PCR Plastics – Zeolyst International, a joint venture between Ecovyst and Shell Catalyst & Technologies, has launched a new laboratory reactor in Pennsylvania to enhance catalytic pyrolysis for chemical recycling of plastic waste 29-05-2024
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FORVIA’S innovative and eco-responsible technologies to equip the future Renault 5 E-Tech
Sustainable products for eco-friendly mobility
With Sustainability becoming ever more crucial to consumers, Renault has made the choice to respond to this demand by packing its new all-electric car with low-CO2 materials supplied by FORVIA, such as NAFILean-R and Ecorium, which include recycled content and bio composites. MATERI’ACT, FORVIA’s sustainable materials division, supplies the Renault 5 E-Tech with NAFILean-R, a multi-awarded bio composite incorporating 20% natural hemp fibers with a matrix of fully recycled polypropylene coming from post-consumer waste. PCR Plastics
It is used for the first time on board a vehicle, for the complete structural part of the instrument panel. Developed and supplied by MATERI’ACT, together with Veolia and APM, this material offers 73% CO2 emissions reduction together with 20% weight saving without compromising on stringent specifications for resistance, crash safety and cabin air quality.
Ecorium, a premium trimming material for seats representing an alternative to animal leather, will also be available in certain models of the new E-Tech. This material, also made from recycled plastic and hemp, offers a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional leather. PCR Plastics
Zeolyst International, a joint venture between Ecovyst and Shell Catalyst & Technologies, has launched a new laboratory reactor in Pennsylvania to enhance catalytic pyrolysis for chemical recycling of plastic waste
This project, based at Ecovyst’s technology center in Conshohocken, involves 45 scientists and technicians working on advanced zeolitic catalysts and materials.
The key to this initiative is Ecovyst’s Opal Infinity zeolitic catalysts, introduced last year. These catalysts increase the thermal efficiency of pyrolysis, a process that breaks down polymer chains in the absence of oxygen to produce pyrolysis oil and syngas. These products can replace fossil feedstocks in new plastic production, promoting a circular economy. PCR Plastics
The technology center already had facilities for polymerization tests on AlphaPol polyethylene catalysts, and the new reactor further enhances its capabilities. The center’s existing laboratories and pilot units are now complemented by this advanced reactor, facilitating the development of efficient chemical recycling processes.
Lucy Innes, General Manager of Zeolyst International, emphasizes the importance of collaboration with customers to develop advanced zeolite-based materials and catalysts. “Our goal is to transition from laboratory scale to pilot and large-scale production, ensuring quality, value, and speed. The Opal Infinity zeolites enhance the efficiency of thermal processes and optimize product distribution, crucial for improving the cost-effectiveness of chemical plastic recycling.” PCR Plastics
This initiative represents a significant step towards sustainable plastic waste management and the creation of valuable products from recycled materials.
PepsiCo has announced financial support for the expansion of GreenDot’s plastic recycling capacities. GreenDot, a German waste management and recycling group, is constructing a sorting plant in Ennshafen, Austria, with a capacity to sort 100,000 tonnes of lightweight packaging annually
Last year, GreenDot acquired Synextra, an Italian material recovery facility, to prepare feedstock for chemical recycling.
This new collaboration aims to expand GreenDot’s network of mechanical and chemical recycling facilities in Europe. PepsiCo will gain access to more recycled plastics for its snack packaging, aiming to eliminate virgin fossil-based plastic in all its European crisp and chip bags by 2030. PCR Plastics
While the investment amount remains undisclosed, the companies stated that the long-term collaboration establishes a new business model, closing the loop between waste plastic and recycled content in packaging. Laurent Auguste, CEO of GreenDot, highlighted that this agreement is a significant milestone for the industry, promoting a circular economy for plastic packaging. GreenDot plans to invest in developing packaging recycling capacities, including chemical recycling of polyolefins, offering scalable solutions for the food industry.
Dow recently celebrated its commitment to sustainable automotive progress with the “New Era, New Mobility” forum in Shanghai
Coinciding with the Shanghai E-Prix of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the event showcased Dow’s partnership with Jaguar TCS Racing and highlighted its dedication to innovation in electric vehicles (EVs).
The forum featured discussions on the future of sustainable mobility, focusing on the consumer experience in EVs, emphasizing comfort and safety, and exploring the electrification landscape. PCR Plastics
Industry experts gathered to share insights and strategies for advancing sustainable transportation in China, a key market for Dow.
Marking Dow China’s 45th anniversary, the forum also celebrated Dow’s significant expansion in Greater China, including state-of-the-art facilities in Shanghai and Zhangjiagang. These developments reflect Dow’s role in supporting China’s shift towards sustainable mobility solutions.
Dow MobilityScience™, leveraging over 100 years of transportation expertise, continues to innovate with materials like resins, adhesives, elastomers, and foams aimed at decarbonization and boosting EV performance. Jon Penrice and Cherry Zhu, presidents of Dow MobilityScience™ and Dow Greater China respectively, stressed the importance of global collaboration for a sustainable automotive future. PCR Plastics
Marubeni Corporation, Neste, and Resonac Corporation have joined forces to advance the production of renewable chemicals in Japan
This partnership centers around Neste RE™, a renewable raw material supplied by Neste, which will be utilized at Resonac’s Oita Complex to produce renewable olefins and derivatives. Marubeni will handle the logistics and supply chain from Neste to Resonac.
Neste RE™ is a bio-based feedstock derived entirely from renewable materials like waste and residue oils and fats. Used in steam crackers, Neste RE™ replaces conventional fossil-based feedstocks such as naphtha, aiding in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Carrie Song, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Renewable Products at Neste, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “Replacing fossil resources in plastics production is a major industry challenge. Partnering with Marubeni and Resonac exemplifies our commitment to sustainability.” PCR Plastics
Yoshiaki Yokota, Chief Executive Officer, Energy & Infrastructure Solution Group at Marubeni, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: “We aim to contribute to the petrochemical industry’s carbon neutrality by establishing a trade flow of renewable feedstocks alongside conventional materials.”
Alpla and Re-Purpose Partner to Enhance Plastics Recycling in South Africa
Plastic packaging manufacturer ALPLA Group and waste repurposing company Re-Purpose have formed a strategic partnership to boost sustainable packaging and fortify the feedstock value chain for ALPLA’s first PET recycling facility in Africa. ALPLA is investing €60 million to construct a recycling plant in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, with completion expected by early 2025. This facility will produce over 35,000 tons of recycled PET annually. PCR Plastics
Re-Purpose, based in Durban, specializes in reverse logistics for post-consumer plastic waste through source-oriented collection programs. With four material recovery facilities in KwaZulu-Natal, Re-Purpose aims to empower local communities and buy-back centers to collect and divert substantial plastic waste, creating jobs and income for previously disadvantaged individuals.
This partnership is projected to generate numerous jobs in KwaZulu-Natal and potentially across South Africa. Re-Purpose will optimize its existing baling centers and establish new ones to enhance PET bottle collection. Additionally, Re-Purpose will support ALPLA in building a strategic supplier base for PET bottle bales and work with key stakeholders to expand community outreach and source-separation programs. PCR Plastics
The goal is to collect 5,000 tons of PET monthly, a volume necessary for ALPLA’s plant to operate at full capacity by 2026.
Mocom Launches Carbon Fiber Compounding Department in Germany
The Otto Krahn group has inaugurated a new thermoplastic composites production department in Germany. Mocom, a German company, opened this new facility at its Gardelegen factory, dedicated to compounding technopolymers reinforced with carbon fibers, with an annual capacity of 3,000 tonnes. This project, announced last October, is part of a nearly 10 million euro investment in the German site.
The new department initially launched an extrusion line and equipment for carbon fiber processing, but the building is designed to accommodate additional production lines in the future. PCR Plastics
To enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, the facility features a photovoltaic system on the roof and utilizes heat generated by machinery for heating purposes.
Mocom, part of the Otto Krahn group, employs 900 people across five factories: three in Germany (Hamburg, Zuelpich, and Gardelegen) and two abroad (Changshu, China, and Duncan, USA). Its main target sectors include automotive, electrical and electronics, home and garden, and sports and leisure. PCR Plastics
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