Polyestertime

Recycled cellulosic-fibres – Japan: Scientists develop self-healing, stronger and partially biodegradable plastic 06-11-2023

Recycled cellulosic-fibres

Petrochemicals BGPET – Goldman Sachs says the Israel-Hamas war could have major implications for Europe’s economy

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Recycled cellulosic-fibres

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New partnership for recycled man-made cellulosic fibres

SaXcell and Birla Cellulose sign Memorandum of Understanding for recycled fibre production to accelerate circularity.
Textile recycling innovator SaXcell has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aditya Birla Group’s, Birla Cellulose, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of man-made cellulosic fibres. The MoU paves the way for the expansion of collaboration between the two companies for production of recycled man-made cellulosic fibres. SaXcell’s textile waste pulping technology combined with Birla’s advanced wet spinning expertise results in high quality sustainable SaXcell recycled fibres, serving the circular textile needs of customers at commercial scale.Commenting on the development, Mr Erik van der Weerd, CEO SaXcell, highlighted that this collaboration fits SaXcell’s vision to set up a robust circular textile supply chain based on partnership and mutual commitment. He explains: “To address today’s social and environmental challenges of the textile industry, global collaboration is imperative.  Recycled cellulosic-fibres
We need to facilitate a change from a linear to a circular economy and we need to do it now. SaXcell’s and Birla’s combined innovation force and production power offer a great opportunity to create real impact.”Commenting on this circularity and sustainability focussed collaboration, Dr. Aspi Patel, Chief Technology Officer, Aditya Birla Group and Birla Cellulose, points out: ”Birla Cellulose is strongly committed to support innovators for expanding circular fibre offerings in the textile and non-woven value chain. We have been exploring innovative business models and partnerships, this collaboration is one such initiative, where we aim to help SaXcell leapfrog from pilot to commercial demonstration scale.  Recycled cellulosic-fibres
Such partnerships will play an increasingly important role in accelerating circularity in global textile value chain.”SaXcell B.V. is an innovative technology development company that recycles used textiles into feedstock for making new and sustainable man-made cellulosic fibres. Creating the new fibres requires less water, land and chemicals. A team of researchers from Saxion University of Applied Science in Enschede started with SaXcell B.V. in 2015. After extensively testing and improving the technology, a pilot factory was successfully built in 2020. By 2024 SaXcell will further expand by building a Small Scale Production plant in Enschede, The Netherlands.
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BMW showcases own battery to tackle Tesla

BMW starts making new battery cells that outperform Tesla’s BMW has begun producing its new Gen 6 battery cells, which will power its upcoming Neue Klasse electric vehicles.

The German car maker says its battery cells are better than Tesla’s in both performance and sustainability.

The Gen 6 battery cells are cylindrical and have a diameter of 46 mm. They come in two heights, 95 mm or 120 mm, depending on the capacity.

This shape helps to optimize the space and weight of the battery pack, which will be built into the vehicle structure.  Recycled cellulosic-fibres

The Gen 6 battery cells will also have a voltage of 800 volts, which will enable faster charging and higher efficiency.

BMW claims its Gen 6 battery cells will provide a 30% increase in range over the previous generation, thanks to higher energy density and improved thermal management.

Moreover, the German company says it has cut CO2 emissions in cell production by 60%, using renewable energy and recycled materials.

The Bavarian company also plans to introduce solid-state batteries by 2030, which will further boost energy density by 20%.

The first cars to use Gen 6 battery cells will be the Neue Klasse models, which will launch in 2025.  Recycled cellulosic-fibres

This is a new exclusive electric platform, which will include a compact sedan, a sporty SUV, a crossover and a station wagon.

BMW aims to sell more than 10 million electric vehicles by 2030, with a market share of 25%.

Recycled cellulosic-fibres

Japan: Scientists develop self-healing, stronger and partially biodegradable plastic

Scientists in Japan have developed a new version of plastic which is not just stronger and stretchier than the traditional version but also partially biodegradable. Besides, it can remember complex shapes which can be restored once it is heated.

Now, researchers at the University of Tokyo have successfully created “sustainable plastic,” which is based on an epoxy resin vitrimer. Recycled cellulosic-fibres

What are vitrimers?

Vitrimers represent a relatively recent category of plastics known for their impressive strength at low temperatures, while also possessing the unique ability to be reshaped numerous times when exposed to higher temperatures.

Nonetheless, they do have a notable drawback – extreme brittleness, as they cannot be stretched far before breaking.

To address this issue, researchers introduced a molecule called polyrotaxane into the plastic synthesis process, resulting in a novel plastic variant they’ve dubbed VPR, an abbreviation for “vitrimer incorporated with polyrotaxane.”

At lower temperatures, VPR’s robust internal chemical bonds maintain its rigid shape, but as temperatures rise, to around 150 degrees Celsius, these bonds start to recombine, allowing the material to take on different forms.  Recycled cellulosic-fibres

Moreover, when heat and a solvent are applied to VPR, it readily breaks down into its constituent components. Submerging VPR in seawater for 30 days also led to a 25 per cent biodegradation, with the polyrotaxane breaking down into a potential food source for marine life.

Self-healing properties

“VPR is over five times as resistant to breaking as a typical epoxy resin vitrimer,” said Professor Shota Ando, a project research associate at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Sciences.

“It also repairs itself 15 times as fast, can recover its original memorised shape twice as fast and can be chemically recycled 10 times as fast as the typical vitrimer.

It even biodegrades safely in a marine environment, which is new for this material,” Ando added.  Recycled cellulosic-fibres

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Japan: Scientists develop self-healing, stronger and partially biodegradable plastic

High-purity rPET for new bottles

Croatia’s accession to the European Union has also given a significant boost to the topic of recycling, among other things.

Varisort sorting systems with FLASH technology for inspecting the bottle material for special colours (silver, opaq, TiO2 coloured) and for detecting bottles with a very low colour saturation.  Recycled cellulosic-fibres

Since then, the aim has been to implement the EU’s waste directives and current targets and, above all, to drive forward the circular economy to a national level. The EU target of recycling more than 65 percent of the municipal waste generated by 2035 has paved the way for a sustainable circular economy.

Plastic packaging manufacturers as an active part of the circular economy

An example from the field of plastic packaging shows that especially the distributors and manufacturers of such packaging who see it as their duty to make their contribution to the circular economy and thus to environmental protection and resource conservation. The aim is to use recycled PET material in the production of PET beverage packaging and to continuously increase its share. When using recycled PET, purity is the decisive factor. Only pure and high-quality recyclate can be used for a wide range of new products and especially for beverage packaging.  Recycled cellulosic-fibres

rPET pellets of the highest quality for use in the food sector

Austrian beverage producer Steinrieser and the newly founded Austrian-Croatian trading company for beverage production KIS pica have joined forces to set up a PET recycling plant in the Donja Dubrava region of Croatia to reprocess disposed plastic bottles.

The PET recycling plant REKIS produces up to 18,000 metric tons of high-quality rPET pellets annually, which is then reused for the production of beverage bottles. In Croatia, plastic bottles are collected via the existing deposit system, but also via municipal collection points. In addition, REKIS sources collected plastic bottles from Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

The material is delivered pressed into bales, separated and forwarded via an eddy current separator for separation from aluminium cans. To obtain pure PET material for use in the food sector from the plastic bottles processed in this way, a multi-stage sorting process follows.  Recycled cellulosic-fibres

At REKIS, multisensor sorting systems from Sesotec are used to reliably separate plastic bottles and, in a further step, plastic flakes by type. This is the prerequisite for obtaining high-quality rPET pellets.

Presorting with Varisort+ multisensor sorting systems

In the first step, the bottles pass through the Varisort+ multisensor sorting system. Positive sorting of clear PET bottles takes place: PET plastic bottles and clear bottles are removed and sent to the next sorting stage. Unwanted plastic bottles are actively suppressed and were then sent to the return sorting stage with all other materials.

The advantage of this sorting process is that the target fraction is positively identified and collected. All other materials, such as stones, etc., are removed and no longer interfere with further processing.  Recycled cellulosic-fibres

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High-purity rPET for new bottles

APLA ’23: Brazil’s PE supply concerns rise as demand ticks higher

Brazil’s concerns about short supply of polyethylene (PE) in the fourth quarter continue mounting as imports could fall while demand is expected to rise slightly heading into this year’s annual meeting of the Latin America Petrochemical Association (APLA).

  • Weather conditions could affect imports into Brazil
  • Planned maintenance shutdowns to affect domestic supply
  • Imports into Argentina heavily curtailed

Until August, PE supply was not a concern for the Brazilian chemicals market, but a drought in Brazil’s northern states has changed the scenario.

DROUGHT IN THE NORTH…
The inland Port of Manaus, in the state of Amazonas, is one of the main gateways for PE into Brazil; the region has large converters and is a free trade zone, making imports more competitive.  Recycled cellulosic-fibres

However, the region has been struggling with a severe drought, causing the Port of Manaus – where the rivers Negro and Amazonas meet – to record its lowest water level in 121 years.

The Port recorded a water level of 13.59 metres in mid-October, the lowest level since records began in 1902 and well below the previous record lows of 2010.

Many shipping companies have ceased their services to the Amazonas state capital because, in some critical passage points, the water has reached a level that makes it impossible to continue maritime operations.

Many cargoes on board vessels bound for Manaus will have to be unloaded in other ports like Pecem and Vila do Conde, but it remains unclear when these cargoes will be re-embarked to Manaus.  Recycled cellulosic-fibres

According to one distributor, this situation has caused many converters to transfer their production to plants located in other regions, thus generating an “artificial” demand for PE due to the impossibility of receiving imports in Manaus and shipping finished products from there to other regions.

Another source said this situation should only improve in Q1 2024, causing a large volume of backlogged cargo to land in Manaus next year, while a local converter said it expects the situation to improve in November.

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APLA ’23: Brazil’s PE supply concerns rise as demand ticks higher

Berlin Packaging and APR partner to assess recyclability of PET bottles

The initiative will allow participating companies to receive the APR’s Design Recognition verification. Recycled cellulosic-fibres

Berlin Packaging has collaborated with US-based non-profit organisation the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) to introduce a sample bottle programme.

The programme aims to assist in the designing and testing of recyclable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic packaging.

Berlin Packaging, a hybrid packaging solutions provider, is a member of the APR.

As part of this effort, Berlin Packaging is required to send small quantities of PET bottles to undergo recyclability test protocols at third-party testing laboratories to secure the APR’s Design for Recyclability Recognition.  Recycled cellulosic-fibres

This guide is designed to help companies ensure that the design of their packaging is fully recyclable and can easily be converted into high-quality, post-consumer recycled content.

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Berlin Packaging and APR partner to assess recyclability of PET bottles

Recycled cellulosic-fibres

Mechanically recycled plastic – Multiple mixed plastic polymers depolymerized by single catalyst in new scientific development 04-11-2023

Petrochemicals BGPET – Goldman Sachs says the Israel-Hamas war could have major implications for Europe’s economy 06-11-2023

Petrochemicals BGPET

Petrochemicals BGPET

  • Polymers : PET – r-PET – Filament grade semidull chips -Filament grade bright chips – Ny6 – Ny66 – PP
  • Feedstocks  PX – PTA – MEG – CPL – Adipic Acid – Benzene – ACN – Ethylene – Phenol – Naphtha
  • Textile : Polyester POY – DTY – FDY – PSF – Recycled Polyester POY – Nylon POY – DTY – FDY Spandex 20-30-40 -Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  Acrylic Staple Fiber 

Petrochemicals BGPET

Petrochemicals BGPET

Polyestertime
ITEM 30/10/2023 06/11/2023 +/-
Bottle grade PET chips domestic market 6,900 yuan/ton 6,900 yuan/ton
Bottle grade PET chips export market 885 $/ton 880 $/ton -5
Filament grade Semidull chips domestic market 6,790 yuan/ton 6,780 yuan/ton -10
Filament grade Bright chips domestic market 6,830 yuan/ton 6,830 yuan/ton
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA domestic market 5,900 yuan/ton 5,890 yuan/ton -10
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA export market 730 $/ton 740 $/ton +10
Monoethyleneglycol MEG domestic market 4,070 yuan/ton 4,080 yuan/ton +10
Monoethyleneglycol MEG export market 468 $/ton 470 $/ton +2
Paraxylene PX FOB  Taiwan market

Petrochemicals BGPET

1,014 $/ton 1,031 $/ton
+17
Paraxylene PX FOB  Korea market 991 $/ton 1,008 $/ton +17
Paraxylene PX FOB EU market 1,150 $/ton 1,150 $/ton
Polyester filament POY 150D/48F domestic market 7,400  yuan/ton 7,280 yuan/ton
-120
Recycled Polyester filament POY  domestic market 7,550 yuan/ton 7,550 yuan/ton
Polyester filament DTY 150D/48 F domestic market 8,700 yuan/ton 8,650 yuan/ton -50
Polyester filament FDY 68D24F

Petrochemicals BGPET

8,750 yuan/ton 8,700 yuan/ton -50
Polyester filament FDY 150D/96F domestic market 8,050 yuan/ton 7,950 yuan/ton -100
Polyester staple fiber 1.4D 38mm domestic market 7,500 yuan/ton 7,450 yuan/ton -50
Caprolactam CPL domestic market 12,750 yuan/ton 12,825 yuan/ton
+75
Caprolactam CPL overseas  market 1,600 $/ton 1,600 $/ton
Nylon 6 chips overseas  market 1,830 $/ton 1,830 $/ton
Nylon 6 chips conventional spinning domestic  market 13,750 yuan/ton 13,800 yuan/ton +50
Nylon 6 chips  high speed spinning domestic  market

Petrochemicals BGPET

13,900 yuan/ton 14,050 yuan/ton +150
Nylon 6.6 chips domestic  market 19,700 yuan/ton 20,000 yuan/ton +300
Nylon6 Filament POY 86D/24F domestic  market 16,100 yuan/ton 16,150 yuan/ton +50
Nylon6 Filament DTY 70D/24F domestic  market 18,250 yuan/ton 18,300 yuan/ton- +50
Nylon6 Filament FDY  70D/24F  17,250 yuan/ton 17,200 yuan/ton -50
Spandex 20D  domestic  market

Petrochemicals r-Polyester

36,500 yuan/ton 36,500 yuan/ton
Spandex 30D  domestic  market 35,000 yuan/ton 35,000 yuan/ton
Spandex 40D  domestic  market  32,000 yuan/ton 32,000 yuan/ton
Adipic Acid domestic market 9,300 yuan/ton 9,150 yuan/ton -150
Benzene domestic market

Petrochemicals BGPET

8,340 yuan/ton 7,940 yuan/ton -400
Benzene overseas  market 911 $/ton 905 $/ton -6
Ethylene South East market 970 $/ton 945 $/ton -25
Ethylene NWE market 679 $/ton 717 $/ton +38
Acrylonitrile ACN  domestic market

Petrochemicals BGPET

9,500 yuan/ton 9,700 yuan/ton +200
Acrylonitrile ACN  overseas market 1,200 $/ton 1,200 $/ton
Acrylic staple fiber ASF  domestic market 14,600 yuan/ton 14,600 yuan/ton
Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  domestic market 13,350 yuan/ton 13,200 yuan/ton -150
PP Powder domestic market

Petrochemicals BGPET

7,350 yuan/ton 7,350 yuan/ton
Naphtha overseas market  658 $/ton 658 $/ton
Phenol domestic market 8,425 yuan/ton 7,812 yuan/ton -613

r-PET high end eco-friendly chips =7,800 yuan/ton 7,900 yuan/ton   –

 

Petrochemicals BGPET

Goldman Sachs says the Israel-Hamas war could have major implications for Europe’s economy

  • The ongoing Israel-Hamas war could affect European economies via lower regional trade, tighter financial conditions, higher energy prices and lower consumer confidence, Goldman Sachs said.
  • Concerns are growing among economists that the conflict could spill over and engulf the Middle East, with Israel and Lebanon exchanging missiles, as Israel continues to bombard Gaza.

The Israel-Hamas war could have a significant impact on economic growth and inflation in the euro zone unless energy price pressures remain contained, according to Goldman Sachs.

The ongoing hostilities could affect European economies via lower regional trade, tighter financial conditions, higher energy prices and lower consumer confidence, Europe Economics Analyst Katya Vashkinskaya highlighted in a research note Wednesday.

Concerns are growing among economists that the conflict could spill over and engulf the Middle East, with Israel and Lebanon exchanging missiles as Israel continues to bombard Gaza, resulting in massive civilian casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

Although the tensions could affect European economic activity via lower trade with the Middle East, Vashkinskaya highlighted that the continent’s exposure is limited, given that the euro area exports around 0.4% of the GDP to Israel and its neighbors, while the British trade exposure is less than 0.2% of the GDP.

She noted that tighter financial conditions could weigh on growth and exacerbate the existing drag on economic activity from higher interest rates in both the euro area and the U.K. However, Goldman does not see a clear pattern between financial conditions and previous episodes of tension in the Middle East

The most important and potentially impactful way in which tensions could spill over into the European economy is through oil and gas markets, Vashkinskaya sai“Since the current conflict broke out, commodities markets have seen increased volatility, with Brent crude oil and European natural gas prices up by around 9% and 34% at the peak respectively,” she said.

Goldman’s commodities team assessed a set of downside scenarios in which oil prices could rise by between 5% and 20% above the baseline, depending on the severity of the oil supply shock.

“A persistent 10% oil price increase usually reduces Euro area real GDP by about 0.2% after one year and boosts consumer prices by almost 0.3pp over this time, with similar effects observed in the U.K.,” Vashkinskaya said.

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Goldman Sachs says the Israel-Hamas war could have major implications for Europe’s economy

Mechanically recycled plastic – Multiple mixed plastic polymers depolymerized by single catalyst in new scientific development 04-11-2023

Mechanically recycled plastic

Borealis anticipates expanded mechanically recycled plastic compounding capacity in closed Rialti acquisition

Borealis has successfully closed a deal to acquire recycled polypropylene compound producer Rialti in a move set to boost its portfolio of PP compounds based on mechanical recyclates by 50,000 tons annually.

Rialti produces polypropylene compounds with a focus on mechanically recycled PP feedstock from post-industrial and post-consumer waste. With its annual capacity of 50,000 tons, it makes injection moulding and extrusion PP compounds for the automotive, appliances, and construction industries, among others.  Mechanically recycled plastic

After signing the agreement to acquire Rialti back in June, Borealis anticipates that the subsequent improvement in capacity will help to expand its PP compounding business and increase its volume of compounds based on mechanical recyclates. In turn, it expects to provide a wider range of sustainability-minded, high-performance solutions, meet customer demand, and help close the loop on a circular economy.

“Mechanical recycling is a key component of our integrated circular cascade model, which is a cornerstone of our future-positive transformation and path to net zero,” says Lucrèce Foufopoulos, Borealis executive vice president Polyolefins, Circularity and Innovation & Technology. “The acquisition of Rialti provides a vital expansion of our recyclate-based PP compound capacity, and marks another critical step on our path to reinventing essentials for sustainable living.”  Mechanically recycled plastic

Massimo Dal Toso, CEO of Rialti, adds: “Borealis is at the forefront of our industry’s mission to advance plastics circularity. With the closing of this transaction, I am pleased to see Rialti’s capacity and expertise contributing to this endeavour.

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Mechanically recycled plastic

CompPair healable composites, recycled carbon fibers featured in ID Genève luxury watch

HealTech prepregs enable 400x faster regenerative properties for the new Circular C product, along with incorporation of industrial waste fibers for a sustainable touch.

The newly launched Circular C watch by ID Genève (Geneva, Switzerland) is claimed to be the first regenerative watch that has been designed with CompPair Technologies’ (Renens) healable composite technology, HealTech, produced with prepregs made from recycled carbon fibers sourced from industrial waste.  Mechanically recycled plastic

The dial, side decorations and bezel of the watch are all comprised of HealTech prepregs, which are capable of repairing scratches and internal cracks up to 400x faster than industrial standards. Initially intended for sports, leisure and aerospace components, CompPair’s smart material has also proved its appeal in the luxury sector.

“CompPair’s vision is to extend the lifetime of composites to reduce maintenance operations and waste, as well as improve circularity, in line with ID Genève’s vision,” Amaël Cohades, CEO and cofounder of CompPair, says. “Through this work, we are demonstrating the use of our healable resins with recycled carbon fibers, that can be applied to various other applications.”  Mechanically recycled plastic

CompPair aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy with a product enabling ultrafast repair and cost reductions. The company is developing innovative resins which produce composite structures that can heal damage on-site in 1 minute. Together with ID Genève, CompPair has taken its technology one step further by combining it with recycled fibers, combining innovation with sustainability.

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recycled carbon fibers

Multiple mixed plastic polymers depolymerized by single catalyst in new scientific development

Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a catalytic process that can apparently deconstruct multiple polymers in mixed plastic streams back down to their building blocks – a development set to cut down on energy use, fossil fuel consumption, and carbon emissions, among other benefits.

According to ORNL, almost 90% of mixed consumer plastics are buried in landfills or incinerated at commercial facilities, regardless of whether they enter waste or recycling streams. This is attributed to the cheaper alternative of making new plastics rather than collecting, sorting, and recycling existing ones.  Mechanically recycled plastic

In response, ORNL has combined chemical design, neutron scattering, and computing to develop a new recycling process.

It utilizes a catalyst to deconstruct multiple polymers in mixed plastics back into monomers. This process is said to take place over approximately two hours and is thought to be the first single catalytic treatment capable of deconstructing PET, polyurethanes, polyamides, and polycarbonates – all of which make up around 30% of global plastic production, the researchers claim.

An analysis published in the scientific journal Materials Horizons suggests that the new catalyst would call for up to 94% less energy input, generate up to 95% fewer greenhouse gases, and reduce fossil fuel consumption by up to 96%. It is set to replace harsh chemicals in polymer deconstruction and provide good selectivity, thermal stability, nonvolatility, and low flammability.  Mechanically recycled plastic

ORNL synthetic polymer chemist and author Tomonori Saito explained: “Our approach involves a tailored synthetic organocatalyst — a compound comprised of small organic molecules that facilitate organic chemical transformations. The organocatalyst can convert batches of mixed plastic waste into valuable monomers for reuse in producing commercial-grade plastics and other valuable materials.

“This exceptionally efficient chemical process can help close the loop for recycling mixed plastics by replacing first-use monomers with recycled monomers.

“Today, nearly all plastics are made from fossil fuels using first-use monomers made by energy-intensive processes. Establishing this kind of closed-loop recycling, if used globally, could reduce annual energy consumption by about 3.5 billion barrels of oil.”

ORNL’s Spallation Neutron Source has also used small-angle neutron scattering to confirm that waste plastics had been deconstructed into monomers. In this process, neutrons are scattered at small angles to gauge structures at different levels of detail, e.g., nanometres or fractions of a micrometre.  Mechanically recycled plastic

Plastics are deconstructed at different temperatures by the organocatalyst. This enables individual monomers to be sequentially and separately recovered in a reusable form, as PET deconstructs at 180°C, polyamides at 210°C, polyurethanes at 160°C, and polycarbonates at 130°C.

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Mechanically recycled plastic

Plastic-eating bacteria turn waste into useful starting materials for other products

Mountains of used plastic bottles get thrown away every day, but microbes could potentially tackle this problem. Now, researchers in ACS Central Science report that they’ve developed a plastic-eating E. coli that can efficiently turn polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste into adipic acid, which is used to make nylon materials, drugs and fragrances.  Mechanically recycled plastic

Previously, a team of researchers including Stephen Wallace engineered a strain of E. coli to transform the main component in old PET bottles, terephthalic acid, into something tastier and more valuable: the vanilla flavor compound vanillin. At the same time, other researchers engineered microbes to metabolize terephthalic acid into a variety of small molecules, including short acids. So, Wallace and a new team from the University of Edinburgh wanted to expand E. coli’s biosynthetic pathways to include the metabolism of terephthalic acid into adipic acid, a feedstock for many everyday products that’s typically generated from fossil fuels using energy-intensive processes.

The team developed a new E. coli strain that produced enzymes that could transform terephthalic acid into compounds such as muconic acid and adipic acid.

Then, to transform the muconic acid into adipic acid, they used a second type of E. coli, which produced hydrogen gas, and a palladium catalyst. Mechanically recycled plastic

In experiments, the team found that attaching the engineered microbial cells to alginate hydrogel beads improved their efficiency, and up to 79% of the terephthalic acid was converted into adipic acid. Using real-world samples of terephthalic acid from a discarded bottle and a coating taken from waste packaging labels, the engineered E. coli system efficiently produced adipic acid. In the future, the researchers say they will look for pathways to biosynthesize additional higher-value products.

The authors acknowledge funding from the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland; the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre; a Future Leaders Fellowship from UK Research and Innovation; and an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Sustainable Manufacturing grant. Mechanically recycled plastic

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Plastic-eating bacteria turn waste into useful starting materials for other products

Huntsman suspends EV battery materials because of Chinese imports

Huntsman is suspending a project that would produce ultra-pure ethylene carbonate (UPEC) used in the batteries of electric vehicles because of aggressive imports from China, which has caused pricing to fall by 75%, said the company.

“The current level of pricing will not generate the returns we would expect, and we took the difficult decision to suspend the project,” the company said in prepared remarks about its Q3 earnings.  Mechanically recycled plastic

Once Huntsman sees signs that pricing for UPEC will improve, it can complete the project within 12 months.

Huntsman is the only producer of ultra-pure ethylene carbonate in North America. The company had planned to raise UPEC capacity to up to 20,000 tonnes/year at its plant in Conroe, Texas. The project would have been completed by the end of this year.

Huntsman suspends EV battery materials because of Chinese imports

SK Geo Centric to build a pyrolysis plant in Dangjin with Plastic Energy

■ SK Geo Centric signed an MOU with UK-based Plastic Energy in Germany to establish a pyrolysis plant in Dangjin, Chungcheongnam-do Province, Korea on October 31  Mechanically recycled plastic

■ With the plant’s geographical advantage, proximity to the Seoul metropolitan area and Chungcheong-do regions, the plant is anticipated to create a synergy for waste plastic recycling in collaboration with the Ulsan ARC

■ SK Geo Centric CEO Na Kyung-soo stated, “The establishment and operation of the pyrolysis plant will contribute to establishing a circular economy system”

SK Geo Centric joins forces with Plastic Energy, the UK-based plastic pyrolysis specialist, to build a waste plastic pyrolysis plant in Dangjin, Chungcheongnam-do province. The plant is the second domestic pyrolysis plant after the Ulsan ARC (Advanced Recycling Cluster), which is under construction in the southern district of Ulsan with the goal of operations in 2025.

The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the construction of the Pyrolysis Plant 2 in Frankfurt, Germany on October 31 (local time). According to the MOU, the companies will establish a joint venture and construct a pyrolysis facility in the Songsan-2 Foreign Investment Zone in Dangjin. The specific timeline for construction and plant operation will be determined through future discussions between the two companies. The annual waste plastic processing capacity of Pyrolysis Plant 2 is planned to be 66,000 tons.  Mechanically recycled plastic

As the second plant will be located near the Seoul metropolitan area and Chungcheong regions, not only will its locational feature facilitate efficient waste collection from these areas, there is also the potential connection with the Ulsan ARC. The pyrolysis oil produced at Pyrolysis Plant 2 is expected to be further refined at the Ulsan ARC’s pyrolysis oil post-treatment facility for use in petrochemical processes.

Pyrolysis oil is created by heating waste plastics and discarded vinyl at high temperatures, and it is considered a crude oil substitute. Therefore, it is regarded as a crucial element in the circular economy for waste plastics, as it can be used in petrochemical processes to produce new petrochemical products. This process is also referred to as “Urban Oil Field” as it is extracting crude oil from waste materials.  Mechanically recycled plastic

Last year, SK Geo Centric continued its collaborative relationship with Plastic Energy by signing a Heads of Agreement (HOA) for the construction of a waste plastic pyrolysis plant in the Ulsan ARC. Building on Plastic Energy’s experience in operating stable pyrolysis plants in places including Seville, Spain, and its accumulated technology patents, the partnership aims to open up an era of a circular economy for waste plastics in South Korea.

SK Geo Centric CEO Na Kyung-soo said, “Following Ulsan, operating a waste plastic pyrolysis plant in Dangjin will significantly contribute to establishing a circular economy system in Korea.”  Mechanically recycled plastic

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SK Geo Centric to build a pyrolysis plant in Dangjin with Plastic Energy

Celanese, the US-based engineered materials producer, has unveiled its plan to cease operations at its nylon 6,6 and high-performance nylon manufacturing facilities located in Uentrop, Germany

The decision to shut down these production units is primarily attributed to mounting operational costs, a move intended to bolster the company’s financial stability. On Tuesday, Celanese initiated the consultation process with both the works council and the labor union, marking the initial steps in the closure procedure.

This strategic decision involves a meticulous timeline, with the company aiming to conclude the shutdown by the year 2024. It represents a significant operational shift and is anticipated to come with substantial financial implications.

The estimated cost of the plant closures is projected to range between USD 110 million and USD 125 million. This substantial expenditure encompasses a variety of expenses, such as decommissioning equipment, managing inventory, and addressing environmental concerns.  Mechanically recycled plastic

Furthermore, a crucial aspect of this process is the termination of the employees currently working at the Uentrop facility. While the company has made efforts to streamline the process and ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible for its workforce, the exact costs related to employee termination remain uncertain. The financial intricacies of severance packages, pensions, and other associated expenses are yet to be fully determined.

This decision has come as a response to the evolving economic landscape and changing market dynamics. Celanese, like many other global companies, faces the challenge of managing production costs and optimizing its global footprint to stay competitive in the industry. The decision to shut down these plants is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and enhance profitability.  Mechanically recycled plastic

The impact of this closure extends beyond the financial realm. It also raises questions about the livelihoods and future employment opportunities of the workers at the Uentrop facility. The consultation process with the works council and union is crucial in ensuring that the interests of the employees are taken into account as the shutdown proceeds. It is a challenging and complex process that requires a delicate balance between cost management and social responsibility.

In the meantime, Celanese remains committed to maintaining its dividend payout to its stockholders. The company’s dividend, which is a distribution of profits to its shareholders, is set to be paid out in 2023. The dividend is payable to stockholders who were recorded as such by October 30, 2023.  Mechanically recycled plastic

As the shutdown plan progresses, Celanese will continue to navigate the complexities associated with the facility closures and the accompanying financial challenges. The company’s focus remains on adapting to the ever-changing industrial landscape while also fulfilling its obligations to its employees and shareholders. The eventual impact of this strategic decision on Celanese’s financial health and market position will be closely watched by industry observers and investors alike.

Celanese, the US-based engineered materials producer, has unveiled its plan to cease operations at its nylon 6,6 and high-performance nylon manufacturing facilities located in Uentrop, Germany

Plastic waste – Signal: carmakers boost EV battery supply chains via recycling partnerships 03-11-2023

Mechanically recycled plastic

Plastic waste – Signal: carmakers boost EV battery supply chains via recycling partnerships 03-11-2023

Plastic waste

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Axens, IFPEN and JEPLAN announce the start-up operation of Rewind® PET semi-industrial unit in Japan for the chemical recycling of PET

Axens, IFPEN and JEPLAN entered into a partnership in 2020 to develop and license an innovative recycling process, called Rewind® PET, that can be used to recycle all types of waste Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), especially those difficult to recycle mechanically. With the support of the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), this collaboration has resulted in the construction, commissioning and recent start-up of their Rewind® PET semi-industrial unit, which modifies and expands JEPLAN’s existing Kitakyushu Hibikinada Pilot (KHP) demonstration plant, in Kitakyushu-city, Japan. The production capacity of the Rewind® PET semi-industrial unit keeps the same capacity of the KHP demonstration plant before modifications, at one thousand tons per annum (1 KTA).  Plastic waste

The aim of this unit is to show future industrial customers how the innovative PET recycling process, developed by the three partners, can be integrated into their own production and recycling facilities. This is a key step for the three partners in view of the commercialisation (licensing) by Axens, which is intended to start by the end of 2023 once the process has been fully validated. The Rewind® PET process will produce a high-quality, virgin-like, recycled PET, suitable for all PET applications including food contact packaging or textiles. An event was held at the semi-industrial unit on October 24th to celebrate its launch.

An innovative process for the chemical recycling of PET

The innovative Rewind® PET process involves a continuous depolymerization of PET by glycolysis, followed by a deep purification of the obtained monomer, BHET (Bis(2-Hydroxyethyl) terephthalate).  Plastic waste

Its major advantage for manufacturers lies in its ability to separate all additives and colorants to restore a pure BHET monomer, which can easily be polymerized again in existing (or new) polymerization plants. It can be used to process all types of waste PET, including coloured and opaque bottles, multilayer trays, packaging film and polyester textiles. This innovation is the result of more than 10 years of development at Axens, IFPEN and JEPLAN, and of the synergy established by the three partners for over three years now. It will greatly help the PET industry meet its targets for the integration of recycled materials, complementing mechanical recycling.

This will also contribute to reaching Europe’s target of 30% recycled content in PET-made packaging by 2030.  Plastic waste

Promoting a circular plastics chain

More….

Plastic waste

Ascend returns to Plastimagen with innovative new materials for Latin America

Ascend Performance Materials will showcase how it is advancing together with its customers through new products for e-mobility and sustainable materials at Plastimagen this week. In its first Plastimagen exhibition since expanding compound production to Latin America, the company will exhibit its engineered materials portfolio, including:

  • New grades of the award-winning Vydyne® AVS, which provide tunable frequency damping for automakers looking to reduce vehicle noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) at the source.  Plastic waste
  • Further advances in Starflam® X-Protect, a family of PA66 compounds capable of withstanding direct flame exposure up to 1,100°C for 15 minutes – mitigating the risk of a thermal runaway to EV passenger safety. Starflam X-Protect recently passed UL 2596, a safety test for EV battery enclosure materials, and is an ideal material for use as busbar insulation, connectors and flame barriers.
  • A growing portfolio of ReDefyne certified circular polyamide compounds with up to 100% pre- and post-consumer recycled feedstock, specially formulated to help customers reduce the carbon footprint of their products without compromising performance. The ReDefyne portfolio can help meet the circularity objectives laid down in the European Commission’s proposed end-of-life vehicle regulationPlastic waste

“A truly innovative product portfolio makes this event exciting for us,” said Steve Manning, senior business director, engineering plastics. “Our new materials and technical support are helping customers design high-performance, sustainable products quickly and reliably.”

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Plastic waste

Signal: carmakers boost EV battery supply chains via recycling partnerships

Auto OEMs are partnering with EV battery recyclers, as they seek to secure better raw materials access and improve ESG profiles.

utch automaker Stellantis announced on 24 October that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with US-based Orano to establish a joint venture for recycling end-of-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The move, Stellantis said, is calculated to strengthen the company’s position in the EV battery value chain by granting them “additional access to cobalt, nickel and lithium necessary for electrification and energy transition.”

This is just the latest in a series of joint ventures between automakers and EV battery recycling firms, as the former seek to shore up their supply chains against projected raw material shortages and boost the environmental, social and governance (ESG) profiles of their batteries.  Plastic waste

Earlier this month, South Korea’s Kia established a public-private partnership with North Gyeongsang Provincial Government and Gyeongbuk Technopark to build a battery recycling ecosystem, and, last month, Volvo announced a partnership with Newcastle-based Connected Energy to recycle its commercial EV fleet batteries.

And the list goes on. Earlier this year, Honda inked agreements with two leading US-based battery recycling companies, Cirba Solutions and Ascend Elements, in a move calculated to bring the automaker closer to its 2050 carbon neutrality goal. Indeed, Andreas Breiter, partner at the global management consulting firm McKinsey & Co., notes that using recycled battery materials for EV batteries equates to approximately 25% lower carbon emissions versus virgin mineral extraction.  Plastic waste

In March, meanwhile, Germany’s Mercedes-Benz joined forces with three Chinese companies, including China’s largest battery maker CATL, to form a “closed loop” battery recycling project.

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Plastic waste

PET recycling claims ‘mislead consumers’

Claims that PET bottles are ‘100% recyclable’ or ‘100% recycled’ are likely to mislead consumers, a report by consultancy Eunomia Research & Consulting says.

Working with environmental groups ClientEarth, the Environmental Coalition on Standards and Zero Waste Europe, Eunomia said PET was “not currently a circular material within even the best recycling systems in Europe” in its report 100% Greenwash? Green Claims on PET Beverage Bottles in Europe.

ClientEarth’s Rosa Pritchard said: “This report clearly demonstrates that ‘plastic bottle circularity’ is a myth.”  Plastic waste

Assertions about the sustainability of PET beverage bottles did “not reflect reality” and potentially breached consumer protection law by making bogus claims, Eunomia said.

The report investigated examples of claims and found the term ‘recyclable’ was ambiguous and should not be placed on bottles. It recommended instead that labels should provide consumers with clear instructions on how to dispose of packaging.

Claims that PET bottles were ‘100% recycled’ might not account for all the components, since caps and labels “are rarely, if ever, made from recycled content”.

The authors conclude that PET beverage bottles should not be marketed in ways that that imply circularity or sustainability.  Plastic waste

Andy Grant, Eunomia technical director, said: “PET beverage bottles should not be marketed using language or imagery that states or implies circularity, sustainability and/or climate neutrality.

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PET recycling claims ‘mislead consumers’

REPORT | Chemical Recycling: A Dangerous Deception

Chemical recycling — or what the industry likes to call “advanced recycling” — is increasingly touted as a solution to the plastic waste problem, but a landmark new report from Beyond Plastics and IPEN shows this technology hasn’t worked for decades, it’s still failing, and it threatens the environment, the climate, human health, and environmental justice. This comprehensive report features an investigation of all 11 constructed chemical recycling facilities in the United States, their output, their financial backing, and their contribution to environmental pollution.  Plastic waste

The petrochemical and plastics industries have been aggressively working across America to pass state laws that reclassify chemical recycling facilities as manufacturing rather than waste facilities, which reduces regulation of these polluting plants and allows the companies to grab more public subsidies. As of this report’s release, 24 states have passed such laws. Just like mechanical recycling, chemical recycling is an industry marketing tactic to distract from the real solution to the plastic problem: reducing how much plastic is produced in the first place.

Deregulating and incentivizing chemical recycling is a dangerous trend with environmental and human health repercussions, though it’s not surprising when you consider how little information is publicly available about what chemical recycling actually does, how it does it, who it affects, how little plastic it removes from the waste stream, and how little product is actually produced.

This report unmasks chemical recycling’s history of failure, its lack of viability, and its harms so that others, especially lawmakers and regulators, can see this pseudo-solution for what it is: smoke and mirrors.  Plastic waste

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REPORT | Chemical Recycling: A Dangerous Deception

Opinion: How To Increase Recycling Rates With 2D Codes and The GS1 Digital Link

how can we increase the quantity and availability of PCR plastic? Lee Metters, Group Business Development Director, Domino Printing Sciences, explores

Five years since the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the UN Environment Programme launched the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment to create a circular economy for plastics and more than 500 signatories have signed up. Many global brands have promised to drastically increase their use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic instead of virgin plastic by 2025.  Plastic waste

Many brands have taken great strides in the right direction, but a problem remains – there is insufficient recycled plastic to meet demand. In its 2022 global report, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation announced that signatories had more than doubled their use of PCR since 2018 – from 4.8% to 10% – but remain way off the 2025 target. Moreover, virgin plastic use is back at 2018 levels after an initial drop.

As such, the question remains: how can we increase the quantity and availability of PCR plastic? Lee Metters, Group Business Development Director, Domino Printing Sciences, explores.  Plastic waste

Creating a circular economy for plastic waste  

The first step towards creating a circular economy for plastic waste is designing products for recyclability, but making products recyclable is only part of the solution. Worldwide, we produce large volumes of recyclable waste daily, but the vast majority ends up in general waste collections. Indeed, a recent report by National Geographic found that 91% of plastic waste is not sent to a recycling facility. So, it’s hardly a surprise that there is a significant debate about how to improve materials recovery.

Multiple start-ups and businesses aim to improve product identification at materials recovery facilities (MRFs), with everything from artificial intelligence and machine vision applications emerging alongside existing near-infrared and air separation technologies to identify waste better at the point of recycling.  Plastic waste

More…

Opinion: How To Increase Recycling Rates With 2D Codes and The GS1 Digital Link

How Polymer Materials are Shaping the Electric Vehicle (EV) Revolution

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution has been gaining momentum over the past few years, and one of the key factors driving this change is the innovative use of polymer materials. As the world becomes increasingly concerned about environmental issues and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the adoption of electric vehicles is on the rise. Polymer materials have played a crucial role in making electric vehicles more efficient, affordable, and sustainable. In this article, we will explore how polymer materials are transforming the electric vehicle industry and shaping the future of transportation.

Introduction

The Rise of Electric Vehicles

Before delving into the impact of polymer materials, it’s essential to understand the current state of the electric vehicle market. Electric vehicles, or EVs, have seen a significant surge in popularity over the last decade. Several factors drive this surge, including government incentives, environmental concerns, and advancements in technology.  Plastic waste

One of the primary reasons for the growth of the electric vehicle market is the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional internal combustion engine vehicles are a major source of carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to global warming and climate change. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a cleaner and more sustainable mode of transportation.

The Role of Polymer Materials

Polymer materials, composed of long chains of molecules, have emerged as a key player in driving the electric vehicle revolution.  These materials have several properties that make them ideal for EV applications.  Plastic waste

Lightweight and Strong

Polymer materials are known for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. They are significantly lighter than traditional materials like steel and aluminum, which is a crucial advantage in the design of electric vehicles. By using lightweight polymers, manufacturers can reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, leading to improved energy efficiency and longer driving ranges.

Improved Battery Technology

Electric vehicles rely on high-capacity lithium-ion batteries to store and provide energy. Polymer materials are used in the construction of these batteries to improve their performance. The use of polymer separators in lithium-ion batteries enhances their energy density, making them more efficient and capable of storing more energy in a smaller space.  Plastic waste

This, in turn, allows electric vehicles to travel longer distances on a single charge.

More…

How Polymer Materials are Shaping the Electric Vehicle (EV) Revolution

Carbon Fiber – Electric cars : Automaker executives admit their plans are in jeopardy 02-11-2023

Plastic waste

Carbon Fiber – Electric cars : Automaker executives admit their plans are in jeopardy 02-11-2023

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Electric cars : Automaker executives admit their plans are in jeopardy

Despite ambitious electrification strategies, automaker executives expressed doubts this week about the growth of the electric car market, amid signs of slowing demand and production difficulties.

Some industry leaders have also scaled back their electric vehicle (BEV) sales targets, calling into question their profitability and sustainability.
Many auto executives are reviewing their electric car plans
Among those who have changed their tone is Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, who has been one of the most optimistic about the future of electric cars.

GM has suspended its targets to produce 100,000 BEVs in the second half of 2023 and another 400,000 in the first six months of 2024, without knowing when it will reach them. “As we progress through the transformation to EV, our road is a little bumpy,” she said.
Even Mercedes-Benz, which had to discount its electric cars by several thousand euros to sell them, did not hide its difficulties.”  Carbon Fiber

But Mercedes is not the only one. In fact, almost all current electric vehicles are sold at a lower price than the list price and in some cases with manufacturer incentives close to 10%.

This is while inventory is piling up at dealerships, in spite of the dealers. Often even significant markdowns and discounts are not enough.

These cars take dealers longer to sell than their gasoline counterparts.
This obviously leads to severe slowdowns in the plans of many companies which were evidently far too ambitious and optimistic.

The president of Toyota Motor, Akio Toyoda, spoke about this problem at the Japan Mobility Show, who declared: “People are finally realizing what the reality is.”

Toyoda has long been skeptical of his colleagues’ purely electric designs.

Carbon Fiber

Self-adhesive label material for PET recycling

Herma, a leader in self-adhesive label materials, has introduced the new wash-off adhesive 72Hpw. Thanks to a special formulation, the production costs of the new adhesive are almost on the same level as a conventional permanent standard adhesive, says the company. Nevertheless, it is claimed to make it possible to generate pure PET flakes with the usual industrial washing processes, without disturbing residues of labels and the printing inks contained on them. At the same time, this adhesive also benefits from the wash-off know-how that Herma states to have acquired in this field: The new adhesive has been designed to achieve good values in the important initial adhesion, i. e. the tack, and in the wash-off rate. They are claimed to be very similar to the more expensive wash-off adhesives that have already been introduced.  Carbon Fiber

Institut cyclos-HTP has already certified the adhesive 72Hpw for wash-off applications in combination with the film Herma PP white super tc (grade 881). This means that PET bottles can also be visually attractive for products such as beverages, cleaning agents (detergents), cosmetics and personal care. They can all be recycled in industry-standard recycling plants. The adhesive 72Hpw has been developed for applications where the label is to be washed off in warm alkaline water. Good results are already achieved at 70 °C in a 1% sodium hydroxide solution, explains Herma. Further material combinations are currently still in the test phase. These include, for example, the extra light and therefore resource-friendly films Herma PP 50 white (grade 884) and Herma PP 50 transparent super tc (grade 886).

Visit Herma

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Carbon Fiber

Chlorophyll Water transitions to 100% rPET bottles

For the new bottles’ labels, the brand leveraged Avery Dennison’s water-based CleanFlake technology.

US-based bottled water brand Chlorophyll Water has announced the launch of new bottles made using 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET).

The plastic material used in manufacturing Chlorophyll’s new bottles is recycled using technologies that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The company has also received the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) approval for food-grade applications of this rPET material.  Carbon Fiber

These approvals signify that the material used in Chlorophyll’s packaging can be repurposed again into new PET bottles, further minimising the requirement of using virgin plastic for manufacturing new PET bottles.

Regarding the labels on these new 100% recycled plastic bottles, Chlorophyll leveraged Avery Dennison’s CleanFlake label technology.

CleanFlake labels, according to Chlorophyll, help enhance the yield of food-grade PET during the recycling process.

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Carbon Fiber

Landbell and Sabic Enter Into Long-Term Partnership to Advance Plastic Packaging Closed-Loop Systems

Landbell, a German waste management service provider, and Sabic, the Saudi chemical giant, have solidified their long-term cooperation through an agreement aimed at fostering closed-loop systems for plastic packaging and expanding advanced recycling initiatives. The primary focus will be on establishing and enhancing processes to augment feedstock streams, technology, and expertise required for larger-scale chemical recycling operations.

This agreement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between the two companies, which was initially formed in 2020. Carbon Fiber

It builds upon the success of a pioneering recycling project announced by Landbell and Sabic in 2022 in collaboration with Mars. This project demonstrated the feasibility of closing the loop on flexible packaging by collecting mixed-used plastic and producing certified circular polypropylene (PP) as part of Sabic’s Trucircle portfolio.

Landbell and Sabic aspire to encourage other brand owners, as well as plastic and packaging converters, to integrate circular solutions utilizing chemically recycled post-consumer plastic packaging into their product applications. The collaboration also aims to showcase that closed-loop projects have the potential to recapture value and reintroduce used plastic into new material streams. To achieve this, Landbell is providing mixed plastic packaging waste from the German yellow bag collection as feedstock for chemical recycling—a waste stream that has traditionally been processed through low-end mechanical recycling or incineration for energy recovery.

This waste is transported to a specialized pre-treatment facility operated by A. Siemer Entsorgung, where it undergoes further sorting and cleaning processes in preparation for subsequent processing. Ultimately, the material will be transported to the Sabic Plastic Energy Advanced Recycling Unit in Geleen (currently in its final construction stages), where it will be converted into pyrolysis oil known as Tacoil. Following treatment in a newly constructed Sabic hydrotreater plant, this Tacoil can be utilized in Sabic’s production processes.  Carbon Fiber

Landbell and Sabic Enter Into Long-Term Partnership to Advance Plastic Packaging Closed-Loop Systems

OMV and Interzero establish joint venture to build and operate Europe’s largest sorting facility for chemical recycling

 

  • Construction and operation of innovative, fully automatic, sorting plant with capacity of up to 260,000 tonnes per year in Walldürn, Germany
  • Processing mixed plastics into feedstock for OMV’s chemical recycling
  • OMV investment volume over EUR 170 mn

OMV, the integrated company for energy, fuels & feedstock, chemicals and materials, headquartered in Vienna, has today announced the final investment decision to build an innovative sorting plant developed by Interzero* to produce feedstock for chemical recycling. In total, OMV will invest an amount of over EUR 170 mn to build this state-of-the-art facility in Walldürn, southern Germany. OMV will hold 89.9 percent of the shares in the joint venture and 10.1 per cent of the shares will belong to Interzero, Europe’s leading provider of circular economy solutions.  Carbon Fiber

Production start of the new plant is expected to take place in 2026. Around 120 new jobs will be created at the new site. The groundbreaking ceremony is already scheduled for November 20, 2023, with guests from politics expected to attend.

The sorting facility will be the first of its kind to produce feedstock for OMV’s chemical recycling on a large industrial scale. The ReOil® technology developed and patented by OMV is a chemical

recycling innovation that converts plastic waste that cannot be mechanically recycled into pyrolysis oil – a valuable resource.  Carbon Fiber

The input for the sorting plant essentially involves mixed plastics that have not been recyclable until now, especially those collected separately from the yellow bag and the yellow bin recycling system in Germany.

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OMV and Interzero establish joint venture to build and operate Europe’s largest sorting facility for chemical recycling

Toray Industries, Inc. Develops TORAYCA T1200, the Ultra-High-Strength Carbon Fiber

Toray Industries, Inc. announced that it has developed TORAYCA? T1200 carbon fiber, the higher strength at 1,160 kilopound per square inch (Ksi). This new offering will move forward to reducing environmental footprints by lightening carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic materials.

This fiber also opens a new performance frontier for strength-driven applications. Its potential applications range from aerostructures and defense to alternative energy and consumer products. As carbon fiber products have proven their value and become more commercialized, the supply of high-strength carbon fiber has increased globally.

Pushing this performance frontier has increased the demand for specialty applications. Toray set about refining its proprietary nanoscale structural control technology to design and achieve an internal structure that resists damage. Leveraging this fundamental technology led Toray to develop TORAYCA?  Carbon Fiber

T1200 in its new facility within the Ehime Plant (in Masaki-cho, Ehime Prefecture). T1200 has a tensile strength of up to 1,160 Ksi, more than 10% higher than TORAYCA? T1100, which currently has the higher tensile strength available.

T1100 applications include defense weapon systems, space, aircraft, and sports and leisure equipment. Toray began the commercial production of TORAYCA? carbon fiber in 1971 at the Ehime Plant and diversified the application into compressed natural gas and high-pressure hydrogen tanks, automobiles, aircraft, and sporting equipment.

In 1986, Toray developed TORAYCA? T1000 and further expanded carbon fiber’s potential by commercializing TORAYCA? T1100.

Toray remains a global leader, with both carbon fibers exhibiting the higher strength available worldwide. As part of the Toray Group’s Sustainability Vision, the company committed itself to providing innovative technologies and advanced materials that contribute to sustainable progress. TORAYCA?  Carbon Fiber

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Toray Industries, Inc. Develops TORAYCA T1200, the Ultra-High-Strength Carbon Fiber

Report finds high likelihood of greenwashing in beverage packaging

Circularity claims on PET beverage bottles such as ‘100% recyclable’ are likely to be misleading consumers, according to a new report.

ClientEarth, ECOS (Environmental Coalition on Standards), Eunomia Research & Consulting and Zero Waste Europe have researched greenwashing in PET beverage packaging.

The report is based on previous work by circular economy specialists at Eunomia, which concluded that PET is not currently a circular material within even the best recycling systems in Europe. It shows that circularity claims may in some cases be inaccurate and overall give an impression of the ‘sustainability’ of PET beverage bottles that does not reflect reality.  Carbon Fiber

The investigation looks at examples of on-pack claims and finds that the term ‘recyclable’ is ambiguous and should not be placed on bottles. The authors recommend instead that labels provide consumers with clear instructions on how to dispose of packaging.

It also finds that ‘100% recycled’ claims may not account for all the components of the bottle, asserting that caps and labels are rarely, if ever, made from recycled content.

The report warns that companies should address these practices to avoid misleading consumers and potentially breaching consumer protection law.

The conclusion drawn is that PET beverage bottles should not be marketed using language or imagery that implies circularity or sustainabilityCarbon Fiber

ClientEarth representative Rosa Pritchard commented: “‘Plastic bottle circularity’ is a myth. Claims on bottles that promote this idea present an obstacle to the green transition. Consumers need access to fair, honest information about the environmental impacts of products and clear information on recycling.”

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Report finds high likelihood of greenwashing in beverage packaging

Circular plastics – World Bank warns oil price could soar to record $150 a barrel 01-11-2023

Carbon Fiber

Circular plastics – World Bank warns oil price could soar to record $150 a barrel 01-11-2023

Circular plastics

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European plastics manufacturers agree roadmap to circular plastics

European plastics manufacturers have agreed a “Plastics Transition” roadmap that aims to accelerate the transition to make plastics circular and net zero lifecycle emissions.

The “Plastics Transition” roadmap highlights what Plastics Europe calls the “urgent need” for a policy framework that stimulates circular markets and investments.

Plastics Europe says its vision is to create a sustainable plastics system that continues to meet consumer and societal demands while supporting the transitions of many downstream industries. Circular plastics

The roadmap establishes a pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the overall plastics system by 28% by 2030 and towards net zero by 2050. It also predicts that circular plastics could meet 25% of European demand in 2030 and 65% by 2050.

Cumulated additional investments and operational costs to reach these ambitions are projected to be €235 billion, Plastics Europe says.

The roadmap identifies several “key levers and enablers”, and details immediate, short, and medium-term milestones and actions for plastics manufacturers. It also says that circularity requires a whole value chain approach and includes recommended actions for policymakers and value chain stakeholders between now and 2030.

For the first time our industry is united around a hugely ambitious but realistic plan to redesign the European plastics system.

Virginia Janssens, Managing Director of Plastics Europe, commented: “For the first time our industry is united around a hugely ambitious but realistic plan to redesign the European plastics system – the ‘Plastics Transition’ roadmap. It will be our North Star for the years to come and reflects a profound cultural shift that has taken place in our industry.”        Circular plastics

The roadmap also calls for a European waste management system fit for a net zero and circular economy, minimum circular plastic content targets for key plastics applications, and unlock industry investments in, for example, chemical recycling infrastructure.

Marco ten Bruggencate, President of Plastics Europe, and Dow EMEA Commercial Vice President Packaging and Specialty Plastics said: “We are excited about the opportunity the Green Deal provides to create a thriving and competitive European plastics industry that allows us to increase investment and innovation in circularity and decarbonisation.

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Circular plastics

Amcor, SK Geo Centric partner for supply of recycled content

Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SK Geo Centric (SK), a leading petrochemical company based in South Korea, to source advanced recycled material primarily in the Asia Pacific region beginning in 2025.

The MOU with SK will enable Amcor to provide access to packaging solutions using recycled content for food and healthcare customers in key markets in Asia Pacific, as well as globally, building on Amcor’s existing global access to advanced recycled material through ExxonMobil, as well as its recent investment with Licella in Australia. Combined, these partnerships will help Amcor take another important step toward achieving its target of 30% recycled content across its portfolio by 2030.  Circular plastics

“Our ability to deliver more sustainable packaging solutions containing recycled material is increasingly important to customers in all consumer categories,” said Mike Cash, president of Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific. “These partnerships will help enable Amcor to unlock opportunities for food and healthcare customers to leverage recycled content in their packaging, and will also foster a circular economy by significantly reducing the need for virgin plastic.”

SK Geo Centric CEO Na Kyung-soo said, “We are committed to contributing to a circular economy by expanding the supply chain where pyrolysis oil, produced from end-of-life plastic, can provide recycled content in consumer packaging. Providing Amcor with access to that material is an important step forward.”

SK extracts pyrolysis oil from end-of-life plastic waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill. SK is using post-processing technology the company developed.

This can then replace crude oil as a feedstock for petrochemical processes and subsequently polyethylene to make new sustainable packaging materials for our customers.  Circular plastics

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Circular plastics

500ml sparkling drink bottles from The Coca-Cola Company shift to 100% recycled plastic in Canada

The Coca-Cola Company is transitioning all 500ml sparkling beverage bottles sold in Canada into 100% recycled plastic, excluding caps and labels, by early 2024 to save virgin plastic, reduce carbon emissions, and meet its sustainability targets.

The company claims to be the first to launch multiple sparkling beverages in 100% recycled plastic bottle bodies across Canada. Coke Canada Bottling will produce the bottles at its manufacturing facilities in Brampton, Ontario; Calgary, Alberta; Lachine, Quebec; and Richmond, British Columbia.  Circular plastics

All bottles falling under this category will display ‘Recycle Me Again’ messaging to raise awareness and encourage consumers to continue recycling the packaging at end-of-life.

“This means that no virgin PET plastic will be used for our sparkling 500ml bottles under normal circumstances going forward in Canada,” said Kurt Ritter, vice president and general manager, Sustainability, Coca-Cola North America. “We hope that transitioning our 500ml sparkling portfolio to 100% recycled plastic will increase the amount of high-quality, food-grade, recycled plastic available in Canada and, ultimately, enable us to offer more of our brands in this sustainable format.”  Circular plastics

The shift is predicted to save 7.6 million pounds of new plastic in 2024 and cut out almost 7,000 metric tons of CO2 every year, a reduction that The Coca-Cola Company compares to taking 1,500 cars off the road for one year. It also aligns with the company’s World Without Waste goals, in which it aspires to lower its consumption of virgin plastic and utilize at least 50% recycled content in its packaging by 2030.

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Circular plastics

World Bank warns oil price could soar to record $150 a barrel

Escalation of Israel-Hamas war into Middle East-wide conflict would disrupt oil supplies and stoke food prices, says Bank

Oil prices could soar to a record high of more than $150 a barrel if the war between Israel and Hamas leads to a repeat of the full-scale conflict in the Middle East witnessed 50 years ago, the World Bank has warned.

In the first major assessment of the economic risks of an escalation of the war beyond Gaza’s borders, the World Bank said there was a risk of the cost of crude entering “uncharted waters”.  Circular plastics

A “large disruption” scenario comparable with the Arab oil boycott of the west in 1973 would create supply shortages that would lead to the price of a barrel of oil increasing from about $90 to between $140 and 157. The previous record – unadjusted for inflation – was $147 a barrel in 2008.

“The latest conflict in the Middle East comes on the heels of the biggest shock to commodity markets since the 1970s – Russia’s war with Ukraine,” said Indermit Gill, the World Bank’s chief economist. “That had disruptive effects on the global economy that persist to this day.

“Policymakers will need to be vigilant. If the conflict were to escalate, the global economy would face a dual energy shock for the first time in decades – not just from the war in Ukraine but also from the Middle East.”

The Bank said in its latest commodity markets outlook that the shock to the global economy would not be confined to energy costs but would also result in hundreds of millions going hungry as a result of higher food prices.

In its assessment, the Bank said the Israel-Hamas war had had little impact on commodity prices so far. Oil prices had risen by about 6%, but agricultural commodities, industrial metals and other commodities had “barely budged”.

It added: “The outlook for commodity prices would darken quickly if the conflict were to escalate.”  Circular plastics

Under the World Bank’s baseline forecast, oil prices will average $90 a barrel in the current quarter before declining to an average of $81 a barrel next year as global economic growth slows. But it also sketched out three alternative paths for oil prices:

  • A “small disruption” scenario, in which the global oil supply would be reduced by 500,000 to 2m barrels a day -roughly equivalent to the reduction seen during the Libyan civil war in 2011. The oil price would rise to a range of $93 to $102 a barrel.

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World Bank warns oil price could soar to record $150 a barrel

Closing the loop on bottle caps

Recycler, processor and manufacturer Greenpath Enterprises has partnered with TOMRA Recycling Sorting to install and optimize a plastic flake sorting line designed to identify and separate mixed polyolefin caps from beverage bottles.

“We are at the genesis of creating a sorting system for caps similar to what is more common today for the bottle,” said Eric Olsson, area segment manager, plastics for TOMRA Recycling.  Circular plastics

Operating for more than 25 years, the vertically integrated Greenpath accepts a wide range of materials, and the inbound flow can be somewhat inconsistent. Greenpath creates value being a one-stop solution by accepting mixed trailer loads with variable supply streams and producing consistent, quality products.

“Developing a mechanical sorting process to close the loop for food-grade cap-to-cap recycling by consistently separating mixed polyolefins by polymer and colour with high purity is a game changer,” said Joe Castro, president of Colton, California-based Greenpath.

Considering only the post-consumer polyolefin materials – low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) – Greenpath accepts film, rigid plastics and bottle caps. Polypropylene and polyethylene (PE) are together the most abundant plastic family on earth, but the market is limited for valuable applications for mixed polyolefins, according to Olsson.

PE and PP have very close density characteristics and are challenging to separate. So, mixed polyolefins are primarily downcycled into more forgiving applications that allow for more contamination.  Circular plastics

The quest for cap to cap

A beverage container commonly consists of four parts: the bottle, cap or closure, ring and label. A more mature PET recycling infrastructure has led to brand owners incorporating up to 100% PCR material in their bottles.

As regulations increase the percentage of recycled content by weight, the next logical container component to address is the cap. “Following Greenpath’s approach, the industry can move toward a 100% PCR by weight package using only mechanical sortation,” says Olsson.

During the recycling process, bottles, labels, caps and rings are shredded, and a sink-float process is used to separate the PET bottles from the PE and PP caps.

The heavier PET sinks and the lighter polyolefins float and are skimmed off as a secondary byproduct.  Circular plastics

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Closing the loop on bottle caps

The Future of Cars: Exploring the Advancements in Polymer Automobile Technology 

The automotive industry is experiencing a revolution, and at the heart of this transformation lies the remarkable advancements in polymer automobile technology. In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift towards the use of polymers, also known as plastics, in various automotive applications. These innovations are set to reshape the future of cars by enhancing performance, reducing environmental impact, and improving safety. This article delves into the exciting world of polymer automobile technology and how it is driving the automotive industry towards a sustainable and dynamic future.

Introduction

The Rise of Polymers in Automobiles

Lightweighting for Fuel Efficiency

One of the most significant trends in the automotive industry is the pursuit of fuel efficiency. As environmental concerns and stringent regulations regarding emissions continue to shape the industry’s landscape, automakers are turning to polymer materials for solutions.

Polymers offer a remarkable advantage in terms of weight reduction. By replacing traditional metal components with lightweight polymers, vehicles can achieve better fuel economy and reduced emissions.  Circular plastics

In the quest for lightweighting, polymers like carbon fiber-reinforced composites are leading the way. These materials are not only lighter than steel but also possess impressive strength and durability. As a result, the use of polymers in structural components, such as body panels and chassis, is on the rise. This shift towards lightweight materials not only reduces fuel consumption but also enhances handling and overall driving experience.

Electrification and Battery Technology

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is another driving force behind the adoption of polymer technology. In EVs, battery packs play a crucial role, and their weight directly impacts the vehicle’s range and performance. To optimize the efficiency of batteries, automakers are incorporating lightweight and thermally efficient polymers in battery components.

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The Future of Cars: Exploring the Advancements in Polymer Automobile Technology 

Zeppelin Systems and ReOil build tire recycling plant in Poland

In March 2023, Zeppelin Systems launched the Zeppelin Sustainable Tire Alliance to cooperate with international partners on shaping the future of tire production and tire recycling in a more environmentally friendly manner.

One of the members of this technology alliance is the Polish company ReOil, which built Europe’s largest pyrolysis plant for the recycling of old tires in 2015. Since then, ReOil has recycled around 20,000 tons of old tires annually. Zeppelin Systems was awarded the engineering contract for the construction of a second ReOil pyrolysis plant. Construction is scheduled to start in February 2024.

After completion of the gigantic plant, around 60,000 tons of old tires are to be returned to the sustainable circular economy every year.

ReOil, Europe’s largest pyrolysis plant operator, works in the field of raw material recycling. The company uses continuous pyrolysis to break down rubber from old tires into substance such as gas, oil and recovered Carbon Black (rCB). The recycled materials obtained are reused, for example, in the manufacture of textiles, new tires, rubber components, plastics, steel, or aviation fuel. After commissioning in 2015 and initial test runs, ReOil recycled around 70,000 tons of old tires since 2020 to date. Since 2020, the plant has been operating in a process-stable and profitable manner.

With the construction of the new pyrolysis plant, the company has tripled its annual recycling capacity to around 60,000 tons per year. A first-class plant covering an area of around 27 acres, brought to life by technology and engineering solutions from Zeppelin Systems!  Circular plastics

More….

Zeppelin Systems and ReOil build tire recycling plant in Poland

Carbon fiber – New method of recycling carbon fiber shows potential for use in more advanced products 31-10-2023

Circular plastics

Petrochemicals r-Polyester – Artificial Intelligence and the Call for Safety: A Global Initiative 30-10-2023

Petrochemicals r-Polyester

Petrochemicals r-Polyester

  • Polymers : PET – r-PET – Filament grade semidull chips -Filament grade bright chips – Ny6 – Ny66 – PP
  • Feedstocks  PX – PTA – MEG – CPL – Adipic Acid – Benzene – ACN – Ethylene – Phenol – Naphtha
  • Textile : Polyester POY – DTY – FDY – PSF – Recycled Polyester POY – Nylon POY – DTY – FDY Spandex 20-30-40 -Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  Acrylic Staple Fiber 

Petrochemicals r-Polyester

Petrochemicals r-Polyester

Polyestertime
ITEM 23/10/2023 30/10/2023 +/-
Bottle grade PET chips domestic market 6,825 yuan/ton 6,900 yuan/ton +75
Bottle grade PET chips export market 875 $/ton 885 $/ton +10
Filament grade Semidull chips domestic market 6,775 yuan/ton 6,790 yuan/ton +15
Filament grade Bright chips domestic market 6,810 yuan/ton 6,830 yuan/ton +20
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA domestic market 5,710 yuan/ton 5,900 yuan/ton +190
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA export market 730 $/ton 730 $/ton
Monoethyleneglycol MEG domestic market 3,960 yuan/ton 4,070 yuan/ton +110
Monoethyleneglycol MEG export market 457 $/ton 468 $/ton +11
Paraxylene PX FOB  Taiwan market

Petrochemicals r-Polyester

1,027 $/ton 1,014 $/ton
-13
Paraxylene PX FOB  Korea market 1,004 $/ton 991 $/ton -13
Paraxylene PX FOB EU market 1,150 $/ton 1,150 $/ton
Polyester filament POY 150D/48F domestic market 7,600  yuan/ton 7,400 yuan/ton
-200
Recycled Polyester filament POY  domestic market 7,550 yuan/ton 7,550 yuan/ton
Polyester filament DTY 150D/48 F domestic market 8,950 yuan/ton 8,700 yuan/ton -250
Polyester filament FDY 68D24F

Petrochemicals r-Polyester

8,950 yuan/ton 8,750 yuan/ton -200
Polyester filament FDY 150D/96F domestic market 8,200 yuan/ton 8,050 yuan/ton -150
Polyester staple fiber 1.4D 38mm domestic market 7,450 yuan/ton 7,500 yuan/ton +50
Caprolactam CPL domestic market 12,650 yuan/ton 12,750 yuan/ton
+100
Caprolactam CPL overseas  market 1,600 $/ton 1,600 $/ton
Nylon 6 chips overseas  market 1,900 $/ton 1,830 $/ton -70
Nylon 6 chips conventional spinning domestic  market 13,750 yuan/ton 13,750 yuan/ton
Nylon 6 chips  high speed spinning domestic  market

Petrochemicals r-Polyester

14,100 yuan/ton 13,900 yuan/ton -200
Nylon 6.6 chips domestic  market 19,100 yuan/ton 19,700 yuan/ton +600
Nylon6 Filament POY 86D/24F domestic  market 16,200 yuan/ton 16,100 yuan/ton -100
Nylon6 Filament DTY 70D/24F domestic  market 18,500 yuan/ton 18,250 yuan/ton- -250
Nylon6 Filament FDY  70D/24F  17,250 yuan/ton 17,250 yuan/ton
Spandex 20D  domestic  market

Petrochemicals r-Polyester

36,500 yuan/ton 36,500 yuan/ton
Spandex 30D  domestic  market 35,000 yuan/ton 35,000 yuan/ton
Spandex 40D  domestic  market  32,200 yuan/ton 32,000 yuan/ton -200
Adipic Acid domestic market 9,400 yuan/ton 9,300 yuan/ton -100
Benzene domestic market

Petrochemicals r-Polyester

8,120 yuan/ton 8,340 yuan/ton +220
Benzene overseas  market 918 $/ton 911 $/ton -7
Ethylene South East market 950 $/ton 970 $/ton +20
Ethylene NWE market 786 $/ton 679 $/ton -7
Acrylonitrile ACN  domestic market

Petrochemicals r-Polyester

9,700 yuan/ton 9,500 yuan/ton -200
Acrylonitrile ACN  overseas market 1,200 $/ton 1,200 $/ton
Acrylic staple fiber ASF  domestic market 14,600 yuan/ton 14,600 yuan/ton
Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  domestic market 13,400 yuan/ton 13,350 yuan/ton -50
PP Powder domestic market

Petrochemicals r-Polyester

7,220 yuan/ton 7,350 yuan/ton +130
Naphtha overseas market  687 $/ton 658 $/ton -29
Phenol domestic market 8,382 yuan/ton 8,425 yuan/ton +43

r-PET high end eco-friendly chips =7,800 yuan/ton 7,800 yuan/ton   –

 

 

Petrochemicals chip – Panel for Sustainable Future in Textile in Gaziantep 23-10-2023

Petrochemicals r-Polyester

Artificial Intelligence and the Call for Safety: A Global Initiative

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued a stark warning about the potential risks and dangers posed by artificial intelligence (AI), likening its potential consequences to that of a nuclear weapon. Sunak’s concerns were articulated on the eve of the first-ever global summit on AI, an event that he passionately supports. The summit, scheduled for November 1 and 2, is set to take place at Bletchley Park, a historic hub of technology where Alan Turing famously cracked the Enigma code during World War II. In his address to the public, Sunak outlined both the tremendous promise and the peril that AI presents, while also revealing the establishment of the world’s first institute dedicated to AI safety.

Sunak emphasized that artificial intelligence, when harnessed responsibly, has the potential to usher in a new era of knowledge, economic growth, human progress, and the resolution of previously insurmountable problems. However, he cautioned that AI also brings forth a new set of dangers and fears that need to be addressed proactively. A comprehensive government report, authored by a panel of 50 experts, highlights AI’s potential as an “existential threat” in the future. Sunak is urging the global community to address these concerns now to ensure the utmost peace of mind for citizens.

One of the central concerns is the potential misuse of AI technology, with threats including fraud, cyberattacks, and, by 2025, the possibility of enhancing the capabilities of terrorist groups in planning attacks and propagating extremist propaganda. Sunak stated that AI could even facilitate the development of chemical or biological weapons, with the dire possibility of terrorists exploiting AI for mass destruction. Criminals could utilize AI for a wide range of malicious activities, from cyberattacks to disinformation campaigns and child exploitation. In the most extreme scenario, there is the risk of losing control over superintelligent AI, raising concerns about humanity’s very existence.

To address these concerns, the United Kingdom will be the birthplace of the world’s first center for AI safety. This institute will specialize in the analysis, evaluation, and testing of new AI models, contributing valuable insights to the global AI safety discourse. The primary objective of the center is to advance humanity’s understanding of AI safety and assess potential risks, including social damage such as bias and misinformation. Sunak’s ambition is to position the UK as a global leader in AI regulation, recognizing the immense potential benefits, particularly in fields like medicine and science, while acknowledging the paramount importance of safety and security.

The upcoming Global AI Summit at Bletchley Park aims to be a platform for collaboration, involving institutions, international partners, AI experts, tech companies, and civil society. With approximately 100 attendees, the event will feature notable figures like Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. The summit also anticipates Chinese participation, highlighting the necessity of engaging with Beijing in shaping a cohesive strategy for AI, despite challenges. The British government has set forth five key objectives for the summit, including promoting a shared understanding of AI risks, fostering international collaboration, recommending organizational safety measures, exploring AI security research, and demonstrating the potential for beneficial global AI development.

The United Nations is also stepping up its efforts by creating a Committee for Artificial Intelligence, which consists of around 40 experts from diverse backgrounds. This committee, led by Amandeep Singh Gill, UN envoy for technology, and including notable members like Father Paolo Benanti from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Italy, is tasked with formulating common rules for AI. Their mission encompasses evaluating the benefits and risks of AI and its contributions to sustainable development and international cooperation.

As the world grapples with the profound implications of artificial intelligence, these initiatives demonstrate a collective commitment to addressing the challenges and risks while harnessing the potential of AI for the betterment of humanity. The coming years will reveal whether these global efforts can effectively regulate and safeguard the development and deployment of AI technology, ensuring it remains a force for good in the world.

Artificial Intelligence and the Call for Safety: A Global Initiative

Plastic Pollution – Supply chain letter on the need for mass balance fuel-use exempt for chemical recycling 25-10-2023

Plastic Pollution

Crude Oil Prices Trend

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

Stamicarbon (MAIRE Group) signs licensing and equipment supply contracts with Shandong Lianmeng Chemical Company for an Ultra-Low Energy grassroots urea plant in China

Shandong Lianmeng Chemical Company awards licensing and equipment supply contracts for a grassroots urea melt and prilling plant in China to Stamicarbon, the nitrogen technology licensor of MAIRE Group. The plant located in Shouguang city of Shandong province in China will use Stamicarbon’s Ultra-Low Energy design with a highly efficient pool reactor concept and have a capacity of 2334 MTPD.

Stamicarbon will provide the license, proprietary equipment, including high-pressure equipment made of super duplex stainless steel and associated services. This grassroots project will be the eighth urea plant worldwide to utilize Stamicarbon’s proprietary Ultra-Low Energy design.  Plastic Pollution

The Ultra-Low Energy Design allows heat supplied as high-pressure steam to be used three times instead of two, compared to the conventional CO2 stripping processes. This results in a 35% reduction in steam consumption and a 16% decrease in cooling water use. The efficiency of this design is proven with two operational plants, making its energy savings unparalleled in the market.

“We are thrilled to start this project in collaboration with Stamicarbon, a global leader in urea technology. We are looking forward to seeing the cutting-edge technology in action and are confident in the advantages it will bring,” said Mr. Wang Xinjian, the General manager of Shandong Lianmeng Group.

“We’re excited to launch a project using our Ultra-Low Energy design, which has shown itself to be the top choice for energy efficiency and sustainability in urea production. With this project, we are further expanding our footprint in China, aiming to address the region’s growing demand for urea,” said Pejman Djavdan, Stamicarbon CEO.

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Plastic Pollution

In-house production facility in Romania steers Coca-Cola HBC towards 50% rPET goal in 2023

Coca-Cola HBC has opened a new in-house production facility in Romania to supply rPET for its 100% recycled bottle portfolio – apparently positioning the company to deliver almost 50% rPET use across its EU and Swiss markets by the end of the year.

The development follows an investment of €11 million, which includes €3.5 million of state aid, and is thought to make Romania the first market within the group to use 100% recycled bottles across its portfolio, an in-house PET production facility – and, from December, a deposit return scheme (DRS) to facilitate bottle and can collection for recycling.  Plastic Pollution

Other ventures into DRS are set to roll out in many of the company’s markets, with five currently active across the company’s markets and six more set to be added by the end of 2025. These systems are said to reach a typical collection rate of 90% for bottles and cans.

Coca-Cola HBC Romania is also described as the first beverage producer in the market to produce PET in-house and, of Coca-Cola HBC’s markets, marks the third rPET decontamination facility to begin operations.

It is reported that 22% of the PET used across Coca-Cola HBC’s EU and Swiss markets in 2022 was recycled. A combination of its progress in Romania and the transition into recycled bottle portfolios in its Swiss, Austrian, Italian, Irish, and Northern Irish markets, the company claims that it is on its was to utilizing 50% rPET by the end of 2023, ahead of its 2025 deadline.  Plastic Pollution

With packaging constituting around a third of Coca-Cola HBC’s carbon footprint, the company is foregrounding its efforts to achieve net zero emissions across its whole value chain by 2040. Food-grade rPET bottles have an 80% lower carbon footprint than virgin PET resin, the company claims, and all electricity used on its production line is said to come from 100% renewable sources.

Additionally, it claims to have reduced 30% of emissions across its entire supply chain since 2010 and invested €377 million into its sustainability initiatives.

“I’m very proud of the progress we are seeing in our sustainability agenda and our mission to create a world without waste,” said CEO Zoran Bogdanovic. “At Coca-Cola HBC, our purpose is to ‘Open Up Moments that Refresh us All’ and this means that, beyond the functional refreshment that we provide, we strive to refresh our communities and the environment through the work that we do.

“We are working to produce and deliver our drinks in more sustainable ways and in packaging that has a life beyond its initial use – and Romania is a great example of how we can work collaboratively with our stakeholders and the wider industry to create a circular economy for packaging.”  Plastic Pollution

Coca-Cola Philippines recently rolled out its own line of 100% rPET bottles – including caps and labels – for its Coca-Cola Original and Wilkins Pure brands. A new sustainable packaging platform is accompanying their release, seeking to increase consumer education in the fight against plastic waste.

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Plastic Pollution

Global Plastics Summit Puts Forth Radical Proposals to Reduce Plastic Pollution

Article-Global Plastics Summit Puts Forth Radical Proposals to Reduce Plastic Pollution

The Global Rules Scenario would lead to production of just 301 million tonnes of virgin plastics by 2040 compared with current projections of 712 million tonnes

Amid what’s described as an “escalating global plastic pollution crisis,” key stakeholders from across the plastics space, headed by NGOs, policymakers, and the scientific community, have unveiled their recommendations to guide UN negotiations on establishing an international, legally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution. Plastic Pollution

Delegates at the inaugural Global Plastics Summit in Bangkok, albeit with sparse participation from plastics producers themselves, proposed a raft of solutions to plug gaps in a draft of a Global Plastics Treaty to ensure it is robust enough to tackle the plastics crisis. The summit, organized by Economist Impact, is the largest and most significant assembly of stakeholders ahead of the third round of negotiations on the UN Plastics Treaty (Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee INC-3), scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from Nov. 13 to 19, 2023.

Slashing virgin resin production by 2040

Among the more ambitious — some might say radical — proposals to minimize plastic waste detailed at the summit included calls to significantly reduce production of virgin polymers. One such strategy was highlighted in a presentation by Felix Cornehl, manager of Systemiq. The firm describes itself as a system change company whose objective is to help design and build a better [sustainable] economy. Plastic Pollution

Under its Global Rules Scenario, Systemiq proposes that global production of virgin plastics be slashed by 30% by 2040 compared with the 2019 production level through a process of reduction and elimination, including increased usage of recycled materials.

The Global Rules Scenario would reduce the annual volume of virgin plastic production and consumption by applying targets, fees and demand reduction policies; eliminating avoidable single-use plastics in certain applications; mandating substitution where alternative materials would yield better impacts; and expanding safe reuse, recycling, durability, and repair.

Systemiq’s proposal does emphasize that alternative materials should only be mandated when their environmental outcomes are more favorable than those of the material being replaced. One potential barrier here is that, in numerous cases, plastics have been proven to be the most environmentally friendly option available, provided they are disposed of correctly or recycled. Plastic Pollution

Hefty EPR fees on the table

The company’s proposal also encompasses extended producer responsibility (EPR), with fees modeled depending on product and region, but ranging from $300 per tonne starting in 2025 and increasing gradually to $1,000 per tonne by 2040.

The Global Rules Scenario does not consider substitution of current plastics with bio-based, biodegradable, or compostable plastics (except for some specific applications in agriculture). “Uncertainty remains as to the role of these solutions in the future and caution is required based on the available evidence,” says Systemiq.

The end result of the Global Rules Scenario would lead to production of just 301 million tonnes of virgin plastics in 2040 versus 430 million tonnes in 2019, compared with 712 million tonnes in 2040 in a business-as-usual scenario. If realized, this would have a devastating effect on many plastics producers and converters who fail to adapt to the new normal. Plastic Pollution

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Plastic Pollution

Supply chain letter on the need for mass balance fuel-use exempt for chemical recycling

The undersigned, representing 20 associations in the plastics supply chain, call on EU Member States to urgently adopt mass balance fuel-use exempt as the EU harmonised mass balance method for allocating recycled content via chemical recycling.

An early warning report to Member States from June 2023 states that 19 countries are at high risk of not achieving their plastic packaging recycling targets*. Currently, the EU plastics recycling rate is 38% (Eurostat, 2022) while the target for 2025 is 50%. Recycling efforts across the EU need to be urgently ramped up with a critical need for more investment in recycling and collection infrastructure. Plastic Pollution

While mechanical and other physical recycling technologies will continue to expand and innovate, there is also a unique opportunity for chemical recycling to complement existing efforts to help achieve recycling targets and increase the volume of recycled content. Mandatory recycled content targets for packaging and automotive are currently being discussed at EU level.

Chemically recycled feedstocks are typically blended with virgin feedstocks and the two different feedstocks cannot be physically separated once they are co-fed into the complex large-scale installations. Therefore, a mass balance chain of custody is required to accurately calculate and verify the amount of recycled content allocated to products. Chemical recycling allows the use of plastic waste, especially feedstock not suitable for mechanical recycling, to produce new chemicals, including plastics. Recent academic research shows that mechanical, other physical and chemical recycling are complementary as these address different types of feedstocks**.  Plastic Pollution

As recognised by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), chemical recycling is currently undergoing rapid technological developments***. When comparing the environmental performance of chemical recycling to incineration with energy recovery, chemical recycling already achieves significant greenhouse gas emission savings, and these are set to increase as the EU electricity grid gradually decarbonises.

Mass balance fuel-use exempt is crucial to incentivize the rapid scale-up of chemical recycling. An estimated 8-billion-euro investment is in the pipeline by 2030 that would produce 2.8Mt recycled plastics via chemical recycling across the different EU Member States****. However, these planned investments will not be achieved if the regulatory framework does not allow for a mass balance method that incentivizes scale-up.

The mass balance fuel-use exempt approach is in line with the EU recycling definition in the Waste Framework Directive and we endorse this to be accompanied by stringent third-party certification and auditing systems to ensure the traceability of recycled content throughout the supply chain. Plastic Pollution

Chemical recyclers are already using third party certification systems with mass balance allocation to ensure full chain of custody traceability for the products commercialised on the market. Other methods such as polymer only and proportional allocation will significantly increase the costs and the required chemical recycling capacity needed to achieve the recycled content targets in packaging and other sectors.

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Supply chain letter on the need for mass balance fuel-use exempt for chemical recycling

Plastics Recyclers Europe warns against priority access to recycled PET

The organisation said the provision, if implemented, would promote monopolistic control of recycled polymers and go against free-market principles

Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE), the European Waste Management Association (FEAD), and EuRIC, a confederation representing the interests of the European recycling industries, have objected to the introduction of the “right of first refusal” in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation proposal (PPWR) legislation.  Plastic Pollution

“Right of first refusal” would give priority access to recycled plastics, including recycled PET, to companies in the packaging industry. In September 2022, Unesda, the pan-European association representing Europe’s soft drink industry, proposed introducing the measure in the upcoming revision of the PPWR. At the time, the association said recycled PET was becoming ‘almost as rare and expensive as white truffles or gold’ in the EU, with demand purportedly significantly exceeding supply.

Beverage companies, particularly small to medium-sized enterprises, expressed concerns of not being able to meet the obligations arising from the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, as many cannot the very high prices of recycled material. They argued that right of first refusal would give every producer, from large to small, the option to buy the recycled material issued from the recyclable packaging it put on the EU market – after adjustment for collection and recycling rates.  Plastic Pollution

This would arguably put all beverage producers, including SMEs, in a position to meet their mandatory recycled content targets, considerably reduce the downcycling of PET bottles by promoting bottle-to-bottle recycling, and incentivise all sectors, including those outside the beverage industry, to invest in the recyclability and collection of their products.

However, recycling organisations argued in an Oct. 23 statement that the risk of PET bottle downcycling is a ‘myth’ that ‘could ruin European efforts toward packaging circularity’. PRE, EuRIC, and FEAD warned that the provision, if implemented, would be detrimental to the development of recycling capacity in Europe, promoting monopolistic control of recycled polymers, and going against free-market principles.

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Plastics Recyclers Europe warns against priority access to recycled PET

One Eq­uity Part­ners Agrees to Sell Walki to Japan’s Oji Group

Firm Supported Walki’s Sustainability Initiatives Over Five Years of Ownership

One Equity Partners (“OEP”) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Walki Holding Oy (“Walki” or the “Company”), a pan-European supplier of sustainable and high-performing packaging and engineered materials solutions, to Oji Holdings Corporation (“Oji Group”), a Japanese paper products technology company.

Founded in 1930 and headquartered in Espoo, Finland, Walki is a specialty packaging materials manufacturer, offering consumer and industrial packaging for food and specialty consumer products, as well as engineered materials, such as insulation and fire-retardant facings, sustainable membranes, and protective clothing applications.

The Company has 17 production facilities worldwide and employs more than 1,700 people. OEP’s acquisition of Walki closed in July 2018.  Plastic Pollution

“We are humbled by Walki’s performance under our ownership and were pleased to help the business execute on a transformative business expansion strategy with sustainability at its core,” said Marc Lindhorst, Managing Director, One Equity Partners. “We collaborated with management to drive transformative growth opportunities in the packaging and engineered materials end markets while supporting the development of manufacturing methods with reduced adverse environmental effects.”

During OEP’s ownership, Walki saw revenue growth of 125% and made significant investments in long-term environmental sustainability. Investments included the development of alternative materials and production methods to give customers the flexibility to choose the most appropriate packaging solution to mitigate environmental impact.  Plastic Pollution

Walki completed seven acquisitions over OEP’s hold period, including that of Plasbel Plásticos in 2021, to leverage its expertise in producing recycled and compostable packaging and support significant expansion of the Valkeakoski facility in Finland.

“One Equity Partners was a first-rate partner to our business over the last five years,” said Leif Frilund, President and CEO of Walki. “OEP’s expertise in specialty manufacturing businesses like ours helped us to execute our sustainability strategy while continuing to grow the business.

With their support, we have proven that consistent corporate growth and business development do not have to be mutually exclusive.”  Plastic Pollution

One Eq­uity Part­ners Agrees to Sell Walki to Japan’s Oji Group

Danimer Scientific, BIOLO and Bolthouse Farms Announce Commercialization of Home Compostable Packaging for Fresh Produce with Meijer Stores

Danimer Scientific, Inc. (“Danimer” or the “Company”), a leading next-generation bioplastics company focused on the development and production of biodegradable materials, today announced the commercialization of home compostable retail packaging for vegetables and fruit, which Danimer developed in partnership with biodegradable packaging and food service product manufacturer BIOLO and carrot producer Bolthouse Farms.  Plastic Pollution

Danimer’s signature PHA, Nodax®, was used to create the bags for one-pound Earthbound Farm Organic Mini Peeled Carrots, now available in Meijer’s regional network of 240 grocery stores and supercenters in six states across the Midwest.

Stephen Croskrey, CEO of Danimer Scientific, said, “As demand continues to rise for environmentally superior alternatives to petroleum plastics, we’re excited that Meijer will offer home compostable packaging solutions that make possible the safe, efficient, low-cost and stable delivery of fresh foods, providing consumers with a more responsible way to enjoy the products they love. We’re grateful for the partnership of BIOLO, Bolthouse Farms and Meijer in bringing this product to market, which we believe will lead to other foods shifting to PHA-based packaging.”  Plastic Pollution

Danimer’s Nodax® is a biobased polyester made with oils derived from the seeds of plants such as canola. Unlike traditional plastic, which can take centuries to degrade, Danimer’s PHA-based products can degrade in a matter of months under certain conditions.

The Earthbound Farm Organic Mini Peeled Carrots bags are certified as home compostable by TUV, a globally recognized leader in independent product testing, inspection and certification. This certification means that the bags have passed rigorous testing that requires them to disintegrate at least 90% within 26 weeks and biodegrade within 52 weeks under home compost conditions.  Plastic Pollution

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Danimer Scientific, BIOLO and Bolthouse Farms Announce Commercialization of Home Compostable Packaging for Fresh Produce with Meijer Stores

Unrecyclable plastics – The Complex Reality of Plastic Recycling: Beyond the Hype 24-10-2023

Plastic Pollution

Unrecyclable plastics – The Complex Reality of Plastic Recycling: Beyond the Hype 24-10-2023

Unrecyclable plastics

Beijing’s economy is in bad shape

Proof? Xi Jinping today visited the Central Bank of China.

It is the first time this has happened since he came to power 10 years ago – the aim is “to underline the government’s growing attention to supporting the economy”.

Translated: countermeasures are needed to avoid collapseChinese President Xi Jinping today made his first known visit to the Central Bank (PBOC) since coming to power 10 years ago, aiming to underline the government’s growing focus on supporting the economy and financial markets amid stagnant growth and turbulences of various types.
Bloomberg reports this, citing well-informed sources, according to which Xi, together with Vice Prime Minister He Lifeng and other government officials, went to the headquarters of the PBOC and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (Safe) in the afternoon.

He, according to the same sources, also visited the nation’s sovereign wealth fund.

Unrecyclable plastics

Beijing's economy is in bad shape

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Mura Technology opens advanced recycling facility for ‘unrecyclable’ plastics

Mura Technology is opening its first commercial-scale HydroPRS advanced plastic recycling plant in Teesside, UK, processing ‘unrecyclable’ flexible and rigid mixed plastics into recycled hydrocarbon feedstocks for repeated plastic production.

Located at the Wilton International industrial site, the site reportedly has the capacity to produce 20ktpa of recycled liquid hydrocarbon products and expand its production capacity by over three times its initial size in the future. It is said to have created 150 jobs during its build and commissioning phases and now expects to offer up to 50 direct jobs and a further 100 surrounding related infrastructure to support operations.

The company anticipates that its offtake partners will receive their first delivery of recycled hydrocarbon products from the Teesside facility early next year. Unrecyclable plastics

HydroPRS is a process designed to complement mechanical recycling and produce recycled plastic feedstock to manufacture new plastics, in turn facilitating a circular economy. It makes use of supercritical water, or water under high pressure and temperature, and converts films, pots, tubs, trays, and other post-consumer, multi-layered plastics into stable hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Independent Life Cycle Assessments have been carried out at Teesside and suggest that the process saves 80% of carbon emissions by diverting these ‘unrecyclable’ plastics away from incineration. Apparently, materials can undergo unlimited cycles of the HydroPRS recycling process, which would cut down on single-use plastics and drive circularity within the plastics industry.  Unrecyclable plastics

For every tonne of plastic waste produced, HydroPRS is also said to save up to five barrels of oil and create products with an equivalent or lower Global Warming Potential.

Local mayor Ben Houchen will deliver a speech at the opening of the facility. Also set to attend are Marco ten Bruggencate, commercial VP for EMEA at Dow and President of Plastics Europe; Benny Mermans, vice president of Sustainability at Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem); Jinsuk Kim, managing director of LG Chem Europe; Doug Kelly, vice president of Technology at KBR, Mura’s License and Engineering Partner; and Dr Paul Davidson, Director of UK Research & Industry’s Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge delivered by Innovate UK.  Unrecyclable plastics

Dr Steve Mahon, CEO of Mura Technology, said: “The opening of our first-of-its-kind, next generation recycling facility is a groundbreaking achievement and the culmination of four years of dedication.

“Our HydroPRS process is unlocking a new market for plastic waste, creating value and keeping both plastic and carbon in circularity. The technology works alongside existing mechanical recycling to ensure no plastic types are considered ‘unrecyclable’ and require incineration or landfilling.

“With support from our partners, the Teesside site will be the first in Mura’s global roll-out, helping in the fight against the plastic pollution and global warming crises and acting as a launchpad for the 1,000,000 tonnes of annual recycling capacity that Mura plans to have in operation and development in this decade.”  Unrecyclable plastics

Partnerships with blue-chip companies like KBR, CPChem, LG Chem, and igus GmbH are helping Mura pursue global scaling for the HydroPRS process. Its collaboration with Dow has resulted in plans to construct a HydroPRS advanced recycling facility in Böhlen, Germany, scheduled to begin operations in 2025.

In similar news, Swedish Plastic Recycling’s Site Zero plant site, which aims to recycle all kinds of plastic packaging without emitting CO2, has scheduled its own grand opening on 15th November 2023. The company expects its opening to commence a ‘new era’ for the recycling of plastics.  Unrecyclable plastics

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Unrecyclable plastics

Joint Swiss-German survey finds inflation expected to drop worldwide

Insights

  • Though inflation expectations worldwide remain above central banks’ target, a further fall in the expected inflation rate for the rest of this year compared with previous quarters is evident, a Swiss-German survey found.
  • The overall average expected inflation rate this year is 6.2 per cent.
  • High inflation rates worldwide are expected in the coming years.

Though inflation expectations worldwide remain well above central banks’ target, a further decline in the expected inflation rate for the rest of this year compared with previous quarters is evident, according to the Economic Experts Survey (EES) of the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich (ifo Institute) and the Institute for Swiss Economic Policy.  Unrecyclable plastics

The overall average expected inflation rate this year is 6.2 per cent. This is the median of average expected inflation rates at the country level, ifo Institute said on its website.

Though inflation expectations worldwide remain above central banks’ target, a further fall in the expected inflation rate for the rest of this year compared with previous quarters is evident, a Swiss-German survey found. The overall average expected inflation rate this year is 6.2 per cent. High inflation rates worldwide are expected in the coming years.

The median is used because expected inflation rates vary widely by region, with some dramatically higher in individual countries and regions such as Africa than in the rest of the world.  Unrecyclable plastics

The average rate of 6.2 per cent expected in the current quarter is significantly lower than the expected rate of 7 per cent in the second quarter this year.

Short-term inflation expectations are therefore falling, but remain at a high level worldwide. Experts also expect high inflation rates worldwide in the coming years.

In the long term up to 2026, inflation expectations will also remain high at 4.5 per cent. However, long-term inflation expectations have decreased compared with the results of the previous quarter (4.9 per cent).

Inflation expectations vary widely among the world’s regions. For 2023, experts expect the lowest inflation rates in North America (4.1 per cent).  Unrecyclable plastics

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Unrecyclable plastics

Mexico’s Alpek suspends construction at the PTA and PET plant in Texas due to inflationary cost pressure

Mexico-based Alpek, one of the largest petrochemical companies in the Americas, has decided to temporarily suspend construction at its Corpus Christi Polymers (CCP) project in Texas due to rising costs. The decision comes shortly after the announcement of the closure of a filament plant in Mexico due to profitability challenges. Alpex has already obtained consent from its partners for this project for the temporary suspension of construction at the CCP project.  Unrecyclable plastics

The CCP project offers the most efficient and innovative production of polymers such as purified terephthalic acid (PTA), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PTA accounts for the majority of the total annual capacity of the project, followed by PET. The project uses innovative processes and products for technical advantages compared to the competing packaging materials in its versatility. The CCP was originally scheduled to commence commercial production in 2025.

Reports said that the construction and labour costs have surpassed the initial expectations due to a sustained period of high inflation. Hence, CCP and its partners decided to pause the project temporarily. The promoter, partners, and financiers are expected to meet in the near future to decide the re-commencement of the construction work and commercial production. Sources said that the project will be adequately preserved to restart construction in the near future.  Unrecyclable plastics

Unrecyclable plastics

The Complex Reality of Plastic Recycling: Beyond the Hype

Plastic recycling has become a buzzword in the global efforts to combat climate change and environmental degradation. Recycling plastics is seen as a sustainable solution that can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and minimize the environmental footprint of plastic production. However, the reality of plastic recycling is far more complex than it may seem. In this article, we will delve into the multifaceted aspects of plastic recycling, including the challenges faced by small businesses, the complexities of recycled raw materials, and the need for a more nuanced understanding of environmental benefits.
The Cost Challenge
One of the most significant issues in the plastic recycling industry is the cost of recycled raw materials. In many cases, recycled plastics are more expensive than their counterparts derived from fossil fuels. This cost disparity poses a challenge for businesses looking to adopt sustainable practices. Consequently, some brands incorporate negligible quantities of recycled materials to maintain an image of sustainability while keeping their costs low.  Unrecyclable plastics
It’s important to understand that the cost of recycling involves various factors, including collection, sorting, cleaning, and reprocessing. These additional steps in the recycling process contribute to the higher costs. Small businesses, in particular, often struggle to absorb these extra expenses, leading to a situation where only large corporations with substantial resources can invest in sustainable practices.
Exceptions in the Automobile and Other Sectors
While the use of recycled plastics is cost-prohibitive for many industries, some exceptions exist. The automobile industry, for instance, has made significant strides in incorporating recycled materials into their products. This is largely attributed to the innovative practices of large automotive manufacturers. However, these exceptions are not widespread and are primarily driven by the significant financial resources available to large corporations.
For small businesses that produce high-quality products, the financial barriers can be insurmountable. Many of them find themselves caught between wanting to make sustainable choices and struggling to compete with larger competitors who can absorb the additional costs of using recycled materials.  Unrecyclable plastics
The Market for Low-Performance Recycled Raw Materials
There is indeed a market for recycled raw materials with lower performance attributes, but profitability is often elusive. These materials may find applications in less demanding industries or in products where performance is not a critical factor. However, the market for this materials have a fierce competition .
To make recycled raw materials more attractive, it is essential to develop innovative ways to enhance their performance and durability. Only then can they compete more effectively with their virgin material counterparts and gain a broader foothold in various industries.
The Nuances of Environmental Benefits
When discussing the environmental benefits of using recycled materials, it’s important to consider the full picture. While it is true that recycling plastics can significantly reduce carbon emissions, these reductions can sometimes be exaggerated. This is often due to the omission of certain secondary factors or the failure to account for differences in recycled and virgin materials.  Unrecyclable plastics
For instance, the carbon emissions associated with the transportation of recycled materials, additional energy requirements in the recycling process, and the carbon footprint of collecting and transporting plastic waste are factors that can affect the overall environmental impact. While recycling remains an environmentally beneficial practice, a more nuanced and comprehensive assessment is needed to provide an accurate representation of its advantages.
Conclusion
Plastic recycling is a crucial component of our collective efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic production. However, it is essential to acknowledge the multifaceted challenges that exist within the industry. The cost disparity between recycled and virgin materials, the exceptions in industries like automotive and the nuanced assessment of environmental benefits all underscore the complexity of plastic recycling.
Small businesses that aim to embrace sustainability may find themselves at a disadvantage, given the financial barriers associated with adopting recycled materials. This highlights the need for more accessible and cost-effective recycling solutions for all businesses.  Unrecyclable plastics
Furthermore, a transparent and comprehensive evaluation of the environmental benefits of recycling is vital to ensure that the advantages are accurately represented. By addressing these challenges and promoting innovation in the recycling industry, we can move closer to a more sustainable and eco.
The Complex Reality of Plastic Recycling: Beyond the Hype

InnoVent Renewables Launches a Solution to Global Waste Tire Challenge

Exclusive technology converts tires into valuable fuels & chemicals

InnoVent Renewables announces its formation with a corporate mission to drive renewable energy forward by mitigating the global environmental challenge of waste tires. InnoVent Renewables launched as a U.S.-based technology and operations company with a proprietary continuous pyrolysis technology that converts waste tires, plastics, and biomass into valuable fuels and chemicals.  Unrecyclable plastics

Each year more than 1 billion tires are disposed of globally, and North America alone disposes of 100+ million tires annually.  Decomposition of tires is slower than other waste resulting in a serious health hazard (mosquitos, pests, water borne diseases, and chemical leaching into soil); and burning tires in pits or cement kilns is far more hazardous as it emits toxic emissions in the air. The exclusive pyrolysis technology is unique in that it’s continuous, which is a much higher efficiency compared to batch processing. It utilizes the gas to preheat the tires, thereby making it a Net Zero energy process. During the process valuable chemicals are recovered from the products, producing high quality fuels.

“We are thrilled to formally launch InnoVent Renewables and plan to ramp-up operations into early 2024,” noted InnoVent Renewables CEO Vibhu Sharma. “Our investors, strategic advisors, and management team are all fully committed to our success as we address the global challenge of waste tires.  Unrecyclable plastics

We firmly believe our proven process, deployed at scale globally, will have a huge positive impact on our climate and fill a clear environment need.”

With a solution to this environmental challenge, InnoVent has assembled a team of world class executives each with more than 25 years of energy and chemical industry experience to drive early-stage growth. With current operations in Houston (USA), Pune (India), and Monterrey (Mexico), the company has aggressive growth plans across North America and Latin America, with future expansion opportunities in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-PacificUnrecyclable plastics

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InnoVent Renewables Launches a Solution to Global Waste Tire Challenge

Flexible packaging materials get cheaper, but still above 2020 levels

A new report from Flexible Packaging Europe reveals that the prices of flexible packaging materials have fallen more in the third quarter of 2023, but they are still higher than before the crisis.

The report, based on a survey by the European association, shows that the prices have been dropping since the start of the year, after reaching a record high last year.

However, they have not yet returned to the levels of the fourth quarter of 2020, which is the baseline for comparison.  Unrecyclable plastics

The report says that most prices went down by 10% to 20% in the third quarter, compared to the second quarter.

For example, HDPE and LDPE prices went down by 10% and 14%, and ended the quarter with a price index of 125 and 131, respectively.

The index was 100 in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Some prices decreased less than others.

The price of sixty gram single-coated glossy paper went down by 7% and reached 140, while the price of 15 micron BOPA film went down by 8% and reached 124.

The price of 20 micron BOPP film went down by 11% and reached 113, which is close to the original price.   Unrecyclable plastics

The price of 12 micron PET film only went down by 4% and reached 136. David Buckby, a senior analyst at Wood Mackenzie, thinks that the prices are falling because of low orders, low demand from some European customers, and low stocks.

He also says that some markets have too much production capacity, which was increased a lot in the past years. Buckby says that some prices may keep falling in the fourth quarter, but some products may become more stable.

Guido Aufdenkamp (in the photo), the executive director of FPE, says that the future is unclear: “Many customers do not want to buy packaged foods and there are too many stocks in the supply chain.  Unrecyclable plastics

This makes the demand for flexible packaging low in the short term”. He also says that inflation is going down, but not as fast as some people expected.

He reminds that even though these big drops in prices are good for reducing inflation, the prices of flexible materials are still much higher than before Covid and they change a lot. He says that this makes their customers and suppliers very careful, but they hope that demand will increase in 2024.

Flexible packaging materials get cheaper, but still above 2020 levels

What happens to waste tire after pyrolysis?

Pyrolysis is a thermochemical process that involves the decomposition of organic materials, such as waste tire, in the absence of oxygen and at high temperatures. During this process, the tire waste is heated in a controlled environment, leading to the breakdown of its chemical structure.
Stages of Pyrolysis:
Pyrolysis of waste tire can be divided into three main stages:
1. Preheating:
The waste tire is initially heated gradually to a specific temperature range, typically between 300 to 400 degrees Celsius.

This preheating stage helps to evaporate any moisture present in the waste tire and prepare it for further decomposition.  Unrecyclable plastics
2. Pyrolysis or Decomposition:
Once the waste tire reaches the desired temperature, pyrolysis occurs. At this stage, the long chains of polymers in the waste tire break down into smaller molecules, including oil-gases and solids.
3. Condensation and Collection:
After the pyrolysis process, the oil-gas products are usually cooled rapidly by the cooling system(DOING waste tire pyrolysis system has a multi cooling system with high oil yield), causing them to condense into liquid oil and gas. The solid can be discharged from the pyrolysis reactor. These products are then collected and subjected to sell or further process.
– Gaseous Products: Various hydrocarbon and volatile gases, such as methane, ethane, propane, and butane, are released as byproducts of pyrolysis. These gases can be used as sources of energy or further processed for pyrolysis reactor heating or other applications.
– Liquid Products: The decomposition of waste tire results in the formation of a liquid product known as pyrolysis oil or pyrolysis liquid. This oil is rich in hydrocarbons and can be used for industrial plants heating. Or it can be refined by the pyrolysis oil distillation machines to diesel and for agricultural machinery.

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What happens to waste tire after pyrolysis?

Packaging films – Oil drops after Hamas releases US hostages : will it continue to go down? 23-10-2023

Unrecyclable plastics

Packaging films – Oil drops after Hamas releases US hostages : will it continue to go down? 23-10-2023

Packaging films

Petrochemicals chip – Panel for Sustainable Future in Textile in Gaziantep

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Oil drops after Hamas releases US hostages

• Summary
• Oil prices drop on Friday but gain over 1% for the week
• Hamas releases two US hostages in Gaza
• Earlier, Israeli minister said troops to see Gaza ‘from inside’
• Global oil market already faces supply concerns
Oil prices settled lower on Friday after the Islamist group Hamas released two U.S. hostages from Gaza, leading to hopes the Israeli-Palestinian crisis could de-escalate without engulfing the rest of the Middle East region and disrupting oil supplies.
Brent crude futures fell 22 cents, or 0.2%, to settle at $92.16 a barrel.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures for November delivery , which expired after settlement on Friday, fell 62 cents, or 0.7%, to $88.75 a barrel. The more-active December WTI contract closed 29 cents lower at $88.08 a barrel.
Hamas’ armed wing released two U.S. hostages from Gaza – a mother and her daughter – “for humanitarian reasons” in response to Qatari mediation efforts in the war with Israel, its spokesman Abu Ubaida said on Friday.  Packaging films
“The report took some of the risk premium out of the market,” said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group. “The market went from starting the day with little hope and went to possible signs that there may be some way out of this crisis.”
Both contracts had gained more than a dollar per barrel during the session on signs of escalation of the conflict. For the week, both front-month contracts rose over 1%, a second straight weekly jump.
On Thursday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told troops at the Gaza border they would soon see the Palestinian enclave “from inside,” and the Pentagon said the U.S. had intercepted missiles fired from Yemen toward Israel.  Packaging films
“The Middle East remains a big focus of the market because of fears of a region-wide conflict that would likely involve a disruption of oil supplies,” said John Kilduff, a partner at New York-based Again Capital.
Supply disruptions may be less likely now, Kilduff added, but “the market cannot ignore it – especially heading into the weekend when things could change rapidly and there will be no trading.”
Also supporting prices were forecasts of a tightening market in the fourth quarter after top producers Saudi Arabia and Russia extended supply cuts to year end.
Large inventory draws, mostly in the U.S., support the thesis of an undersupplied market, UBS analyst Giovanni  Packaging films
Packaging films

“The Complex Nexus of Energy Transition: Lithium, Cobalt, Hydrogen”

The quest for achieving decarbonization and the energy transition presents a myriad of challenges. Are the essential raw materials readily available to support a fully electric mobility landscape? Will their extraction and utilization prove to be environmentally favorable? And is it economically viable for the industry? These are the inquiries that have long preoccupied global policymakers and major automotive conglomerates.

From the 22nd to the 25th of October, experts and professionals from diverse sectors convened in Palermo for the second iteration of the E2DT congress – Energy, Environment, and Digital Transition. This event was organized by the Italian Association of Chemical Engineering (AIDIC) with the endorsement of the European Federation of Chemical Engineering (EFCE).  Packaging films

When we speak of energy and environmental transition, we typically refer to the shift from fossil fuel-based energy production to renewable resources. This path, as reiterated by analysts and companies, is neither straightforward nor devoid of costs. This transition necessarily unfolds within the realm of political choices, as exemplified by the European Commission’s recent stance on internal combustion engines. This stance has ignited a robust debate encompassing contrasting perspectives: those advocating for a swift farewell to fossil fuels, those advocating for a gradual shift, and those who argue that the current level of technological innovation permits a balanced compromise between environmental protection, industrial costs, and raw material availability.

“To this end, it is imperative that unbiased and scientifically sound information be accessible to decision-makers and regulators so that legislative changes are not influenced by partisan views,” underscores Giuseppe Ricci, President of AIDIC.

Additionally, digitalization assumes a pivotal role in this transition by expediting transformation processes.

Energy and production systems are increasingly becoming interconnected, intelligent, and efficient, equipped with self-learning capabilities, with profound implications for the labor landscape and, consequently, society.  Packaging films

This challenge is global in scope. Recent developments in various parts of the world underscore this fact. Ghana, for instance, has inked an agreement with the Australian conglomerate Atlantic Lithium Ltd for the exploitation of a substantial lithium deposit, a key raw material in the spotlight. In a shift to South America, Chile is contemplating nationalizing its lithium reserves. Across Asia, China, which already holds a central position in the availability, exploitation, and processing of critical raw materials, has recently reached an accord to exploit lithium deposits in Afghanistan. In many regions of Europe, including France, Italy, and Scandinavia, searches are underway to identify potential sites for resource extraction. Simultaneously, the United Kingdom has postponed its ban on internal combustion engines from 2030 to 2035.  Packaging films

A significant portion of Europe’s concerns stems from its status as primarily a consumer of materials essential to bolster the energy transition. It heavily relies on China and, to some extent, the United States for these resources. Furthermore, many of the fundamental elements required for electric batteries are sourced from politically unstable regions. Thus, the geopolitical aspect is far from inconsequential in the context of the energy transition.

AIDIC has crafted numerous position papers on critical metals, summarizing the primary challenges at hand. Batteries, for instance, impact not only electric mobility but also an array of everyday devices and objects, while simultaneously influencing the efficiency of renewable energy sources with their storage systems.  Packaging films

Ricci cites a well-known study by the International Energy Agency (IEA) that zeroes in on batteries. This study reveals that, on average, an electric vehicle battery weighs approximately 206 kg and comprises a variety of metals, with graphite, copper, nickel, manganese, cobalt, lithium, and chromium being the most significant. When comparing the weight of individual materials used in batteries to the number of vehicles in circulation across Europe and worldwide, and then contrasting this with the availability of raw materials, it becomes evident that the critical issue revolves around cobalt and nickel. In an extreme scenario, there might not be enough cobalt to support a fully global fleet of electric vehicles.  Packaging films

Packaging films

Hellweg defies odds, sees major sales increase

This year has been tough for a lot of plastic recyclers. Recycled resin prices have been under severe downward pressure for months because of persistent weak demand, competition from the falling cost of virgin plastics and cheaper imports from Asia.

On the show floor at Fakuma, there are some reports of double-digit percentage drops in sales for recycling machinery. But there are also surprisingly positive reports, with some companies saying they have not seen a drop in sales or have, even, experienced increased sales.  Packaging films

Chief among them is perhaps Hellweg Maschinenbau, whose managing director, Mark Hellweg, gleefully said the company will have increased its output by 30 to 50 percent by the end of 2023 after already boosting sales by 50 percent in 2022.

“The first day at Fakuma was really good,” Hellweg said. “We had conversations throughout the entire day. For me, it was a very good day, like a very good Fakuma. So, I don’t see any negative impact right now. I don’t see it, and I don’t feel it. People were a little bit nervous during the last month. I have also seen that in our customers. But yesterday I had no chance to feel it here. Optimism what all I was met with yesterday.”

At the core of Hellweg’s success is the new MDSGi 1500/600 wet grinder, which it is unveiling and starting to sell at Fakuma. The machine has been under development for the past three years after Repetco contacted Hellweg and was “absolutely impressed” with the results of the grinding tests, Hellweg said.  Packaging films

The Spain-based new entrant to the recycling of PET/polyethylene multilayer packaging ordered four prototypes that have been in operation 24/7 since the beginning of the year. Even though Hellweg only just started commercialization at Fakuma, it already received six orders for the rest of the year, and another eight are booked for 2024.

The new wet grinder uses low-power motors rated from 45 kW to 110 kW, which enable previously unattained low power consumption of just 70 kWh to 90 kWh, a huge advantage during the current high electricity price market. Forced feed of PET, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polycarbonate, polylactic acid or PE films using a tamping screw ensures long-term, trouble-free operation even with contaminated input materials, achieving a throughput of up to 5 tonnes of film per hour.

Mark Hellweg of Hellweg Maschinenbau says his recycling machinery company has increased its sales while other firms saw drops in demand.

The MDSG 1500/600 W model is the first to be commercially available, with MDSG 600/600 W and MDSG 600/300 W versions to follow. The first number in the model’s name denotes the working width of 600 mm or 1500 mm, while the second number refers to the diameter of the rotors, 300 mm or 600 mm.  Packaging films

Depending on the model, the grinders are fitted with five or seven rotary blades plus two or three static blades. These blades use Hellweg’s double scissor-cut technology, in use in its machines for the past 25 years. These are key to the success of the new grinder, setting a benchmark in terms of cut quality and dust-free operation. They ensure a constant cutting gap and require no adjustment of the rotary blades.

Hellweg defies odds, sees major sales increase

Evonik to develop precious metal catalysts and technology with Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies

Evonik Industries has completed the relocation and expansion of its precious metal powder catalyst plant in Shanghai Chemical Industrial Park (SCIP). Production is scheduled to commence in Q4, 2023.

  • Evonik to produce precious metal catalysts tailored to Hydrogenious’ LOHC (liquid organic hydrogen carriers) technology
  • Technology will be jointly commercialized and targets green hydrogen for mobile applications
  • Catalysts for pilot plants and commercial units expected to be available 2026

Evonik has signed an agreement to develop, scale up and produce proprietary fixed bed catalysts for mobile applications of Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies’ proprietary liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) technology based on benzyl toluene (BT).

The safe, cost-efficient and flexible process chemically binds hydrogen synthesized by sustainable energy to the LOHC-BT, which then is transported to the off-taker site where the hydrogen is released for industrial or consumer use – or in the mobile application released on board to power propulsion units.  Packaging films

“We are committed to bringing our expertise in catalysis to jointly develop processes with the Hydrogenious team, that will help to transform the industry from fossil-based to sustainable feedstock,” said Michael Frey, Head of Product Line Polyolefin and Continuous Process Catalysts, at Evonik.

“When transporting hydrogen over long distances, liquid organic carriers play a particularly important role. To overcome catalytical challenges associated with the use of onboard applications, customization – based on extensive and proven experience – is required,” he added.  Packaging films

Hydrogenious’ LOHC process uses benzyl toluene as carrier material, boasting competitive safety and economic advantages. The thermal oil – which is loaded with hydrogen – is hardly flammable and non-explosive, with a risk potential comparable to diesel fuel. It can be stored at ambient temperatures and pressure, has a competitive storage density level, and is reusable as a hydrogen carrier hundreds of times.

“The flexibility and scalability of our LOHC technology accelerates the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy because we can leverage the existing liquid fuel infrastructure,” said Dr Caspar Paetz, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies.

“We are happy to work with Evonik to further improve our technology – their expertise in tailoring catalysts to specific needs is an essential part of the development process,” he added.

Catalysts for pilot plants and commercial units are expected to be available from 2026 onwards.  Packaging films

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Evonik to develop precious metal catalysts and technology with Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies

Novel packaging films and textiles with tailored end of life and performance based on bio-based copolymers and coatings

Novel bio-based food packaging supports home composting and recycling

Innovative formulations have fostered a circular economy for polylactic acid, a bioplastic made from plant starch that was challenged by end-of-life issues.

Plastic packaging, largely for foods and beverages, has become ubiquitous. It is low-cost and lightweight, with essential barrier properties that protect products meant for human consumption. About a third of plastics are produced for packaging and approximately 85 % of this ends up in landfills or as unregulated waste. Polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-based and biodegradable plastic, has relieved the food packaging sector’s dependence on fossil fuel raw materials and requires less energy to produce. However, it cannot be recycled with other plastics and is degradable only under harsh industrial conditions. With funding from the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking, a public-private partnership between the EU and industry, the BIOnTop project aimed to address these end-of-life (EoL) challenges and foster a circular economy for sustainable PLA.  Packaging films

Conventional barriers in plastic and textile packaging

Food packaging plastics are often multi-layer, multi-material structures that are difficult to process and recycle at EoL. PLA is a bio-based plastic made from fermented sugars or plant starch. Although compostable under industrial conditions, it can take several weeks or more to decompose, with significant energy and water input. Most PLA ends up in landfill where it can take hundreds of years to decompose. According to Rafael Alonso of project coordinating entity AIMPLAS: “When it comes to textiles like tea bags, most coatings are not bio-based. As with multi-material plastic packaging, they are different from the fibres they coat, again making organic recycling extremely difficult.”

PLA-based compounds with technical and environmental appeal

The project combined several technologies to ensure properties required for packaging while enabling EoL options that are currently not possible for available materials, under controlled waste management scenarios. The team used sustainably sourced feedstocks, additives and fillers to formulate new PLA-based materials from close to 100 % bio-based feedstock. These reduce the carbon footprint and open the door to better EoL recycling opportunities including more eco-friendly mechanical recycling and industrial composting as well as home composting.  Packaging films

“BIOnTop developed novel tailor-made biocomposites and copolymers integrating bio-based diacids with lactic acid, enabling a breakthrough in their biodegradation behaviour in mild conditions. We also enhanced the barrier properties of delivered biopackaging trays, films and derived packaging using removable protein-based coatings and a novel fatty acid grafting technology to decrease permeability and compete with fossil fuel-based packaging,” Alonso explains.

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Novel packaging films and textiles with tailored end of life and performance based on bio-based copolymers and coatings

China and India struggle to curb fossil fuels: Kemp

China and India are burning record amounts of fossil fuels this year, even as they also install record renewable power generation capacity, highlighting the slow pace and enormous inertia to be overcome in the energy transition.

Both countries are experiencing rapid growth in energy use for services such as air conditioning, heating, cooking, lighting, power and transport as they try to raise living standards closer to those in the advanced economies.

Growing demand for energy services is so vast fossil fuels and renewable energy sources are acting as complements rather than substitutes, ensuring consumption from both is increasing simultaneously. Packaging films

In effect, both countries are pursuing an “all of the above” approach to economic development and energy security, similar to the one advocated by then-U.S. President Barack Obama in his state-of-the-union address in 2014.

GROWING ENERGY DEMAND

In every historical case, the transition from a pre-modern agricultural economy to a modern urban and industrial one has been accompanied by a huge increase in the consumption of energy.

Increased consumption provides more labour saving, higher wages, more comfort, more entertainment and more opportunity for travel to visit family and see the world.

If they follow the usual pattern, both China and India are likely to consume a lot more energy services in the next few decades as their populations aspire to reach the same living standards as North America and Europe.  Packaging films

Chartbook: China and energy consumption

In 2022, the populations of China (1.43 billion) and India (1.42 billion) were each similar to the total for countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (1.38 billion).

But total primary energy consumption in China (159 exajoules) and India (36 exajoules) was far lower than in the OECD (234 exajoules).²

Each person in China consumed only 66% of the energy as their counterparts in the OECD and in India the figure was just 15%.

Even that overstates the consumption of energy services locally since both countries and especially China export a high proportion of their energy-intensive manufactured output to the OECD.  Packaging films

Continued modernisation means both countries will use a lot more energy – making an “all of the above” strategy imperative for policymakers.

THE NEED FOR ALL SOURCES

In the OECD, total energy consumption has been essentially flat since 2007, so growing production from renewables and especially gas has displaced coal and to a lesser extent oil.

Renewables (and gas) have been substitutes for fossil fuels such as coal and oil enabling a significant reduction in greenhouse emissions.  Packaging films

But total energy consumption has continued to grow rapidly in China (by an average of 3.1% per year in the last decade) and India (3.8% per year).

Renewables (and gas) have served as complements to other fossil fuels – ensuring energy remains affordable and reliable even as consumption increases significantly.

China and India’s current trajectory for energy consumption looks a lot like the United States or Western Europe between the 1950s and 1970s, a period of rapid growth in economic output, living standards and energy use.

In the Euro-Atlantic economies, rapid growth in total energy demand created a need for more energy from all sources; consumption from older sources continued to rise in absolute terms even as its share was reduced relatively.  Packaging films

More…

China and India struggle to curb fossil fuels: Kemp

PET bottle waste – How Flexible Packaging Benefits from Today’s Corona Treatment 21-10-2023

Packaging films

Petrochemicals chip – Panel for Sustainable Future in Textile in Gaziantep 23-10-2023

Petrochemicals chip

Petrochemicals chip

  • Polymers : PET – r-PET – Filament grade semidull chips -Filament grade bright chips – Ny6 – Ny66 – PP
  • Feedstocks  PX – PTA – MEG – CPL – Adipic Acid – Benzene – ACN – Ethylene – Phenol – Naphtha
  • Textile : Polyester POY – DTY – FDY – PSF – Recycled Polyester POY – Nylon POY – DTY – FDY Spandex 20-30-40 -Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  Acrylic Staple Fiber 

Petrochemicals chip

Petrochemicals chip

Polyestertime
ITEM 16/10/2023 23/10/2023 +/-
Bottle grade PET chips domestic market 7,000 yuan/ton 6,825 yuan/ton -175
Bottle grade PET chips export market 885 $/ton 875 $/ton -10
Filament grade Semidull chips domestic market 6,860 yuan/ton 6,775 yuan/ton -85
Filament grade Bright chips domestic market 6,900 yuan/ton 6,810 yuan/ton -90
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA domestic market 5,860 yuan/ton 5,710 yuan/ton -150
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA export market 730 $/ton 730 $/ton
Monoethyleneglycol MEG domestic market 4,025 yuan/ton 3,960 yuan/ton -65
Monoethyleneglycol MEG export market 467 $/ton 457 $/ton -10
Paraxylene PX FOB  Taiwan market

Petrochemicals chip

1,033 $/ton 1,027 $/ton
-6
Paraxylene PX FOB  Korea market 1,010 $/ton 1,004 $/ton -6
Paraxylene PX FOB EU market 1,185 $/ton 1,150 $/ton -35
Polyester filament POY 150D/48F domestic market 7,675  yuan/ton 7,600 yuan/ton
-75
Recycled Polyester filament POY  domestic market 7,550 yuan/ton 7,550 yuan/ton
Polyester filament DTY 150D/48 F domestic market 9,000 yuan/ton 8,950 yuan/ton -50
Polyester filament FDY 68D24F

Petrochemicals chip

8,950 yuan/ton 8,950 yuan/ton
Polyester filament FDY 150D/96F domestic market 8,300 yuan/ton 8,200 yuan/ton -100
Polyester staple fiber 1.4D 38mm domestic market 7,550 yuan/ton 7,450 yuan/ton -100
Caprolactam CPL domestic market 12,600 yuan/ton 12,650 yuan/ton
+50
Caprolactam CPL overseas  market 1,600 $/ton 1,600 $/ton
Nylon 6 chips overseas  market 1,900 $/ton 1,900 $/ton
Nylon 6 chips conventional spinning domestic  market 13,500 yuan/ton 13,750 yuan/ton +250
Nylon 6 chips  high speed spinning domestic  market

Petrochemicals chip

14,050 yuan/ton 14,100 yuan/ton +50
Nylon 6.6 chips domestic  market 19,100 yuan/ton 19,100 yuan/ton -300
Nylon6 Filament POY 86D/24F domestic  market 16,150 yuan/ton 16,200 yuan/ton +50
Nylon6 Filament DTY 70D/24F domestic  market 18,500 yuan/ton 18,500 yuan/ton-
Nylon6 Filament FDY  70D/24F  17,250 yuan/ton 17,250 yuan/ton
Spandex 20D  domestic  market

Petrochemicals chip

36,500 yuan/ton 36,500 yuan/ton
Spandex 30D  domestic  market 35,000 yuan/ton 35,000 yuan/ton
Spandex 40D  domestic  market  32,200 yuan/ton 32,200 yuan/ton
Adipic Acid domestic market 9,500 yuan/ton 9,400 yuan/ton -100
Benzene domestic market

Petrochemicals chip

7,930 yuan/ton 8,120 yuan/ton +190
Benzene overseas  market 920 $/ton 918 $/ton -2
Ethylene South East market 920 $/ton 950 $/ton +30
Ethylene NWE market 729 $/ton 686 $/ton -43
Acrylonitrile ACN  domestic market

Petrochemicals chip

9,700 yuan/ton 9,700 yuan/ton
Acrylonitrile ACN  overseas market 1,200 $/ton 1,200 $/ton
Acrylic staple fiber ASF  domestic market 14,600 yuan/ton 14,600 yuan/ton
Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  domestic market 13,450 yuan/ton 13,400 yuan/ton -50
PP Powder domestic market

Petrochemicals chip

7,400 yuan/ton 7,220 yuan/ton -180
Naphtha overseas market  657 $/ton 687 $/ton +30
Phenol domestic market 8,575 yuan/ton 8,382 yuan/ton -193

r-PET high end eco-friendly chips =7,800 yuan/ton 7,800 yuan/ton   –

 

Panel for Sustainable Future in Textile in Gaziantep

GAGİAD President Koçer Spoke at the Sustainable Future in Textile Panel: “The Future of Textile Is Through Branding”  Petrochemicals chip

Cihan Koçer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gaziantep Young Business People (GAGİAD), spoke at the opening of the panel titled “Sustainable Future in Textiles” held at Gaziantep Chamber of Industry Vocational Training Center. Emphasizing that Gaziantep is a strong textile and export city, Koçer said, “Our Gaziantep city continues its determined march in the 100th anniversary of the Republic, with its textile experience from centuries ago to today, and weaves its success stories, stitch by stitch.”

The present and future of the textile industry were discussed in the panel titled “Sustainable Future in Textile” organized by GAGİAD and Gaziantep Chamber of Industry. In the panel held at Gaziantep Chamber of Industry Vocational Training Center, many topics were discussed, from wearable technologies to sustainable fashion, from employee engagement and sustainable human resources practices to the transition process of the European Union Green Deal. The meeting, moderated by Istanbul Fashion Academy Trainings Coordinator Gülin Girişken, was attended by Fashion Designer Arzu Kaprol, who designs special clothes for Turkish scientists working in Antarctica, and LC Waikiki Corporate Academy, Professional Expertise Development Group Manager Dr. İbrahim Güneş, Orbit Consulting General Manager Didem Çakar and industry representatives attended.  Petrochemicals chip

“We must brand by focusing on sustainability”

Giving the opening speech of the panel, Cihan Koçer, Chairman of GAGİAD Board of Directors, stated that it is very meaningful and valuable to organize such a panel in Gaziantep, one of the most important production and export centers of Turkey, which is the 5th largest textile exporter in the world, and said:

“Our city of Gazi, which aims to continue its stable growth by focusing on production, employment, investment and export, continues its determined march in the 100th anniversary of the Republic with its textile experience from centuries ago and weaves its success stories, stitch by stitch. The fact that the textile industry ranks first with a 2022 percent share in the 10,5 billion dollar exports reached by our city in 36 is the clearest indicator of this progress and success. Petrochemicals chip

I think that both our country and our city have a strong competitive advantage in textile in terms of production capacity and quality, but we have difficulty competing with many countries, especially Asian countries, in terms of cost. “The thing that will get us out of this cycle and turn a development that can be seen as a threat into an opportunity is to center sustainability, branding, and taking our place in the future of the world with high technology and digitalization moves.”

Koçer continued his words by stating that the sustainable future of the textile industry and our country’s reaching the place it deserves in the world requires a paradigm shift.

“To exist and produce value in a world where new generation raw materials, innovative production solutions, carbon neutrality targets and circularity are at the center, now requires leaving familiar paradigms aside.  Petrochemicals chip

At the point we have reached, a view on sustainability should be a necessity rather than an obligation. We should work not for laws and sanctions, but to add value to the world in economic, social and environmental terms.

The textile industry, which was one of the first sectors to announce its sustainability action plan, should aim to first preserve and then increase its competitiveness by rapidly carrying out the implementation processes in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Climate Agreement and European Green Deal on a global level, and the Green Deal Action Plan and Medium Term Program on a national level. At this point; “With the awareness of the responsibility of our chambers, unions and GAGİAD, we will continue to play an active role in the transition of our sectors to the new order,” he said.  Petrochemicals chip

“The transition to a circular economy will accelerate our adaptation to international standards.”

Ali Can Koçak, one of the hosts of the panel, Member of the Board of Directors of Gaziantep Chamber of Industry and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gaziantep Chamber of Industry Vocational Training Center (GSO-MEM), emphasized the importance of sustainability in terms of international competition in his speech and said, “It is necessary to realize green and digital transformation for a sustainable future in textiles.” .

More…

Panel for Sustainable Future in Textile in Gaziantep

Petrochemicals r-PET Resin – Has the electric car won the war against the hydrogen car? 16-09-2023

Petrochemicals r-PET Resin

Petrochemicals r-PET Resin

  • Polymers : PET – r-PET – Filament grade semidull chips -Filament grade bright chips – Ny6 – Ny66 – PP
  • Feedstocks  PX – PTA – MEG – CPL – Adipic Acid – Benzene – ACN – Ethylene – Phenol – Naphtha
  • Textile : Polyester POY – DTY – FDY – PSF – Recycled Polyester POY – Nylon POY – DTY – FDY Spandex 20-30-40 -Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  Acrylic Staple Fiber 

Petrochemicals r-PET Resin

Petrochemicals r-PET Resin

Polyestertime
ITEM 09/10/2023 16/10/2023 +/-
Bottle grade PET chips domestic market 7,025 yuan/ton 7,000 yuan/ton -25
Bottle grade PET chips export market 890 $/ton 885 $/ton -5
Filament grade Semidull chips domestic market 6,980 yuan/ton 6,860 yuan/ton -120
Filament grade Bright chips domestic market 7,010 yuan/ton 6,900 yuan/ton -110
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA domestic market 6,005 yuan/ton 5,860 yuan/ton -145
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA export market 760 $/ton 730 $/ton -30
Monoethyleneglycol MEG domestic market 4,025 yuan/ton 4,025 yuan/ton
Monoethyleneglycol MEG export market 467 $/ton 467 $/ton
Paraxylene PX FOB  Taiwan market

Petrochemicals r-PET Resin

1,050 $/ton 1,033 $/ton
-17
Paraxylene PX FOB  Korea market 1,027 $/ton 1,010 $/ton -17
Paraxylene PX FOB EU market 1,250 $/ton 1,185 $/ton -65
Polyester filament POY 150D/48F domestic market 7,900  yuan/ton 7,675 yuan/ton
-225
Recycled Polyester filament POY  domestic market 7,550 yuan/ton 7,550 yuan/ton
Polyester filament DTY 150D/48 F domestic market 9,150 yuan/ton 9,000 yuan/ton -150
Polyester filament FDY 68D24F

Petrochemicals r-PET Resin

9,100 yuan/ton 8,950 yuan/ton -150
Polyester filament FDY 150D/96F domestic market 8,500 yuan/ton 8,300 yuan/ton -200
Polyester staple fiber 1.4D 38mm domestic market 7,620 yuan/ton 7,550 yuan/ton -70
Caprolactam CPL domestic market 12,500 yuan/ton 12,600 yuan/ton
+100
Caprolactam CPL overseas  market 1,600 $/ton 1,600 $/ton
Nylon 6 chips overseas  market 1,900 $/ton 1,900 $/ton
Nylon 6 chips conventional spinning domestic  market 13,500 yuan/ton 13,500 yuan/ton -550
Nylon 6 chips  high speed spinning domestic  market

Petrochemicals r-PET Resin

14,400 yuan/ton 14,050 yuan/ton -350
Nylon 6.6 chips domestic  market 19,400 yuan/ton 19,100 yuan/ton -300
Nylon6 Filament POY 86D/24F domestic  market 16,500 yuan/ton 16,150 yuan/ton -350
Nylon6 Filament DTY 70D/24F domestic  market 18,700 yuan/ton 18,500 yuan/ton- -200
Nylon6 Filament FDY  70D/24F  17,500 yuan/ton 17,250 yuan/ton -250
Spandex 20D  domestic  market

Petrochemicals r-PET Resin

36,500 yuan/ton 36,500 yuan/ton
Spandex 30D  domestic  market 35,000 yuan/ton 35,000 yuan/ton
Spandex 40D  domestic  market  32,200 yuan/ton 32,200 yuan/ton
Adipic Acid domestic market 9,800 yuan/ton 9,500 yuan/ton -300
Benzene domestic market

Petrochemicals r-PET Resin

7,940 yuan/ton 7,930 yuan/ton -10
Benzene overseas  market 908 $/ton 920 $/ton +12
Ethylene South East market 900 $/ton 920 $/ton +20
Ethylene NWE market 772 $/ton 729 $/ton -43
Acrylonitrile ACN  domestic market

Petrochemicals r-PET Resin

10,000 yuan/ton 9,700 yuan/ton -100
Acrylonitrile ACN  overseas market 1,200 $/ton 1,200 $/ton
Acrylic staple fiber ASF  domestic market 14,600 yuan/ton 14,600 yuan/ton
Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  domestic market 13,400 yuan/ton 13,450 yuan/ton +50
PP Powder domestic market

Petrochemicals r-PET Resin

7,450 yuan/ton 7,400 yuan/ton -50
Naphtha overseas market  648 $/ton 657 $/ton +9
Phenol domestic market 9,112 yuan/ton 8,575 yuan/ton -537

r-PET high end eco-friendly chips =7,800 yuan/ton 7,800 yuan/ton   –

 

Petrochemicals r-PET Resin

Has the electric car won the war against the hydrogen car?

The debate between electric and hydrogen cars has been ongoing for years. While both technologies have their advantages and disadvantages, it seems that electric cars have emerged as the clear winner.

According to a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are not likely to catch up to battery-electric vehicles, even for commercial trucks 1The study confirms what common sense has made clear for years: hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are not as efficient as battery-electric vehicles 2The organization forecasts that battery-electric vehicles will improve to 81% overall efficiency by 2050, whereas hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles will improve to 42% 2. Petrochemicals r-PET Resin

Another advantage of electric cars is that they can depend on an existing power generation and distribution system – the electrical grid. An electric vehicle can be recharged wherever there is access to a plug socket 3On the other hand, hydrogen cars require a separate infrastructure for producing and transporting hydrogen 4.

Despite the fact that hydrogen fuel cell cars emerged as an alternative to both the electric and combustion engine vehicle in the early 2000s, they have now all but disappeared 3Toyota and Hyundai, the only vehicle manufacturers to produce hydrogen cars for the UK market, sold just 12 hydrogen cars in the country in 2021 3. Meanwhile, electric vehicles have surged in popularity. In 2010, 138 electric vehicles were sold in the UK. This grew to roughly 190,000 annual sales in 2021 3.

In conclusion, it seems that electric cars have won the war against hydrogen cars. While both technologies have their advantages and disadvantages, electric cars are more efficient and practical than hydrogen cars. They can depend on an existing power generation and distribution system – the electrical grid – and do not require a separate infrastructure for producing and transporting fuel. Therefore, it is safe to say that electric cars are here to stay. Petrochemicals r-PET Resin

Has the electric car won the war against the hydrogen car?

Graphene plastic recycling -Is graphene the silver bullet for plastic recycling woes? 04-10-2023

Graphene plastic recycling

Introducing Radilon® Chill-fit: RadiciGroup’s Innovative Textile Yarn for Enhanced Comfort and Freshness

RadiciGroup, a renowned leader in the textile industry, has unveiled its latest innovation, Radilon® Chill-fit, a groundbreaking nylon yarn designed to maximize the breathability and freshness of fabrics. This remarkable achievement is the result of extensive research and development efforts, culminating in a highly functional nylon yarn that offers optimal thermal regulation without the need for additional treatments.

Radilon® Chill-fit provides users with an enduring sensation of comfort and freshness, ensuring long-lasting wearability while also offering excellent protection against harmful UV rays.  Graphene plastic recycling

This innovative yarn represents a significant leap forward in the world of textiles, setting new standards for comfort, performance, and sustainability.

For the first time, textile enthusiasts and industry professionals will have the opportunity to experience Radilon® Chill-fit firsthand during the autumn edition of Performance Days, a premier trade fair dedicated to showcasing the latest trends and innovations in yarns, fabrics, and accessories. This event is scheduled to take place on October 4th and 5th in Munich, Germany. At the RadiciGroup booth (Stand L17), experts from the Business Area Advanced Textile Solutions will present the full range of the Group’s functional and high-performance yarns, along with their sustainable product offerings aimed at fostering innovation and circularity within the textile industry.  Graphene plastic recycling

Marco De Silvestri, Head of Sales & Marketing for the Business Area Advanced Textile Solutions, emphasized the company’s commitment to optimizing the technical performance of their yarns, as exemplified by the introduction of Radilon® Chill-fit. He also stressed their dedication to enhancing the environmental performance across various sectors, including sportswear, athleisure, workwear, and more, through their special products that are traceable and have a reduced environmental footprint.

Introducing Radilon® Chill-fit: RadiciGroup's Innovative Textile Yarn for Enhanced Comfort and Freshness

Credits : RadiciGroup

De Silvestri further elaborated on their sustainable offerings, mentioning the Renycle®, Repetable®, and Biofeel® product lines, each representing a unique approach to environmental responsibility. Renycle® offers recycled nylon, Repetable® focuses on recycled polyester, and Biofeel® features fibers produced from renewable materials. These solutions significantly reduce CO2 emissions, contributing to a more responsible and sustainable textile supply chain.  Graphene plastic recycling

In discussing the textile industry’s ongoing evolution, De Silvestri emphasized the importance of collaboration and collective responsibility. He highlighted RadiciGroup’s substantial investments in cutting-edge technologies aimed at streamlining processes and enhancing both technical and environmental aspects of their products. These investments begin at the material chemistry level and extend through the production chain, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainability from start to finish.

Radilon® Chill-fit is a testament to RadiciGroup’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of textile innovation while prioritizing comfort, performance, and sustainability. Its launch at Performance Days is a significant milestone, showcasing the company’s commitment to providing the industry with groundbreaking solutions that benefit both consumers and the planet. As RadiciGroup continues to lead the way in textile advancements, they remain steadfast in their mission to create a more environmentally responsible and sustainable future for the entire textile sector.  Graphene plastic recycling

Introducing Radilon® Chill-fit: RadiciGroup's Innovative Textile Yarn for Enhanced Comfort and Freshness

Credits : Radicigroup

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

Baystar transforms polyethylene production with North America’s first Borstar technology unit

New 625,000 metric ton-per-year PE production unit more than doubles production capacity in Pasadena, TX

Baystar (Bayport Polymers LLC) launches a new era in high-performance polyethylene (PE) production and enhanced sustainability with the start-up of its new Bay 3 polyethylene unit. The new unit is the first of its kind in North America, bringing proprietary Borstar technology from Borealis and more than doubling Baystar’s production capacity in Pasadena, TX.

The Borstar technology brings a transformative approach to production flexibility for manufacturers and converters seeking a broad range of highly customized products for lighter, more durable, more flexible and more efficient plastics. Borstar products are PFAS-free and can enable more than 50% postconsumer recycled material in some end products.  Graphene plastic recycling

Thanks to a broad molecular weight distribution, Borstar PE offers superior physical properties with no need for process aids or additives.

“Bringing our new unit online marks the beginning of an exciting evolution in PE production for the industry as Baystar reimagines what is possible,” says president Diane Chamberlain. “Borstar technology enables our technical, production and sales teams to collaborate in the creation of the highly customized products our customers require to remain competitive and meet consumer demands. This project is the culmination of an enormous investment which began in 2019, and it stands as a testament to the incredible determination, innovation and relentless focus on safety demonstrated by our team and our partners.”

Baystar became a fully integrated polyethene manufacturer in 2022 with the start-up of its new 1 million ton-per-year ethane cracker unit in Port Arthur, Texas, which supplies ethylene feedstock to Baystar’s three PE production units. With a total investment exceeding $1.4 billion, construction of the Bay 3 unit employed over 1,900 on-site workers and will provide full-time employment for an additional 50 skilled workers in the Pasadena region.  Graphene plastic recycling

“We have a product offering second to none, backed by a talented team of experts who came to Baystar to be part of something special,” says commercial director Brad Leesman. “We’re big enough to introduce leading technologies, but small enough to be nimble and highly responsive on behalf of our customers. We look forward to surprising the industry with our new approach.”

More…

Graphene plastic recycling

Is graphene the silver bullet for plastic recycling woes?

If it feels like you’ve been hearing about recycling plastic all of your life, you might be right.
The first plastic recycling mill was built in 1972[1], about the same time as the Environmental Protection Agency was formed. But despite promoting plastic recycling — including spending tens of millions of dollars in advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns[2], as well as lobbying for curbside recycling — the technology to economically recycle plastic didn’t exist.  Graphene plastic recycling
The resin identification codes with which we’re all now familiar were introduced in 1988, and the global waste trade – developed countries shipping their plastic waste to less developed ones for recycling – took off in earnest in the early ’90s[3].
But certain facts have refused to go away, much like plastic waste itself. Plastic recycling has never been a popular practice. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has reported that global plastic use and waste will almost triple by 2060[4]. Meanwhile, plastic waste recycling has fallen from a high of only 9.5% in 2014 to between 5% and 6% in 2021[5]. And the amount of plastic that has been recycled more than once is under 1%[6].
There are a host of reasons to explain this problem.
One is that plastic is expensive to collect and sort. There are seven different identification codes: polyethylene terephthalate (e.g. water and soda bottles), high-density polyethylene (e.g. milk and shampoo bottles), polyvinyl chloride (e.g. cling film wrap), low-density polyethylene (e.g. grocery bags), polypropylene (e.g. microwavable dishes), polystyrene (e.g. plastic cutlery), expanded polystyrene (e.g. takeout food containers) and “other” plastics (e.g. water cooler bottles).    Graphene plastic recycling
These all have different melting temperatures and densities so, if they are melted together, they separate and set into layers. The resulting blend is structurally weak and difficult to shape. They could be melted a second time to separate them, but the cost is prohibitive.
Even when correctly sorted, most plastic can only be recycled between one and three times because heating shortens polymer chains, degrading its strength and quality, hence the term “downcycling” used to describe the process.
When it comes to food-grade plastics, strict packaging requirements also prevent, for example, a water bottle being turned into another water bottle.
And there is the question of colour. Each kind of plastic has a unique mix of dyes and additives that give it specific colours, shapes, toughness and other qualities. To recycle a light-green plastic soda bottle, it needs to be melted down with other soda bottles which are that exact shade of green. Even if the desired colour is black, different shades of black still make sorting mandatory.

What all this means is that the vast majority of plastic, including those that people wash, strip labels from and put into their blue bins, winds up in landfills, is burned (releasing toxic chemicals and pollutants, including microplastics) or dumped in the ocean.
A partial solution can be found in the use of a relatively newly discovered nanomaterial called graphene. Only an atom thick, adding graphene to plastic has a twofold result. First, it improves the plastic’s strength so that it lasts longer and therefore stays out of the trash heap longer. Second, it also improves plastic’s ability to be repeatedly recycled.
When it is correctly added to plastic parts, graphene can improve impact resistance, increase stiffness and allow for thinner cross-sections, reducing material usage. In most cases, only a small amount of graphene, around 0.1% by weight, is needed, making it cost-effective to include.  Graphene plastic recycling
When it comes to recycling plastics, their mechanical properties tend to decrease with each processing cycle. By incorporating graphene, the recycled plastic can regain its strength comparable to new materials.
Additionally, graphene will turn the mixed material’s colour solid black, regardless of its original colour or opacity. This can make the material more desirable as it avoids inconsistencies and off-colour appearances often found in recycled plastics. Graphene could also eliminate the need to sort even black plastics because of the resulting uniformity of colour.
However, not all types of graphene are the same, so it’s important to find the right combination to achieve the desired results.

HydroGraph is playing a significant role in making high-quality graphene available in large quantities with its Hyperion detonation system. This method involves filling a chamber with hydrocarbon and oxygen, igniting the mixture with a small spark, and graphene is formed in the resulting detonation.
The graphene produced using this technology is 99.8% pure, unmatched in quality and quantity. It is currently undergoing testing in various polymer applications worldwide. This system:

  • Can produce graphene of various modifications and morphologies.
  • Is highly energy efficient.
  • Doesn’t require solvents or mined minerals.
  • Can be easily scaled up.  Graphene plastic recycling

The HydroGraph Hyperion system is compact and modular, allowing for easy deployment and enabling integration into production lines at customer sites around the world. It operates as a closed system, minimizing energy consumption and emissions. Each machine has a small footprint of just 2 meters by 2 meters but can produce over 10 metric tons of fractal graphene per year, which can be further customised with additional chemical functionalisation.

More…

Graphene plastic recycling

McKinsey: rPET availability in the US market needs boost

According to a study by McKinsey, high long-term demand for recycled content in packaging could lead to shortages of recycled packaging materials in the US. Brand owners that are aiming to introduce new packaging formats and establish innovative ways to boost product recyclability and levels of recycled content to meet their sustainable-packaging commitments, address consumer concerns, and adapt to rapidly rising regulatory pressure could face the very real risk that they cannot achieve their goals because of an anticipated shortage of recycled materials: collection levels of high-quality recycled material look set to remain almost flat, creating supply challenges for brand owners and packaging companies, says the study.  Graphene plastic recycling

If brands with public recycled-content commitments follow through on their plans, the US demand for rPET in 2030 would outpace supply by about three times. As the supply-and-demand imbalance widens, the price premium between rPET and virgin PET has the potential to rise significantly over the next decade. The challenge for the industry moving forward will be to unlock additional rPET supply, the experts say and suggest three potential approaches, centered on boosting supply, ensuring access, and designing for circularity, that could also be applicable to other packaging substrates.

The experts have evaluated that today only about 27 per cent of PET bottles and about 18 per cent of all recyclable PET plastic waste is collected, the rest ends up in landfills. In recent years, the collection and sorting of PET has not improved significantly. As a result, rPET supply in North America grew only about 1 per cent per year in 2012-22. While there have been some new entrants in the recovery and reprocessing value chain, process losses have not been significantly reduced. This means that about 4.6 billion pounds of PET ends up in landfills every year.

Rapidly growing demand combined with stagnant supply could lead to a supply-demand imbalance for rPET in the future, the study outlines. Historically, rPET supply has only grown by about 1 per cent per year over 2012-22, while consumption has grown by about 4 per cent per year over the same period. If brands fully deliver on their recycled content commitments by 2030, demand for rPET is expected to grow by about 15 per cent per year between 2022 and 2030, the study says. Over the same period, supply is expected to continue to grow by only about 1 per cent, so that by 2030 demand will be three times higher than available supply.      Graphene plastic recycling

In the future, ESG-driven use of rPET is expected to expand its market share and potentially lead to increasing price premiums as demand for rPET grows. In addition, brand owners may consider switching from other plastics – such as HDPE, PVC and PS – to rPET because it is more recyclable and considered more accessible compared to other plastics. This could lead to another supply shortage, the experts caution.

As future rPET availability will be determined by a combination of supply, demand and regulatory factors, packaging industry leaders should consider three meaningful ways to increase rPET availability, according to McKinsey:

Boost supply: With more than 80 percent of PET waste going unused, opportunities exist across the value chain to boost PET recovery, from collection through to sorting and processing. Given that recycling programs are often organized at the local level, there are opportunities to form public‒private partnerships to increase local collection rates in areas with underfunded or nonexistent curbside recycling.  Graphene plastic recycling

The Recycling Partnership, for example, is an organization that makes private investments in public recycling programs, with the aim of increasing the supply of recycled plastics. At the same time, investments in advanced sortation equipment at material recovery facilities are an additional avenue to increasing rPET supply. McKinsey also note that in some countries (such as the Nordic countries), national and state-level policies such as extended producer responsibility or deposit-return schemes are having a measurable influence on rPET supply.

More…

Graphene plastic recycling

Plastic Omnium – In France, composite hydrogen tanks

Plastic Omnium is building Europe’s largest plant for high-pressure tanks for trucks and buses. composite hydrogen tanks Plastic Omnium The French group Plastic Omnium has started construction work on a new plant for the production of high pressure tanks (type IV) in composite material with fiber in Lachelle, in the department of Oise (Northern France). of carbon for hydrogen storage, intended to be installed on industrial vehicles and buses. With an investment estimated at 150 million euros and an annual production capacity of 80 thousand tanks, obtained through filament winding, once completed it will be the largest European plant. It will supply vehicle manufacturers such as Stellantis and HYVIA, creating 150 to 200 new jobs.  Graphene plastic recycling

Plastic Omnium - In France, composite hydrogen tanks

The works will be completed by the end of 2024. The company created the new Plastic Omnium New Energies division early last year and currently has a pilot plant in Belgium. Two more tank factories will be launched by the group in Shanghai (China) in 2026 and in Michigan (United States) the following year. From 2015 to today, the French group has invested over 400 million euros in this segment. Type IV tanks are designed for pressures from 350 to 700 bar. They are produced by the French group starting from a blown liner in thermoplastic resin, subsequently wrapped with carbon fibers impregnated with resin. The result is a highly resistant and at the same time lightweight container.

Coperion and Herbold Meckesheim to present  product and process solutions at Fakuma 2023

Clothing microplastics polluting – In Emmen the solution must be invented for polluting microplastics in clothing 03-10-2023

Graphene plastic recycling

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle – DFRL, Mysuru develops biodegradable water bottles 02-09-2023

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

  • Polymers : PET – r-PET – Filament grade semidull chips -Filament grade bright chips – Ny6 – Ny66 – PP
  • Feedstocks : PX – PTA – MEG – CPL – Adipic Acid – Benzene – ACN – Ethylene – Phenol – Naphtha
  • Textile : Polyester POY – DTY – FDY – PSF – Recycled Polyester POY – Nylon POY – DTY – FDY Spandex 20-30-40 -Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  Acrylic Staple Fiber Petrochemicals Polymers

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

Polyestertime
ITEM 25/09/2023 02/10/2023 +/-
Bottle grade PET chips domestic market 7,200 yuan/ton 7,200 yuan/ton
Bottle grade PET chips export market 905 $/ton 900 $/ton -5
Filament grade Semidull chips domestic market 7,150 yuan/ton 7,100 yuan/ton -50
Filament grade Bright chips domestic market 7,240 yuan/ton 7,170 yuan/ton -70
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA domestic market 6,215 yuan/ton 6,240 yuan/ton +25
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA export market 810 $/ton 790 $/ton -20
Monoethyleneglycol MEG domestic market 4,130 yuan/ton 4,050 yuan/ton -80
Monoethyleneglycol MEG export market 480 $/ton 470 $/ton -10
Paraxylene PX FOB  Taiwan market

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

1,133 $/ton 1,117 $/ton
-16
Paraxylene PX FOB  Korea market 1,110 $/ton 1,094 $/ton -16
Paraxylene PX FOB EU market 1,250 $/ton 1,250 $/ton
Polyester filament POY 150D/48F domestic market 8,100 yuan/ton 8,050 yuan/ton
-50
Recycled Polyester filament POY  domestic market 7,550 yuan/ton 7,550 yuan/ton
Polyester filament DTY 150D/48 F domestic market 9,450 yuan/ton 9,350 yuan/ton -100
Polyester filament FDY 68D24F

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

9,300 yuan/ton 9,200 yuan/ton -100
Polyester filament FDY 150D/96F domestic market 8,700 yuan/ton 8,650 yuan/ton -50
Polyester staple fiber 1.4D 38mm domestic market 7,770 yuan/ton 7,800 yuan/ton +30
Caprolactam CPL domestic market 13,375 yuan/ton 13,000 yuan/ton
-375
Caprolactam CPL overseas  market 1,600 $/ton 1,600 $/ton
Nylon 6 chips overseas  market 1,830 $/ton 1,830 $/ton
Nylon 6 chips conventional spinning domestic  market 14,450 yuan/ton 14,050 yuan/ton -400
Nylon 6 chips  high speed spinning domestic  market

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

15,100 yuan/ton 14,900 yuan/ton -200
Nylon 6.6 chips domestic  market 19,500 yuan/ton 19,500 yuan/ton
Nylon6 Filament POY 86D/24F domestic  market 17,200 yuan/ton 17,000 yuan/ton -200
Nylon6 Filament DTY 70D/24F domestic  market 19,400 yuan/ton 19,150 yuan/ton- -250
Nylon6 Filament FDY  70D/24F  18,150 yuan/ton 18,100 yuan/ton -50
Spandex 20D  domestic  market

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

36,500 yuan/ton 36,500 yuan/ton
Spandex 30D  domestic  market 35,000 yuan/ton 35,000 yuan/ton
Spandex 40D  domestic  market  32,200 yuan/ton 32,200 yuan/ton
Adipic Acid domestic market 9,900 yuan/ton 9,900 yuan/ton
Benzene domestic market

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

8,075 yuan/ton 8,240 yuan/ton +165
Benzene overseas  market 980 $/ton 975 $/ton -5
Ethylene South East market 870 $/ton 870 $/ton
Ethylene NWE market 783 $/ton 785 $/ton +2
Acrylonitrile ACN  domestic market

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

9,700 yuan/ton 10,000 yuan/ton +300
Acrylonitrile ACN  overseas market 1,200 $/ton 1,200 $/ton
Acrylic staple fiber ASF  domestic market 14,100 yuan/ton 14,100 yuan/ton
Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  domestic market 13,400 yuan/ton 13,400 yuan/ton
PP Powder domestic market

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

7,550 yuan/ton 7,600 yuan/ton +50
Naphtha overseas market  719 $/ton 711 $/ton -8
Phenol domestic market 9,407 yuan/ton 9,477 yuan/ton +70

r-PET high end eco-friendly chips =7,800 yuan/ton 7,800 yuan/ton   –

 

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

DFRL, Mysuru develops biodegradable water bottles

Mysuru: The Mysuru-based Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), a DRDO lab, has developed a biodegradable water bottle, in an effort to reduce the overall carbon footprint in the environment.

These bottles, developed in a limited quantity, were launched by Union Minister of State for Defence and Tourism Ajay Bhat, here on Friday during the two-day national seminar at SDM College.

According to the release issued by DFRL-DRDO, these bio-degradable are compostable as per the ISO 17088-2021 and IS 17899 T: 2022 standards. These bottles are absolutely safe for food and beverage contact applications and what more, even the bottle cap and label are also compostable.

These bottles look like those other bottles as they too are transparent. Besides, these are durable and strong as any other plastic bottle.

With an aim to check plastic pollution that has become a menace due to indiscriminate littering and also insufficient recycling, these bottles have been developed in collaboration with M/s Konkan Specialty Polyproducts Ltd, Mangaluru. The technology that has been used to develop these bottles is the poly lactic acid manufactured using injection blow moulding technique.

These bottles are yet to be developed for commercial use as the availability of raw materials is scarce, it is said.

More…

DFRL, Mysuru develops biodegradable water bottles

Sidel unveils StarLITE®R – a new, ultra-efficient 100% rPET bottle for carbonated soft drinks

To help carbonated soft drink (CSD) packaging producers embrace material circularity, Sidel has launched StarLITE®R – a 100% rPET bottle. Sidel’s signature StarLITE® family is evolving to address the challenges associated with working with recycled content.StarLITE®R allows CSD producers to switch to rPET bottle production with ease and efficiency, while significantly reducing the impact on product quality or packaging integrity.

Embracing 100% rPET

With over 45 years of experience in the blowing and PET packaging sector, Sidel has developed a deep understanding of recycled PET resin characteristics and its impact on bottle production. Laurent Naveau, Packaging Innovator Leader at Sidel, comments on the challenge rPET resin can present the packaging industry:

“The characteristics of rPET are impacted by several factors. Firstly, by seasonality. Consumption habits fluctuate over the course of the year impacting the product category mix. And secondly, by different PET collection models which means that post-consumer PET material bales will vary from region-to-region and even country-to-country. The recycling process and equipment used will also influence PET resin. All these factors can pose new challenges for manufacturers looking to produce bottles with rPET content.”

In addition to common CSD bottle manufacturing challenges such as stress cracking, roll out and bursting during blowing, a higher temperature is also required to process rPET. Consequently, packaging manufacturers can  experience reduced control over rPET material stretching and distribution of the substance in the bottle-making process.

Traditionally, greater variability in rPET resin leads to a narrower process window and lower bottle quality.

However, Sidel’s innovative base, StarLITE®R uses leading technologies to ensure efficient rPET bottle production by restoring a much wider process window. The StarLITE®R design is easier to blow as it can be done within a wider range of parameter settings on the blower achieving a much higher quality bottle.

High performance rPET bottle base

To achieve a high performing rPET bottle base, StarLITE®R features an optimised mould base profile and uses an advanced stretch rod end design.

The new mould base profile allows for perfect material distribution through advanced stretching and a high base clearance for optimum stability. The advanced stretch rod end design has improved the preform end-cap material stretching and ensures accurate injection gate centering on the bottle. Finally, the perfect combination of grooves and venting holes allows for high-precision base feet formation.

The new bottle solution also utilises dual external and internal bottle base cooling to ensure a perfect shape. Externally, the process uses a mould base cooling circuit that focuses on the warmer bottle base zones and internally a hollow-stretch rod requiring no additional air supply is used.

More…

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle – Germany’s 2023 GDP expected to decline by 0.6% 02-10-2023

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle – DFRL, Mysuru develops biodegradable water bottles

More…

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

Crude Oil Prices Trend by PolyestertimeSidel unveils StarLITE®R – a new, ultra-efficient 100% rPET bottle for carbonated soft drinks

To help carbonated soft drink (CSD) packaging producers embrace material circularity, Sidel has launched StarLITE®R – a 100% rPET bottle. Sidel’s signature StarLITE® family is evolving to address the challenges associated with working with recycled content.StarLITE®R allows CSD producers to switch to rPET bottle production with ease and efficiency, while significantly reducing the impact on product quality or packaging integrity.

Embracing 100% rPET

With over 45 years of experience in the blowing and PET packaging sector, Sidel has developed a deep understanding of recycled PET resin characteristics and its impact on bottle production. Laurent Naveau, Packaging Innovator Leader at Sidel, comments on the challenge rPET resin can present the packaging industry:

“The characteristics of rPET are impacted by several factors. Firstly, by seasonality. Consumption habits fluctuate over the course of the year impacting the product category mix.  Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

And secondly, by different PET collection models which means that post-consumer PET material bales will vary from region-to-region and even country-to-country. The recycling process and equipment used will also influence PET resin. All these factors can pose new challenges for manufacturers looking to produce bottles with rPET content.”

In addition to common CSD bottle manufacturing challenges such as stress cracking, roll out and bursting during blowing, a higher temperature is also required to process rPET. Consequently, packaging manufacturers can  experience reduced control over rPET material stretching and distribution of the substance in the bottle-making process.

Traditionally, greater variability in rPET resin leads to a narrower process window and lower bottle quality.  Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

However, Sidel’s innovative base, StarLITE®R uses leading technologies to ensure efficient rPET bottle production by restoring a much wider process window. The StarLITE®R design is easier to blow as it can be done within a wider range of parameter settings on the blower achieving a much higher quality bottle.

High performance rPET bottle base

To achieve a high performing rPET bottle base, StarLITE®R features an optimised mould base profile and uses an advanced stretch rod end design.

The new mould base profile allows for perfect material distribution through advanced stretching and a high base clearance for optimum stability. The advanced stretch rod end design has improved the preform end-cap material stretching and ensures accurate injection gate centering on the bottle. Finally, the perfect combination of grooves and venting holes allows for high-precision base feet formation.

The new bottle solution also utilises dual external and internal bottle base cooling to ensure a perfect shape. Externally, the process uses a mould base cooling circuit that focuses on the warmer bottle base zones and internally a hollow-stretch rod requiring no additional air supply is used.  Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

More…

Domo Chemicals awarded gold rating from EcoVadis

Domo now ranks in the top 5% of all companies rated by EcoVadis

Belgium-based engineering materials manufacturer Domo Chemicals has received a gold sustainability score from EcoVadis, a leading provider of business sustainability ratings. This overall rating puts Domo in the top 5% of companies in the sector.

EcoVadis evaluates more than 85,000 organisations in over 160 countries and in over 200 industries every year. Based on 21 criteria, the rating assesses a company’s performance in four categories: Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement.  Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

Compared to last year, Domo moved from the 73rd to 94th percentile in the overall EcoVadis sustainability rating. The company scored particularly well in the categories Environment and Labour and Human Rights.

“This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability,” said Yves Bonte, CEO of Domo Chemicals. “In one year, we have moved from the top 25% to the top 5%, placing Domo amongst the best in the industry.  Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

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Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

Germany’s 2023 GDP expected to decline by 0.6%: Report

INSIGHTS

  • A recent report has suggested that Germany may see a 0.6 per cent drop in GDP for 2023, revising earlier spring forecasts downward by 0.9 percentage points.
  • The country’s economic downturn has worsened due to surging energy prices and climbing interest rates.
  • Improvements are expected by year-end, and GDP growth of 1.3 per cent is projected for 2024.

Germany’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the year 2023 may witness a 0.6 per cent decline, as per a recent report. This marks a significant downward revision of 0.9 percentage points compared to predictions made earlier in the spring.

Struggling for over a year, Germany’s economic downturn intensified with the surge in energy prices in 2022. This rise has inflated consumer prices by over 8 per cent, thereby affecting the purchasing power of households.  Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

Key interest rates have also climbed by over four percentage points, adversely impacting the construction industry, according to the Joint Economic Forecast prepared by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), the ifo Institute (Munich), the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), the Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH), and RWI (Essen).

Business sentiment has been negatively affected recently, due in part to heightened political uncertainty. However, there are signs of improvement on the horizon. Wage hikes have kept pace with increasing prices, energy costs are dropping, and exporters are managing to pass on some of their elevated costs. These factors suggest a resurgence in purchasing power and are expected to mitigate the downturn by year-end.

Looking ahead to 2024, the institutes project a GDP growth of 1.3 per cent, only slightly lower than their spring forecast. However, a shrinking labour force in the coming years is expected to curtail potential growth rates.  Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

The economic downturn has begun to affect the labour market. Unemployment is expected to increase moderately to 2.6 million people in 2023, but it is likely to decrease somewhat in the following year.

More…

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

Tesla Shares Analyst Vehicle Delivery Consensus as It Works To Lower Expectations Ahead of Quarterly Decline

Tesla is currently working to significantly expand vehicle production, as a result, the company posting record after record vehicle production and delivery numbers has become somewhat expected.

For instance, last Quarter Tesla posted the best vehicle production and delivery number in the company’s 10-plus years history. In Q2 2023, Tesla produced 480,000 vehicles and delivered 466,000 vehicles. The quarter was also a record in all aspects including revenue and profits.  Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

However, this quarter appears to be one in which Tesla will not set a record production number. This quarter Tesla is expected to post a rare quarter-over-quarter vehicle production and delivery decline.

There are multiple reasons to account for this quarter’s production and delivery decline. However, the main culprit for the decline is that Tesla has shut down production at multiple factories to either switch to a refreshed model or to upgrade production lines for efficiency and increase output.

Tesla’s Shanghai factory was shut down to switch to the refreshed Model 3 which was introduced at the beginning of this month. Tesla’s Texas factory was also shut down to perform upgrades to the Model Y production line and to prepare for Cybertruck volume production which is expected to begin in OctoberPetrochemicals PET-Bottle

In the long run, these shutdowns will help Tesla not only to produce better products but will also enable the EV maker to significantly increase vehicle production. However, public companies are required to post their performance on a quarterly basis which means all these shutdowns will show up as a decrease in Tesla’s production and delivery numbers quarter over quarter.

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Quảng Yên Petrochemical plant granted technology transfer licences

The Stavian Quảng Yên Petrochemical Plant Project officially received the technology transfer licences for petrochemical technology to produce polypropylene (PP) resins from the Quảng Ninh Department of Science and Technology at Techconnect and Innovation Việt Nam 2023, under the witness of Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang.

Techconnect and Innovation Việt Nam 2023, with the theme “Innovation – Sustainable Development”, is a national-level event of significant importance, supporting businesses in the province to connect, transfer, and receive modern technologies to serve socio-economic development.    Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

The Stavian Quảng Yên Petrochemical Plant is being built on an area of 30ha in Bắc Tiền Phong Industrial Park, Tiền Phong Commune, Quảng Yên Town, Quảng Ninh Province. The project has an estimated total investment of up to US$1.5 billion with a production scale of 600,000 tonnes of polypropylene per year, applying the world’s most advanced copyrighted technologies from Honeywell UOP Company (USA) and Basell Poliolefine Italia Company (Italy). This includes propylene production technology from propane using the hydrogen reduction method and polypropylene production technology using Spheripol technology.

In addition to the cutting-edge technology, the Stavian Quảng Yên Petrochemical Plant will be equipped with a high-tech, automated, and eco-friendly production line imported from EU and G7 countries.    Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

They will apply more advanced solutions to optimise water use in production, ensuring energy savings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Stavian Quảng Yên Petrochemical 2023 also officially announced the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) contractor for the Stavian Quảng Yên Petrochemical Plant Project. With the extremely promising potential for developing petrochemical production in Việt Nam, the project is expected to attract further projects in these industries.

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Quảng Yên Petrochemical plant granted technology transfer licences

More sustainable injection moulding

According to the Journal of Clean Production, injection moulding may be responsible of up to 90 per cent of the Global Warming Potential (GWP) created by the entire mould lifecycle, mainly caused by energy consumption. Here, Dervish Ibrahim, international sales manager at TM Robotics, explains why all-electric injection moulding machines are ‘the way forward’ for reducing the process’s environmental impact — while also helping manufacturers achieve a lower cost-per-part.  Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

The Journal of Clean Production’s findings are a wake-up call to manufacturers, particularly as demand for injection moulding processes continue to grow. For example, the market for injection moulded medical devices plastics is expected to see booming growth between 2023 and 2030.

Injection moulding is used to manufacture a huge variety of parts, and has several advantages. They include the ability to mould a wide variety of plastics, good repeatability, consistently high production with low waste and a low-cost-per-part — the latter is always a priority.

Maintaining a low cost-per-part throughout the manufacturing process is vital for reducing costs and delivering a higher product value — from both the manufacturer’s and the customer’s perspective. While injection moulding can support this, manufacturers are also concerned about the energy costs of injection moulding, and how this effects sustainability and the bottom line.    Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

More than 90 per cent of the costs of injection moulding can be attributed to energy use. This mainly applies to the electricity used to power and operate the injection moulding machine. As a result, there has been some debate in industry about the cost and sustainability advantages of hydraulic injection moulding versus all-electric machines.

Injection moulding machines powered by a hydraulic motor can produce higher energy levels and higher injection pressures, and the initial cost of the machine is lower. But there are also disadvantages with hydraulic machines. They include the machine’s high consumption of electric energy, because its hydraulic power is connected to an electric power unit that works at maximum capacity during every phase of the moulding process.

Whole-life cost 

Although hydraulic injection moulding machines are less expensive initially, it’s important to consider the whole life cost when buying new machines. This was demonstrated by TM Robotics’ customer Lotan, a manufacturer of plastic containers based in Leicestershire, UK. All of the injection moulding machines in Lotan’s production facility are electric, rather than hydraulic.  Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

The company relies on Shibaura Machine’s all-electric injection moulding machines (IMM) supplied by TM Robotics. The machine is manufactured in-house by Shibaura Machine, formerly known as Toshiba Machine. Performance benefits of the IMM include a range of clamping force from 50 to 2,500 tons, which can be calibrated by a digital direct screw transfer (DST) control for added production flexibility.

Although all-electric machines are initially more expensive with lower injection pressures, they are shown to outperform hydraulic versions in a variety of other ways. Advantages include higher rates and speeds of injection because the all-electric maching relies on toggle clamping rather than direct pressure clamping, which is better for high-speed injection moulding.  Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

More…

More sustainable injection moulding

Petrochemicals PET-Bottle

Bionaphtha Petrochemicals – Europe R-PE and R-PP demand remains weak, but prices may have bottomed out 28-09-2023

Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

Shinkong Achieves Milestone with US FDA Approval for R-PET

In a significant development, Thai Shinkong Industry Corporation (TSIC) has recently received the coveted approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the utilization of its recycled materials in food-contact packaging, a remarkable achievement for the company. This approval marks a pivotal moment for TSIC as it opens up doors to the lucrative US market, which currently stands as a major consumer of R-PET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) pellets originating from Shinkong’s cutting-edge facility based in Taiwan.

TSIC, a strategic joint venture formed between the renowned Mitsubishi Corporation and Shinkong Synthetic Fibers Corporation of Taiwan, inaugurated its state-of-the-art R-PET facility in the thriving region of Rayong, Thailand, at the outset of September.

This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant step forward in TSIC’s mission to contribute to sustainability through recycling, aligning with global environmental objectives. Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

The journey to securing the US FDA’s approval has been pivotal for TSIC, given the rigorous standards and regulations governing food-contact materials in the United States. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to delivering safe and eco-friendly solutions for the packaging industry.

As TSIC celebrates this milestone, its focus is now on establishing partnerships and securing approvals from major brands, enabling the company to supply high-quality bottle-grade R-PET pellets to markets both locally and abroad. The FDA approval serves as a powerful testament to the quality and safety of TSIC’s R-PET materials, positioning them as a trusted choice for companies seeking sustainable packaging solutions.

It’s worth noting that TSIC’s journey towards sustainable practices began earlier in September when the company commenced operations at its newly established R-PET facility in Rayong, Thailand. This facility, a collaboration between Mitsubishi Corporation and Shinkong Synthetic Fibers Corp, represents a significant investment in chemically recycled R-PET pellets production in Southeast Asia. Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

With sustainability at the core of its operations, TSIC’s R-PET facility in Rayong exemplifies the company’s commitment to reducing plastic waste and its environmental footprint. By utilizing cutting-edge recycling technologies, TSIC transforms post-consumer plastics into high-quality R-PET pellets, thus contributing to the circular economy and reducing the reliance on virgin plastic materials.

In conclusion, the US FDA’s approval for TSIC’s R-PET materials represents a major breakthrough for the company and marks a significant stride towards achieving global recognition for its commitment to sustainability. TSIC’s journey to becoming a trusted supplier of R-PET pellets for food-contact packaging highlights the company’s dedication to delivering innovative and eco-friendly solutions to the packaging industry while promoting a greener, more sustainable future. This achievement underscores the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing the pressing environmental challenges of our time. Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

“Empowering Sustainability: Bionaphtha’s Role in Shaping a Greener Future

Bionaphtha, an invaluable byproduct of biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel production, is poised for significant growth in both European and Asian markets. This surge is being fueled by the increasing demand for bioplastics and the imposition of fuel blending mandates.

Much like biofuels, bionaphtha is sourced from renewable feedstocks rather than conventional crude oil. As the petrochemical industry strives to achieve long-term net-zero emissions targets, bio-derived polymers, featuring bionaphtha as a key feedstock, offer a promising pathway toward decarbonization across the entire value chain.

It’s important to note that bionaphtha isn’t manufactured as a standalone product at dedicated facilities, nor are there plans to construct such facilities. Instead, bionaphtha is a byproduct of second-generation hydrotreated vegetable oil biofuel plants.

These advanced technologies employ hydrogen to refine waste oil sources like used cooking oil or animal fats, primarily yielding biodiesel or sustainable aviation fuel as their main products. Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

The global biorefinery capacity has experienced robust expansion in recent years and is projected to grow from approximately 19 million metric tons per year in 2023 to over 50 million metric tons per year by 2030. This output includes renewable diesel, jet fuels, bionaphtha, and bioLPG, based on confirmed projects, as reported by the Biofuels Research and Analytics team at S&P Global Commodity Insights.

Notably, bionaphtha currently finds applications in two major sectors: fuel blending and bioplastics production, with a particularly strong presence in European markets. While fuel blending commands a significant market share in Europe, industry experts anticipate that bioplastics demand will ultimately take the lead.

Bionaphtha can serve as a drop-in feedstock in naphtha crackers, facilitating the production of olefins and aromatics used in bioplastics manufacturing.

These bioplastics are often labeled as bio-attributed polymers, setting them apart from other bio-based polymers that rely on plant fibers, corn starch, or sugar as their feedstocks. Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

A pivotal concept in sustainable supply chains is the “Chain of Custody,” which tracks and validates the origin, handling, and processes involved in producing sustainable products. The “mass balance” approach plays a key role in this concept, where renewable materials are blended with fossil materials within existing infrastructure to create chemicals with partial renewable content.

This strategy eliminates the need for extensive new infrastructure and reduces logistical complexities. Renewable content is meticulously tracked through bookkeeping and subject to third-party audits, such as those conducted by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification, ensuring traceability throughout the supply chain.

In recent years, the global chemical industry has invested in both bioplastics and chemically recycled polymers through pyrolysis naphtha routes. These pathways offer solutions to complement mechanical recycling by converting hard-to-recycle plastic waste back into virgin-like feedstocks via pyrolysis. While the two approaches share similarities, they have distinct objectives. Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

Chemical recycling aims to close the loop in plastic production and recycling, while bioplastics primarily focus on reducing CO2 emissions.

Bioplastics often command a premium over conventional plastics in European markets, appealing to consumer-oriented applications driven by sustainability concerns. For instance, the European toy sector prefers bioplastics over recycled plastics due to legislative safety considerations for young children. In Asia, interest from brand owners, especially in South Korea and Japan, such as cosmetic brands, has contributed to growing demand in this sector. Recycled polypropylene

Despite potential challenges, the bionaphtha market has experienced growth, thanks to a combination of demand and supply factors. Although some petrochemical producers may face negative margins in 2023, major players continue to invest in the bio-chemicals sector. Moreover, advocacy efforts are underway to improve carbon accounting in the petrochemical industry and enhance recognition of the sustainability contributions made by bio-based plastics.

In conclusion, bionaphtha represents a vital component in the journey toward a more sustainable future, offering a versatile and environmentally friendly resource that aligns with the evolving needs of the global market.” Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

Introducing Herma’s Innovative Wash-Off Label Adhesive

Herma has unveiled its latest breakthrough in label adhesive technology, known as 72Gpw. This cutting-edge adhesive boasts nearly double the initial adhesion strength compared to traditional wash-off adhesives, while maintaining exceptional final adhesion and outstanding washability. The company showcased this remarkable innovation at the LabelExpo event.

The Cyclos-HTP Institute has granted certification to the adhesive 72Gpw for compatibility with a wide range of film and paper label materials. Hendrik Kehl, Herma’s product manager, highlights the significance of this achievement, stating, “Label users now have a compelling reason to switch to a wash-off solution without compromising on adhesion or washability, especially in demanding scenarios like high-speed labeling systems or when dealing with humid or cool environments.” Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

This groundbreaking label adhesive not only ensures secure labeling but also contributes to recycling efforts by facilitating residue-free separation of PET material from label material, including adhesives and printing inks. This results in a cleaner granulate production process.

Anticipating Stricter Recycling Guidelines

In line with the objectives of the European Packaging Directive, which were outlined in late 2022, there is a growing emphasis on closing material loops and enhancing the recyclability of packaging. This is expected to lead to more stringent packaging design standards. While wash-off label solutions have existed for some time, including Herma’s offerings, their adoption in the market has been relatively slow.

The industry association Finat has also provided insight into this trend, stating in July 2023, “Despite the availability of these options in the market, the majority of labels currently in use are manufactured with permanent adhesives rather than specially developed wash-off adhesives.” Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

To learn more about Herma’s innovative label adhesive solutions, visit their website.

Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

Europe R-PE and R-PP demand remains weak, but prices may have bottomed out

Demand across Europe in recycled polyolefins is expected to remain low for the remainder of 2023 as bearish macroeconomics continue to drag on the sector.

While some players in the recycled polypropylene (R-PP) and recycled high density polyethylene (R-HDPE) sectors have seen a rebound in demand in September, linked primarily to some limited restocking following summer convertor outages, this is from a low base. Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

Underlying buying interest remains below that seen in September 2022, and there remain pellet producers in the R-PP sector that continue to operate at 50% of nameplate capacity – as they have done through the majority of 2023 due to narrow margins.

Although some costs, such as electricity, have fallen in 2023, they remain at elevated levels compared with historic norms, while flake and pellet prices have broadly fallen throughout 2023.

Coupled with this, most players’ inventory levels remain high throughout the chain, meaning any restocking effect is more limited than in previous years.

This is particularly true in Germany. For recycled low density polyethylene (R-LDPE) pellets, there have so far been no signs of a pick-up in demand in September compared with August. Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

August is typically a low month for demand because many convertors shut operations for several weeks in July and August to do routine maintenance – a process that began earlier and lasted longer in 2023 due to narrow margins.

September typically sees a rebound in consumption as convertors restock following their outages.

Europe flexible post-commercial R-LDPE bale spot prices are meanwhile facing upward pressure in September, while flexible R-LDPE pellet spot prices are at parity with August monthly levels. Bionaphtha Petrochemicalsene

Rising flexible bale spot values were attributed to increasing export demand – particularly to Asia. Feedstock bale availability for natural transparent pellets is tight in northeast and Southeast Asia.

A decline in manufacturing activities across multiple sectors in Southeast and Northeast Asia – resulting from high inflation – has limited input waste entering the chain and tightened supply.

September monthly negotiations across recycled polyethylene (R-PE) and R-PP markets are ongoing. Monthly negotiations in both chains typically settle at the end of the month.

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Europe R-PE and R-PP demand remains weak, but prices may have bottomed out

Oil headed for $150 without U.S. support for more drilling, shale executives say

Oil is headed as high as $150 a barrel unless the U.S. government does more to encourage exploration, according to Continental Resources Inc., the shale driller controlled by billionaire Harold Hamm. Recycled polypropylene

Crude output in the Permian basin will one day peak as it already has in rival shale fields such as the Bakken region of North Dakota and the Eagle Ford in Texas, Continental Chief Executive Officer Doug Lawler said during an interview with Bloomberg TV. Without new exploration, “you’re going to see $120 to $150” oil, he said.

“That’s going to send a shock through the system,” he said on the sidelines of Hamm’s first ever American Energy Security Summit in Oklahoma City. Without policies encouraging new drilling, “you’re going to see more pressure on price.” Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

Sprinkled among pro-oil presentations from Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley and Goldman Sachs Group Inc.’s David Solomon, shale executives issued calls for the Biden administration to adopt consistent policies that will allow them to drill more. Failure to do so, they warned, will lead to tighter energy supplies and higher prices.

But the CEOs were quick to note that they have no intention of markedly boosting crude output in response to oil’s march toward the $100 mark for the first time in more than a year.

After touching an all-time high in July, oil production in U.S. shale fields is contracting and government analysts are forecasting a third straight monthly decline in October.

“I hear people say, ‘We’re back up to record levels of production,’” Chevron Corp. Chief Executive Officer Mike Wirth told summit attendees. “With better policy we would be beyond that.”  Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

Haley said she would seek to boost domestic energy production by expanding drilling, speeding up permitting and building interstate pipelines. She also vowed to roll back some energy subsidies and regulations and revive the Keystone XL project.

“Nikki Haley was a great example of someone who cares about us, who appreciates what we do,” said Occidental Petroleum Corp. CEO Vicki Hollub. “Our politicians can’t lose sight of the fact that unless we’re energy independent, we do not control our own destiny.”

Even if oil breaches the $100 mark, Continental has no plans for a burst of output, Lawler said. Benchmark U.S. crude futures have risen 12% this year to more than $90.

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Oil headed for $150 without U.S. support for more drilling, shale executives say

Corbion launches AlgaPrime™ DHA P3, addressing the demand for sustainable active nutrition in the pet food industry

Corbion launches AlgaPrime™ DHA P3, addressing the demand for sustainable active nutrition in the pet food industry Recycled polypropylene

AlgaPrime™ DHA P3 offers pet food manufacturers higher levels of DHA while reducing dependency on scarce traditional omega-3 sources.

Corbion, the global market leader in algae-based feed ingredients, announced today the launch of its new AlgaPrime™ DHA P3, a high-performance omega-3 ingredient enabling pet food manufacturers to enhance the nutritional profile of their products and boost DHA levels reducing dependency on marine-based resources and positively impacting their carbon footprint.

Produced via microalgae precision fermentation, AlgaPrime™ DHA P3 helps meet increasing consumer demand for more sustainable pet food ingredients, as nearly 70% of pet owners worldwide express concern about nutrition, climate change and a desire to make a positive impact on the environment through their everyday actions.

The ingredient supports manufacturers in their efforts to overcome the most common challenges of omega-3 DHA inclusion, as it provides the highest level of DHA on the market in biomass powder form (35% DHA), enabling flexibility for nutritionists and developers in working with higher DHA inclusions for added nutritional value, while advancing the sustainability of pet diets. Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

In addition, it is stabilized with a natural antioxidant system. AlgaPrime™ DHA P3 is suitable for dry, wet, and injection-mold applications, allowing efficient access to, and use of, long-chain omega-3s.

“The launch of AlgaPrime™ DHA P3 furthers Corbion’s mission to preserve what matters by offering sustainable ingredients for healthier people, pets, and the planet,” said Tim Rutten, Vice President at Corbion Algae Ingredients.

“We believe this breakthrough ingredient will play an important role in meeting the growing need for better nutrition and more sustainable solutions, while delivering value across the pet industry.” Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

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US recession likelihood spells trouble for emerging markets

INSIGHTS

  • The likelihood of a US recession within the next 12 months remains high, posing a significant risk to several emerging markets (EMs), particularly those in Latin America.
  • A strong US consumer base has supported Mexico, but demand is expected to soften due to high interest rates.
  • In Europe, Hungary and Poland are already seeing economic contractions.

The probability of a US recession within the next year remains elevated, which poses risks for several emerging markets (EMs), especially those in Latin America. US consumer strength has buoyed Mexico, but demand is likely to soften due to factors such as high interest rates. Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

A weakening eurozone is also causing concerns. Hungary and Poland, in particular, saw their real gross domestic product (GDP) decline, marked by a contraction in exports and deteriorating manufacturing production, according to an S&P Global article titled ‘Emerging Markets Q4 2023: The Lagged Effects Of Monetary Policy Will Test Resilience’ by Valerijs Rezvijs and Vishrut Rana.

In Asia, China’s slowed growth—forecast at 4.8 per cent for 2023 and 4.4 per cent for 2024—will likely impact several economies, although the impact may be mitigated due to the slowdown focusing on domestic activity. Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

Inflation in most EMs is slowing but is expected to fluctuate in the coming months. Core inflation rates remain high in about half of the EMs, and further rate cuts are expected to be gradual, given the uncertain trajectory of global inflation.

Structurally high interest rates without corresponding growth will constrain investment. As of H1 2023, fixed investment as a share of GDP in the median EM has dropped by 1 percentage point compared to pre-pandemic levels.

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US recession likelihood spells trouble for emerging markets

Bottles recycled – 2035 – Brussels Tightens Control on E-Fuels, Jeopardizing Exemptions 27-09-2023

Bionaphtha Petrochemicals

Fossil fuel peak – Electric Vehicles: A Solution for Faster Charging and Longer-Lasting Batteries 18-09-2023

Fossil fuel peak

Petrochemicals Polymers – M. Holland Unveils Mfinity Line of Sustainable Resins 

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Fossil fuel peak

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

The expansion of renewable energy sources brings the fossil fuel peak within reach

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has revealed that the era of constant growth in fossil fuels is approaching its end within this decade, marking a significant shift in the global energy landscape and the fight against climate change. In an article published in the Financial Times, IEA director Fatih Birol highlights the implications of this transition.

Despite previous discussions about peak oil and peak coal, both fossil fuels have recently reached record highs in production, making it challenging to predict their decline. However, the IEA’s upcoming World Energy Outlook report, set to be released next month, indicates that we stand at the brink of a pivotal moment in history.

Even without the implementation of new climate policies, the report suggests that each of the three major fossil fuels—oil, coal, and natural gas—is poised to reach its peak demand in the coming years. This development is a significant departure from previous expectations and is largely attributed to the remarkable growth of clean energy technologies like solar panels and electric vehicles, structural changes in China’s economy, and the consequences of the global energy crisis. Fossil fuel peak

Global coal demand, which has remained stubbornly high for the past decade, is projected to peak in the near future. Investments in coal outside of China have dwindled, with solar and wind power dominating the expansion of electricity systems. Even in China, the world’s largest coal consumer, renewable and nuclear energy growth, coupled with a slower economy, indicates a decline in coal usage.

There had been speculations that global oil demand might have already peaked during the pandemic. While the IEA was initially cautious about such claims, the latest projections suggest that the proliferation of electric vehicles worldwide, especially in China, is steering oil demand toward a peak before 2030.

The “Golden Age of Gas,” as it was termed in 2011, is also approaching its end. Demand in advanced economies is expected to diminish later in this decade as renewables increasingly outcompete gas for electricity production, heat pumps gain popularity, and Europe accelerates its transition away from gas due to geopolitical factors.

While the forthcoming peaks in demand for fossil fuels are promising, it’s essential to consider several key factors. Firstly, the projected declines in demand, based on current policy settings, are insufficient to align the world with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Achieving this target will necessitate more robust and rapid policy actions by governments.Fossil fuel peak

Additionally, the drop in fossil fuel consumption in advanced economies will be partially offset by continued growth in some emerging and developing economies, particularly for natural gas. The declines in demand won’t follow a linear trajectory, as temporary fluctuations, such as heatwaves and droughts affecting electricity generation, can lead to spikes in coal demand.

While the peaks in demand based on current policies don’t eliminate the need for investment in oil and gas supply, they underscore the economic and financial risks associated with major new projects in these sectors.

In conclusion, the IEA’s projections indicate a historic turning point in the energy sector, but they emphasize the urgent need for more substantial policy measures to combat climate change effectively.Fossil fuel peak

Fossil fuel peak

Electric Vehicles: A Solution for Faster Charging and Longer-Lasting Batteries

A team of researchers from the University of Pisa has found a way to improve the charging speed and lifespan of electric vehicle batteries. Their findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, could revolutionize the electric vehicle industry.

The main problem with current lithium-ion batteries is that they can degrade over time, leading to shorter range and slower charging speeds. This is due to a phenomenon called lithium plating, which occurs when lithium ions build up on the surface of the battery’s negative electrode.

The researchers from the University of Pisa found that lithium plating can be prevented by inserting pauses during the charging process. These pauses allow the lithium ions to redistribute themselves within the battery, preventing them from building up on the surface. Fossil fuel peak

The researchers also found that the pauses can be made very short, without significantly impacting the overall charging time. This means that electric vehicles could be charged quickly and safely, without sacrificing battery life.

The findings of this study are a major breakthrough for the electric vehicle industry. They could lead to the development of new battery technologies that are faster, safer, and more durable. This could make electric vehicles more appealing to consumers and accelerate the transition to a clean energy future.

In addition to the benefits of faster charging and longer battery life, the new technology could also help to reduce the risk of fires and explosions. Lithium plating is a major cause of these incidents, so preventing it could make electric vehicles much safer.

The research from the University of Pisa is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry. If the technology can be successfully commercialized, it could make electric vehicles a more viable option for consumers and businesses. Fossil fuel peak

This is a major step forward for the electric vehicle industry, and it could have a significant impact on the future of transportation. With faster charging and longer battery life, electric vehicles will become more appealing to consumers and businesses, and they could help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Fossil fuel peak

Repsol launches EVA range with 100% chemically recycled content

Repsol, the Spanish petrochemical company, has launched a range of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers made with 100% chemically recycled content. This is the first product on the market to incorporate this level of circular AV from chemical recycling.

The new EVA range is part of Repsol’s Reciclex portfolio, which encompasses both polyolefins and polyols obtained through chemical recycling, using plastic waste streams that cannot be mechanically recycled. The range is certified under the ISCC Plus mass balance approach.

Repsol says that the new EVA range is especially relevant for applications that cannot use mechanical recycling due to the properties required by the final product. For example, it can be used in food contact products, cosmetics, and healthcare products.

The company is also set to soon include polyol obtained through the chemical recycling of polyurethane waste in its Reciclex range.Fossil fuel peak

Repsol is building a new polyurethane foam recovery plant in Puertollano, Spain, which is expected to be operational in 2023.

Repsol’s investment in chemical recycling is in line with recent European and Spanish regulations, which are aimed at achieving a recycled content target of 30% for plastic packaging by 2030.

In simpler words:

Repsol has launched a new type of plastic made from recycled plastic waste. This is the first plastic of its kind to use 100% recycled content. The new plastic can be used to make a variety of products, including food packaging, cosmetics, and medical devices.

Repsol’s investment in chemical recycling is helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste that goes to landfills. It is also helping to meet European and Spanish regulations on recycled content in plastic packaging.Fossil fuel peak

Repsol launches EVA range with 100% chemically recycled content

Enviro and Siemens signs MOU regarding cooperation around the European expansion plan

Munich, Germany – Scandinavian Enviro Systems and Siemens has signed a MOU, memorandum of understanding, regarding a collaboration in support of the European expansion plan that Enviro announced earlier this year together with Antin Infrastructure Partners. Through the collaboration, Enviro gets access to Siemens’ extensive experience in automation and digitalization for efficient industrial production.

The MOU was signed in connection with Siemens’ now ongoing Siemens NordX Circle seminar, focusing on sustainability and digitalization, where Enviro’s CEO Thomas Sörensson is one of the speakers. A number of international business leaders participate in the seminar, including Siemens’ sustainability manager Judith Wiese, who is the seminar’s keynote speaker. Fossil fuel peak
Together with Antin Infrastructure Partners, and with the support of Michelin, Enviro has formed the world’s first large-scale tire recycling company and with the plan to establish recycling facilities in Europe by 2030 with a total annual recycling capacity of 1 million tons of end-of-life tires. Siemens is already today a supplier of both hardware and software to the tire industry and, with its focus on sustainability and digitalization, has a great interest in supporting Enviro during the upcoming phase of broad industrialization.

“With the formation of the tire recycling joint venture company, Enviro has acquired the right industrial structure and the right partner company to be able to seriously take part in the transformation of the tire industry towards increased sustainability.

As a supplier and partner, Siemens wants to support the new tire recycling company and thereby help accelerate the important journey towards increased sustainability,” says Maria Grahm, Business Unit Manager Process Automation at Siemens Digital Industries.

Fossil fuel peak

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Enviro and Siemens signs MOU regarding cooperation around the European expansion plan

Tesla’s Quiet Breakthrough in Carmaking

Tesla has made a technological breakthrough that could transform the way it makes electric vehicles (EVs). The company has developed a new way to cast the underbody of an EV in a single piece, rather than the hundreds of parts that are typically used in a conventional car. This could help Tesla to halve the production costs of its EVs and make them more affordable.

The new casting process uses huge presses with 6,000 to 9,000 tons of clamping pressure. This allows Tesla to create a single, strong and lightweight underbody for its EVs. The company is also using 3D printing technology to create the sand molds for the casting process, which is more cost-effective and allows for rapid design iterations.

Tesla is still in the early stages of developing this new casting process, but it is expected to be used in the company’s upcoming small EV, which is aiming to have a price tag of $25,000. Fossil fuel peak

If successful, this new process could revolutionize the way EVs are made and make them more accessible to a wider range of people.

Here are some of the key benefits of Tesla’s new casting process:

  • It can reduce production costs by up to 50%.
  • It can make EVs lighter and more efficient.
  • It can shorten the design and manufacturing process.
  • It can improve the crashworthiness of EVs.

Tesla is not the only automaker that is working on new casting processes for EVs. Other companies, such as Ford and BMW, are also developing similar technologies. However, Tesla is believed to be the furthest ahead in this area.

If Tesla is able to successfully commercialize its new casting process, it could have a major impact on the EV industry.

It could help to make EVs more affordable and accessible, and it could also lead to the development of new and more efficient EV designs. Fossil fuel peak

Tesla's Quiet Breakthrough in Carmaking

Sidel Introduces EvoBLOW XL, a Cutting-Edge Blowing Machine for Large PET Containers

Introduction: Sidel, a leader in packaging and blowing solutions, proudly presents its latest innovation, the EvoBLOW XL machine. This state-of-the-art technology is designed to cater to the growing demand for large PET containers while maintaining performance and sustainability. EvoBLOW XL is set to revolutionize the packaging industry by offering versatility, efficiency, and sustainability.

Key Features and Benefits:

  1. 75% Shared Parts: EvoBLOW XL leverages Sidel’s existing EvoBLOW range by sharing 75% of its components. This demonstrates Sidel’s commitment to proven performance while expanding into new markets, including hotfill products.
  2. Versatility: EvoBLOW XL serves as both a standalone machine and an integrated combi solution, accommodating a wide range of bottle formats from 8L to 10L.
  3. It offers flexible oven configurations and various bottleneck dimensions, making it adaptable for diverse large bottle types. Fossil fuel peak
  4. Efficiency: With an impressive blowing output of 18,000 bottles per hour (bph) and an overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) of 98%, EvoBLOW XL sets a new standard for production efficiency. It boasts user-friendly features for efficient changeovers, including an ergonomic embedded mold handling tool and a mobile mold storage unit.
  5. Sustainability: EvoBLOW XL is designed to handle rPET grades, offering sustainability benefits from virgin PET to up to 100% rPET. It enables lightweighting, reduces CO2 emissions, and supports the transition from HDPE to PET large bottles. The machine’s design enhancements contribute to reduced energy consumption without compromising cost-effectiveness.
  6. Bottle Design: EvoBLOW XL enhances the blowing process, ensuring attractive and user-friendly bottle designs. It achieves perfect material distribution at speeds of 1,500 bph per mold while maintaining low blowing pressure and the highest bottle quality. Fossil fuel peak

Coverage by Packaging South Asia: Packaging South Asia, a prominent B2B publication and digital platform based in New Delhi, India, closely monitors the growth and impact of responsible packaging in the region. It highlights the packaging industry’s consistent outperformance compared to GDP growth, even amid challenges like supply chain disruptions and fluctuating raw material prices.

The publication covers the entire packaging supply chain, making it a valuable resource for brand owners, product managers, raw material suppliers, packaging designers, converters, and recyclers. With significant growth opportunities in the packaging industry in India and Asia, now is the ideal time to engage with Packaging South Asia’s influential platform for targeted business communication. Fossil fuel peak

Contact Information:

Sidel Introduces EvoBLOW XL, a Cutting-Edge Blowing Machine for Large PET Containers

The Nickel-Hydrogen Battery: A 30-Year Revolution in Energy Storage

Space exploration has long been a source of inspiration and innovation, leading to groundbreaking developments that have found their way into our everyday lives. One such remarkable advancement is the nickel-hydrogen battery, which not only defies the limitations of traditional batteries but also boasts an astonishing lifespan of 30 years and 30,000 charging cycles. This exceptional technology, originally designed by NASA to power space missions, is now poised to revolutionize energy storage on Earth, thanks to the pioneering efforts of American company EnerVenue.

EnerVenue, an innovative American company, is taking a giant leap forward in the battery industry by harnessing the engineering and chemistry expertise honed by NASA over four decades. The genesis of this technology traces back to its application in the power systems of the International Space Station and the Hubble Space Telescope. As EnerVenue prepares to scale up production, these nickel-hydrogen batteries are poised to replace conventional batteries, bringing with them numerous advantages that have the potential to reshape how we power our world. Fossil fuel peak

The nickel-hydrogen batteries developed by NASA for space missions have been meticulously engineered to endure the harshest conditions imaginable, from the vacuum of space to rapid temperature fluctuations. These batteries have proven their mettle as safe, durable, and recyclable energy storage solutions, while also eliminating the risks associated with fires and toxic waste. Their remarkable performance in space missions serves as a testament to their reliability and longevity.

EnerVenue’s commitment to harnessing this groundbreaking technology is evident in its recent announcement of the construction of a Gigafactory in the United States. This ambitious venture represents a pivotal moment in the energy storage industry, where space technology is set to transform the way we store and utilize power in our daily lives. Let’s delve deeper into the key attributes of nickel-hydrogen batteries and how EnerVenue’s vision could impact our future. Fossil fuel peak

The Resilience of Nickel-Hydrogen Batteries

Nickel-hydrogen batteries are engineered to thrive in the extreme conditions of outer space. Unlike traditional batteries that struggle with rapid temperature fluctuations, these batteries remain unfazed, providing a stable and reliable power source for critical space missions. The vacuum of space, with its extreme cold and intense radiation, poses significant challenges to energy storage, but nickel-hydrogen batteries have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to withstand such conditions.

Unmatched Longevity

One of the most remarkable features of nickel-hydrogen batteries is their longevity. These batteries are built to last for an astonishing 30 years, significantly outperforming conventional lithium-ion batteries, which typically have a much shorter lifespan. Moreover, they can endure a staggering 30,000 charging cycles without a significant degradation in performance. Fossil fuel peak

This exceptional durability reduces the frequency of replacements, leading to cost savings and a more sustainable approach to energy storage.

Safety and Sustainability

Safety and sustainability are paramount considerations in energy storage solutions, and nickel-hydrogen batteries excel in both areas. Unlike some conventional batteries that carry the risk of catching fire or generating toxic waste, nickel-hydrogen batteries pose minimal environmental and safety hazards. They are non-toxic, non-flammable, and fully recyclable, making them a responsible choice for a world increasingly concerned about environmental impact. Fossil fuel peak

EnerVenue’s Vision for a Battery Revolution

EnerVenue’s mission to bring the benefits of nickel-hydrogen batteries to Earth is a bold and visionary endeavor. By establishing a Gigafactory in the United States, the company is poised to accelerate the production and adoption of this transformative technology. This move signals a paradigm shift in how we approach energy storage, with space technology at the forefront of innovation.

The Gigafactory will not only boost production capacity but also create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources.

As the demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to rise, EnerVenue’s nickel-hydrogen batteries offer a compelling alternative that aligns with our commitment to a greener future.Fossil fuel peak

In conclusion, the nickel-hydrogen battery, born out of the rigors of space exploration, represents a remarkable leap forward in energy storage technology.

With its unrivaled resilience, longevity, safety, and sustainability, it has the potential to transform the way we power our world. EnerVenue’s ambitious plans to manufacture these batteries at scale in the United States mark a pivotal moment in our quest for cleaner, more reliable energy storage solutions.

As we look to the future, it is clear that space technology will continue to play a pivotal role in improving our daily lives and advancing our society towards a more sustainable and innovative future. Fossil fuel peak

The Nickel-Hydrogen Battery: A 30-Year Revolution in Energy Storage

Recycling technologies – Tesla is making waves in the automotive industry with its recent price reductions on a global scale 16-09-2023

Fossil fuel peak

Petrochemicals MEG rPET – Has Stellantis already lost the challenge with China in car batteries? 11-09-2023

Petrochemicals MEG rPET

Petrochemicals MEG rPET

  • Polymers : PET – r-PET – Filament grade semidull chips -Filament grade bright chips – Ny6 – Ny66 – PP
  • Feedstocks : PX – PTA – MEG – CPL – Adipic Acid – Benzene – ACN – Ethylene – Phenol – Naphtha
  • Textile : Polyester POY – DTY – FDY – PSF – Recycled Polyester POY – Nylon POY – DTY – FDY Spandex 20-30-40 -Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  Acrylic Staple Fiber   Petrochemicals MEG rPET

Petrochemicals MEG rPET

Polyestertime
ITEM 04/09/2023 11/09/2023 +/-
Bottle grade PET chips domestic market 7125 yuan/ton 7,075 yuan/ton -50
Bottle grade PET chips export market 895 $/ton 895 $/ton
Filament grade Semidull chips domestic market 7,000 yuan/ton 7,060 yuan/ton +60
Filament grade Bright chips domestic market 7,020 yuan/ton 7,090 yuan/ton +70
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA domestic market 6,150 yuan/ton 6,155 yuan/ton +5
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA export market 800 $/ton 770 $/ton -30
Monoethyleneglycol MEG domestic market 4,100 yuan/ton 4,165 yuan/ton +65
Monoethyleneglycol MEG export market 475 $/ton 482 $/ton +7
Paraxylene PX FOB  Taiwan market

Petrochemicals MEG rPET

1,096 $/ton 1,093 $/ton
-3
Paraxylene PX FOB  Korea market 1,073 $/ton 1,070 $/ton -3
Paraxylene PX FOB EU market 1,180 $/ton 1,190 $/ton +10
Polyester filament POY 150D/48F domestic market 7,725 yuan/ton 7,900 yuan/ton
+175
Recycled Polyester filament POY  domestic market 7,540 yuan/ton 7,650 yuan/ton +110
Polyester filament DTY 150D/48 F domestic market 9,275 yuan/ton 9,350 yuan/ton +75
Polyester filament FDY 68D24F

Petrochemicals MEG rPET

8,950 yuan/ton 9,050 yuan/ton +100
Polyester filament FDY 150D/96F domestic market 8,350 yuan/ton 8,475 yuan/ton +125
Polyester staple fiber 1.4D 38mm domestic market 7,600 yuan/ton 7,650 yuan/ton +50
Caprolactam CPL domestic market 12,900 yuan/ton 13,350 yuan/ton
+450
Caprolactam CPL overseas  market 1,550 $/ton 1,570 $/ton +20
Nylon 6 chips overseas  market 1,790 $/ton 1,790 $/ton
Nylon 6 chips conventional spinning domestic  market 13,650 yuan/ton 14,100 yuan/ton +450
Nylon 6 chips  high speed spinning domestic  market

Petrochemicals MEG rPET

14,300 yuan/ton 14,650 yuan/ton +350
Nylon 6.6 chips domestic  market 17,900 yuan/ton 18,100 yuan/ton -100
Nylon6 Filament POY 86D/24F domestic  market 16,400 yuan/ton 16,750 yuan/ton +350
Nylon6 Filament DTY 70D/24F domestic  market 18,550 yuan/ton 18,900 yuan/ton- +350
Nylon6 Filament FDY  70D/24F  17,400 yuan/ton 17,700 yuan/ton +300
Spandex 20D  domestic  market

Petrochemicals MEG rPET

36,500 yuan/ton 36,500 yuan/ton
Spandex 30D  domestic  market 35,000 yuan/ton 35,000 yuan/ton
Spandex 40D  domestic  market  32,000 yuan/ton 32,200 yuan/ton +200
Adipic Acid domestic market 9,550 yuan/ton 9,850 yuan/ton +300
Benzene domestic market

Petrochemicals MEG rPET

7,950 yuan/ton 8,500 yuan/ton +550
Benzene overseas  market 903 $/ton 987 $/ton +84
Ethylene South East market 860 $/ton 865 $/ton +5
Ethylene NWE market 735 $/ton 774 $/ton +39
Acrylonitrile ACN  domestic market

Petrochemicals PSF PET-Bottle

9,400 yuan/ton 9,500 yuan/ton +100
Acrylonitrile ACN  overseas market 1,200 $/ton 1,200 $/ton
Acrylic staple fiber ASF  domestic market 13,600 yuan/ton 14,100 yuan/ton +500
Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  domestic market 13,150 yuan/ton 13,250 yuan/ton +100
PP Powder domestic market

Petrochemicals MEG rPET

7,530 yuan/ton 7,550 yuan/ton +20
Naphtha overseas market  666 $/ton 685 $/ton +19
Phenol domestic market 8,485 yuan/ton 9,270 yuan/ton +785

 

r-PET high end eco-friendly chips =7,800 yuan/ton 7,800 yuan/ton   –

Petrochemicals MEG rPET

Auto, ccinaugurates its first Battery Technology Center in Italy

Stellantis, one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, has inaugurated its first Battery Technology Center in Turin, in the Mirafiori industrial complex. With an investment of 40 million euros for its development, the center increases Stellantis’ ability to design, develop and test the battery packs, modules, high voltage cells and software that will power future Stellantis brand vehicles , we read in a note. Over 100 technicians will work in the Battery Technology Center in Mirafiori, most of whom are specialized workers from Stellantis. Petrochemicals MEG rPET

The group is also working on a Battery Technology Center for North America in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. With 8,000 square meters and 32 climatic cells, the Battery Technology Center is the largest in Italy and one of the most important in Europe. The heart of the center consists of 32 climatic chambers – 24 walk-in chambers for testing battery packs and 8 chambers for carrying out cell tests. Inside the 24 walk-in chambers it is possible to control the environmental conditions by regulating humidity and temperature in a range between -40 and 60 degrees Celsius with a maximum variation of 20 degrees per minute. The center is capable of testing up to 47 battery packs in parallel.

Designed for future expansion, the center’s power system can handle up to 1.2 kilovolts (kV) and 2.2 megawatts (MW) per test cell. In the eight chambers reserved for the cells it is possible to test up to 96 elements in parallel. Petrochemicals MEG rPET

This part of the Technology Center will be dedicated in particular to the study of new chemical compositions and behavioral characteristics of cells for future development.

As part of its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis announced its goal of achieving 100% BEV sales mix in Europe and 50% BEV passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in the United States by 2030. To achieve these business goals, the company is securing approximately 400 GWh of battery capacity, to be supported with six battery manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe. Stellantis is working to become a carbon-neutral company across the board by 2038, with single-digit offsets for remaining emissions. Petrochemicals MEG rPET

“We find ourselves faced with a unique opportunity to redefine mobility by offering intelligent and sustainable solutions – declared Ned Curic, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer of Stellantis – The new Battery Technology Center in Mirafiori brings together the tools in one place and the talented people needed to develop, test, validate and produce high-quality products that meet the needs of our customers with shorter lead times for premium electric vehicles around the world.”

The new Stellantis Battery Technology Center “is a further step, which follows the many concrete steps that the Region and Municipality have taken with Stellantis. After the many words of the past, the approach and method have changed, we wanted to build an almost contractual agreement with Stellantis”. Petrochemicals MEG rPET

Alberto Cirio, president of the Piedmont Region, said this on the sidelines of the inauguration of the centre, built in the Mirafiori industrial complex, in Turin, to test and develop the battery packs for electric vehicles that will power future products in the Stellantis range. “We have put on the table the elements that we could put in place and Stellantis has defined very specific objectives, which are being achieved. Everyone is keeping their commitments”, said Cirio, explaining that “the Battery Technology Center also has a significance of perspective, because it means that the head remains in Piedmont and Turin”. Petrochemicals MEG rPET

The President of the Region explained that in the agreement that is being defined at a national level with Stellantis, and in which Cirio represents the regions as coordinator for the car at the table, “a contractual relationship is being defined to which also the Minister of Business and Urso is paying a lot of attention to Made in Italy. On the one hand it guarantees contributions and incentives for car replacements, but on the other hand it requires concrete commitments from Stellantis.” Cirio said he was “satisfied because, after the many words of the past, today factories are actually being inaugurated, people are being hired and lines are being opened”.  Petrochemicals MEG rPET

At the new Stellantis Battery Technology Center in Turin Mirafiori “over one hundred people will work when fully operational, for now we are aiming for the reskilling of the current staff”, or the transfer from other divisions of the group (these are highly specialized workers, who have received at least 200 hours of training). Ned Curic, chief engineering & technology officer of Stellantis, said this at the inauguration of the BTC. Looking ahead, however, it cannot be ruled out that there will be new hires, also because “many Stellantis employees will retire and we will have to replace them”, said Curic.

Overall, he said, “we are hiring and will continue to do so due to the demographics of the current workforce.” Petrochemicals MEG rPET

According to Curic, in the coming years we will see “a transformation of the workforce” and “we need to implement the talent of the new generations”, which is why Stellantis works with the Polytechnic of Turin “to ensure we have skills to develop”.

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