Plastic Sustainability – Agilyx, a pioneer in chemical recycling, has made significant strides with its depolymerisation technology in Japan 07-06-2024
Plastic Sustainability
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Agilyx, a pioneer in chemical recycling, has made significant strides with its depolymerisation technology in Japan
Partnering with Toyo Styrene, Agilyx has installed this groundbreaking technology at a facility capable of processing ten tons of post-use polystyrene daily. This collaboration aims to transform polystyrene waste into styrene monomer, a move that promises to revolutionize the production of polystyrene products by significantly reducing their carbon footprint.
The Toyo Styrene plant, completed in March 2024, has already marked a milestone by producing on-specification product, showcasing the efficacy of Agilyx’s technology. Russ Main, Agilyx’s interim CEO, expressed confidence in the technology following its successful demonstration during the plant’s commissioning. Plastic Sustainability
As Agilyx continues to optimize the facility’s performance in collaboration with Toyo Styrene, it stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to addressing the complex challenge of recycling post-use plastics. With 20 patents to its name, Agilyx is not only leading the way in chemical recycling but also paving the path for sustainable plastic production through its first commercial-scale waste polystyrene recycling facility via pyrolysis.
Borealis to establish recyclate-based polyolefins compounding line in Belgium
- Borealis is set to install a semi-commercial demonstration recyclate-based polyolefins (rPO) compounding line in Beringen, Belgium
- The state-of-the-art line will use Borcycle™ M technology to transform mechanically recycled post-consumer waste into high-quality rigid polypropylene and polyethylene materials Plastic Sustainability
- EverMinds™ in action: The investment will provide valuable operational experience and technological insight, supporting Borealis to further scale up its mechanical recycling capacity
Borealis is pleased to announce the installation of a semi-commercial demonstration recyclate-based polyolefins (rPO) compounding line in Beringen, Belgium.
Set for construction during 2024, it is expected to be fully operational in the first half of 2025. Plastic Sustainability
The state-of-the-art line will use Borealis’ proprietary Borcycle™ M technology to transform mechanically recycled post-consumer waste into high-quality rigid polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) materials. Capable of processing a broad range of recyclate flakes from both PP and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste sources, the new line will offer exceptional versatility and flexibility.
As a semi-commercial demonstration line, it will showcase the power of Borcycle M technology to produce mechanically recycled solutions that meet the rigorous and varied demands of high-performance applications in industries including mobility, consumer products, appliances, and energy. In doing so, the line will support Borealis’ customers to integrate value-added recycled plastics into their product lines without compromising performance. Plastic Sustainability
Crocco and Versalis Collaborate on Innovative Food Packaging from Recycled Plastics
Crocco , a leading flexible packaging company, has partnered with Versalis, Eni’s chemical subsidiary, to produce food packaging film using raw materials partially sourced from chemically recycled post-consumer plastics. This collaboration aims at large-scale production for the retail market. Plastic Sustainability
The packaging, crafted from Balance® supplied by Versalis, enables the creation of recycled film suitable for food contact, maintaining necessary technical performance and health properties. This initiative supports more efficient resource management, significantly reducing reliance on virgin materials, and aligns with Versalis’ sustainability and circular economy objectives.
Chemical recycling regenerates plastics to a virgin state, meeting high purity and safety standards required for food contact materials. Plastic Sustainability
Adriano Alfani, CEO of Versalis, commented, “Circularity is a cornerstone of our strategy. We are dedicated to advancing both mechanical and chemical polymer recycling technologies. Diversifying raw materials allows us to offer the market low-carbon solutions, ensuring sustainable resource use through collaborations like our innovative partnership with Crocco.”
EXPO PACK México 2024: Latin America’s Largest Packaging and Processing Trade Show Opens Today
Record market growth fuels optimism as show focuses on sustainability and industry collaboration.
The largest packaging and processing trade show in Latin America, EXPO PACK México (June 4–7, 2024; EXPO Santa Fe México) opens today with more than more than 700 world-class exhibitors displaying the latest materials and technologies over 20,000 net square meters of exhibit floor space. Plastic Sustainability
This year’s show opens as the packaging machinery market in Mexico is at a record high, based on the newly released Mexico’s Packaging Machinery Market – Trends and Opportunities report produced by show organizer, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. The research indicates the packaging machinery market value in 2023 reached US $1.13 billion, growing 25% in a single year and breaking the US$1 billion mark for the first time. Plastic Sustainability
With more than two-thirds of the market planning to invest in new processing equipment in 2024, the timing for this year’s EXPO PACK México could not be better.
The Future of Fashion: Sustainability, Traceability, and Style with RadiciGroup Advanced Textile Solutions
RadiciGroup showcased its innovations at the Phygital Sustainability Expo, a premier fashion event focused on ecological transition through technological innovation. Held in Rome on June 4-5, the Expo brought together leaders from various sectors to promote positive environmental change in fashion. Plastic Sustainability
For the third consecutive year, RadiciGroup highlighted its commitment to sustainable fashion, presenting a versatile and stylish outfit during a narrated fashion show at the Imperial Forum Museum. The outfit, a jumpsuit made of Radilon Chill-fit, demonstrates RadiciGroup’s dedication to merging style with sustainability. Radilon Chill-fit is an innovative nylon yarn produced with low environmental impact, offering excellent thermal regulation and comfort.
This jumpsuit exemplifies versatility, transforming from daywear to an elegant evening ensemble with the addition of a nylon kimono-dress, emphasizing complete recyclability. This creation results from RadiciGroup’s collaboration with Anita Bertini, a young designer at POLI.Design, part of the Politecnico di Milano. Their goal is to create a wardrobe of essential, durable, and recyclable garments that support personal style and environmental responsibility. Plastic Sustainability
Technical partners Calzificio Argopi and Erco Pizzi contributed to the creation of the jumpsuit and kimono-dress fabric, respectively. RadiciGroup’s participation in the Phygital Sustainability Expo underscores its ongoing efforts to lead the fashion industry towards a more sustainable future through innovative textile solutions.
BASF Sells Bioenergy Enzymes Business to Lallemand
BASF has sold its bioenergy enzymes business in San Diego to Lallemand’s subsidiaries, Danstar Ferment AG and Lallemand Specialties Inc. This sale includes the Spartec® product portfolio and related developmental technologies. Lallemand will integrate this business and its employees into the Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits (LBDS) business unit. Plastic Sustainability
All business activities were taken over by Lallemand as of June 1.
LBDS, a leading global supplier of fermentation ingredients and technical solutions, has shown its commitment to the fuel ethanol and alcohol industries through this acquisition. Since 2017, LBDS has partnered with BASF’s bioenergy business, co-developing gluco and alpha amylase enzymes in bioengineered yeast for the North American ethanol market.
Angus Ballard, President and General Manager of LBDS, stated, “The capabilities of BASF’s bioenergy team and its Spartec® products complement ours. By combining resources and R&D programs, we can better meet our global customers’ needs.” Plastic Sustainability
Daniel Wilms, Vice President Strategy, Innovation & Sustainability at BASF’s Nutrition & Health division, said, “Lallemand is the best owner for this business. Their dedication to the biofuel industry and complementary portfolio will create new growth opportunities.”
BASF will remain focused on enzyme activities in the animal feed and detergents markets and will continue providing solutions for low-carbon intensity crop production in the bioenergy industry. Plastic Sustainability
Smart Textiles: The Future of the Textile Industry
Smart textiles are revolutionizing the textile industry, according to Assoc. Prof. Desislava Grabčeva from the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy (UCTM). In a recent interview, Grabčeva highlighted UCTM’s innovative work on smart textiles, including the development of healing bandages that precisely control drug release to wounds. These advancements were discussed during a business event at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
UCTM scientists have focused on medical textiles, aiming to market advanced wound dressings that monitor and treat wounds. Additionally, they have created environmentally friendly textiles that absorb pollutants like oil spills and petroleum products. Their work also addresses dye absorption in textile materials, reducing dye waste that typically pollutes wastewater. Plastic Sustainability
Smart textiles have applications beyond medicine, extending to sports, entertainment, interior design, and agriculture. Grabčeva emphasized that the global market for smart textiles is growing as health-conscious consumers increasingly seek these innovative products. Among the most popular innovations are healing bandages that not only release biologically active substances but also change color to indicate healing processes.
R-PET Bottles – Pyrolysis for high-quality recycled plastics 06-06-2024
Plastic Sustainability