Electric vehicles – PLA Enters August with a Price Rollover Amidst Rising Demand and Sustainability Efforts15-08-2024
Electric vehicles
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Q2 2024 Sees Decline in Plastics Machinery Shipments, but Industry Growth Potential Remains
The Plastics Industry Association’s Committee on Equipment Statistics (CES) reported a decline in North American plastics machinery shipments for Q2 2024. The total shipment value reached $224.8 million, reflecting a 15.4% decrease from the previous quarter and a 36.2% year-over-year (Y/Y) drop. Electric vehicles
In the primary plastics machinery sector, single-screw extrusion experienced a 3.4% quarter-over-quarter (Q/Q) increase but a 28.6% Y/Y decline. Twin-screw extrusion saw a 23.5% Q/Q drop and a 25.3% Y/Y decrease. Injection moulding shipments decreased by 16.3% Q/Q and 37.7% Y/Y.
Plastics’ Chief Economist, Perc Pineda, PhD, noted that the consecutive quarterly decline is not due to a decrease in plastics demand.
Despite the shipment drop, plastics demand has recently grown, and there is no sign of weakening baseline demand for plastic products. Electric vehicles
Finished goods inventories in plastics and rubber products were $15.0 billion in June 2024, slightly down from $15.2 billion in June 2023, indicating slow inventory adjustments.
The CES survey revealed that 79.9% of respondents expect steady or improved market conditions over the next year. However, only 40.0% reported increased quoting activity, down from 48.9% in the previous quarter.
In Q2 2024, U.S. exports of plastics equipment fell by 14.7% to $341.0 million, while imports decreased by 3.8% to $856.8 million. Over half (53.4%) of U.S. exports were to Mexico and Canada, totaling $182.3 million. Electric vehicles
Pineda remarked that higher interest rates continue to affect capital expenditure plans, though the industry still has growth potential as capacity utilization remains below maximum levels.
PLA Enters August with a Price Rollover Amidst Rising Demand and Sustainability Efforts
During the early weeks of August, Polylactic Acid (PLA) prices in the Netherlands sustained a steady position. This stability was driven by consistent demand and a well-balanced supply. The sustainable packaging sector, a significant consumer of PLA, played a crucial role in maintaining this demand, supported by the textiles, agriculture, and 3D printing industries, which helped prevent significant price fluctuations. Electric vehicles
The Netherlands’ domestic PLA production effectively aligned with demand, aided by the consistent availability of feedstock lactic acid, ensuring uninterrupted production and price stability. Stable raw material costs and effective inventory management by producers helped in maintaining market balance, while balanced export-import activities further prevented price fluctuations. PLA exports saw modest growth between April and May 2024, particularly to Italy, Germany, and Belgium, with domestic inventories remaining sufficient.
The Netherlands’ leadership in sustainable packaging was showcased at the 2024 Paris Olympics using Luminy® PLA bioplastics, produced in partnership of Sansu and TotalEnergies Corbion. Electric vehicles
This initiative highlighted the country’s commitment to reducing single-use plastics and advancing recycling efforts, aligning with Europe’s broader sustainability goals and the European Commission’s push for improved recycling practices. Internationally, South Korea’s plastic industry is also advancing in sustainability, demonstrated by the collaboration between South Korean producer Sansu and TotalEnergies Corbion.
Honda, Nissan to recycle plastic from scrapped cars
Proposed environmental rules in Europe drive push to create supply chains
Honda Motor and Nissan Motor are among the Japanese automakers building supply chains for recycled plastic, Nikkei has learned, to make their vehicles greener and comply with expected new European regulations. Electric vehicles
Plastic is an essential material in automobile production, used in bumpers, interior components and other parts. Under a 2023 proposal by the European Commission, at least 25% of a new vehicle’s plastic would have to be recycled plastic. This regulation would take full effect as early as 2031, raising the specter of noncompliant new vehicles being barred from sale in the European Union.
Auto parts constituted only about 3% of all the plastic recycled into new plastic products in 2022 data for Japan from the Tokyo-based Plastic Waste Management Institute. Automakers in Japan are hard-pressed to recycle plastics, given the time-consuming process of sorting plastic pieces after vehicles are scrapped. Electric vehicles
Honda aims to partner with chemical manufacturers and recycling companies to create a supply chain for recycled plastic by around 2040. Plans call for decreasing the types of plastic used in new cars by around 60% to six or seven, facilitating the sorting process at recycling stations. Honda’s first mass-produced electric vehicle, the Honda e, used around 25 types of plastic.
The HyperHybrid system by Obrist is poised to revolutionize electric vehicles, offering a groundbreaking range extender
Based on a Ford 2.0 Zetec engine, known for its challenging timing, this system showcases near-zero vibrations—a rarity for a two-stroke engine. Inspired by the famous Lexus LS400 commercial, the HyperHybrid system’s smooth operation is demonstrated by a champagne glass that remains still on the engine. This feat is achieved through dual crankshafts working in opposite directions, a rubber reducer, and a soundproof box housing the engine. Electric vehicles
Weighing just 110 kg and producing 61 HP, the ZVG engine is not meant for conventional city cars but is designed to enhance electric vehicle autonomy. It powers a lightweight battery system weighing only 98 kg, around 85% lighter than Tesla Model Y’s batteries, allowing up to 80 km of electric-only driving. When combined with the internal combustion engine, the range extends significantly, rivaling electric SUVs.
Despite its readiness, the HyperHybrid system faces a significant challenge: the potential 2035 ban on petrol and diesel engines in Europe. Electric vehicles
However, there’s hope in the growing interest in e-Fuels, spurred by recent statements from Ursula Von der Leyen. If accepted, this could allow the HyperHybrid system to be a viable solution for extending the range of electric cars, blending traditional and innovative technologies.
Chinaplas’s return to the greater bay area: A treasure trove of business opportunities
Chinaplas 2024, held successfully in Shanghai, marked a milestone in innovation and is set to return to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) for its 2025 edition. Scheduled for April 15-18, 2025, at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center, this event will cover over 380,000 sqm and host more than 3,900 global exhibitors. Themed “transformation, collaboration, sustainability,” Chinaplas 2025 aims to drive the plastics and rubber industries towards intelligent, green development amid global economic uncertainty. Electric vehicles
Chinaplas serves as a comprehensive high-tech platform spanning the entire supply chain, where thousands of machines will be showcased, highlighting cutting-edge technologies. The event will facilitate face-to-face interactions among high-quality buyers and exhibitors, fostering collaboration and business opportunities.
With strong market demand, booth reservations are in high demand, reflecting confidence in China’s market and the global plastics industry. Electric vehicles
The Asian economy’s moderate recovery and the success of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have further fueled optimism, offering vast opportunities for the plastics and rubber industries.
Shenzhen, China’s leading industrial city, is committed to advancing strategic industries, including those related to polymer materials. The return of Chinaplas to Shenzhen, a hub of innovation, promises to witness the growth of advanced manufacturing in the GBA. Global visitor promotion is already in full swing, ensuring Chinaplas 2025 will be an unmissable event for industry professionals worldwide. Electric vehicles
Textile Recycling: Reducing waste and promoting Circular Economy
The negative impact of textile waste is more significant than ever. Textile recycling and promoting a circular economy have emerged as urgent needs to attain sustainable development. Why is circular economy becoming popular? What is the need for that?
Textile recycling
Recycling is a sustainable practice to avert resource scarcity in the era of fast fashion. Disposal of petroleum-based synthetic fabrics or water-intensive natural fabrics and preparatory chemicals has a significant impact on the ecosystem. Electric vehicles
By collecting and reprocessing residuals, which would eventually end up in landfills or incinerators, recycling minimizes the extraction of virgin resources, reduces energy consumption, and decreases pollution.
Let’s take a look at several approaches to textile recycling;
Mechanical Recycling
Shredding and tearing undamaged second-hand textiles into fibres, then spinning them into new yarns and fabrics. Electric vehicles
Chemical Recycling
Decomposing contaminated textiles into original components for new materials.
Upcycling
Transforming used intact textiles into higher-value products to extend their lifespan.
Recycling opens the possibility for the development of a circular economy by reintroducing materials into the production cycle. Electric vehicles
PLA Polymer – Germany faces growing economic challenges as order shortages worsen 14-08-2024
Electric vehicles