Plastic tax – Braskem, a petrochemical company, has launched a new biocircular polypropylene (PP) product under its WENEW brand 20-09-2024
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Braskem, a petrochemical company, has launched a new biocircular polypropylene (PP) product under its WENEW brand
This innovative material, derived from used cooking oil (UCO), is certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus (ISCC+) mass-balance system, promoting sustainability in the food packaging sector.
The biocircular PP maintains the same performance as conventional PP, making it easy for clients to transition without disruption. It is primarily targeted at the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, retail food suppliers, traditional restaurants, and snack food companies aiming to enhance circularity through cooking oil reuse. Plastic tax
This versatile material can be used for food packaging, flexible packaging, and other consumer goods.
Braskem America’s polyolefins vice president, Bill Diebold, highlighted the growing interest from converters in the QSR industry, emphasizing the material’s potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Courtney Keller, Braskem America’s sustainability commercial manager, noted that the product marks a key step towards a greener future for the food industry, encouraging companies to contribute to a circular economy. Plastic tax
Additionally, Braskem has partnered with various suppliers to transform UCO feedstock into polypropylene, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability. Earlier this year, Braskem also expanded its circular polymer portfolio by introducing two new PP grades containing post-consumer recycled content. This move further supports the company’s efforts to promote sustainable solutions in the packaging industry.
A 15-Year Battery for Electric Cars is Coming
Electric cars are set to become more widespread due to advancements in battery technology that improve efficiency and longevity. Chinese battery giant CATL recently announced its new batteries, which can last up to 15 years or cover 1 million kilometers. This is a significant leap from current offerings. Plastic tax
CATL’s new batteries come with a 10-year or 600,000-mile warranty, guaranteeing 85% capacity at the end of that period. In comparison, Tesla offers an 8-year warranty, with batteries expected to retain 70% capacity. CATL’s technology nearly doubles the lifespan of existing electric car batteries.
While not focused on performance, the new battery has a lower energy density of 175 Wh/kg and is designed primarily for buses. The company claims almost no degradation occurs in the first 1,000 charge cycles. Research indicates these lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries could last up to 16 years before dropping to 85% capacity, though CATL guarantees them for 10 years. Plastic tax
For electric cars and SUVs, CATL has partnered with NIO to develop batteries that could last the entire lifespan of the vehicle. NIO manages testing and regulations, while CATL focuses on battery development. Their goal is to release vehicles with a 15-year warranty, aiming to address the upcoming influx of used electric vehicles with expired warranties.
Sandler Introduces finexus: Sustainable Nonwovens for Automotive Applications
Sandler Group has launched finexus, a sustainable nonwoven designed for sound and thermal insulation in various automotive applications. This single-polymer material can replace traditional multilayer structures in both passenger and commercial vehicles, making it suitable for interior and exterior use. Its versatility allows for application in areas such as underbody, headliner, wheel arch, and trunk liners, whether in conventional or electric vehicles. Plastic tax
Finexus offers excellent formability, accommodating even complex component geometries, and provides high strength and resistance to temperature. It enhances driving comfort by reducing noise levels inside the vehicle and dampening drivetrain noise to the outside, which also helps reduce noise pollution.
As an efficient thermal insulator, finexus improves occupant comfort while its lightweight design contributes to vehicle efficiency by optimizing weight and space. This product aligns with Sandler’s commitment to sustainability, as it is made from 100% polyester without chemicals or binders. It supports a circular economy since the nonwovens, the products made from them, and production trimmings can all be recycled. Plastic tax
Additionally, finexus can contain up to 80% recycled fibers, significantly lowering the product’s carbon footprint, offering a responsible and efficient solution for the automotive industry.
EU bungled plastic waste tax, auditors say
A new levy intended to discourage the landfill and incineration of plastic waste is plagued by dodgy data, and may have led to an uptick in crime, auditors warn
Governments were ill-prepared for a new EU plastic packaging tax, the European Court of Auditors said in a report published today (16 September). Plastic tax
Under measures introduced in 2021, member states have to pay €0.80 for every kilogramme of unrecycled plastic packaging waste they produce, but the European Commission needs to ensure calculations and controls are uniform across the bloc, auditors said.
The revenue source helps fund the EU’s budget, worth around €150 billion per year, alongside the customs duties imposed on goods entering the bloc, a portion of VAT, and a separate payment reflecting each country’s GDP. Plastic tax
But there are serious questions about whether statistics underpinning the tax are reliable, the Luxembourg-based Court of Auditors said.d More
Lefteris Christoforou, the ECA member responsible for the audit, said there were “too many weaknesses” in the way the data was being collected and sent to Brussels.
A groundbreaking R300-million PET recycling plant, the first of its kind in Africa, will boost food-grade recycled PET production by 15,000 tons annually when it launches in the Western Cape in 2025
This facility, a collaboration between Petco and Extrupet, will introduce bottle-to-bottle recycling technology to the region.
Petco CEO Cheri Scholtz emphasized the importance of this increase in capacity for achieving a circular economy, where PET bottles are continuously recycled into new bottles, maintaining high material value. PET is the most widely recycled plastic polymer, and this expansion will help close the recycling loop. Plastic tax
Extrupet’s joint managing director, Chandru Wadhwani, noted that 64% of South Africa’s PET plastic bottles are already collected for recycling. The new plant will significantly enhance the country’s recycling capabilities and support its leadership in the circular economy.
Wadhwani highlighted the facility’s impact on export-oriented industries like agriculture, particularly fruit exports to global markets.
New EU regulations require packaging with certified recycled content, making this plant crucial for meeting those standards. Plastic tax
The facility will utilize state-of-the-art Erema Vacunite technology, ensuring that the recycled materials are certified, traceable, and meet international standards. This marks the fourth expansion for Extrupet in 15 years, reflecting its commitment to sustainable recycling and the global supply chain.
Dow has launched REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastics Resins for cable jackets, supporting global circularity by integrating post-consumer recycled (PCR) content
This new addition to the REVOLOOP™ portfolio allows customers to incorporate PCR material into cable jacketing without compromising quality or performance.
The introduction of PCR into wire and cable products aligns with Dow’s sustainability goals, aiming to divert plastic waste from landfills and natural ecosystems. By integrating recycled plastics into cable production, Dow contributes to reducing environmental impact while maintaining the same level of performance as virgin materials. Plastic tax
Dow’s commitment to circularity is further demonstrated by its goal to commercialize three million metric tons of circular and renewable solutions by 2030. “REVOLOOP™ Resins expand our sustainability portfolio, helping customers in the power and telecommunications sectors achieve their targets,” said Edit Berczi, Dow’s global wire and cable marketing manager.
This launch reflects Dow’s broader ambition to transform waste through innovative solutions, combining industry expertise with advanced technology to meet evolving customer needs. Through this offering, Dow reinforces its leadership in providing sustainable, high-performance materials for the wire and cable industry, helping customers globally reach their sustainability objectives. Plastic tax
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