Category: Biomaterials

Hydrogen Cars – The Ampack machine fills preformed plastic bottles with liquids in aseptic conditions 01-03-2024

Hydrogen Cars

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Hydrogen Cars vs. Electric Cars: A Sustainable Showdown

In the ongoing discourse about the future of energy, two contenders have captured the spotlight: hydrogen cars and electric cars. While both promise a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow, they diverge significantly in operation, charging infrastructure, and costs. Let’s delve into the key differences between these burgeoning technologies and determine which might be the optimal choice for consumers.

  1. Electric Cars:
    • Propelled by lithium-ion batteries, electric cars power one or more electric motors.
    • Recharging options include domestic electrical outlets and public charging stations.
    • Environmentally friendly, electric cars emit no direct pollutants during operation.  Hydrogen Cars
  2. Hydrogen Cars:
    • Employ fuel cells that convert hydrogen gas and oxygen into water, generating electricity.
    • Like electric cars, hydrogen cars produce only water as a by-product.
    • However, hydrogen refueling stations remain scarce compared to electric charging infrastructure.
  3. Challenges:
    • Electric cars face evolving charging infrastructure issues.
    • Hydrogen cars grapple with limited refueling stations, but efforts are underway to expand availability.
  4. Cost Considerations:
    • Electric cars have a lower initial cost due to expensive fuel cells and hydrogen infrastructure.
    • Hydrogen cars may offer lower long-term operating costs with faster charging times and comparable range.

In summary, both electric and hydrogen cars contribute significantly to sustainability. The choice depends on factors such as charging infrastructure, upfront expenses, and individual preferences  Hydrogen Cars

Hydrogen Cars

Eunomia finds bioplastic shortcomings

Consulting firm’s report lists lack of recycling infrastructure as one problematic aspect of polylactic acid bioresin.

While products made from bioresins may carry recyclability or compostability labels, Eunomia says such infrastructure is lacking.
Olivier Le Moal | stock.adobe.com

A life cycle analysis of the bioplastic polylactic acid (PLA) undertaken by Eunomia Research & Consulting has identified a disappointing recycling track record as one of several environmental and social impacts that are challenging prevailing perceptions of the material’s sustainability.  Hydrogen Cars

Eunomia collaborated with the Washington-based Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) to create the 18-page report on PLA. The report, “Bioplastics Are Trash: The Unforeseen Environmental Consequences of PLA from Production to Disposal,” was prepared by the New York office of United Kingdom-based Eunomia.

PLA and other bioplastics have been met with a critical eye by material recovery facility (MRF) operators and plastics reprocessors because they are not considered compatible with most established mechanical recycling processes.

Thus, recyclers of the most commonly recycled postconsumer plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP), treat PLA in the mixed container stream as a contaminant.

“If PLA is not sorted and removed from conventional plastic recycling streams, it acts as a contaminant and will have a detrimental impact on the final product in terms of strength and color,” Eunomia says.  Hydrogen Cars

Proponents of the bioplastic have recommended composting discarded PLA, but the Eunomia report identifies shortcomings in that process, too.

“PLA does not biodegrade at the same speed as other organic materials in composting facilities, which can lead to contamination of the final compost product” at most existing composting locations,” Eunomia says.

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Hydrogen Cars

The Ampack machine fills preformed plastic bottles with liquids in aseptic conditions

Ampack, from Syntegon, offers a solution for aseptic filling of liquids in preformed plastic bottles. Their versatile FBL filling machine, equipped with neck-handling capabilities, delicately fills HDPE, PP, and PET bottles with products like baby food, milk- and plant-based beverages, dairy items, and soups.

Capable of handling bottles ranging from 50ml to 1.5L, this multifunctional machine boasts a neck-handling system facilitating swift bottle format changes. It accommodates various bottle types, including collapsible formats like those used for enteral nutrition.

The machine’s maintenance is simplified with movable dosing stations, streamlining inspection and component upkeep, ultimately enhancing productivity and saving operational time.  Hydrogen Cars

Oguz Karcier, Ampack’s product manager, highlights the machine’s adaptability to different bottle formats, ensuring efficient production and transportation.

Additionally, the dosing stations are redesigned to incorporate multiple fillers, catering to highly sensitive products and facilitating gentle product filling. Special dosing processes have been developed to minimize foaming, particularly in liquids like clinical nutrition.

Ampack claims a high output rate of up to 36,000 bottles per hour, depending on volume, with the SmartFill dosing concept ensuring ease of use and precise filling.

Designed in compliance with 3-A requirements, the machine prioritizes product safety and hygiene. It features separate chambers for production and mechanics, reducing the risk of food contamination.  Hydrogen Cars

Moreover, the machine’s compatibility with other systems allows for seamless integration, further enhancing its versatility and utility in various production setups.

Ampack aims to showcase this solution at Angua FoodTec in Cologne, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and excellence in aseptic filling technology. Syntegon’s broader offerings, including the LFS filling solution and the GKF Capsylon 6005 capsule filling machine, reinforce the company’s leadership in the industry.

Hydrogen Cars

Kelheim Fibres, the Bavarian manufacturer specializing in viscose fibers, will implement price increases effective April 1, 2024

The company anticipates raising prices for its viscose fibers by approximately 12% to 15%.  Hydrogen Cars

This decision comes in response to the significant surge in demand for viscose, particularly in Asia, driven by the recent upswing in cotton fiber prices.

Explaining the rationale behind the price adjustment, Kelheim highlights the substantial rise in various operational costs, including interest rates, wages, chemicals, and environmental expenses. Coupled with a prolonged period of subdued fiber prices, the company asserts that this move is essential to restore margins to sustainable levels.

Kelheim Fibres specializes in producing fibers for a diverse array of applications, spanning fashion, hygiene, medical products, nonwovens, and specialty papers. All of its fibers are crafted from 100% wood pulp sourced from PEFC or FSC certified origins, ensuring sustainability. Moreover, these fibers are fully biodegradable, offering an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based materials across a wide range of end products, while also maintaining or enhancing functional performance.  Hydrogen Cars

The manufacturing process is exclusively conducted in Germany, adhering strictly to the nation’s stringent environmental regulations.

Kelheim Fibres, the Bavarian manufacturer specializing in viscose fibers, will implement price increases effective April 1, 2024

Syensqo is set to unveil a unique iteration of its MTM 49-3 epoxy prepreg at the upcoming JEC World in Paris, showcasing advancements in sustainable materials

Among the highlights of the event will be Syensqo’s innovative MTM 49-3 epoxy prepreg, enriched with 30% monomers sourced from biological origins. Tailored specifically for structural applications within the automotive industry, such as body panels, chassis components, and spoilers, this prepreg offers a sustainable alternative without compromising on performance.  Hydrogen Cars

The integration of biobased resins significantly reduces the reliance on fossil raw materials, thereby diminishing the material’s carbon footprint. Despite its environmentally friendly composition, the prepreg maintains the same high standards of quality, workability, and mechanical performance as its conventional counterpart.

With a dry glass transition temperature (Tg) standing firm at 190°C, the material is compatible with both autoclave and press manufacturing processes. Polymerization can be achieved within 60 minutes at 135°C, ensuring efficiency in production. Moreover, the manufacturer emphasizes that the resin is devoid of any carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxic agents, prioritizing safety alongside sustainability.

This groundbreaking development heralds a promising future for eco-conscious materials in the automotive sector, aligning technological innovation with environmental responsibility.  Hydrogen Cars

Syensqo is set to unveil a unique iteration of its MTM 49-3 epoxy prepreg at the upcoming JEC World in Paris, showcasing advancements in sustainable materials

Vietnam aims to produce 100,000-500,000 tons of hydrogen a year by 2030

Vietnam has set ambitious targets in its energy transition roadmap, aiming to produce between 100,000 and 500,000 metric tons of hydrogen annually by 2030, as outlined in its recently adopted hydrogen development strategy, reported by Hydrocarbonprocessing.

According to a government document reviewed by Reuters, this production volume is expected to escalate significantly to 10-20 million tons by 2050, encompassing green hydrogen.

The strategic focus on hydrogen production, distribution, and utilization is pivotal in achieving the nation’s objectives concerning climate change mitigation, fostering green growth, and attaining a net-zero status by 2050.  Hydrogen Cars

Hydrogen, particularly when sourced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, earns the ‘green’ label and holds promise in decarbonizing various industries, albeit currently characterized by high costs and early-stage technological development.

By 2030, hydrogen output is projected to supplant a portion of natural gas and coal in power generation, with envisaged applications spanning transport, fertilizer, steel, and cement production. By 2050, hydrogen is slated to contribute 10% of the country’s electricity generation.

Vietnam intends to pool resources from public and private sectors for hydrogen production, leveraging mechanisms like green bond issuance and participation in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), which involves equity investments, grants, and concessional loans from G7 members, multilateral banks, and private financiers.  Hydrogen Cars

Moreover, Ecolab, Inc. recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant near Ho Chi Minh City, underscoring its dedication to customer support, innovation, and sustainability in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Vietnam aims to produce 100,000-500,000 tons of hydrogen a year by 2030

NGO-business coalition calls on the decision-makers to consider a real compromise by voting for a “polymer-only” allocation method to account for recycled content in the implementing decision of the Single-Use Plastic Directive (SUPD)

The undersigned organisations – civil society organisations and companies operating along the value chain in relevant sectors – are writing to you to express their concerns and to highlight the importance of prioritising robust and transparent chain of custody models for calculating recycled content in the European Commission‘s implementing decision that establishes rules for the application of Directive (EU) 2019/904.  Hydrogen Cars

We believe it is important to consider amending the proposal’s allocation rules where it pertains to the ‘fuel-use excluded’ for mass balance accounting. Just like in 2019 with the SUPD, our current decisions will shape future legislation such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR) and the End-of-life Vehicles Regulation. The rules adopted will play a significant role in either facilitating genuine circularity or retaining the status quo of relying on virgin feedstock.

The decisions made regarding the EU methodology in this implementing act will have implications beyond its immediate scope. Failing to establish a suitable chain of custody now will hinder Europe’s ambitions for carbon neutrality by 2050 and slow down progress towards a circular economy.

It is thus crucial to maintain ambitious goals and oppose opaque and distorting rules which run against environmental objectives.  Hydrogen Cars

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NGO-business coalition calls on the decision-makers to consider a real compromise by voting for a “polymer-only” allocation method to account for recycled content in the implementing decision of the Single-Use Plastic Directive (SUPD)

PVC recycling – Indorama Ventures (IVL) : FY 2023 revenue down 17% as EBITDA shrinks by half / PET, Fibre assets undergo strategic review 29-02-2024

Hydrogen Cars

Green hydrogen -Total Energies has successfully transformed feedstocks from plastic waste into new polymer at its polypropylene plant in La Porte, Texas 05-02-2024

Green hydrogen

Polymers prices – In Switzerland, a significant shift is underway in the dairy industry as milk bottles transition from polyethylene (PE) to polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

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Green hydrogen

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Total Energies has successfully transformed feedstocks from plastic waste into new polymer at its polypropylene plant in La Porte, Texas

This achievement is the result of a multiyear agreement with New Hope Energy, a company utilizing patented pyrolysis technology in partnership with Lummus Technology to convert plastic waste into pyrolysis oil, cracked gas, and pitch. Under the agreement, New Hope Energy supplies Total Energies with petrochemical feedstock derived from plastics, supporting Total Energies’ ambitious goal of producing one million tons of circular polymer by 2030.  Green hydrogen

The process involves converting feedstock from plastic waste into monomer at the BASF Total Energies Petrochemicals (BTP) facility in Port Arthur, a joint venture between BASF and TotalEnergies. Subsequently, the monomer is polymerized into sustainable polypropylene at Total Energies’ La Porte plant. The resulting polymers are certified as sustainable and suitable for various applications, including food-grade packaging.

New Hope Energy plans to expand its Tyler facility’s capacity to process more than 420 metric tons per day of waste plastic by 2026. Rusty Combs, CEO of New Hope Energy, expresses enthusiasm about the partnership with Total Energies, stating that the supply agreement marks a crucial step toward achieving New Hope’s goal of significantly improving the nation’s plastic recycling performance.  Green hydrogen

Both the La Porte and BTP facilities received their ISCC+ certification in 2022, highlighting the commitment to advanced recycling practices and sustainability in the production of circular polymers.

Green hydrogen

In December 2023, Germany witnessed a substantial 8.5% YoY decline in import prices and a 2.4% YoY reduction in export prices, according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis)

The significant downturn in import prices, persisting since October, is largely attributed to a base effect stemming from elevated price levels in 2022. In comparison to November, import prices experienced a 1.1% decline during the month.

Energy imports played a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape, with December’s energy imports costing 32.1% less than the previous year and 6.3% less than November. Notably, natural gas exerted the most considerable influence on the YoY rate of change for energy, registering a staggering 49% decrease in prices compared to December 2022. The broader spectrum of energy sources, including electricity, crude oil, mineral oil products, and hard coal, also witnessed price drops ranging from 2.8% to 25.2% compared to November 2023.  Green hydrogen

On an annual average basis, import prices experienced an 8.3% YoY decline in 2023, marking the most significant drop since 2009. Export prices mirrored the trend, showcasing a 0.3% YoY decrease on an annual average basis in 2023 compared to the preceding year. The economic dynamics unveiled in this data suggest a notable shift in pricing trends and underscore the impact of various factors, including energy costs, on Germany’s trade landscape.

Green hydrogen

Sun Chemical Implements Freight Surcharges in Light of Red Sea Crisis

Sun Chemical will implement selected freight surcharges impacted by the Red Sea crisis globally.

Against the backdrop of geopolitical instabilities, maritime transportation through the Suez Canal and Red Sea has been especially severely impacted since November. With around 30% of the world’s container trade shipped via this route, many shipments are facing delays and some are being rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, significantly increasing the distance travelled and adding further costs and time. Cargo air freight is also seeing a spike in demand to avoid such longer diversions.  Green hydrogen

Vessels departing from China, India, and the rest of the Far East are being affected by safety measures, shipments delays, rotation of containers, as well as ports’ congestion, causing journey extensions of at least 20 days on the outward and 20 days on their return. Several forces majeures have been invoked already, while the situation is also causing significant cost increases and could soon start to impact the availability of raw materials.

As a proactive response to these challenges, Sun Chemical is actively monitoring the evolving situation through its extensive global network of partners. The primary objective remains ensuring the continued supply of high-quality products and services to customers. In light of the dynamic nature of the crisis, Sun Chemical is taking necessary steps to secure raw materials and minimise transportation delays.  Green hydrogen

Sun Chemical is committed to mitigating rising costs whenever possible, however, the rapid escalation in freight cost pressures has made the introduction of some freight surcharges unavoidable. Sun Chemical will communicate specific adjustments directly with its customers, underscoring its dedication to transparency and collaboration in navigating the challenges posed by the Red Sea crisis. This strategic approach ensures that Sun Chemical continues to provide reliable and innovative solutions to its valued customers in the face of unprecedented global disruptions.

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Green hydrogen

Russia Registers a Substantial 12% Growth in Imports of Large-Capacity Polymers

In the dynamic landscape of Russia’s polymer industry, the year 2023 brought forth noteworthy trends, witnessing a significant 12% surge in the imports of large-capacity polymers by Russian companies. This increase amounted to a total of 1 million tons, reflecting a substantial shift in the country’s polymer trade dynamics. Simultaneously, the export front experienced a decline of 24.8%, with total polymer exports, excluding countries within the Customs Union, reaching 1.3 million tons. This downturn was particularly prominent in high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS), and suspension polyvinyl chloride (PVC-C).  Green hydrogen

On the domestic production front, large-capacity polymers exhibited a commendable growth of 3.1%, resulting in a cumulative production of 7.4 million tonnes. Notably, polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) emerged as standout performers, showcasing the most substantial growth rates in the domestic production landscape.

The apparent consumption of seven large-capacity polymers within Russia, including polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE, LDL), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC-C, PVC-E-free), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), marked a 12% increase in 2023 compared to the preceding year. The total apparent consumption reached 7.1 million tons, considering a forecast for December. This upswing is indicative of the industry’s resilience and adaptability to evolving market conditions.  Green hydrogen

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Russia Registers a Substantial 12% Growth in Imports of Large-Capacity Polymers

Lhyfe, a prominent European producer of green and renewable hydrogen, is embarking on a groundbreaking project by constructing a hydrogen production plant in Brake, Germany

Positioned in the harbor area of Niedersachsen Ports, the plant will be the first in northern Germany to provide green hydrogen to the broader market. The facility, with an installed electrolysis capacity of 10 MW, is anticipated to produce up to 1150 tons of green hydrogen annually, sourced from wind and photovoltaic plants via corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).  Green hydrogen

The project, marked by a recent groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for February 1st, underscores the economic viability of hydrogen solutions in transportation and industrial sectors. Luc Graré, Head of Central & Eastern Europe at Lhyfe, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s contribution to Lower Saxony’s hydrogen infrastructure goals and its positive impact on regional job creation and economic growth.

Lower Saxony Economics Minister, Olaf Lies, lauded the initiative as a significant step towards sustainable energy supply, regional value creation, and decarbonization. The project, situated in the port of Brake, aligns with the town’s commitment to clean energy technologies and is expected to position the port as a hub for green innovation and sustainable growth.

The green hydrogen plant in Brake is seen as pivotal in decarbonizing the industrial port complex and maritime transport. Michael Kurz, Mayor of Brake (Unterweser), highlighted the long-term benefits for the local economy and the town’s positioning as a pioneer in clean energy technologies.  Green hydrogen

Holger Banik, Managing Director of Niedersachsen Ports, emphasized the port’s role in serving a broad network over short distances and contributing to the energy transition and circular economy in the region.

This project in Lower Saxony aligns with Lhyfe’s commitment to the market ramp-up of green hydrogen and follows the recent announcement of the company’s largest hydrogen production plant in Baden-Württemberg. The Schwäbisch Gmünd plant, with a 10 MW production capacity, commenced construction in October, marking another significant milestone in Lhyfe’s pursuit of a sustainable and low-carbon future.  Green hydrogen

Lhyfe, a prominent European producer of green and renewable hydrogen, is embarking on a groundbreaking project by constructing a hydrogen production plant in Brake, Germany

In a historic collaboration, Mitsui Chemicals Inc. and Teijin Ltd. are set to revolutionize the Japanese resin industry by becoming pioneers in the development and commercialization of biomass-derived bisphenol A (BPA) and polycarbonate (PC) resins

This groundbreaking initiative is geared towards achieving carbon neutrality by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire product life cycle.

Mitsui Chemicals, having recently obtained ISCC PLUS certification, is poised to supply biomass BPA using the mass-balance approach, becoming the first Japanese company to commercially produce biomass-derived BPA. Teijin, leveraging this development, will commence the production of biomass PC resin utilizing Mitsui Chemicals’ biomass BPA.

The strategic partnership aims to expand the use of biomass-derived plastics in commercial sectors such as automotive headlamps and electronic components. Teijin will procure biomass-derived BPA from Mitsui Chemicals to fabricate PC resins with identical physical attributes to their petroleum-derived counterparts.  Green hydrogen

Mitsui Chemicals, leading in environmental consciousness since December 2021, integrates naphtha crackers in its petrochemical plants to replace petroleum-derived naphtha with bio-based hydrocarbons. The company envisions the continued introduction of ISCC PLUS-certified mass-balance derivatives, producing biomass-derived raw materials through chemical reactions.

Teijin, committed to low-environmental-impact recycled PC resins and conventional PC resins, aligns with the evolving landscape of sustainable practices. Both companies aim to secure ISCC PLUS certification for various products, facilitating the development and production of ecologically sustainable products across the supply chain.

With Mitsui Chemicals targeting ISCC PLUS certification for all phenol-chain products by March 2024 and Teijin anticipating certification in the first half of fiscal 2023, this collaboration underscores the industry’s commitment to meeting the demand for low-environmental-impact products in support of carbon neutrality. The future envisions a seamless integration of environmentally conscious choices into the production and application of PC resins.  Green hydrogen

In a historic collaboration, Mitsui Chemicals Inc. and Teijin Ltd. are set to revolutionize the Japanese resin industry by becoming pioneers in the development and commercialization of biomass-derived bisphenol A (BPA) and polycarbonate (PC) resins

 

Zero carbon emissions – Mazda has established a rotary engine development group of 36 engineers who will work on the advancement of renewable energy used as generators 03-02-2024

Green hydrogen

Automotive recycling – Exceptional : Hyundai develops new technology that reduces the size of its electric motors 30-11-2023

Automotive recycling

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Recycling of automotive shredder residues

In the past, when recycling electronic waste, cars and many other “end-of-life products”, it was important to recover the valuable metal fractions as completely as possible.

This has changed due to the European Commission’s binding target of using at least 25% recycled plastics in new vehicles. To meet this target, additional recycling processes will be necessary in the future.

One of the main targets is that 25% of the plastics used in new cars should come from recycled materials, a quarter of which should come from End-of-life vehicles.

In total, 30% of plastics from scrapped vehicles are to be recycled, compared to only 19% today.  Automotive recycling

The regulation requires car manufacturers to provide dismantling facilities with detailed instructions for the replacement and removal of components at the End of a vehicle’s useful life.

The average car contains between 150 and 200 kg of plastic. The measures would reduce carbon emissions by ~12.3 million tons annually by 2035, according to the Commission. It estimates that the scheme will lead to net revenues of 1.8 billion euros by 2035.

Hamos is a manufacturer of recycling and separation systems for the unmixed processing of various hard plastics from automotive shredder residue. Automotive recycling

When vehicles are shredded, a valuable metal fraction consisting of ferrous and non-ferrous metals is produced on the one hand. On the other hand, the so-called “shredder light fraction” is obtained, in which all other materials such as plastic bumpers, seat upholstery, dashboards, headliners and much more are present in shredded form. In addition to these products, there is also a considerable proportion of rubber, which comes from the car tires that are sometimes shredded together with the car body. The hard plastic fractions produced after separation of the “light fraction” still contain the unwanted rubber pieces from shredded tires. Some of these rubber pieces are in the same density range as the thermoplastics and therefore cannot be separated using density separation processes.

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German, Danish companies ink green hydrogen offtake pact

 The signing of the German-Danish green hydrogen offtake declaration in Copenhagen. Photo credit: German-Danish Changer of Commerce

Thirty-two stakeholders, including Danish producers and suppliers of green hydrogen as well as German offtakers, have jointly signed an Offtake Declaration, highlighting the pressing demand for advancing hydrogen offtake and infrastructure to support the growth of the emerging industry.

The declaration was signed during the German-Danish Green Hydrogen Summit in Copenhagen hosted by Dansk Industri.  Automotive recycling

Recognising the potential for green hydrogen production in Denmark and demand in Germany, the companies are calling on the two governments to accelerate the planned hydrogen infrastructure and establish a link between the supply and demand in the two nations by 2028. To ensure the deployment of the announced hydrogen infrastructure capacity between Germany and Denmark by 2028, the final investment decision for the cross-border infrastructure must be made by mid-2024, the declaration reads.

The current industrial hydrogen demand in Germany is the highest among European nations, reaching 55 TWh annually, with a substantial projected increase in the long term towards 2050. To meet it, Germany anticipates to need 45 TWh- 90 TWh of hydrogen imports by 2030.

Simultaneously, Denmark’s export potential for Germany alone is projected to be 16 TWh in 2030, equivalent to around 4.5 GW of electrolysis capacity. Automotive recycling

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Automotive recycling

HKRITA unveils G2G, an innovative garment recycling system

The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) has unveiled a groundbreaking garment recycling system known as Garment to Garment (G2G). Climate activist and sustainability content creator Sam Bentley recently shared details of this innovative system, emphasizing its eco-friendly, closed-loop approach that eliminates the need for water or chemicals, as highlighted on the official G2G website.

In a comprehensive video presentation, Sam Bentley elaborates on the G2G process, which involves the transformation of old garments into a fibrous web through a cleaning procedure. This web is then skillfully spun into durable twisted yarns, which, in turn, are mechanically knitted into entirely new clothing items. A noteworthy feature of the G2G machine is its incorporation of a 3-D body scanner, allowing the creation of tailor-fit garments on-site.  Automotive recycling

Although the G2G machine was initially established in 2018 as a mini-scale production line within a retail setting, where it recycled post-consumer garments into new apparel, it has recently gained renewed attention due to Sam Bentley’s social media endorsement. The fashion industry’s staggering annual production of 100 billion garments contributes significantly to global carbon air pollution (2 to 8 per cent) and generates a substantial 20 per cent of global wastewater. Additionally, more than 100 million tonnes of textile waste find their way into landfills each year. The deployment of G2G technology emerges as a promising solution with the potential to significantly reduce this immense waste.

The G2G system stands out as a breakthrough in sustainable textile practices, offering an efficient and environmentally friendly process for transforming old clothes into new ones. Its potential impact on alleviating textile waste aligns with the escalating concerns surrounding the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. Automotive recycling

Automotive recycling

Pakistan, China forge textile ties

Delegation explores silk hub, paves way for collaboration

A Pakistani delegation, led by Hussain Haider, Pakistan’s Consul General in Shanghai, visited Shengze Oriental Textile City in Suzhou, China, and met with representatives from local textile enterprises.

During the meeting, Haider introduced the trade and investment environment of Pakistan and China, with a particular focus on the preferential policies available to Chinese investors in Pakistan. “Currently, Pakistan’s textile exports to China mainly consist of cotton yarn, apparel, cotton fabrics, and home textiles, with cotton yarn accounting for 73% of the total,” he stated.  Automotive recycling

Expressing a strong desire for deep cooperation with Shengze’s silk and textile industry cluster, he extended an invitation to Shengze’s enterprises to visit Pakistan and gain first-hand knowledge of the trade and investment policies.

Shengze is renowned for its robust silk and textile industry with a rich history. To gain insights into the dynamics of the textile sector and explore potential collaborations, the delegation toured several textile enterprises in Shengze Oriental Textile City and reached preliminary cooperation intentions. Haider said, “We hope to further communicate and connect with Shengze Oriental Textile City.  Automotive recycling

We sincerely invite Shengze’s enterprises to invest and establish factories in Pakistan, aiming to achieve mutual benefits and contribute to the deepening of China-Pakistan cooperation.”

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Pakistan, China forge textile ties

Hyundai develops new technology that reduces the size of its electric motors

Hyundai has recently unveiled a groundbreaking technology, named “Uni Wheel,” poised to revolutionize electric mobility by significantly shrinking the size of electric motors. This innovation not only enhances the efficiency and performance of electric vehicles but also creates more space within the vehicle for passengers and their belongings.

Functioning akin to a hub motor, the Uni Wheel incorporates a universal drive system that relocates essential drive components into the wheel, a distinctive departure from conventional designs. Notably, the motor itself remains positioned outside the wheel, maintaining a streamlined and compact form factor.  Automotive recycling

The key breakthrough lies in the Uni Wheel’s strategic relocation of the gearbox into the wheel hub, leading to a substantial reduction in motor size. This ingenious design allows Hyundai to adopt a small motor for each wheel, a departure from the reliance on a single large drive unit for an entire axle. In essence, it represents a universal traction system that integrates transmission components inside the wheel, leaving the electric motor external.

By employing this technology, Hyundai achieves advantages in terms of overall efficiency, performance, and handling. The Uni Wheel system’s unique configuration enhances the overall driving experience while contributing to a more spacious and versatile interior for occupants.  Automotive recycling

Park Jong-sul, a senior researcher at Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Advanced Technology Institute, emphasized the company’s commitment to redefining the mobility experience for customers. He stated, “We are developing technology so that customers can experience mobility in a completely different and new way than before.” Hyundai has rigorously tested the durability of the Uni Wheel, affirming its functionality and reliability.

Despite this significant leap forward, Hyundai has not yet revealed plans for the commercial release of the Uni Wheel system, indicating that further development and testing may be underway.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Hyundai’s innovative approach to electric motor design showcases a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of sustainable and efficient transportation. Automotive recycling

Hyundai develops new technology that reduces the size of its electric motors

Luxury on the body and underfoot too 

As was amply illustrated at ITMA 2023 this June, tradition and innovation go hand in hand for members of UCMTF, the French Textile Equipment Manufacturers, including NSC Fibre to Yarn, Superba and Spoolex.

NSC Fibre to Yarn has a history dating back to 1812 – at a time when the British blockade of France during the Naploeonic Wars obliged French companies to start developing their own textile machinery and components.

Thirty years later, in the 1840s, its patents established the basic principles for the combing, recombing and spinning preparation of short fibres such as wool, silk and flax.

Long fibres

Move forward roughly 110 years to 1950, and NSC Fibre to Yarn had also started to specialise in the machines for combing and spinning long fibres such as Egyptian and Pima cottons. Such fibres have been prized for many years for their strength and durability, smoothness and lustre, and reduced pilling.  Automotive recycling

A series of acquistions over the past 20 years has subsequently consolidated the company’s position as a leader in textile lines for luxury long-staple fibres, as well as wool and technical fibres.

The company’s latest ERA50 comber is an evolution of the well-known ERA40 and benefits from the latest advances in mechatronics and a complete Industry 4.0 data collection system.

Heat setting

In addition to apparel, wool is associated with the most luxurious of carpets, and machinery for the heat-setting of carpet yarns – whether from natural fibres like wool or synthetics – is a speciality of Superba, which was founded in 1950.

The heat setting process is crucial in enabling such yarns to be more successfully woven or tufted into wall-to-wall carpets, increasing their thickness, enabling different yarns to be combined and graduated dyeing affinities to be accommodated.

The important twist of the yarns is set at a high temperature in a continuous process to ensure it remains permanent.  Automotive recycling

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Luxury on the body and underfoot too 

Rock Tech and Electra sign North American lithium supply agreement

Rock Tech Lithium will partner with Electra Battery Materials Corporation to supply recycled lithium from Electra’s Ontario battery recycling operations for upgrading to battery-grade lithium chemicals in Rock Tech’s lithium refineries. The partnership agreement took the form of a memorandum of understanding. Both companies will use their experience to develop a closed-loop service for the recycling of lithium-ion battery manufacturing scrap, end-of-life batteries, and black mass. Automotive recycling

“Partnering with Rock Tech . . . complements our recycling strategy by allowing us to further upgrade recycled lithium into a battery-grade product,” said Trent Mell, Electra’s CEO. “Collaboration is crucial to create a closed loop for all critical minerals we recover in our black mass refining operation. Jointly with Rock Tech, we are excited to offer an end-to-end battery recycling solution specifically for the lithium market. The partnership is expected to generate an additional revenue stream for Electra, improve our service offering for our clients, and facilitate future growth.”

“At Rock Tech, we are thinking long-term,” emphasized Klaus Schmitz, Rock Tech’s COO. “Developing localized circular lithium value chains is key for this. Electra is an important partner to realize this vision in Ontario and North America. Our collaboration unlocks an important lithium sourcing option and ensures continuous long-term supply for our plants. Our collaboration ensures that lithium recovered from the recycling of end-of-life batteries or battery manufacturing scrap is recovered, refined, and returned to the battery value chain as battery-grade lithium product.”  Automotive recycling

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Electra Battery Materials Corporation

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Automotive recycling