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Masdar, Mitsubishi Chemical Group and INPEX Agree on Joint Feasibility Study for Carbon Recycle Chemicals Project in Abu Dhabi, UAE – Targeting World’s First Polypropylene Produced from CO2 and Green Hydrogen
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar (“Masdar”), Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation (“MCG”) and INPEX CORPORATION (“INPEX”) announced that they reached an agreement on 17th July 2023 to conduct a joint feasibility study (“FS”) for a carbon recycle chemicals project (“CRC Project”) including production of the world’s first commercial-scale polypropylene produced from CO2 and green hydrogen in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
The execution of the agreement was announced during the JAPAN-UAE Business Forum held on 17th July 2023 in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan and HH Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
The FS will be conducted to explore the feasibility of a commercial scale CRC Project to produce polypropylene from e-methanol via propylene.
The scope of the FS includes project economics and measurement of CO2 emission reduction as well as an integrated process review from the procurement of feedstock materials including hydrogen production and CO2 collection to the production of e-methanol, propylene, and polypropylene. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
Methanol is widely used in various industries as a basic chemical material.
There has been a surge in demand for cleaner marine fuel such as e-methanol that will be produced from the CRC Project. Polypropylene, a type of plastic material, is used to manufacture a wide range of indispensable daily products and materials.
E-Methanol and polypropylene produced from the CRC Project have lower life-cycle CO2 emissions compared with conventional products. Through the FS and further development of the CRC Project, Masdar, MCG and INPEX aim to help various industries decarbonize or reduce their carbon footprint. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
Masdar is the UAE’s clean energy champion and has been pioneering renewable energy for over 17 years. As well as investing in utility-scale solar and wind project around the world, Masdar has been exploring green hydrogen since 2008. The company is targeting green hydrogen production of 1 million tonnes per annum by 2030 and has signed and executed several global collaboration agreements with their strategic alliance partners in recent years.
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Nexam Chemical, a plastic producer based in Sweden, has recently been granted the first patent for its groundbreaking technology called “Reactive Recycling.”
This innovative molecular tool is designed to enhance the recycling process and promote the use of recycled polypropylene.
While the patent is currently applicable only in Sweden, the company is actively pursuing patent protection in other countries as well. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
Reactive Recycling offers a faster, simpler, and more cost-effective approach compared to existing methods. When applied after the mechanical recycling process, it enables the upcycling of plastic, reducing the need for virgin plastic in the production of new products. Christer Svanberg, the Chief Technology Officer at Nexam, expressed the significance of this milestone, stating that it represents a significant step towards a more circular economy and opens up new market opportunities for the company.
Nexam Chemical is listed on Nasdaq First North and is renowned for its invention, production, and sale of additives to the global plastics industry. The company’s technology plays a crucial role in replacing metals and other heavier or costlier materials with plastics in various applications. In a recent development, the company secured its first production order worth SKr0.5m for the manufacturing of thermoformed food packaging. This achievement highlights the growing recognition and adoption of Nexam’s solutions in the industry. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
Additionally, Nexam Chemical has been collaborating with an Israel-based food packaging manufacturer since the beginning of last year. The partnership aims to increase the incorporation of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in the manufacturer’s products. This initiative aligns with Nexam’s commitment to continuously improve the properties and performance of plastics by developing cutting-edge solutions. The company’s expertise lies in inventing, developing, manufacturing, and selling additives to various plastics companies worldwide. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
By advancing the use of Reactive Recycling and actively seeking patent protection, Nexam Chemical is at the forefront of driving sustainable practices in the plastics industry. Through their innovative solutions, they enable the transformation of waste plastics into valuable resources, reducing the environmental impact associated with the production of virgin plastics. This accomplishment not only showcases Nexam’s commitment to sustainability but also positions them as a leader in the pursuit of a more circular economy. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
In conclusion, Nexam Chemical’s recent patent for Reactive Recycling technology marks a significant milestone in their journey towards a more sustainable future. Their innovative approach to plastic recycling and upcycling paves the way for a more efficient and environmentally friendly use of polypropylene. With their continued efforts to expand patent protection and strategic collaborations, Nexam Chemical is poised to make a substantial impact in the plastics industry, driving the transition towards a circular economy.
Credit : Nexam Chemical
Significant Decline Expected in EU Chemical Production
According to recent reports, EU27 chemical production is anticipated to undergo a notable decline of approximately 8% in 2023 compared to the previous year. This projection suggests that the chemical demand in Europe is not expected to recover anytime soon, encompassing almost all segments of the industry, except for consumer chemicals, which appear to be more resilient. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
The current economic outlook reflects a weak start to the year, as the first four months of 2023 have not exhibited a robust recovery following the production slump experienced in the fourth quarter of 2022. In the first quarter of 2023 alone, production volume already witnessed a significant decline of 13.5% compared to the same period the previous year.
Moreover, the capacity utilization levels in the first quarter of 2023 mirror those observed during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, hovering around 75% of normal levels. Alongside reduced capacity utilization, customer demand has displayed a negative trend, with both domestic and export demand remaining considerably weak.
Consequently, chemical inventories needed to be further reduced.
Distressingly, indicators within the European chemical industry indicate a continued decline in incoming orders. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
It is worth mentioning that a group of refiners intends to file a lawsuit challenging the Biden administration’s decision to reject waivers that would exempt oil refiners from biofuel blending mandates. This denial has left some refiners accountable for significant financial obligations, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), responsible for issuing these waivers, recently denied exemption requests from 15 small refineries. This move has been favorably received by corn farmers and ethanol producers. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
In summary, the European chemical industry faces an imminent decline in production, with an estimated 8% drop anticipated for 2023. The weak start to the year, exemplified by the significant decline in production volume and reduced capacity utilization levels, has further exacerbated the situation. With domestic and export demand remaining weak and indicators pointing towards a continued decrease in incoming orders, the prospects for recovery in the European chemical industry seem grim. Additionally, the legal battle surrounding the biofuel blending mandates and the exemption denials further adds to the challenges faced by the industry.
These developments underscore the pressing need for strategic measures and policies to support and revitalize the European chemical sector. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
NOVA Chemicals Announces Company’s First Mechanical Recycling Facility, Operated by Novolex
- Major step toward meeting 2030 recycled content ambition of 30 per cent
- Over 100 million pounds of SYNDIGO™ recycled polyethylene to be supplied to market
- Approximately 125 jobs created in Connersville, Ind.
NOVA Chemicals Corporation (“NOVA Chemicals”) has made a significant expansion of its Circular Solutions business today by announcing an investment into developing its first mechanical recycling facility in Connersville, Ind. The facility will process post-consumer plastic films to produce the company’s SYNDIGO™ recycled polyethylene (rPE) at commercial scale as early as 2025, delivering over 100 million pounds of rPE to the market by 2026. NOVA Chemicals plans to expand its recycling footprint over the next several years to help it reach its industry-leading 2030 ambition of 30 per cent recycled content as a share of its total polyethylene sales. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
The company recently announced its 2030 Roadmap to Sustainability Leadership aspirations, including its anticipated investment of between US$2-4 billion by 2030 to expand its sustainable product offerings, decarbonize its assets, and build a state-of-the-art mechanical recycling business while exploring new advanced recycling technologies.
“NOVA Chemicals continues to show clear leadership in reshaping plastics for a better, more sustainable world,” said NOVA Chemicals President and CEO, Roger Kearns. “We are committed to helping our customers achieve their recycled content goals through a variety of business models and we look forward to making more announcements like this as we work to enable a low-carbon, zero plastic waste future.” CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
The facility will employ approximately 125 people and be one of Connersville’s largest private employers. Connersville was strategically selected because of its access to abundant feedstock supply of post-consumer films from nearby metropolitan areas, and easy-to-access rail service for distributing SYNDIGO™ rPE to NOVA Chemicals’ customers. The facility will be operated by Novolex Holdings, LLC (“Novolex”) – a leading developer of packaging products for foodservice and industrial markets – leveraging its more than 15 years’ experience in operating plastic film recycling facilities. The collaboration will increase the speed with which NOVA Chemicals ramps up its supply of SYNDIGO™ rPE to the market CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
“Novolex is proud to collaborate with NOVA Chemicals’ Circular Solutions and is excited by the opportunity to operate this state-of-the art recycling facility in the Hoosier state,” said Novolex Chairman and CEO, Stanley Bikulege. “Indiana has long been a hub for sustainability, innovation, and business. The new plant will build on our experience of operating both our North Vernon plastics recycling facility in Indiana and our recycling plant in Wisconsin as well as accelerate our commitment to support recycling and the circular economy.” CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
“We are excited to welcome NOVA Chemicals and Novolex to Indiana and our East Central community,” said Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “This investment is a testament to Indiana’s pro-growth business climate and our skilled Hoosier workforce, and we look forward to partnering with both companies to create new career opportunities and support the circular economy for years to come.”
“Plastic products play an essential role in our daily lives and will continue to be a valuable resource in establishing a lower-carbon and sustainable world. They are an invaluable resource for furthering the North American circular economy,” said Greg DeKunder, Vice President, NOVA Circular Solutions.
“This project with Novolex and the State of Indiana is yet another example of how NOVA Chemicals is working to find collaborative ways to recapture the value of plastic materials and use them again and again.” CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
Germany’s exports to US show 7% boost in early 2023
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From January to May 2023, Germany’s exports to the US totalled €64.3 billion, a 7 per cent increase from the same period in 2022, according to Destatis.
During this period, Germany’s total exports amounted to €658.6 billion, marking a 3.5 per cent YoY rise. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
The US, contributing 9.8 per cent of total exports, remained Germany’s top trading partner.
Goods to the value of €64.3 billion were exported from Germany to the US in the period from January to May 2023, as per data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). Exports therefore rose by 7.0 per cent compared with the same period a year earlier.
In the first five months of 2023, Germany exported goods to the total value of €658.6 billion, which rose by 3.5 per cent compared with January to May 2022, Destatis said in a press release.
Accounting for a 9.8 per cent share in total exports, the US continued to be Germany’s most important trading partner in terms of exports, followed by France at 7.6 per cent, the Netherlands at 7.3 per cent, and China at 6.2 per cent. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
The European BeonNAT project, in its initial two years, has achieved promising outcomes that highlight the potential of cultivating biomass for the production of bioplastics
This endeavor explores the utilization of biomass sourced from trees and shrubs grown in marginal lands to foster the development of value chains for bio-based industries. Aimplas, in collaboration with the Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), actively participates in this project to drive these innovative initiatives. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
During the project’s first phase, a consortium comprising 16 members evaluated the suitability and industrial viability of various species, including Siberian elm, common juniper, hoary rock-rose, rosemary, birch, common broom, blackwood acacia, mora, common hornbeam, and black poplar. These species were cultivated at six locations across Germany, Spain, and Romania. In Spain, specifically in Velefique (Almeria) and Lubia (Soria), the trees were planted. The Soria site, managed by CIEMAT, is recognized for its sustainable forest management practices.
From the selection of species, six particularly promising ones were chosen for further assessment regarding their applicability in manufacturing end products. Notably, black poplar grown in Zamostea (Romania) and blackwood acacia grown in Moara (Romania) displayed encouraging results in the production of lactic acid, which is essential for manufacturing bioplastics used in bioactive cosmetics. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
Moreover, Siberian elm demonstrated favorable outcomes in producing commercial activated carbon and biochar, while common juniper also exhibited promise for the same purpose. Among the tested species, birch, rosemary, and Siberian elm showcased the most favorable results in the production of pet litter infused with essential oils. Particleboard tests have also been completed, yielding low formaldehyde emissions across all species, with certain tree species displaying commendable mechanical properties.
The project also involved kraft pulping tests, which successfully obtained pulp from all species, except for juniper, rosemary, and mora, which did not exhibit desirable properties. Surprisingly, the common broom shrub species displayed notable performance in both particleboard and pulp production. Additionally, ongoing tests are being conducted to explore the bioactive potential of the selected species.
Moving forward, the project’s next phase entails a second production test using bio-based products. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
The industrial partners within the consortium will evaluate the raw materials derived from the selected species to facilitate the scale-up process.
Source: Aimplas
CORDURA® NYCO Fabric And CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric Uniform & Equipment Solutions Take Center Stage At IDEF ‘23
Set to propel and underscore its commitment to best-in-class solution-dyed nylon 6,6 fiber technology innovation as well as developing the durable, long-lasting fabric solutions of tomorrow; INVISTA’s CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics will focus on responsible uniform solutions, and military and tactical equipment, tailored to the Turkey, Europe, Middle East and Africa markets at this year’s IDEF International Defence Industry Fair, July 25-28. Join the Cordura team at booth #845B. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
The Cordura Advanced Fabrics comprehensive, global, head-to-toe military, tactical and law enforcement portfolio will showcase:
Cordura NYCO Fabric has a 3-5x slower flame spread versus polyester/cotton alternatives.* 50/50 Cordura NYCO Fabric outperformed heavier weight Poly/Cotton Military fabrics in Abrasion Resistance testing.**
Cordura NYCO Extreme Fabric made with INVISTA T420HT – the strongest nylon 6,6 staple fiber Cordura has ever produced.
Cordura TrueLock™ Fabric Solution Dyed Nylon 6,6 (SDN) provides unparalleled lot-to-lot color consistency plus long-lasting color durability and Stewardship benefits; available in a palate of 7 military colors. CO2 and Green-Hydrogen
Also on display will be a full collection of lightweight, breathable, quick dry, head-to-toe mission critical performance fabrics including Cordura Classic Fabric.
The Cordura Advanced Fabrics global military, law enforcement and tactical applications include: Combat Uniforms, Ballistic Vests, Packs, Load Carriage Equipment, Webbing and Trims, Footwear, Base Layer, Combat Shirts, Headwear, Seat Covers and many more.
Recycled polyolefins MEGlobal – Outstanding using of chemically recycled non-sorted plastic wastel 19-07-2023
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