Category: automotive

India – European car 18-03-2023

India – European car

-Incredible India: that’s why it will be the new Eldorado of the European car

The growth of tensions between the United States and China and the apparent support of the Asian giant for Russia is changing the geopolitical scenarios also in the automotive sector, cooling the relations of European manufacturers with China which, among other things, with the landing of its electric cars in Europe is becoming an increasingly formidable opponent. Hence the growing interest in India which, with a population that has exceeded that of China, with half of the inhabitants under the age of 30, appears to be the fastest growing world economy. Meanwhile, according to estimates by Standard & Poor’s, India already in 2022 with 3.8 million cars has become the third global car market, overtaking Japan. India – European car
But the growth that most interests European manufacturers is that of electric vehicles, which currently represent only 1% of total car sales, but which the Indian government wants to bring to 30% by 2030. And it will do so by dint of incentives . However, European manufacturers are not looking at India only as a market, but also as a possible strategic base for producing low-cost electric cars for export abroad. Maybe even in Europe, to counter the danger of Chinese invasion. Many are thinking about it, from Stellantis, to Renault and Volkswagen. And it is in this scenario, and in the wake of the recent relaunch of negotiations between India and the EU for a global free trade agreement, that Acea, the association that brings together European car manufacturers in Brussels, is asking India to to commit to liberalization also on the automotive front, ensuring the abatement of all customs duties for all EU industrial products, both vehicles and car components.

In a note, Acea underlines that ”exports of European vehicles to India have historically represented a negligible value due to prohibitive tariff and non-tariff barriers and oppressive national taxes, kept in force for decades to promote development of the Indian automotive industry and protect the domestic market from international competition”.

On the contrary, with a domestic production of around 5 million vehicles a year, India has become “a major global exporter of automobiles and the EU has traditionally been one of its main destination markets”. India – European car

To overcome this gap, Acea is asking India to undertake to eliminate the prohibitive tariffs which effectively block the access of EU products to the Indian market. Furthermore, the EU auto industry is asking for “a threshold of 45% of non-originating materials for all vehicles and 50% for car parts and components, including engines”.
A key prerequisite for an agreement concerns vehicle approval rules, which in India must align with international regulatory standards of the sector to avoid technological barriers. Another obstacle to the liberalization of the sector is the high internal taxes. In India, all cars are subject to a tax of 28%, with the exception of electric vehicles, on which a tax of 5% is applied, and hydrogen vehicles, with a tax of 12%. There is then a further tax ranging from 1 to 22% depending on the length of the vehicle, the type of fuel, the engine capacity and the type of bodywork. India – European car

As part of an agreement with the EU, Acea is asking India to extend the 5% tax to plug-in and mild-hybrid vehicles as well and to apply the same tax to larger or more expensive vehicles other cars.
Another focal point is that India guarantees foreign investors the same treatment as domestic ones. An important clarification given that, as Acea points out, ”some European car manufacturers are evaluating the possibility of making substantial investments in electric vehicle technology in India in the coming years, in the wake of the government’s objective of reaching by 2030 an sales of electric vehicles by 30%.

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India - European car

Indorama-IVL – Chemical recycling 17-03-2023

Cell to pack battery grow 24-02-2023

Cell to pack battery grow

-The cell to pack battery market is projected to grow from USD 5.5 billion in 2023 to USD 29.3 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 26.9%

The growth of this market is mainly driven by the increasing demand for high-voltage batteries to achieve a longer drive range. CTP battery is one of the results of such advancement, which eliminates the usage of modules and directly integrates cells into battery packs.

Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report “Cell to Pack Battery Market by Form, Battery Type, Propulsion, Technology, Vehicle Type and Region – Global Forecast to 2030” – https://www.reportlinker.com/p06422852/?utm_source=GNW

This allows the use of larger and more cells within battery packs with reduced interconnections and a simplified assembly process resulting in an increased volumetric density of batteries and reduced cost. CTP technology is yet to be commercially launched in most EV-dominating countries. It is expected to gain traction by 2024?2025 in the US, South Korea, Japan, and European countries. Cell to pack battery grow

“Passenger electric vehicles is the largest market for cell to pack battery.”

The demand for electric passenger cars has increased in the past few years owing to the rising demand for safer personal commutes in inter-city and cross-country travel.Asia Pacific is predicted to be the largest market for the sale of passenger electric cars, with China being the major contributor in the region.

Demand for electric passenger cars in Europe and North America has also grown due to rising fuel prices and increasing awareness for decarbonized vehicles.Some electric passenger car models offer an average driving range of 500-600 km, but these are higher-ranged electric passenger cars. Cell to pack battery grow

Cell to pack batteries would help to equip economical electric passenger cars with high energy density at lower cost and reduced weight.

Further, cell to pack battery technology will support the noteworthy developments undertaken by electric vehicle manufacturers in high-voltage battery areas for the passenger cars segment to improve vehicle range and reduce charging time.For instance, Hyundai and Kia have introduced high-speed 800V architecture for upcoming passenger vehicles.

Porsche has an EV model Taycan which supports an 800 V battery architecture.Other OEMs have also announced using cell to pack batteries in upcoming models.

In December 2021, Toyota Motor Corporation partnered with BYD Company Ltd. to build an electric car with a blade battery. In October 2021, Hyundai MOBIS (South Korea) entered a partnership with CATL, wherein CATL would supply the cell- to-pack battery technology to Hyundai MOBIS. Cell to pack battery grow

This will likely bring some EV models to South Korea from 2023?2024 onwards. Further, a few Chinese OEMs – BYD Company Ltd., Neta, Xpeng Inc., etc. have either expanded or planned to expand with electric passenger car models in other parts of the world. All of these factors will help to dominate the passenger vehicle segment for cell to pack battery market

“Lithium iron phosphate chemistry to hold the largest share in the cell to pack battery.”

Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry (a form of Lithium-ion battery) is also the most preferred choice among other chemistry for cell to pack battery technology.LFP batteries offer numerous advantages such as lightweight, lower cost, enhanced discharge, charge efficiency, durability, longer life span, minimal maintenance, and optimized safety, among others. Cell to pack battery grow

Owing to these benefits, >90% of batteries developed with the cell to pack technology use LFP chemistry across all-electric vehicles.In October 2021, Tesla declared that it would completely switch to LFP batteries in all its models owing to lower cost and easy production process rather than using NCA batteries for increasing the range of its vehicles.

Currently, Tesla has adopted the use of LFP batteries in its best-selling models like Model 3 and Model Y.Apart from passenger cars, LFP has also been used in electric buses due to its lower costs and high voltage bearing feature. Cell to pack battery grow

Thus, these factors and the need for an optimized energy density range would drive the LFP batteries’ demand for CTP technology over the coming years.

Europe is speculated to be the fastest-growing market for cell to pack battery

Europe is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate for cell to pack battery market by 2030.Europe is witnessing significant expansion in the micro-cars segment owing to factors such as the stringent carbon emission mandate, incentive boost by green recovery funds, viable charging infrastructure, and intense promotion of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The market demand for cell to pack batteries will be initially driven by the entry of foreign OEMs with vehicles equipped with this technology.For instance, BYD Tang, Han EV, and Atto 3 are offered in some European countries, including Norway, Germany, Sweden, and the UK. Cell to pack battery grow

Tesla sells Model 3 and Model Y in Europe and is expected to deploy cell to pack batteries in these models in the coming years as it has started deploying these CTP batteries in China. Further, some electric commercial vehicle manufacturers (Solaris Bus & Coach sp. z o.o., VDL Bus & Coach BV) have partnered with Chinese battery supplier- CATL to receive cell to pack batteries in electric buses. However, the Russia-Ukraine crisis has disrupted the supply chain for batteries and other raw material supplies for electric vehicles and also affected EV sales to some extent.

The situation is anticipated to recover in the coming years, thereby fueling the demand for cell to pack batteries in the years to come. Cell to pack battery grow

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Cell to pack battery grow

rPET bottle – Green hydrogen 23- 02-2023

Stellantis electric cars 23-02-2023

Stellantis electric cars

-Stellantis: electric cars will have an almost double life. A great cost reduction

Electric car, master race. Green mobility wants to burst onto the scene by acclaim. Not only because it respects the environment and has no emissions, it is silent and uses only clean energy from the sun and wind. Gradually, the exclusively battery-powered cars have been appreciated for their pluses which are numerous compared to the old thermal cousins. Power, acceleration, dynamic values, habitability and available space. But management costs, reliability and a very infrequent relationship with assistance also stand out. As time passes, other positive characteristics emerge, capable of inviting manufacturers to exploit them to the full and consumers to reap the benefits above all for their wallets. Stellantis electric cars

A recent novelty, which has surprised even the technological producers of accumulators and the car manufacturers themselves, is the life of the batteries in real use. Virtual tests and laboratory tests had suggested a shorter useful life.
But it’s not just the expensive accumulator that stands the test of time. The mechanical simplification and the almost total absence of parts to be lubricated with polluting oils lengthens the existence of the entire vehicle which, already now, could have a lower cost per kilometer for the entire cycle from production to recycling. A virtuous path that feeds the nascent “circular economy”. Stellantis electric cars

Peugeot took pen and paper and did the math again. An electric car, if it takes full advantage of the advantages it has available, can last almost twice as long as a traditional car: the useful life rises from 15 years for internal combustion vehicles to 20-25 years. Consequently, it is necessary to adjust everything else and, periodically, renew those components that are not linked to the electrical soul.
In Peugeot, everything is based on the Stellantis STLA platforms, then everything must be recycled and recyclable up to providing some parts for complete renewal during the use of the vehicle. For example, the padding and upholstery can easily be changed when a new owner arrives and the software always remains “fresh” thanks to the OTA (Over the Air, like the smartphone) update. Stellantis electric cars

The French showed these new capabilities in great detail on the Inception concept exhibited at the recent CES in Las Vegas. The avant-garde racing car anticipates gems that will be on even more compact production cars from the Leone from 2025. There will be the “Steer-by-Wire” and the “Hypersquare” control in which the digital electric controls replace the mechanical connections.
The “BEV-by-design” electric native platforms will also introduce technology modules powered by artificial intelligence: STLA Brain, STLA SmartCockpit and STLA Autodrive. The most “human” part of the prototype sees the STLA Large platform which allows the creation of low (134 cm) and long (5 meter) vehicles. Stellantis electric cars

The 800-volt technology and the 100 kWh battery allow for rapid recharging and a range of 800 km. Consumption is contained (12.5 kWh per 100 km), the two motors on the axles deliver 500 kW (680 horsepower) which burn the 0-100 in less than 3 seconds.

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Stellantis electric cars

Chemical recycling – PET-nonwovens 22- 02-2023

Recycled PET – Zero-CO2-car 18-02-2023

Recycled PET – Zero-CO2-car

-Recycled Rubber, Rice Husks and Plastic Bottles: Sustainable Materials in Tire Production

  • Continental consistently optimizes its tires in the direction of increasing sustainability
  • Target by 2050 at the latest: tires made entirely from sustainable materials
  • Maximum safety on the road thanks to the ideal blend of raw materials

Car tires are round, black and made of rubber. Look closer, however, and you’ll see that the design of tires and the interaction of the various materials that go into making them are extremely complex. But for some time now, the material experts and tire engineers at Continental have been bringing about a silent revolution. By 2050 at the latest, all tires are to be made of sustainable materials. There is still a long way to go until then.

But step by step, it is already becoming apparent which raw materials will find their way into tire construction in the future. These include waste products from agriculture – such as the ash from rice husks – rubber from dandelions, recycled rubber or PET bottles.

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Recycled Rubber, Rice Husks and Plastic Bottles: Sustainable Materials in Tire Production

-JEC World 2023 preview: Freudenberg Performance Materials

Freudenberg Performance Materials is presenting an extended range of surfacing veils and core materials for the production of lightweight composite parts.

A new Flex option for the Dieffenbacher (Eppingen, Germany) Fibercon system expands customers’ application possibilities by making consolidation possible independent of the tape layup geometry and layup thickness. This option is available as a retrofit or as part of a new Fibercon system.Recycled PET – Zero-CO2-car

The Dieffenbacher Fibercon system consolidates tape layups into near-net shape laminates with high quality and porosity of less than 1%. According to the company, Fibercon achieves exceptionally good material properties for high-quality components, making it ideal for large-scale production of individual component-specific tape layups. It’s even possible to process high-performance thermoplastics without further adaptation.

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Recycled PET - Zero-CO2-car

-Techmer PM’s HiTerra™ rPET Revive enhances recycled PET quality

Clinton-based compounder and materials design specialist Techmer PM has developed a solution to the short supply of recycled PET (rPET). Called HiTerra™ rPET Revive, this new concentrate rebuilds the resin’s polymer chains, thereby increasing its viscosity and reducing rPET’s resulting yellowness.

Brand owners are committed to increasing their use of recycled plastics to meet their publicly declared environmental goals, but they are facing more than just technical challenges. These challenges include the short supply and additional cost of high-quality recycled PET. Recycled PET – Zero-CO2-car

The situation is exacerbated because PET thermally degrades when it is repeatedly reprocessed, as these multiple heat histories lead to yellowing and viscosity breakdown, limiting the use of such materials. HiTerra rPET Revive aims to ease the crunch at the molecular level.

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Recycled PET - Zero-CO2-car

-Petronas green unit buys Australian renewables player Wirsol

Petronas green unit buys Australian renewables player Wirsol Image by WIRCON GmbH on LinkedIn.

Gentari Sdn Bhd, the clean energy platform of Malaysian state-owned oil and gas company Petronas, has acquired Wirsol Energy, the Australian renewable energy business of Germany’s Wircon GmbH, it was announced today. Recycled PET – Zero-CO2-car

The Malaysian buyer is getting a leading player in solar and energy storage in Australia with 422 MW in operating capacity and 765 MW of projects under development.

Financial details were not provided. Reuters recently reported that a deal was being finalised and that it could be worth up to AUD 1 billion (USD 689m/EUR 644m).

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Recycled PET - Zero-CO2-car

-It’s time to embrace complementarity

Mechanical recycling needs chemical recycling- and vice versa

We cannot meet our climate goals without addressing plastic waste. According to a sobering new report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, businesses and governments worldwide are unlikely to deliver on their ambitious targets.

Credible, ambitious plans are needed from businesses to scale reuse, deal with the issue of flexible packaging and reduce the need for single-use packaging.

And the plastics industry says there is a way to help solve the crisis of plastic waste plaguing the planet’s oceans, beaches and lands – recycle it chemically.

Supposing the billions in investments announced by brand owners and petrochemical companies over the last year are appropriate indicators, ground-breaking solutions to the plastic recycling challenge appear right around the corner. In truth, there is work to be done. But we are doing that work. Recycled PET – Zero-CO2-car

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It's time to embrace complementarity

-European Parliament approves zero CO2 for new cars and vans in 2035

The European Parliament approved the new CO2 emissions reduction targets for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, part of the “Fit for 55” package. With 340 votes in favor, 279 against and 21 abstentions, MEPs endorsed the deal reached with the Council on revised CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and vans in line with the EU’s increased climate ambition. Recycled PET – Zero-CO2-car

The new legislation sets the path towards zero CO2 emissions for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in 2035 (an EU fleet-wide target to reduce CO2 emissions produced by new cars and vans by 100% compared to 2021).

Intermediate emissions reduction targets for 2030 are set at 55% for cars and 50% for vans.

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European Parliament approves zero CO2 for new cars and vans in 2035

-RePEaT licenses polyester chemical recycling tech to Zhejiang Jianxin

RePEaT Co has signed a deal to license its chemical recycling technology for polyester products to China’s Zhejiang Jianxin Jiaren New Materials Co, parent firm Teijin said.

RePEaT is a joint venture established by Japanese firms Teijin, JGC Holdings Corp and ITOCHU Corp to license recycling technology based on Teijin’s expertise in dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), Teijin said in a statement. Recycled PET – Zero-CO2-car

“RePEaT will provide a technology that uses the organic compound DMT for the chemical decomposition, conversion and then repolymerisation of polyester (PET),” the company said.

“Zhejiang Jianxin will use the technology in a polyester-product recycling plant it plans to start up in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province next year,” it added.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

We remind, Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd., the Teijin Group’s fibers and products converting company, announced that its core base for polyester fiber manufacturing, Teijin Polyester (Thailand) Limited (TPL), launched a cutting-edge automated facility for the highly efficient production of polyester filaments. Recycled PET – Zero-CO2-car

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RePEaT licenses polyester chemical recycling tech to Zhejiang Jianxin

Eco-fibres – Electric-car alarm 17-02-2023

Emissions EV CAR loser 16-02-2023

Emissions EV CAR loser

-Emissions, costs and materials: why electric is a loser

Stopping internal combustion vehicles is useless for the climate, harmful for the environment, socially impracticable and destructive for industry and the economy. The good news is that there won’t be, because in the end, consumers will decide. But now government and industry decide whether to follow science or Greta.
Useless. Emissions EV CAR loser

The climate is changing and the most accredited scientific hypothesis claims that it depends on man-made greenhouse gases, the concentration of which in the atmosphere increased from 280 parts-per-million in 1850 to 370 in 2000, the year of China’s entry into the WTO and its industrial take-off, up to the current 420. Global CO2 is 37 billion tonnes (gt).

Now, the European Parliament, the same one that decided to stop, says that “the transport sector is responsible for 30% of total CO2 emissions in Europe, of which 72% comes from road transport alone”. Emissions EV CAR loser

Cars “are among the most polluting vehicles, considering that they generate 60.7% of the total CO2 emissions from transport”.

Very high percentages. But in quantity?
The European Environment Agency, a body of the EU, reports that in 2019 European transport emitted 0.835 gt of CO2, of which 72% on the road, i.e. 0.601 gt, of which 61% cars, i.e. 0.367 gt, equal to 1 % (one-per-cent) of the total. By way of comparison, the International Energy Agency reports that in the two-year period 2020-21, while the rest of the world reduced CO2 emissions by 0.570 gt, China alone increased them by 0.750 gt. Emissions EV CAR loser

This means that if all cars circulating in Europe were to magically switch to zero emissions, the benefit for the climate would not only be minimal, but would be canceled by the Dragon in just one year. Corollary: what are we talking about?
Harmful. An electric car has zero exhaust emissions, not in the complete cycle: to compensate for the CO2 linked to the production of the battery, 80 to 150,000 km are needed with zero emissions. Emissions EV CAR loser

Then comes the issue of recycling or disposal of batteries. Then there is the generation of electricity. In the current European mix, just over half comes from nuclear power and renewables: zero emissions do not exist. To this, we must add the damages associated with the extraction and processing of the raw materials needed to produce batteries, solar panels and wind turbines.

Environmental but also social damage, due to the exploitation of territories and manpower in Africa and Asia. Emissions EV CAR loser
Impractical. Sales of electric cars have increased in recent years and account for around 15/16% in the three main markets, Germany, the UK and France, while in Italy and Spain they do not reach 4% and have also decreased in the last year. According to some, we are behind on the road to progress. In terms of cold economic analysis, the numbers say something else, that there is a different adoption of this technology, for various factors: availability of private parking space, per capita income, effectiveness of incentives, gullibility that it will be so.

But above all they say that the adoption curve tends to a limit, a ceiling, and that this ceiling is far from 100%. Why? There are various reasons, but the basic one is that the use of electric cars requires a planning of travel, depending on the time and the difficulty of recharging, which is not compatible with today’s lifestyles, made up of last minute decisions and of flexibility.
Industrial and economic suicide. The European automotive industry has engine and gearbox technology that is difficult to match in the short term by Chinese competitors. Giving up this competitive advantage means opening up the market to Dragon manufacturers. Emissions EV CAR loser

According to a recent survey conducted by the Fleet&Mobility Study Center for AgitaLab, a think tank, 38% of sector operators predict that they will be able to conquer a share of the European market between 20 and 30% in less than twenty years, while for 23 % will exceed 30%.

For reference, it took Japanese and Korean manufacturers thirty years to get to the current 21% of the market. Emissions EV CAR loser

Also, 95% believe they will be products made in China. Add to this the dependence on raw materials and batteries.

In the light of the facts, the ideological obstinacy of Parliament and the Commission seems truly incomprehensible. But now the government and industry can no longer hesitate.

They need to take a clear and definitive position: to support this economic and industrial suicide or to affirm that the heat engine will not be discontinued and to work so that the next bodies resulting from next year’s elections put things right.

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Emissions EV CAR loser

Emissions EV CAR loser

Waste-tire recycling – EU car 15-02-2023

Cars become virtual power 16-02-2023

Cars become virtual power

-Cars become virtual power plants (and make money)

By storing energy at off-peak hours and selling it at peak times, battery-powered cars create the grid of the future Cars become virtual power
Does charging an electric car cost a lot? Perhaps. It depends on many factors. But what if we told you that instead of spending money when you leave your car plugged in, is there a way to make money? Just keep in mind a few words: virtual powerhouses.
Unlike physical ones, which immediately catch the eye for reinforced concrete buildings, chimneys and transmission lines, virtual power plants can be defined as a series of points where distant but connected energy sources are located. And among these there are also electric vehicles.  Cars become virtual power
How do they work
The idea behind it is that cars recharge their batteries during off-peak hours, when electricity costs are lowest, and store energy to be fed back into the grid during peak demand, selling it at higher prices than those of ‘purchase.
In this way, “they can act as a large-scale power plant and provide the same services known so far,” explains Mark Dyson, managing director of a zero-emissions energy program launched by RMI, a non-profit organization committed to the ecological transition ( source: Automotive News). Cars become virtual power
Projects and prospects
The association just announced a virtual power plant program called the “Virtual Power Plant Partnership,” in which Ford and General Motors are also participating. The goal is to educate motorists, politicians and companies on the benefits of this technological possibility.
“Raising awareness is of paramount importance,” says Rob Threlkeld, director of global energy strategy at GM. The coalition will then share knowledge and best practices to build a more resilient network. However, beyond the good intentions, something else will also be needed to make everything mature:  Cars become virtual power
“As soon as we have intelligent charging infrastructures that allow us to better manage energy supplies, then we will benefit from virtual power plants, because they reinforce the promise of electric vehicles,” concludes by Nathan Niese, global head of EV at Boston Consulting Group  Cars become virtual power

Cars become virtual power

Unlocking the true value of the EV battery through price

Unlocking the true value of the EV battery through price

Waste-tire recycling – EU car 15-02-2023

Alkegen automotive arm 15-02-2023

Alkegen automotive arm

-Alkegen offloads automotive arm

Speciality materials platform Alkegen is to sell its Thermal Acoustical Solutions (TAS) business unit to private equity firm Regent, L.P. The TAS business manufactures high performance acoustical and thermal management insulation components for the automotive and transportation industries.

John Dandolph, Alkegen’s president and CEO said that the divestment was part of Alkegen’s long-term strategy to advance its growing portfolio of specialty materials dedicated to sustainability and human health. Alkegen automotive arm

“This divestiture allows us to focus all of Alkegen’s resources on our primary goal: advancing our unique platform of specialty materials that meaningfully help the world breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before,” he said. “We’re excited for the future and the new opportunities this creates for both Alkegen and the TAS business as it moves forward with Regent.”

“We are pleased to have found a strong partner in Regent for the TAS business,” added Paul Vallis, Alkegen’s president of Filtration & Catalysis and General Manager of TAS, “and we look forward to seeing TAS employees and customers thrive under new ownership.” As part of the agreement, Paul Vallis will remain with Alkegen as President of its Filtration & Catalysis business group. Alkegen automotive arm

Alkegen originally acquired TAS as part of its acquisition of Lydall, Inc. in October 2021. The sale includes Thermal Acoustical Solutions locations in Hamptonville, North Carolina; Yadkinville, North Carolina; St. Nazaire, France; Meinerzhagen, Germany; and Taicang, China.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023, subject to appropriate labor consultations, regulatory filings, and other customary closing conditions.

Alkegen, formerly Unifrax and Lydall Materials, creates high performance specialty materials used in advanced applications including electric vehicles, energy storage, filtration, fire protection and high-temperature insulation, among many others. It operates 75 manufacturing facilities operating in 12 countries and employs 9,000+ employees globally. Alkegen automotive arm

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Alkegen automotive arm

rPET Renewable packaging EVcars 14-02-2023

Tesla Autopilot hardware 4.0 15-02-2023

Tesla Autopilot hardware 4.0

-Tesla is preparing to launch its new Autopilot hardware 4.0 upgrade

Tesla is preparing to launch its new Autopilot hardware 4.0 upgrade, according to a filing with European regulators.

The automaker is expected to announce a new Autopilot/Self-Driving hardware suite, which has been referred to as Hardware 4.0 (HW4), any day now.

There have been quite a few indications that some major changes are coming. For example, after famously removing radar sensors from its hardware suite, we learned in December that Tesla is planning to add one as soon as this month.

Additionally, we also reported on a Tesla Model 3 prototype that potentially featured a new Autopilot/Full Self-Driving hardware suite. Tesla Autopilot hardware 4.0

A report coming out of China also showed that Tesla applied with regulators for some modifications to its vehicles, including new Autopilot cameras.

Now Tesla has done the same in Europe where it files for changes to its vehicles with regulators in the Netherlands.

The Tesla forum TFF has a neat tracker to follow all the changes that the automaker applies for with the regulator, and it revealed a new application for Model S and Model X with a significant list of changes:  Tesla Autopilot hardware 4.0

  • Introduction of Generation 4 complex vehicle control system (Autopilot)
  • Introduction of new car computer and GNSS antenna
  • Introduction of Gen3 inverters to ######m1# drive units
  • Change to Automatic Dipped and Main Beam Sensor
  • Unification of Model X brake system application
  • Introduction of new stay arm for Model X interior rear-view mirror
  • Update to manufacturer’s engine code
  • Update to vehicle’s rear badging
  • Update to vehicle’s maximum vehicle speed

It confirms that Tesla is about to release the new Autopilot hardware 4.0, and it is going to include a new computer.

With Tesla now applying with regulators, it is fair to expect the launch of the new hardware to be imminent.

CEO Elon Musk recently commented on the introduction of Hardware 4.0, and while he didn’t release any details about the upgrade or its timing, he did confirm that Tesla doesn’t plan to offer retrofits for older models. Tesla Autopilot hardware 4.0

Interestingly, more changes are being introduced at the same time, including a new drive inverter, though more details are not available.

Also, this is the new rear badging for those who are curious:

Tesla Autopilot hardware 4.0

The new top speed appears to be linked to the Plaid models, which have yet to deliver on Tesla’s original top speed promises when first announcing its new top-of-the-line models.

The automaker has been software limiting the top speed until it can release its carbon ceramic brake kit to improve braking performance and make that insane top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph) safer.

As we previously reported, a Tesla Model S Plaid owner already managed to beat that top speed by unlocking the speed limiter in Tesla’s software. Tesla Autopilot hardware 4.0

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rPET Renewable packaging EVcars 14-02-2023

Sea salt battery 13-02-2023

Sea salt battery

 -‘Significant breakthrough’: This new sea salt battery has 4 times the capacity of lithium

Your electronics could soon be powered by an ultra cheap sea salt battery.Researchers have built a new cheap battery with four times the energy storage capacity of lithium.Constructed from sodium-sulphur – a type of molten salt that can be processed from sea water – the battery is low-cost and more environmentally friendly than existing options.It could be a ‘breakthrough’ for renewable energy, according to lead researcher Dr Shenlong Zhao, from the University of Sydney.“Our sodium battery has the potential to dramatically reduce costs while providing four times as much storage capacity [as Lithium],” he said. Sea salt battery

“This is a significant breakthrough for renewable energy development which, although reduces costs in the long term, has had several financial barriers to entry.”Why do batteries matter to renewable energy?As the climate heats up, there is an urgent need to switch to renewable energy sources like wind and solar. But renewables are not always as consistent as other sources meaning batteries are needed to store this electricity for later use.Many batteries are built with rare earth metals like lithium, graphite, and cobalt.

To achieve climate neutrality, the EU will require 18 times more lithium than it currently uses by 2030 and almost 60 times more by 2050.European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in September that “lithium and rare earths will soon be more important than oil and gas.”But these metals come at a cost.Sea salt battery

Lithium extraction can result in water shortages, biodiversity loss, damage to ecosystem functions and soil degradation.When the metal is produced using evaporation ponds, for example, it takes approximately 2.2 million litres to produce one metric tonne.It’s also financially costly to mine at scale. This is where the sea salt battery could provide an alternative.What are molten salt batteries and are they scalable?Molten salt batteries aren’t a new concept. They’ve been around for 50 years, but they’ve been an ‘inferior alternative’ with a short energy life cycle.But this new battery is different. Scientists altered the electrodes to improve the reactivity of the sulphur – a key element determining storage capacity.

The resulting product showed “super-high capacity and ultra-long life at room temperature,” the University of Sydney researchers advise.Because sea salt is everywhere, it could provide a scalable alternative to lithium ion batteries.

“When the sun isn’t shining and the breeze isn’t blowing, we need high-quality storage solutions that don’t cost the Earth and are easily accessible on a local or regional level,” Dr Zhao said.“Storage solutions that are manufactured using plentiful resources like sodium – which can be processed from sea water – also have the potential to guarantee greater energy security more broadly and allow more countries to join the shift towards decarbonisation.  Sea salt battery

”The researchers now plan to improve and commercialise the new cells.

Source :https://tinyurl.com/y5ax9eu7

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Sea salt battery

Solid-State-Batteries – Bio-plastics 11-02-2023

Nissan EV Solid-State-Batteries 11-02-2023

Nissan EV Solid-State-Batteries

-Nissan To Launch EV With Solid-State Batteries In Five Years

The Japanese carmaker is on track to have its solid-state battery factory operational by 2025.

Nissan says it’s in a “class-leading position” to make the first batch of liquid-free, lower-cost solid-state batteries in 2025, with a brand new electric vehicle powered by said batteries slated for production in 2028.

The timeline comes from the company’s senior vice president for research and development in Europe, David Moss, who spoke with UK-based publication Autocar about the Japanese brand’s advancements in solid-state technology.

Nissan initially announced its involvement in the development of solid-state batteries for EVs back in 2021, when it said it will build a pilot facility where prototype cells would be made. One year later, prototype development was underway at the Nissan Research Center in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Nissan EV Solid-State-Batteries

Now, the marque’s exec in Europe basically confirms the timeline for Autocar, saying that Nissan is on track to have pilot solid-state batteries in limited production by 2025, completed engineering in the initial technology by 2026, and the first mass-produced EV with the technology by 2028.

Additionally, Moss says Nissan is taking steps to further develop current lithium-ion battery technology, aiming to release the next generation of cells within the next couple of years, then in 2028 a cobalt-free one, which would reduce costs by as much as 65%.

In regards to solid-state cells, their advantages are obvious over currently-available batteries, starting with the tripling of charging speeds, getting close to a constant 400 kilowatts no matter the temperature, and continuing with double the energy density in the same physical space, all at half the cost.

Nissan previously stated that its goal is to achieve a cost of $75 per kWh at the pack level by the fiscal year 2028 and $65 per kWh thereafter.

Working in collaboration with scientists from the University of Oxford, Nissan engineers in Japan managed to go from small button-sized cells to larger, 10-centimeter square cells in the current stage of development, with the final cells’ size to be comparable to that of a laptop’s dimensions. Nissan EV Solid-State-Batteries

Moss added that the Japanese brand wants to completely remove the liquid elements from the battery, saying that this would greatly improve the efficiency in storage and power transfer.

“Can you delete the liquid electrolyte out of the battery? This is where we think we’re leading,” said Moss. “Some solid-state batteries still have the liquid electrolytes, and this is an issue, as that liquid boils. The efficiency of that energy in storage and transfer and the power you put into it will be impacted.”

Achieving all these goals ultimately means that future electric vehicles will be lighter, have more range, and be able to charge much more quickly, all while costing less (at least the batteries

Nissan isn’t the only company out there dedicated to bringing solid-state batteries to the mass market, with  StoreDot, SolidPower, Factorial, QuantumScape, and others working on their versions of the technology. Nissan EV Solid-State-Batteries

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Nissan EV Solid-State-Batteries

Polyolefin – Cellulose – Hydrogen 10-02-2023

Volvo Giga Presses – Buhler-CH 11-02-2023

Volvo Giga Presses – Buhler-CH

-Here are the Volvo Giga Presses: they come from Switzerland

Volvo Giga Presses - Buhler-CH

The Scandinavian company buys two machines for megacasting from Buhler: this is how the new electric cars will be built from 2025
When Tesla presented its Giga Press, it explained the advantages of this construction technique to the whole world. Save time, save money and save materials. The other manufacturers could not remain indifferent to this sort of revolution and ran for cover. There is buzz on the issue in China, but Volvo is among the first to announce that it is ready to adopt these gigantic machines. Volvo Giga Presses – Buhler-CH

Volvo Giga Presses - Buhler-CH
In fact, the Scandinavian company has signed an agreement for the supply of two Giga Presses – they are called Carat – with the Swiss company Buhler.

Buhler, which is based in Uzwil, a small village halfway between Zurich and Lake Constance, has been operating in the die-casting field for 90 years and already collaborates with various car manufacturers.  Volvo Giga Presses – Buhler-CH

For the electric cars of the future

Thanks to a series of huge investments from Germany, and more precisely from the Handtmann foundry, it has managed to develop presses of enormous dimensions. And it is precisely in these that Volvo has shown interest, buying two.

In fact, the Scandinavian company has signed an agreement for the supply of two Giga Presses – they are called Carat – with the Swiss company Buhler. Buhler, which is based in Uzwil, a small village halfway between Zurich and Lake Constance, has been operating in the die-casting field for 90 years and already collaborates with various car manufacturers.

For the electric cars of the future

Thanks to a series of huge investments from Germany, and more precisely from the Handtmann foundry, it has managed to develop presses of enormous dimensions. And it is precisely in these that Volvo has shown interest, buying two. Volvo Giga Presses – Buhler-CH

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Polyolefin – Cellulose – Hydrogen 10-02-2023

Polestar Bio-Attributed PVC 09-02-2023

Polestar Bio-Attributed PVC

-Polestar Vehicle Seat Integrates Bio-Attributed PVC

Made from renewable vinyl and recycled polyester textile, the bio-attributed MicroTech is a “vegan” alternative to leather and comes as standard equipment in the Polestar 3.

The recently launched Polestar 3 electric SUV is not only drivable without the need for fossil fuels — featured as standard is a seat-covering material made from renewable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and recycled polyester textile. The bio-attributed component of MicroTech is derived from tall oil.

Polestar has printed the details of the source, carbon footprint, and percentage of recycled/renewable content on the surface of the upholstery. Optional materials include animal welfare–secured Nappa leather, and animal welfare–certified wool combined with 20% recycled polyester content. Polestar Bio-Attributed PVC

Bio-attributed PVC suppliers include Ineos group company Inovyn with its Biovyn material, and Vynova with its bio-circular PVC portfolio. The materials are manufactured using ethylene derived from waste and residues of biological origin that do not compete with the food chain. Tier I Continental has already started using Biovyn in the production of its technical and decorative surface materials for its automotive customers.

Polestar is also undertaking an ambitious project with multiple partners to decarbonize the complete production of its vehicles. The Polestar 0 project aims to enter its ultimate phase in 2027 to design and construct manufacturing sites and finalize a complete supply chain for high-volume production of climate-neutral vehicles targeted for the early summer of 2030. Polestar Bio-Attributed PVC

The Polestar 0 team is currently looking to find more partners who deal with the most elementary building blocks of material development to join the project. This includes everything from raw material extraction to bio-based plastics and chemicals, electronic components, and other base materials. Current partners include auto interior component Tier I TMG Automotive, a manufacturer of dashboards, door panels and pillars, seat inserts and arm rests, and gear shift covers upholstered with PVC and thermoplastic elastomer.

“We’ve initiated a reset of car making. While we don’t have all the answers yet, we know what isn’t working, and that a greener version of car manufacturing awaits,” said Hans Pehrson, project head of Polestar 0. Polestar Bio-Attributed PVC

“We also know that it is through visionaries, transformers, and innovators that we can reach our goal — a car that begins and ends with zero.”

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Polestar Bio-Attributed PVC

European textile – Sorting technology 08-02-2023

Air Liquide TotalEnergies Hydrogen 06-02-2023

Air Liquide TotalEnergies Hydrogen

-Air Liquide and TotalEnergies join forces to develop a network of over 100 hydrogen stations for heavy duty vehicles in Europe

Air Liquide and TotalEnergies announce their decision to create an equally owned joint venture to develop a network of hydrogen stations, geared towards heavy duty vehicles on major European road corridors. This initiative will help facilitate access to hydrogen, enabling the development of its use for goods transportation and further strengthening the hydrogen sector.

The partners aim to deploy more than 100 hydrogen stations on major European roads – in France, Benelux and Germany – in the coming years. These stations, under the TotalEnergies brand, will be located on major strategic corridors.

This agreement will lead to the creation of a major player in hydrogen refueling solutions and contribute to the decarbonization of road transportation in Europe. The two companies will combine their know-how and expertise in infrastructure, hydrogen distribution and mobility:  Air Liquide TotalEnergies Hydrogen

  • Air Liquide will contribute with its expertise in technologies and its mastery of the entire hydrogen value chain;
  • TotalEnergies will bring its expertise in the operation and management of  stations networks and the distribution of energies to BtoB customers.

The joint venture, which will be jointly managed by Air Liquide and TotalEnergies, will invest, build and operate these stations, as well as procure hydrogen from the market and dispense it to its transport customers.

Matthieu Giard, Vice President and Executive Committee Member of the Air Liquide Group, supervising the Hydrogen activities, underlines:

“Hydrogen offers clear benefits for heavy duty mobility. To promote its widespread use, it is imperative to accelerate the development of refueling infrastructures and to offer vehicle manufacturers and transport operators a sufficiently dense network of stations. It is precisely the ambition of this joint venture, which will benefit from the complementary expertise of Air Liquide and TotalEnergies. As a leader for over 60 years and with unique know-how and technologies, Air Liquide is a major player to accelerate and scale up the development of hydrogen, a key element for the emergence of a low-carbon society.” Air Liquide TotalEnergies Hydrogen

Thierry Pflimlin, President Marketing & Services de TotalEnergies, says:

“Following the recent signature of a partnership for the production of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen on our Grandpuits Zero Crude Platform, we are pleased to once again join forces with Air Liquide and continue our common efforts to decarbonize mobility. As pioneers in hydrogen mobility, we are convinced of the necessity to start building now a heavy-duty network that will benefit our customers. This new partnership with Air Liquide will enable us to continue our development across the entire hydrogen value chain.” 

The two partners plan to establish their joint venture in 2023, subject to the finalization of the appropriate contractual documentation and to the receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals. Air Liquide TotalEnergies Hydrogen

Air Liquide and TotalEnergies join forces to develop a network of over 100 hydrogen stations for heavy goods vehicles in Europe

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Air Liquide TotalEnergies Hydrogen

Plastic sustainable processes – CO2 04-02-2023

Recyclable materials for cars 02-02-2023

Recyclable materials for cars

-Recyclable materials for cars with additive specialties from Evonik

  • Evonik supports BMW’s “Future Sustainable Car Materials (FSCM)” project with its plastics specialty chemicals expertise
  • Consortium of top-class industrial and scientific partners pools know-how for circular solutions in vehicle production
  • German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) supports the project

A consortium of 19 leading industrial companies and research institutes, including the BMW Group, Evonik, Thyssenkrupp, the Fraunhofer Institute, and the Technical University of Munich, has set itself the goal of developing new processes for using sustainable materials for circular automotive production. Evonik is contributing its expertise in plastics and additives for recycling to the project. The project, which is funded for three years by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK), was launched at the end of last year. Recyclable materials for cars

The core of the “Future Sustainable Car Materials (FSCM)” initiative launched by BMW is to develop innovative process routes and material concepts for large parts of the value chain, thus enabling a circular economy in vehicle production.

“We are pleased to contribute our specialty chemicals expertise to this pioneering consortium of industry leaders and internationally renowned research institutions to develop circular plastics solutions for the automobiles of tomorrow,” said Lauren Kjeldsen, member of the Executive Board of Evonik Operations GmbH and head of the Smart Materials Division.

According to the principle of the circular economy, materials must be kept in the value chain after they have reached the end of their useful life so that new objects, such as automotive parts, can be produced without the use of fossil resources. It is particularly challenging to keep these materials in the cycle while maintaining the same quality and safety properties.

“Our mechanical recycling experts work closely with recyclers to prepare methods for cleaning up plastic parts, such as separating paint at the end of useful life,” said Patrick Glöckner, Head of the Global Circular Plastics Program at Evonik. “We also work with compounders to develop solutions for using the highest possible proportion of recycled plastics in new automotive parts.” Recyclable materials for cars

This form of integrated collaboration enables the consortium to quickly identify challenges and jointly develop solutions. Due to the high complexity of automotive manufacturing, the participants in the FSCM project are optimistic that the knowledge gained can also be applied to other industrial products in the future, such as commercial vehicles, electrical and household appliances, and will thus be a decisive impetus for future circular economy systems in the German economy.

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Recyclable materials for cars

Recyclable materials for cars

Bioplastics Benefits – rPET-Fabric 01-02-2023

Bioplastics Benefits – rPET-Fabric 01-02-2023

Bioplastics Benefits – rPET-Fabric

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

-Further success for Q-Cycle by Fulgar

More and more players interested in the revolutionary yarn as new certification is obtained.

Q-Cycle by Fulgar is proving to be a resounding success in an increasingly sustainable, circular and 100% European supply chain, according to Italian producer Fulgar. The result of an innovative chemical recycling technology where the raw material required for the production of yarn has been replaced by pyrolisis oil from waste end-of-life tyres, Q-Cycle is said to offer the same functional and aesthetic benefits as a virgin polyamide – light weight, endurance and resistance – but with a green plus.

The revolutionary yarn has taken its place at the forefront of developments in this field, attracting intense from across the market, including international brands that are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of eco-design, Fulgar says. Now, the Castelgoffredo based business adds, Q-Cycle is even more reliable, a quality recognised by most recent certification it has been awarded – ISCC PLUS – which guarantees sustainability, traceability and mass balance standards for the entire production system. This label is complemented by the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) supply chain environmental impact study that indicates a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional synthetic yarns.

The yarn also conforms to Oeko-Tex Std Class Il Std 100 Appendix 6 certification, a unique certification and monitoring standard in textile raw materials, semi-finished and end product sectors, identifying products that present no risks to consumer health.

“We’re very happy with this innovative product, which is enjoying great market success. We’re also pleased to have obtained ISCC Plus certification. All these internationally certificates validate what we are doing and declaring in terms of transparency and traceability. In this way brands approach us with greater ease and confidence, and we, at the same time, can use our skills and expertise to support them more effectively”, says Daniela Antunes, Marketing Manager of Fulgar.

Q-Cycle will be taking centre stage from 31 January to 2 February at Milano Unica, appearing in collections from some of the most important players in the textile supply chain, including Borgini, Brugnoli, Gipitex, Lemar, Luxury Jersey, Olmetex and Serates.

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www.fulgar.com

Further success for Q-Cycle by Fulgar

-Fabrics Made Out of Recycled Plastic

Freudenberg Performance Materials’ Evolon® has just taken another significant step forward in the reduction of its carbon footprint. Already designed to be durable, reusable, and versatile, the fabric, which is used in packaging, cleaning and home furnishings is now being made from used consumer PET bottles.

Freudenberg Performance Materials has recently substituted virgin PET with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is produced internally from plastic bottles.

In an interview with DirectIndustry, Achraf Khedimi, Head of Global Sales Evolon®, explains: Bioplastics Benefits – rPET-Fabric

“This conserves resources and decreases the company’s environmental footprint. As a consequence, the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of Evolon® packaging textile materials has decreased by 35%.”

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Bioplastics Benefits - rPET-Fabric

-Demand for PET remains low in the US

Demand for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the United States at the beginning of the year is low due to high inventories in the market, according to ICIS.

However, demand is expected to increase after the Lunar New Year celebrations in preparation for the peak summer season, which is likely to put upward pressure on prices.

The Asian PET market is already seeing an increase in spot prices for different types of PET as a result of higher costs for raw materials, including monoethylene glycol (MEG), the cost of which increased by more than USD20 per ton compared to last week.

In the domestic market, there has been a rise in commodity prices, and MEG producers continue to try to restart their factories after the winter storm Elliot.

One manufacturer has announced force majeure and it is expected that it will not work for several weeks. Bioplastics Benefits – rPET-Fabric

Earlier it was reported that domestic spot prices of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for the production of bottles in Thailand increased due to rising prices for purified terephthalic acid (TPA) and monoethylene glycol (MEG). Thus, domestic spot offers for Thai bottled PET increased by an average of 1 Thai baht (THB) per kg and were at the level of 36.5 THB per kg, DEL (with delivery) for the week ended January 20. For comparison, in the week ended January 13, price offers were at the level of 35-36 baht per kg, DEL.

According to the ScanPlast review, in January-November 2022, the estimated consumption of PET in Russia amounted to 758.69 thousand tons, which corresponds to consumption for the same period a year earlier. Compared with November 2021, total estimated consumption increased by 4% and amounted to 78.77 thousand tons against 75.44 thousand tons last year.  Bioplastics Benefits – rPET-Fabric

DAK Americas, Indorama, Nan Ya Plastics Corporation and Far Eastern New Century (FENC) are PET manufacturers in the United States.

Bioplastics Benefits - rPET-Fabric

-Electric cars, range increases by 15 percent with heated seat belts

Let’s start with a fact: during the winter electric cars can lose up to 30% of their range, and this for two reasons. On the one hand because the batteries work optimally between 20 and 40 degrees, and as soon as the first sub-zero temperatures arrive they need to be recharged at shorter intervals. Bioplastics Benefits – rPET-Fabric

On the other hand, the heat in the passenger compartment is entrusted to the air conditioning system, which in turn “sucks” energy from the batteries themselves. Indeed, in electric cars the heating system cannot draw on the residual heat of the internal combustion engine, as is the case in petrol or diesel cars.

So how to do? Here is the idea of ​​ZF, the German multinational manufacturer of components for the transport industry: very normal seat belts that give off heat using the same principle as the thermal blanket. A gimmick capable of drastically reducing the use of the air conditioning system, especially if used in combination with the heated seats. Not only. The electricity saved would, according to ZF, make the car gain 15% more autonomy.

The “heated belts” – baptized by the parent company “Heat Belt” – work thanks to very small conductors woven directly into the structure of the belt. The contact elements for the electric heating circuits are positioned in such a way as not to interfere with the rewinder. ” For the occupants there is no difference compared to a normal belt”, explains Martina Rausch, project manager. “And of course the Heat Belts guarantee the same level of safety as the normal belts we know”. Bioplastics Benefits – rPET-Fabric

ZF let it be known that mass production is practically ready, because the very thin structure of the conductors has in no way modified the thickness of the tape, which can therefore take the place of all the old generation belts. Only one question would remain, if we wanted to be picky: and during the summer? Even if the batteries work optimally in the heat, it is nevertheless impossible not to use the air conditioning system, to the detriment of the car’s autonomy. Or maybe they are already thinking about cooling belts?

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Bioplastics Benefits - rPET-Fabric

-EU’s economic growth to slow down to 0.2% in 2023: UN

Economic output in the European Union (EU) is expected to grow by only 0.2 per cent in 2023 as the region battles an energy and cost-of-living crisis that was aggravated by the war in Ukraine, as per a recent UN report. This year’s sharp slowdown comes after a surprisingly strong expansion of 3.3 per cent in 2022, when further relaxation of COVID-19 mobility restrictions and pent-up demand boosted spending on contact-intensive services even as inflation soared. Bioplastics Benefits – rPET-Fabric

In 2024, growth in the EU is forecast to accelerate to 1.6 per cent on the back of stronger internal demand and a more benign global environment. The current crisis is derailing growth at a time when several European economies are yet to recover their pre-COVID-19 output level. In the third quarter of 2022, GDP was 2.6 per cent above the pre-COVID-19 level in the European Union, but 0.4 per cent below in the United Kingdom, and 2 per cent below in Spain, according to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2023 report.

The tepid global economic prospects also threaten the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), when the 2023 SDG Summit in September marks the mid-point of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

“This is not the time for short-term thinking or knee-jerk fiscal austerity that exacerbates inequality, increases suffering, and could put the SDGs farther out of reach. These unprecedented times demand unprecedented action,” said António Guterres, United Nations secretary-general. Bioplastics Benefits – rPET-Fabric

“This action includes a transformative SDG stimulus package, generated through the collective and concerted efforts of all stakeholders.”

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EU's economic growth to slow down to 0.2% in 2023: UN

-Don’t Overestimate Bioplastics’ Benefits

Bioplastics may avoid some of the issues associated with non-biodegradable fossil fuel­–derived plastics, but they’re no panacea.

Plastics produced from plants are often considered less environmentally damaging than plastics made from petrochemicals. But scientists are warning that we should be careful making such assumptions. 

A new literature review examining the results of around 20 scientific papers has found that bio-based plastics, most of which are made from cornstarch, can be just as toxic as their conventional cousins when dumped in coastal environments.

The review also shows that plastics marked as biodegradable often fail to break down in these environments. Bioplastics Benefits – rPET-Fabric

The paper highlights the lack of research into the environmental toxicity of bioplastics. The authors write that, for now at least, regulations on bioplastics need to be as tight as those for petroleum-based polymers.

Bioplastics-Benefits - biodegradable

-Commencement of Commercial Production at new BOPET plant in Telangana

Ester Industries Limited, India’s leading manufacturer of Polyester Films and Specialty Polymers announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Ester Filmtech Limited has commenced commercial production at new Polyester (BOPET) film manufacturing plant in the State of Telangana.

Spread over 50 acres, the 48,000 MTPA unit has been set up at an approximate cost of Rs. 650 crore (including margin money for working capital and GST accumulation). The plant is expected to generate revenues worth approximately Rs.600 crore upon achieving optimal utilization.  Bioplastics Benefits – rPET-Fabric

Commenting on the development, Mr. Arvind Singhania, Chairman, Ester Industries said “The commissioning of the new unit takes us one step closer in our journey towards transforming Ester into a leading local and global BOPET film manufacturer by offering best-in-class innovative and sustainable products. The new unit provides us the requisite scale and capabilities to help meet the growing BOPET market both in India and overseas offering a range of standard and value added products”

Commencement of Commercial Production at new BOPET plant in Telangana

Bioplastics Benefits – rPET-Fabric

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Recyclable-Compostable-Plastic 31-01-2023

Hydrogen cars 31-01-2023

Hydrogen cars

-Why hydrogen cars are not the answer

Imagine an electric car which has a range of 400 miles, can be refuelled almost as fast as a petrol or diesel car yet emits only water. Those are the upsides of a hydrogen fuel cell car (known as a fuel cell electric vehicle, or FCEV). So why aren’t they everywhere?

There is a dedicated core of FCEV supporters who insist that hydrogen-powered EVs are better than battery-powered EVs, and that the world is crazy for ignoring them. Unfortunately, a hydrogen fuel cell offers few advantages over a battery, with several deal-breaking disadvantages.

The problems that show no sign of really being overcome include cost, lack of infrastructure and relative inefficiencies in delivering hydrogen to customers.

But let’s start with a bit of background into FCEVs.

What’s a hydrogen car?

A hydrogen fuel cell car is a type of electric vehicle, using a similar electric motor system to drive the car as used by a battery electric vehicle. The key difference is how the electricity is generated and stored.  Hydrogen cars

In a battery electric vehicle – which is any EV you can currently buy on the market – the electricity to power the car comes from an external source (usually the national electricity grid) and is stored in a large battery, most often placed along the floor of the car underneath your feet.

In comparison, a hydrogen fuel cell car is fuelled with hydrogen from a fuelling station, in a similar way to filling a petrol car. The hydrogen is then used to create electricity on the go to power the electric motor.

How a hydrogen fuel cell car works

In simple terms, a fuel cell car consists of several pressurised fuel tanks which supply what is known as a fuel cell stack. The stack is made up of individual cells which each produce less than one volt of electricity, so hundreds of them are connected together to produce the necessary voltage to power the electric motor.

The fuel cell generates electricity by forcing hydrogen to react with oxygen. The only output is water.

Hydrogen is used because it’s a great energy carrier, meaning a small amount can release a lot of energy to drive the vehicle. That also means hydrogen is highly explosive if it leaks, which is why you inevitably read and see references to the 1937 Hindenberg airship explosion anytime anyone mentions hydrogen-powered cars.

However, that was 86 years ago and a lot has changed about how hydrogen is used and stored. Hydrogen cars

Modern hydrogen fuel tanks are just as safe, if not safer, than petrol tanks (another highly explosive product we are quite happy living with on a daily basis). They typically have a carbon fibre shell surrounded by a glass fibre layer. They can withstand double their normal operating pressures and are surrounded by sensors.

Tiny choice, high price

Car makers who have already built production hydrogen fuel cell cars have tended to be those who want to showcase their technical expertise rather than make a profit from them.

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Why hydrogen cars are not the answer

Hydrogen cars

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Recycled-Plastics – Lithium-batteries 30-01-2023