methods to tackle plastic waste. Their process of vaporizing plastic waste into repolymerization building blocks could revolutionize how we handle single-use plastics. By reducing the need for fossil fuels in plastic production, this technology could significantly lower the environmental impact of plastic manufacturing and waste. Nylon

The collective efforts of companies like Carbios and Selenis, along with academic research, indicate a strong movement toward sustainable practices in the plastics industry. These developments are crucial in addressing the global challenge of plastic waste management and environmental conservation. As consumer demand for environmentally friendly products continues to rise, such initiatives are not only beneficial for the planet but also make good business sense.

In summary, the collaboration between Carbios and Selenis to bio-recycle cosmetic and healthcare packaging into PETG represents a meaningful stride toward sustainability. By integrating advanced technologies and expertise, they are transforming waste into valuable, high-quality materials that meet industry standards.

This initiative, along with ongoing research and other industry partnerships, highlights a growing commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation in addressing the challenges posed by plastic waste. Nylon

Nylon