Green Hydrogen – APK is gearing up for the establishment of its expansive Newcycling® plant, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s strategic evolution 21-12-2023
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Economic Decline: Ecosystems’ Impact on Global Well-being
In a sobering study conducted by scientists at the University of California, Davis, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, the future economic landscape is predicted to bear the brunt of ongoing ecosystem degradation. Published on December 19, 2023, the research forewarns that by 2100, economic benefits derived from ecosystem services may plummet by up to 9%, exacerbating global inequalities.
The analysis, employing global vegetation and climate models alongside World Bank estimates, posits an average 1.3% reduction in gross domestic product worldwide due to climate change-induced alterations in vegetation, rainfall patterns, and elevated CO2 levels. Green Hydrogen
This grim outlook is compounded by the unequal distribution of impacts, as the world’s poorest 50% of countries are projected to shoulder a staggering 90% of GDP damages. In contrast, the wealthiest 10% may experience more limited losses at just 2%. The study emphasizes the critical role natural capital plays in less developed countries’ economies, underscoring the need for robust climate mitigation measures to safeguard these ecosystems.
Bernardo Bastien-Olvera, a doctoral student at UC Davis, poses a crucial question: What is lost when an ecosystem is degraded? The study contends that the losses extend beyond economic impacts, encompassing clean air, water, healthy forests, and biodiversity—collectively constituting “natural capital” that directly influences human well-being and economic prosperity. The researchers stress the urgency of recognizing and addressing these often overlooked damages to mitigate economic losses and foster global well-being in the coming decades. Green Hydrogen
MEGlobal rolls over January MEG ACP
MEGlobal has maintained the monoethylene glycol (MEG) Asian Contract Price (ACP) for January 2024 at $840 per tonne, according to a company insider. This marks a stability compared to the December ACP. The pricing structure is established on a CFR (cost and freight) basis in the Asian market.
It’s noteworthy that MEGlobal had previously set the ACP for December 2023 at $840 per tonne, reflecting a $10 per tonne increase from the November ACP, as communicated by a company source. Again, the pricing for December was based on CFR terms in the Asian market. Green Hydrogen
The decision to rollover the MEG ACP for January suggests a strategic approach to maintaining pricing consistency in the market. This move comes after a modest increment in the previous month, indicating stability in MEGlobal’s pricing strategy amidst market dynamics. The ACP not only serves as a benchmark for industry players but also reflects MEGlobal’s response to prevailing economic factors influencing the monoethylene glycol market in the Asian region.
Aquafil Ranked First Among Global Companies in the “textiles” Subindustry …
Aquafil S.p.A. [ECNL:IM] [ECNLF:OTCQX] ranked as the top company globally in the “Textiles” subindustry according to the Morningstar Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating1.
The excellent rating of 10.7 improved by 4.7 points2 from the rating received in 2022.
Today, the Group is ranked in the “low” ESG risk level, slightly above the “negligible” one.
The score is measured on a scale consisting of 5 levels (Negligible, Low, Medium, High, Severe) and a rating from 1 (lowest risk) to 100 (highest risk).
Moreover, with this result, Aquafil is in the third percentile of the companies rated globally by Morningstar Sustainalytics, a leading company in ESG analysis and evaluation. An abstract of the report is posted on the website at: https://www.sustainalytics.com/esg-rating/aquafil-spa/2005614095 Green Hydrogen
“The result obtained confirms our commitment and the effectiveness of the improvement process already initiated, which aims to achieve, by 2025, a negligible assessment of the ESG risk level”, stated Giulio Bonazzi, Chief Executive Officer of Aquafil.
For more information on Aquafil’s ESG commitment and specific initiatives, please see the Sustainability section on the website https://www.aquafil.com/esg-agenda-2030/
Aquafil is a pioneer in the circular economy also thanks to the ECONYL® regeneration system, an innovative and sustainable process able to create new products from waste and give life to an endless cycle. The nylon waste is collected in locations all over the world and includes industrial waste but also products – such as fishing nets and rugs – that have reached the end of their useful life. Such waste is processed to obtain a raw material – caprolactam – with the same chemical and performance characteristics as those from fossil sources. The polymers produced from ECONYL® caprolactam are distributed to the Group’s production plants, where they are transformed into yarn for rugs carpet flooring and for clothing. Green Hydrogen
APK is gearing up for the establishment of its expansive Newcycling® plant, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s strategic evolution
Hailing from Merseburg/Leuna, Germany, APK AG is poised to enter the new year with robust momentum, having meticulously laid the groundwork for its ambitious expansion in 2023. The company has not only secured the backing of formidable investors such as LyondellBasell and KIRKBI A/S but has also attained noteworthy ISO certifications. The inking of initial product supply agreements further fortifies APK AG’s foundation, setting the stage for the commencement of construction in 2024.
Dr. Robert Marx, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of APK AG, underscores the propitious environment for expansion, attributing it to the European Commission’s initiative mandating the use of plastic recyclates in packaging and, subsequently, in the automotive sector. Green Hydrogen
The groundwork laid in early 2023, with LyondellBasell and KIRKBI A/S committing a substantial investment of 130 million euros, positions APK AG to utilize mixed waste from flexible plastic packaging for producing high-quality LDPE recyclates.
APK AG achieved a significant milestone in the summer of 2023 when TÜV Rheinland certified the company in accordance with ISO Standard 9001-Quality Management Systems. These certifications, encompassing quality management, environmental management, and energy management systems, play a pivotal role in attracting and assuring investors.
Looking ahead to 2024, APK AG anticipates an exciting journey with the full-scale planning and construction of the Newcycling® plant. CTO Dr. Robert Marx hints at forthcoming details about the plant’s location and capacity, signaling a promising and dynamic year for APK AG and its groundbreaking Newcycling® technology. Green Hydrogen
As a forward-thinking automotive industry leader, Toyota remains committed to diversification in its pursuit of sustainable mobility
Recognizing that one-size-fits-all solutions don’t apply to the future of electric vehicles (EVs), Toyota is strategically investing in various battery technologies to address different needs.
The company’s dedication to innovation is evident in its exploration of solid-state batteries, a technology poised to redefine zero-emission transport. While progress is incremental, Toyota aims to enhance its existing batteries, projecting a 1,000 km range for its EVs by 2027, ensuring that traditional lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes remain relevant. Green Hydrogen
In tandem with these developments, Toyota is actively researching solid-state batteries, foreseeing a potential 1,200 km range on a single charge. Although the market release date remains undisclosed, Toyota’s pioneering work since 2020 suggests a commitment to staying ahead of competitors, hinting at a potential surprise announcement.
A notable addition to Toyota’s future lineup is the introduction of bipolar batteries, anticipated by 2026 or 2027. Green Hydrogen
Leveraging a distinct internal structure, these batteries promise increased autonomy and faster charging. For instance, the bZ4X electric car equipped with bipolar batteries is projected to achieve a range of 480 to 800 km, with an impressive 20-minute charge time from 10% to 80%, outperforming current standards.
Derived from the technology developed for nickel-metal hydride batteries in Toyota’s hybrid cars, bipolar technology will be implemented in both traditional lithium-ion batteries and lithium iron phosphate accumulators. This forward-looking approach underscores Toyota’s commitment to providing diverse and efficient solutions, reinforcing its position as an industry leader in the electric vehicle revolution. Green Hydrogen
APEAL regrets lack of support for recyclability shown by European Council
APEAL regrets a lack of ambition regarding recyclability measures in the European Council’s General Approach to Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
“Initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) serve as a global model. The General Approach of the Member States in Council missed the opportunity to signal the importance of delivering an ambitious packaging and packaging waste plan for Europe,” said Steve Claus, Secretary General of APEAL.
APEAL acknowledges the Council’s efforts to define high-quality recycling. However, we believe that incorporating the concept of multiple recycling into the definition of high-quality recycling within the legislative articles would convey an even more robust message to industry. Green Hydrogen
An ambitious definition of high-quality recycling could act as a driving force for packaging manufacturers to enhance the recyclability of their products, thereby fostering to a more effective and efficient recycling process.
APEAL particularly regrets that ‘recyclability performance grades’ based on design for recycling criteria, will not realise their full potential. Green Hydrogen
“Ambitious recyclability performance grades, including strong qualitative recyclability criteria, would have been a great step forward to a truly EU Circular Economy, ensuring that packaging that can be recycled multiple times and can feed a closed material loop scheme is duly recognised at the top of the recycling hierarchy”.
PET Bottles – Focus on circular and sustainable packaging 20-12-2023
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