Plastics Recycling – Tough plastics broken down sustainably with common chemical, sunlight, air 13-08-2024
Plastics Recycling
Crude Oil Prices Trend
Plastics Recycling is a Failure – How to Solve the Problem
Is it time to remodel your existing facility or build a new one? Your Formaspace sales representative or strategic dealer partner can help you plan and choose the right furniture solutions to make your new space more productive, efficient, and ergonomic.
The fourth Global Plastics Treaty negotiations (INC-4) held in Ottawa, Canada, in April 2024 Produced a Mixed Outcome Plastics Recycling
Given all the breaking news stories in the last few months, perhaps you were not aware that member countries of the United Nations came together in April to negotiate a new Global Plastics Treaty.
Advocates of a global treaty argue that plastic pollution is a worldwide problem and that it will take an international binding agreement to slow (or hopefully reverse) the damage that plastics (especially microplastic pollution) are causing to our oceans and the human food chain that we depend upon. Plastics Recycling
Proponents of a strong treaty not only wanted to address problems of single-use plastics but also to place overall limits on the production of plastic polymers, including the phase-out of what they described as dangerous PVC, polystyrene, and polyurethane plastics, while severely restricting the high-volume manufacture of polyethylene, polypropylene and PET plastics most associated with environmental plastic pollution. Such an agreement would reduce the use of plastic polymers by 40% between 2025 and 2040.
More…
This decline underscores the challenges the Turkish apparel industry faces amid a global economic slowdown and shifting trade dynamics. Plastics Recycling
Key factors driving this downturn include reduced consumer spending in major markets and increased competition from other apparel-exporting countries. Currency fluctuations also played a role in weakening the industry’s performance.
Despite these setbacks, the Turkish apparel sector remains vital to the economy. Efforts are underway to counteract the decline, with industry leaders focusing on entering new markets and boosting production efficiency. Plastics Recycling
The government is also implementing supportive policies to enhance the industry’s resilience and encourage innovation.
The recovery of Turkish apparel exports in the second half of 2024 will hinge on the success of these strategies and broader global market trends.
Polypropylene (PP) prices quote higher in Europe
This week, PP prices increased in the European region. Plastics Recycling
An industry source in Europe informed a Polymerupdate team member, “European polypropylene spot market prices were driven higher on the back of prevailing supply tightness, which mitigated the short-term impact of a tepid buyer interest. Market participants noted that a tight supply situation has been instrumental in bringing about an equilibrium in prices in spite of generally dampened demand and weak buyer appetite, signalling a downturn during the summer holiday in Europe. The supply constraints stemmed from delayed import shipments, the result of shipping disruptions and elevated freight rates, while consumers continued to be impeded in their efforts to procure material due to domestic outages.” Plastics Recycling
In the spot markets, PP injection moulding grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1215-1225/mt FD North West Europe mark, a rise of Euro (+10/mt) from the previous week. Meanwhile, PP block copolymer grade prices were assessed at the Euro 1295-1305/mt FD Northwest Europe levels, a gain of Euro (+20/mt) from last week.
Is the Era of Explosive U.S. Shale Growth Over?
- US oil production growth is slowing, with the EIA forecasting a modest increase in 2025.
- Shale drillers are focusing on profitability and shareholder returns rather than maximizing production volumes.
- Lower oil prices, high costs, and industry consolidation are contributing to the slowdown. Plastics Recycling
U.S. oil production growth is slowing down in response to lower international prices. The trend will likely extend in evidence that the shale industry is at a new stage in its evolution. The days of a million-bpd annual growth rate may be over—unless prices rise.
In its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, the Energy Information Administration reported an estimated production rate for this year of 13.2 million barrels daily. That’s up from 12.9 million barrels daily last year, which is already a revision on earlier estimates about production growth in 2023—and it’s a downward revision. Plastics Recycling
The EIA’s outlook for the immediate future is quite measured, too, with the agency expecting the 2025 average at 13.7 million barrels, barely 500,000 bpd above this year’s average. Of course, these are simply estimates, and a lot could change if the price changes. Besides, half a million barrels daily in production growth is not too shabby and would be an acceleration of the 2023/2024 growth rate—if the price is right.
The first stage of the shale industry’s evolution is over.
Tough plastics broken down sustainably with common chemical, sunlight, air
Engineers in Australia are championing a sustainable, low-energy and low-cost method to break down plastics. Plastics Recycling
Polystyrene, a type of plastic that is not biodegradable has long been viewed as detrimental to the environment. So much so that countries across the world have banned the use of polystyrene in various forms.
Last year, England banned single-use plastic cutlery, balloon sticks, polystyrene cups, and food containers. They can no longer be sold in the country. The government says the supply of single-use plastic plates, trays, and bowls has also been restricted.
Recently, scientists at the University of New South Wales in Kensington, Australia have devised a low-energy, sustainable technique to break down a myriad of plastics including polystyrene. Plastics Recycling
The new technique uses a common chemical compound (also seen in high school experiments) along with sunlight and air to separate seven unique categories of polymers by 90 percent.
The process takes just 30 minutes while the reduction elevates to 97 percent after three hours, the engineers from UNSW noted in a statement.
INVISTA Completes Nylon 6,6 Capacity Expansion in Shanghai
INVISTA announced the completion of its nylon 6,6 polymer site expansion at the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP). With a total investment of 1.75 billion RMB ($240 million), the expansion doubles the site’s annual capacity to 400,000 metric tons. This increase is crucial for maximizing the value of INVISTA’s integrated nylon 6,6 value chain, meeting growing demand for high-quality products, and ensuring a stable local supply with faster market response. Plastics Recycling
The expansion event was attended by key officials from the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park, China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation, and INVISTA’s senior executives. Ruan Li, director general of SCIP, emphasized the role of INVISTA in developing an advanced and competitive nylon industry base. Pang Guanglian, executive board member of China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation, highlighted INVISTA’s leadership in technological innovation and market trends.
Nancy Kowalski, executive vice president of Upstream Nylon Global at INVISTA, noted that the expansion is a milestone in serving customers in China and globally.
It will support the development of cutting-edge solutions in engineering plastics, textiles, and industrial fibers, advancing industries like automotive, electronics, and consumer products. Plastics Recycling
The expanded site is integrated with INVISTA’s existing facilities and uses advanced polymerization technology, enhancing safety, environmental performance, and energy efficiency. The project’s construction phase successfully reduced safety risks and maintained ongoing production, achieving 5 million safe working hours without lost time injury.
This expansion reinforces INVISTA’s position as a global leader in nylon production, offering materials that meet the rising demand for high-performance products.
Plastics Recycling