Category: car

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

Zero CO2 new cars 18-02-2023

Zero CO2 new cars

-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.

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. Zero CO2 new cars

Other key measures foreseen by the regulation:

  • The Commission will present by 2025 a methodology to assess and report data on CO2 emissions throughout the full life-cycle of cars and vans sold on the EU market, accompanied by legislative proposals where appropriate;
  • By December 2026, the Commission will monitor the gap between the emission limit values and the real-world fuel and energy consumption data, report on a methodology for adjusting the manufacturers’ specific CO2 emissions, and propose appropriate follow-up measures;
  • Manufacturers responsible for small production volumes in a calendar year (1000 to 10000 new cars or 1000 to 22000 new vans) may be granted a derogation until the end of 2035 (those registering fewer than 1000 new vehicles per year continue to be exempt);  Zero CO2 new cars
  • The current zero- and low- emission vehicles (ZLEV) incentive mechanism, which rewards manufacturers that sell more such vehicles (with emissions from zero to 50g CO2/km, such as electric vehicles and well-performing plug-in hybrids) with lower CO2 emission reduction targets, will be adapted to meet expected sales trends. From 2025 to 2029, the ZLEV benchmark is set at 25% for the sales of new cars, and 17% for new vans, and as of 2030 the incentive will be removed; and  Zero CO2 new cars
  • Every two years, starting from the end of 2025, the Commission will publish a report to evaluate the progress towards zero-emission road mobility.

This regulation encourages the production of zero- and low-emission vehicles. It contains an ambitious revision of the targets for 2030 and a zero-emission target for 2035, which is crucial to reach climate neutrality by 2050. These targets create clarity for the car industry and stimulate innovation and investments for car manufacturers. Purchasing and driving zero-emission cars will become cheaper for consumers and a second-hand market will emerge more quickly. It makes sustainable driving accessible to everyone.  Zero CO2 new cars

—Rapporteur Jan Huitema (Renew, NL)

Following the final vote in plenary, the text will now have to be formally endorsed by the European Council, too, before being published in the EU Official Journal shortly after.  Zero CO2 new cars

Background. On 14 July 2021, as part of the Fit for 55 package, the Commission presented a legislative proposal for a revision of the CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The proposal aims to contribute to the EU 2030 and 2050 climate objectives, deliver benefits to citizens and stimulate innovation in zero-emission technologies.

There are three core institutions which make up the legislative and executive power of the EU: the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission. The European Commission proposes EU legislation while the Council and the Parliament jointly adopt it.Zero CO2 new cars

  • The European Parliament is made up of 705 Members, who are directly elected by voters in all Member States, represent the European people’s interests with regard to EU law making and make sure other EU institutions are working democratically.
  • The Council of the European Union is made up of the Member States’ government Ministers, depending on the legislation being discussed. Ministers defend their national interests in the Council. Zero CO2 new cars
  • The European Commision promotes the interests of the EU as a whole. Each Member State nominates one Commissionser to the European Commission.

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Zero CO2 new cars

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

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

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

Eco-fibres – Electric-car alarm

Crude Oil Prices Trend

Crude Oil Prices Trend

Crude Oil Prices Trend

-IVL showcasing latest eco-fibres at Filtech

Indorama Ventures’ Hygiene Group will present its sustainable suite of recycled and biodegradable polymer solutions for filter media applications, including its latest offering Deja CO2 Neutral Fibers, at this week’s Filtech exhibition.

The company’s fully certified carbon neutral brand Deja CO2 Neutral is the latest addition to its innovative Deja range, a carbon neutral solution for PP staple fibres.

Deja CO2 Neutral Fibers come with an independently verified carbon neutral certification of compliance to demonstrate its sustainable production throughout its supply chain. Eco-fibres – Electric-car alarm

The final carbon footprint is reduced to zero through the use of clean energy, recycled water, low impact transport network and by using carbon credit offsetting for unavoidable emissions.

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Eco-fibres - Electric-car alarm

-Alterra’s technology selected to build ambitious 192,000 t/pa chemical recycling plant

Freepoint obtains licence for its projected Gulf Coast recycling facility

In a statement released 14 Feb., Alterra Energy announced that it has entered into its first licensing agreement in North America. The agreement – with a subsidiary of Freepoint Eco-Systems Holdings LLC  – provides for the construction of a 192,000 tonnes per annum chemical recycling facility for waste plastics in the Gulf Coast region. Eco-fibres – Electric-car alarm

Alterra has developed a liquefaction technology that, unlike many of its competitors, is a continuous, rather than a batch or semi-batch process. The company currently operates an industrial-scale, fully continuous 20,000 tonnes per annum recycling facility in Akron, Ohio, where it processes, for the most part, post-consumer mixed plastic otherwise destined for landfills or incineration.

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Alterra’s technology selected to build ambitious 192,000 t/pa chemical recycling plant

-Ford taps Michigan for new LFP battery plant; new battery chemistry offers customers value, durability, fast charging, creates 2,500 more new american jobs

Ford is the first automaker to commit to build both nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in the U.S., helping America’s No. 2 EV company in 2022 bring EVs to more customers and diversify its U.S. supply chain

Ford is investing $3.5 billion to build an LFP battery plant in Marshall, Michigan; this wholly owned subsidiary is part of Ford’s $50 billion+ global push to lead the EV revolution.  Eco-fibres – Electric-car alarm

Initial production slated for 2026 with 2,500 employees to start

Adding LFP batteries to Ford’s EV lineup this year – starting with Mustang Mach-E – and backing a U.S. LFP battery plant are key parts of the company’s Ford+ plan; this helps Ford scale more quickly, making EVs more accessible and affordable for customers

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Eco-fibres - Electric-car alarm

-New recycling record: 1.3 billion bottles processed

Despite numerous challenges, PET to PET Recycling Österreich GmbH in Müllendorf has set a new recycling record for 2022: 32,900 t of PET material from around 1.3 billion bottles were successfully kept in the bottle-to-bottle cycle. This corresponds to an increase in processing volume of 20% compared to the previous year (2021: 27,300 t). In 2023, the company will continue to focus on renewable energy and install a 6,400 square meter PV system with an output of 1.2 MWp on the roofing of its storage areas. Eco-fibres – Electric-car alarm

The year 2022 was also marked by economic challenges for the recycling industry in Austria. As the restrictions and burdens of the coronavirus pandemic gradually eased over the course of the year, other dramatic developments occurred: Russia’s war against Ukraine resulted in extreme energy price developments with unprecedented price swings – coupled with uncertainty about whether enough gas would be available for the winter months. Eco-fibres – Electric-car alarm

Waves of inflation, a lack of availability of raw materials and disrupted supply chains have placed enormous demands on industry for months.

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Eco-fibres - Electric-car alarm

-Electric car alarm: repairing them costs up to 50% more than a petrol model. Here because

ROME – Not only the purchase price, but also the repair price of an electric car in the event of an accident is higher than that of a combustion car. And that leads to a higher insurance premium.  Eco-fibres – Electric-car alarm

But what are the evaluation criteria that affect the different cost of repairing electric vehicle claims? And what is their impact on claims and insurance premiums? To analyze the problem, the UK government has funded a study, which will last a few months, led by the research institute Thatcham Research, which will draw on real-world claims data through collaboration with LV= General Insurance, one of the largest insurers of electric cars in the UK which is part of the Allianz Group.

In the first phase, the project will focus on identifying what differentiates the claims workflow for electric vehicles, revealing potential weaknesses. According to a study conducted by CCC Intelligent Solutions, the average repair cost for a small electric city car, in the event of a frontal impact, is 26.6% higher than for an equivalent combustion car. Eco-fibres – Electric-car alarm

And the differential increases to 53.3% when a luxury SUV is involved. Above all, the higher costs of spare parts have an impact, linked to the greater use in electric vehicles of more expensive lightweight materials, such as aluminum and carbon fiber, as well as to their particular design.

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Electric car alarm: repairing them costs up to 50% more than a petrol model. Here because

-Microplastic pollution, the new disturbing discovery

The damage caused to the environment by human polluting activities could be irreparable.  Eco-fibres – Electric-car alarm

With an article published in “Environmental Science and Technology”, a research team from the University of Barcelona, Spain, claims that the microplastics that have settled on the seabed over the last 50 years have remained intact.

Scientists have found confirmation of their hypotheses after carrying out some surveys in the Balearic Sea, near the Ebro delta, one of the longest rivers in the Iberian Peninsula.

Microplastic pollution, the new disturbing discovery

-Elon Musk: “Times have changed”. Tesla earns more than GM and Ford

Tesla Inc.  has emerged as a force to reckon with in the automotive industry, thanks to execution and external factors that support faster adoption of electric vehicles. An analyst recently shared data that highlighted how the Elon Musk-led company has risen in ranks over the years. Eco-fibres – Electric-car alarm

What Happened: Tesla has increased its sales from a mere $0.4 billion 10 years ago to $81 billion currently, said Charlie Bilello, chief market strategist at CPI Wealth noted. In comparison, legacy automakers General Motors Corp. (NYSE:GM) and Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F) grew topline from $152 billion and $134 billion, respectively, 10 years ago to $157 billion and $158 billion, he noted.

The numbers suggest while Tesla grew revenue by 20,150% over the past decade, GM and Fed saw revenue growth of 3.3% and 17.9%, respectively. The net income comparison highlights Tesla’s supremacy even more. Eco-fibres – Electric-car alarm

GM’s net income increased from $6.2 billion to $10 billion over 10 years. Over the same time frame, Ford’s bottom line turned from a profit of $5.6 billion to a loss of $2 billion.

Elon Musk: “Times have changed”. Tesla earns more than GM and Ford

Tesla has increased its net profit from a negative $0.4 billion to $13 billion. It now makes more money than GM and Ford combined.

The comparison caught the attention of none other than Musk and he mused, “How times have changed.”

Why It’s Important: The lead Tesla has over its legacy counterparts which are taking baby steps toward electrification is only going to grow, provided it can continue to execute. Eco-fibres – Electric-car alarm

The company has had a head start and is way ahead of the rest of the pack, which is trying to make meaningful inroads into the industry. Tesla also has other subsidiary businesses, including energy and insurance, and it has the most extensive charging infrastructure and network which is an added advantage for vehicle sales.

From the profit perspective, the scale of operation and geographically well-diversified production give the Austin, Texas-based company an edge.

Ford and GM, therefore, have a lot of catchups to do if they have to pose a potent threat to Tesla.

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Elon Musk: “Times have changed”. Tesla earns more than GM and Ford

Eco-fibres – Electric-car alarm

PET washing – Hydrogen – Cars 16-02-2023

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

Nissan first solid-state EV 07-02-2023

Nissan first solid-state EV

-Nissan to launch first solid-state EV in 2028

Firm is in a ‘class-leading position’ to introduce cost-saving, liquid-free batteries with 2025-bound production plant

Nissan will launch its first solid-state EV in 2028, believing itself to be in a “class-leading position” regarding the technology

Firm is in a ‘class-leading position’ to introduce cost-saving, liquid-free batteries with 2025-bound production plant

Read our review Back to top “If you can put in energy three times faster, is it any different to filling a [petrol] vehicle?” said Moss.is put through its paces – can this distinctive Chinese EV make the cut in the UK? Features Piers Ward is off to Saudi Arabia to meet the mechanics who make the infamous Dakar Rally happen.Autocar writers’ cars of 2022: Kia Picanto The opinions and analysis of our team of experts and star columnists will guide you through the debates shaping the design, manufacture and ownership of the cars we love.New electric cars 2023: what’s coming when The two-seater features a unique set of wheels, along with a big open-air vent in place of a front grille.

“We don’t know yet [about battery size], but we might have two sizes of battery – one for really heavy users who need massive range, but if you can put energy in like petrol, do you need the size?” Tripling charging speeds would take Nissan from around 130kW to 400kW as an example given, but the charge would be more consistently delivered at those speeds, rather than speeding up and slowing down depending on temperature.

“That’s what the [solid-state] cells can do,” said Moss when asked about 400kW charging speeds. Nissan first solid-state EV

Opinion Matt Prior comments on the fast-increasing use of simulators in the development of modern cars and how they can be used to engineer driver enjoyment.“They can accept it.At only £34.The liquid cells of today can’t.Used.” Moss added that Nissan remained committed to developing lithium ion battery technology, confirming that at least two more generations were coming – one within the next couple of years, then in 2028 a cobalt-free one, which is already at an advanced stage of research and could reduce costs by as much as 65%.No powertrain details have been revealed, but should the Max-Out head into production, it would be likely to draw on solid-state battery technology, which will be used in the firm’s cars from 2028 onwards, as previously reported by Autocar.

“Lithium ion is constantly changing, with better energy density, [better] efficiency and lower cost,” said Moss.Or you can upgrade to a digital & print bundle so you can enjoy the content anywhere and anytime digitally on most electronic devices as well as having the printed magazine delivered directly to your door. Nissan first solid-state EV

“The cost is key, as this opens up EVs to even more customers.We believe there are a couple of steps left in lithium ion.A big drive for us is to go cobalt-free.You can take advantage of the offers by or by phone on 0344 848 8835 quoting code BAU23ED.We expect this to be on the market in 2028.All of Nissan’s ‘-Out’ concepts look ahead to Nissan’s broader future, including its advancement in battery technology, battery reuse, power management and vehicle intelligence.

” It’s important to keep developing lithium ion battery tech, believes Moss, because it will coexist with solid-state tech for a while to come.“We’ve had four changes since [the original] Leaf,” he added, recalling that the first battery make-up developed for the car never actually made it to production, because the tech advanced so quickly between its unveiling and market launch.“Batteries will continue to evolve,” continued Moss.“We will continue to research battery technology as it moves so quickly.What we do today and plan today won’t be the same as in a few years. Nissan first solid-state EV

” Nissan has committed €15.6 billion (£13.8bn) to EV development over the next five years, on top of the €7.8bn (£6.9bn) it has spent so far.

Advertisement Back to top Nissan to stop investing in pure-combustion engines Nissan won’t be investing in pure Euro 7 combustion-engine technology, its senior vice-president for R&D in Europe has confirmed..

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Nissan first solid-state EV

Circular plastic – Hydrogen – PET 06-02-2023

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