Microplastics – Lummus Technology, a leader in process technologies and energy solutions, has made a strategic investment in RWDC Industries, reinforcing its commitment to the commercialization of biopolymer PHA 08-06-2024
Microplastics
China PET bottle chip export delivery volume declines MOM
Since May, the delivery speed of PET bottle chip in the domestic and international markets has significantly slowed down compared to the previous month. As of last weekend, the average inventory of domestic PET bottle chip factories has increased by approximately 4-5 days, nearly doubling compared to the same period last year. Normally, large downstream factories tend to reduce production after intensive production in March and April, leading to a slowdown in delivery speeds. Microplastics
Furthermore, since many small and medium-sized customers purchased downgraded products this year, traders are facing increased contractual inventory pressure, contributing to the rise in factory-side inventory. The short-term weakening of domestic demand may be related to seasonal factors, the unexpected inventory pressure has been brought to PET bottle chip manufacturers due to sudden export shipment disruptions (some inventory may need to be redirected for domestic consumption).
Recent observations suggest that PET bottle chip factories have been facing delivery obstacles for export orders since late April, with some factories reporting about 20% delays in April orders. Microplastics
Most factories anticipate a further reduction in shipments in May, estimated to reach around 30%. Currently, these factories are gradually considering increasing the proportion of bulk cargo shipments to minimize contract execution issues caused by delays in shipping schedules.
Chemours Enhances EVOLVE 2030 for Sustainable Development
Chemours introduces EVOLVE 2030 Version 2.0, advancing its sustainability assessment to include product and packaging circularity. This methodology aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), aiding Chemours in achieving its goal of deriving over 50% revenue from sustainable offerings by 2030.
The EVOLVE 2030 framework guides Chemours in evaluating its products and innovations, ensuring a balance between societal benefits and environmental footprint. The update reflects four years of application insights, emphasizing continuous improvement and data-driven decisions. Microplastics
Dr. Amber Wellman, Chief Sustainability Officer, highlights the methodology’s role in quantifying product impacts and shaping business strategies towards sustainability. EVOLVE 2030, established in 2019, is rooted in the WBCSD’s PSA guidelines and employs a Product—Application Combination (PAC) approach for life cycle assessment.
Chemours’ commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by its collaboration with Anthesis Group and validation by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance. The methodology’s evolution signifies Chemours’ dedication to a sustainable future, where products meet market demands while fostering planetary well-being. Microplastics
SABIC Concludes Investment Decision for Fujian Petrochemical Complex in China
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), a global leader in diversified chemicals, announced on Sunday its final investment decision for the SABIC Fujian Petrochemical Complex Project (Saudi-Chinese Gulei Ethylene Complex Project) in Fujian Province, China.
SABIC Fujian Petrochemical Company Limited, formed through a 51% to 49% joint venture between SABIC Industrial Investments (wholly owned by SABIC) and Fujian Petrochemical Company Limited (FPCL), will establish this industrial complex in Fujian’s Gulei area, as reported by SPA. Microplastics
The project’s investment totals 44.8 billion Chinese yuan ($6.4 billion), marking the largest foreign investment in Fujian Province and significantly expanding SABIC’s core investments in China. The complex will annually produce 1.8 million tons of ethylene and will house advanced manufacturing facilities for ethylene glycol, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, among other units. Microplastics
Construction of the project is slated for completion by 2026.
Lummus Technology, a leader in process technologies and energy solutions, has made a strategic investment in RWDC Industries, reinforcing its commitment to the commercialization of biopolymer PHA
This move accelerates the development of the world’s first commercial-scale PHA facility, promoting the global shift towards eco-friendly plastics. PHA, a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics, addresses environmental and health concerns by reducing persistent plastics and microplastics pollution.
Since their agreement in September 2023, Lummus and RWDC have advanced their mission to foster PHA adoption and prepare for global licensing. The engineering phase of RWDC’s inaugural PHA facility is nearing completion, with detailed engineering and preconstruction efforts expected to conclude soon. Microplastics
Lummus’ investment in RWDC’s convertible bond round is pivotal for the project’s final stages, aiming for a groundbreaking ceremony in early 2025. This collaboration exemplifies a significant step towards a sustainable, circular economy.
Eastman’s Naia™ Renew is revolutionizing the denim industry with its sustainable and circular solution
This innovative fiber is designed to meet the high sustainability demands of fashion, particularly in denim, one of the most popular and versatile fabrics.
Naia™ Renew is crafted from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% certified recycled content, creating a biodegradable and traceable fiber that reduces the carbon footprint and reliance on virgin materials. Its integration into denim signifies Eastman’s commitment to making sustainable style universally accessible.
The fiber’s hypoallergenic and skin-friendly properties ensure comfort in any season, while its compatibility with various fibers allows for authentic denim textures. Eastman’s collaboration with global brands showcases Naia™ Renew’s fashion-forward and eco-conscious appeal. Microplastics
With certifications like Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and OEKO-TEX class 1, Eastman’s transparent sustainability narrative empowers brands and consumers to make informed choices. The company’s patented molecular recycling technology transforms waste into valuable resources, furthering the circular fashion movement.
New Research Has Found That Almost 90% Of Protein Sources Contain Microplastics, Including Vegan Alternatives
Anew study has raised health concerns after finding that almost 90% of protein sources contain microplastics, including plant-based options.
This discovery was part of research published in Environmental Pollution, in which researchers examined 16 different protein varieties– such as beef, chicken, pork, seafood, tofu, and three vegan alternatives– for microplastic content.
The proteins tested were bought from two supermarkets and one grocer in Portland, Oregon, in April 2022. The items were all produced in the United States, as indicated on their packaging. Microplastics
The research team was made up of scientists from the University of Toronto and Ocean Conservancy, and they discovered plastic particles in 88% of these samples. This suggests that regardless of dietary choices, people are still probably ingesting microplastics.
Dr. Britta Baechler, Ocean Conservancy’s associate director of plastics science, called this discovery a “startling reminder” of just how widespread plastic pollution is.
“Humans live on land, and yet seafood samples are just as likely to be contaminated with plastics as are terrestrial-derived proteins,” Dr. Baechler said. Microplastics
EREMA Group produces 25 million tonnes of recycled pellets annually
The EREMA Group, based in Ansfelden near Linz, Austria, closes the financial year 2023/24 with total revenues of EUR 380 million. A joint venture with the Lindner Group sees the group of companies expand its portfolio to include washing technology. EREMA Group GmbH now has eight subsidiaries: EREMA, PURE LOOP, PLASMAC, KEYCYCLE, Lindner Washtech, UMAC, plasticpreneur and 3S. Microplastics
“With our machines and components, we have now reached a recycling volume of more than 25 million tonnes per year worldwide, which makes a significant contribution to the development of a circular economy for plastics,” said Manfred Hackl, CEO of the EREMA Group. The group of companies manufactured 290 extruders for recycling plastic in the past financial year, supplemented by over 100 add-on components such as filter systems and ReFresher anti-odour technology. These recycling solutions generated total sales of EUR 380 million. Around 8,500 machines and components from the group are in operation in more than 100 countries. Microplastics
The EREMA Group employs 950 people worldwide.
“We are proud of this result for the financial year, considering the current state of the economy, but we have a cautious outlook for the coming months,” said Hackl.
Microplastics