Automotive – Why Car Manufacturers Should Go “All-In” on Electric Cars 17-09-2024
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Crude Oil Prices Trend
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Origin Materials, a leader in sustainable materials, has successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test for its Origin CapFormer System, the first commercial-scale system for manufacturing PET caps and closures
This innovative system utilizes thermoforming, slit-and-fold technology, and proprietary design features to produce PET caps efficiently at scale.
With over 98% manufacturing efficiency, the test confirmed the system’s robust performance, meeting key industry specifications. Automotive
According to John Bissell, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Origin, the CapFormer System meets the growing demand for PET caps, providing a commercially viable solution for PET-based packaging. It supports closed-loop recycling by enabling 100% container-to-container recycling with PET.
Designed for industries such as beverages, food, and medical packaging, the system aims to revolutionize sustainable packaging practices. The PCO 1881-compatible caps, made from both virgin and recycled PET, are set to launch in Q4 2024, with tethered caps and additional varieties to follow. Automotive
LyondellBasell Invests in New Recycling Center in Germany
LyondellBasell Industries N.V. LYB recently stated that it is investing in a new closed-loop preparation center in Lich, Germany, to address end-of-life challenges in durable goods. This advanced recycling center converts plastic waste into high-quality feedstock for high-performance materials, promoting the circular economy and contributing to industry sustainability objectives. Automotive
This new recycling center combines the skills of a service provider, a university that supports the process and analytics and a dedicated team at LYB.
The closed-loop preparation center is in sync with the LYB integrated hub strategy by combining current assets with new sophisticated sorting and recycling capabilities to increase operational scale, save costs and capture value from plastic waste. This new facility represents a significant boost in waste processing capacity for durable goods such as automotive and white good appliance parts. The requirements for recycling durable products that have reached the end of their useful life are complex. To produce a plastic suited for a high-quality feedstock, the materials must be cleansed of any paint, metal or other additives. Automotive
These initiatives are enabling innovative methods of recycling durable goods into new materials for high-quality applications. The recycling facility uses mechanical recycling to convert end-of-life automobile and appliance plastics, such as bumpers and trim, into high-quality recovered materials. These recycled materials will be integrated into the LYB CirculenRecover product line, providing more sustainable recycled content options for demanding applications in the automotive and white goods industries, including structural elements, interior components and visible applications. Automotive
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Truetzschler’s installed BCF and IDY systems entrusted to Oerlikon Neumag
TopicalTruetzschler’s installed BCF and IDY systems entrusted to Oerlikon Neumag
The Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division of the Swiss Oerlikon Group is expanding its customer services and spare parts business in the area of machines and systems for the production of carpet yarns (BCF) and industrial yarns (IDY). To this end, the company concluded an agreement with the Truetzschler Group, based in Moenchengladbach, Germany, in August. Automotive
Technology experts and service staff from Oerlikon Neumag are now the new contacts for customer services and the spare parts business for Truetzschler’s BCF and IDY technologies installed in the market. The textile machinery manufacturer Trützschler Group announced that they are withdrawing from this business segment in order to concentrate on the spinning, card clothing and nonwovens businesses in future.
“Our range of customer services and spare parts for existing BCF and IDY systems from Truetzschler fits perfectly into our existing Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions business model,” explained Georg Stausberg, CEO of the Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division. Automotive
erlikon Polymer Processing Solutions is expanding its service and spare parts business Image Source: Oerlikon
Truetzschler Group stated that Oerlikon Neumag is the best partner to offer its former clients customer services and spare parts for the Truetzschler BCF and IDY systems installed in the market in the future.
ADNOC is expected to submit a formal offer to acquire Covestro for approximately €14.4 billion ($15.9 billion), including debt, according to the Financial Times
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has been pursuing the German chemicals manufacturer for over a year. In June, ADNOC gained Covestro’s willingness to share more information and engage in deeper discussions, following an improved indicative bid of €11.7 billion, or €62 per share. Automotive
Covestro, known for producing plastics and chemicals used in construction and engineering, agreed to open its financial books to ADNOC in the hope of reaching an agreement on key aspects, such as the company’s growth strategy.
While Covestro acknowledged the report from the Financial Times, a spokesperson declined to comment further. ADNOC has also not issued any statements regarding the potential acquisition. Automotive
Mercedes, in partnership with American company Factorial Energy, has announced its upcoming solid-state batteries, named Solstice
These batteries are expected to revolutionize electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of the decade, offering greater range and lower costs. Promising to increase EV autonomy by 80%, Solstice boasts a 40% higher energy density, reaching 450 watt hours per kilogram (Wh/kg).
The higher energy density will reduce battery size, leading to lighter, more efficient, and cheaper EVs. Additionally, the new design will improve production sustainability and efficiency, lowering overall costs. Automotive
Solid-state batteries also offer increased safety, with a reduced risk of fire compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. However, they currently face challenges with cold temperatures and expansion during development.
Factorial has already delivered near-solid electrolyte accumulators to Mercedes, achieving an energy density of 391 Wh/kg. Automotive
Other automotive giants like Hyundai-Kia and Stellantis are also involved, with the latter helping finance production. Mercedes and Stellantis jointly invested 200 million euros in the factory and production lines. While the Solstice batteries are in development, the full impact of this collaboration is expected to be realized by the end of the decade.
Why Car Manufacturers Should Go “All-In” on Electric Cars
A flexible approach to transitioning from internal combustion to electric vehicles (EVs) may seem wise, but it could be dangerous long-term. As the auto industry faces fluctuating demand, many manufacturers are hedging their bets by producing hybrids and traditional fuel vehicles alongside EVs. However, this strategy can backfire. Automotive
Current production is already below optimal levels, with factories operating at 70% capacity. If manufacturers continue this “multi-fuel” strategy, production efficiency could drop further, potentially falling below 60% by 2030. This could lead to factory closures and job losses.
Moreover, delaying full investment in EVs risks missing market opportunities. As consumers await more affordable electric options, manufacturers focusing on hybrids may find themselves left behind. Companies that prioritize electric vehicles now could gain a significant market advantage when demand shifts. Automotive
While some, like Toyota and Stellantis, are cautious about going fully electric, others, such as Volkswagen and Hyundai, are more committed to zero-emission vehicles. The race to EV dominance is uncertain, but those who hesitate could face greater challenges. A clear focus on electric vehicles is essential to avoid the pitfalls of a fragmented strategy and ensure future success.
Automotive