Polyester recycling – Plastiverd, a Spanish company specializing in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) production, is set to maintain stable production levels at its PET plant in El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain, starting from the end of February 10-02-2024

Polyester recycling

Putin uses Tucker Carlson interview to press his Ukraine narrative

In his interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Russian President Vladimir Putin utilized the platform to advance his narrative regarding the situation in Ukraine, subtly hinting at further actions. Over the course of more than two hours, Putin confidently delivered a historical discourse intertwined with Kremlin viewpoints, largely unchallenged by Carlson. Reiterating his assertion that the invasion of Ukraine was to safeguard Russian interests and deter potential threats posed by Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, Putin skillfully steered the conversation while Carlson attempted to interject with questions.

Notably absent from Carlson’s inquiries were topics concerning alleged war crimes by Russian troops or Putin’s suppression of dissent.  Polyester recycling

Putin directed attention towards Washington, urging the cessation of arms supply to what he labeled as a U.S. “satellite,” Ukraine, and advocated for negotiations to resolve the conflict.

Dismissing Western allegations and portraying readiness for dialogue, Putin discussed potential prisoner exchanges, including the case of journalist Evan Gershkovich. The White House cautioned against taking Putin’s words at face value, highlighting his penchant for propaganda.

Russian media amplified the interview, framing it as a blow against Western propaganda. Carlson’s skepticism toward U.S. support for Ukraine, echoed by Russian outlets, reflected his distinct perspective, according to Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, Putin has limited interactions with international media, while suppressing independent voices at home.  Polyester recycling

Despite discussions surrounding potential releases, Putin emphasized the espionage charges against Gershkovich.

The Wall Street Journal reiterated Gershkovich’s status as a journalist and expressed hope for his swift return. Putin hinted at potential conditions for Gershkovich’s release, citing a parallel case involving a Russian imprisoned in a country allied with the U.S.

Overall, the interview served as a platform for Putin to reinforce his narrative on Ukraine, albeit through the lens of selective discourse and geopolitical maneuvering.

Polyester recycling

Advancing towards a cleaner energy future, the European experimental Jet reactor bids farewell with a resounding achievement

This colossal machine, designed to harness nuclear fusion—a process emulating the energy production of stars—concludes its illustrious career with a groundbreaking feat. Producing 69 megajoules of “clean” energy over 5 seconds, using a mere 0.2 milligrams of fuel, Jet sets a new pinnacle in fusion science and engineering. European experts hail this milestone during an online press conference convened by the Eurofusion consortium.

Although the realization of fusion power plants remains years away due to persistent technical and theoretical hurdles, the prospect of sustainable, clean energy from abundant resources grows nearer.  Polyester recycling

This progress owes much to the collaborative efforts of over 300 researchers across 31 countries, prominently including Italy with contributions from Enea, the National Research Council, the Rfx consortium of Padua, and various universities.

The record-setting experiment, dubbed Dte3 and conducted on October 3, 2023, marks the culmination of Jet’s 40-year tenure in Great Britain. This swan song, lauded by British Minister for Nuclear Power and Networks Andrew Bowie, surpasses Jet’s previous achievement in 2022. Inside the toroidal tokamak structure resembling a donut, a robust magnetic field confines plasma, allowing for fusion reactions. These reactions, occurring at temperatures exceeding one hundred million degrees Celsius, fuse hydrogen isotopes—deuterium and tritium—to generate helium and release energy. Polyester recycling

This triumph not only validates past efforts but also paves the way for future fusion research. Fernanda Rimini, Jet’s senior manager for exploitation, asserts the feasibility of future fusion power plants utilizing similar fuel mixes. Looking ahead, international endeavors like the Iter experimental reactor and the Demo technological demonstrator signify ambitious strides, albeit with lingering technological and theoretical uncertainties.

Acknowledging Jet’s profound impact, Pietro Barabaschi, general director of Iter, underscores its role as a precursor, shaping advancements in materials, components, and scientific data generation for fusion research. As the quest for sustainable energy presses forward, Jet’s legacy stands as a beacon of progress and possibility. Polyester recycling

Advancing towards a cleaner energy future, the European experimental Jet reactor bids farewell with a resounding achievement

De Nora will supply electrolysers for green hydrogen in Sweden

De Nora, an Italian multinational specializing in electrochemistry and a leader in sustainable technologies, has received orders through its subsidiary De Nora Deutschland GmbH from thyssenkrupp nucera AG & Co. KGaA for the supply of electrolysers. These electrolysers will be used in one of Europe’s largest water electrolysis plants, currently under construction in Sweden. The project aims to produce green hydrogen with a total installed capacity exceeding 700 MW.

This initiative is part of the ongoing collaboration under the ‘Toll Manufacturing and Services’ agreement between De Nora and thyssenkrupp nucera. According to De Nora, these orders will significantly contribute to increasing the backlog in the Energy Transition segmentPolyester recycling

The production of green hydrogen is crucial for the decarbonization of heavy industry. By utilizing green hydrogen, the project aims to reduce the carbon footprint of industrial processes compared to traditional technologies. This sustainable approach aligns with De Nora’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

CEO Paolo Dellachà expressed satisfaction with the awarding of these new orders. He emphasized the importance of this European project, highlighting its substantial production capacity and sustainability profile. De Nora’s involvement demonstrates its capability to contribute significantly to the decarbonization of traditionally hard-to-abate industrial sectors.  Polyester recycling

Polyester recycling

IoT in Textile Industry

This article highlights the role of IoT in enhancing product development, production efficiency, supply chain management, and sustainability. It addresses challenges in integration, standardisation, privacy, and cost, and outlines steps for IoT implementation in textiles, underscoring its transformative impact on innovation and sustainability.

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items that are embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity, allowing them to collect and exchange data. The implementation of IoT in the textile industry has opened new opportunities for product development, production efficiency, supply chain management, and sustainability.  Polyester recycling

The uses of IoT in the textile industry are diverse and rapidly evolving, from smart fabrics that can monitor temperature and moisture to supply chain management tools that track products throughout the production and delivery process. IoT sensors can be embedded in textiles at various stages of production, from raw materials to finished products, enabling real-time data collection and analysis to optimise product performance, reduce waste, and improve sustainability.

In recent years, the implementation of IoT in the textile industry has gained momentum, with companies investing in research and development to create new products that incorporate IoT. For example, wearable technology has become increasingly popular, with companies developing smart clothing that can monitor vital signs and track fitness activities.  Polyester recycling

Polyester recycling

Textile project presents solutions for polyester recycling

For the past three years, the ReSuit project has been pursuing a solution for textile recycling. Now, the project alliance is ready to present its positive findings.

In the past three years, we have collaborated with researchers, recycling specialists, behavioural experts, and other textile and fashion companies in the ReSuit project, Denmark’s first major textile recycling project.

ReSuit has aimed to develop new technologies that can transform textile waste into new fabrics and set new standards for fashion design, focusing on longer lifespan and improved recyclability when discarded.  Polyester recycling

Now, the project team is ready to share additional positive findings.

Two technologies

ReSuit has, among other things, proven that polyester textile waste can be recycled into new polyester textiles. Furthermore, the project has succeeded in recycling clothing waste that was previously considered difficult to recycle by using a special method where the clothing is transformed into bio-oil and chemical building blocks for the production of new polyester and plastic-based materials.

“At Bestseller, we are fully aware of the challenges in the fashion industry, but we also have the size and expertise to be part of the solution. That’s why we entered ReSuit with open eyes and an understanding that innovation plays a crucial role in transforming the fashion industry into a more sustainable one,” says Camilla Skjønning Jørgensen, Innovation Manager at Bestseller.  Polyester recycling

More…

Polyester recycling

Luca De Meo, the president of the Renault Group, recently underlined the crucial importance of the automotive sector for Europe, representing 8% of GDP and involving 13 million jobs

He highlighted that Europe faces unprecedented change in the industry, especially considering the accelerated development of the automotive sector in China. De Meo said 2023 will be remembered as the year Europe became aware of China’s predominant role in the automotive industry.

The Renault president discussed emerging challenges in the sector, including the need to reduce environmental impact, the abandonment of the combustion engine by 2035 and growing safety and cyber-security requirements. He has noticed increased volatility in the industry, due to rapid technological changes, changes in raw material prices and regulatory fluctuations.  Polyester recycling

De Meo emphasized the importance of innovation and strategic agility to face future challenges, underlining the need for business models adapted to new scenarios and investments in new technologies. He proposed the adoption of clear principles and objectives at European level and the creation of a one-stop shop for mobility and automotive regulations.

Finally, De Meo reiterated that Europe must develop a hybrid model that combines private initiative and public intervention to strengthen the continent’s competitiveness in the long term.  Polyester recycling

Luca De Meo, the president of the Renault Group, recently underlined the crucial importance of the automotive sector for Europe, representing 8% of GDP and involving 13 million jobs

Bio On is back, but it’s all new

Bio On is making a triumphant return, reinvigorated with a fresh outlook and a revamped visual identity. The resurgence of the original name, after its acquisition by the Maip group, signals a bold new chapter for the company. With a commitment to innovation at its core, the revitalized Bio On is poised to make significant strides in the realm of bioplastics.

Embracing its ethos of sustainability, the company’s logo now bears the inspiring tagline “Nature always finds a solution,” a testament to its dedication to eco-friendly polymer production.  Polyester recycling

This ethos is encapsulated in a modern logo design, symbolizing the fusion of ‘Future’ and ‘Nature’ – two inseparable concepts essential for progress and sustainability.

Operationally, Bio On’s business model focuses on intellectual property and high-value PHA material production for niche markets, alongside patent exploitation. Plans are underway to restart PHA production at the Castel San Pietro Terme plant, with the Research and Fermentation (RAF) startup slated for the first half of the year.

The company’s strategic vision extends beyond production, encompassing research and development initiatives in Cosmetic, Nanomedicine & Smart Materials (CNS). Recent acquisitions and investments in laboratory equipment underscore Bio On’s commitment to advancing innovative projects.  Polyester recycling

Founded in 2007, Bio On faced adversity with bankruptcy in 2019 but has emerged stronger under new ownership. The Maip group’s acquisition, comprising Maip, Plastotecnica, and Maip Compounding, positions Bio On for success with a diversified portfolio that includes bioplastics like the IamNature series, leveraging PHBH copolymers blended with other biopolymers.

As Bio On embarks on this exciting journey, its dedication to sustainability and innovation remains unwavering, promising a brighter, greener future in the realm of bioplastics.

Bio On is back, but it's all new

Piovan Group has recently increased its stake in Nu-Vu Conair, a joint venture established in 2007 by Conair and Nu-Vu Engineers aimed at producing auxiliary equipment for the plastics industry in India

With this acquisition, Piovan now holds a majority 51% share in the venture. Nu-Vu Conair, boasting approximately 250 employees and generating a turnover exceeding 20 million euros, operates out of a facility in Piplaj, Ahmedabad region, currently undergoing expansion. Their product range encompasses various equipment essential to polymer processing, including centralized vacuum conveying systems, dehumidifiers, chillers, and granulators.  Polyester recycling

This strategic move aligns with Piovan’s objectives to bolster its presence in India, localize production, and reinforce support for local clientele. Additionally, the company aims to capitalize on its expertise in plastic recycling technologies to comply with emerging legislation in the region. Nu-Vu Conair’s integration into Piovan’s portfolio occurred in 2022 following Piovan’s acquisition of US-based IPEG.

Partnering with Nu-Vu Engineers, a leading Indian provider of polymer processing solutions and industrial cooling systems, Piovan anticipates leveraging synergies to capitalize on India’s burgeoning market potential. Filippo Zuppichin, CEO of Piovan Group, underscores the company’s commitment to India’s growth trajectory and expresses confidence in furthering Nu-Vu Conair’s market leadership through collaborative efforts, technological advancements, and expanded market penetration.  Polyester recycling

Piovan Group has recently increased its stake in Nu-Vu Conair, a joint venture established in 2007 by Conair and Nu-Vu Engineers aimed at producing auxiliary equipment for the plastics industry in India

Plastiverd, a Spanish company specializing in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) production, is set to maintain stable production levels at its PET plant in El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain, starting from the end of February

With a production capacity of 210 thousand tons per year, the company aims to ensure production stability for commercial reasons, although the exact duration remains undisclosed.

This decision follows the successful restart of production in January after overcoming workforce shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plastiverd, acquired by the Cristian Lay Group in April 2014 from La Seda de Barcelona for around EUR 15 million, operates not only a PET plant but also facilities for ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol production, totaling approximately 200 thousand tons per year.

La Seda de Barcelona, the former owner, has operations spanning Spain, Turkey, and Italy, along with a recycling facility in Italy, and holds a significant stake in the Portuguese company Artlant PTA.  Polyester recycling

Plastiverd’s commitment to maintaining stable PET production aligns with its strategic commercial objectives and underscores its dedication to consistent output.

As part of the Cristian Lay Group conglomerate, Plastiverd contributes to the broader portfolio of operations within the petrochemical sector, reflecting the conglomerate’s diversified interests and strategic positioning in the European petrochemical landscape.

Plastiverd, a Spanish company specializing in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) production, is set to maintain stable production levels at its PET plant in El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain, starting from the end of February

PET polyester recycling – H&S completes set-up of a recycling plant for end-of-life mattresses 09-02-2024

Polyester recycling