Tag: Sanctions

Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

-Polyester Recycling: Achieving Circularity in Textiles Without Compromising Quality

From start to finish, achieving circularity in the textile industry is not only feasible but also allows for the production of high-quality and technically advanced products.

This groundbreaking research and development project is a step-by-step demonstration of the viability of recycling polyester fibers “from fiber to fiber.” It all began with Sportstex, a company specializing in sportswear production, joining forces with RadiciGroup, an experienced leader in the circular economy, to collaborate on the recovery of polyester textile waste, including sports uniforms for football, volleyball, and other sports.

Pure Loop, a company specializing in recycling machinery, was quick to join the project, aiming to identify the best available technology for producing new textile fibers.

To achieve their objective, the R&D teams of these three companies conducted a series of tests to develop a recycled textile product with outstanding technical properties. They initially experimented with a mixed recovery technique, combining variable percentages of granules from recycled bottles (a well-established practice at RadiciGroup) with polyester granules from recycled fabrics. Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

Through continuous refinement of the processes, they eventually succeeded in creating a yarn that is 100% derived from the recovery of textile waste.

Once the system is scaled up, this virtuous circularity approach will allow for the production of easily recyclable polyester garments that can be recovered and reused at the end of their life cycle. Shimano, a pioneering company in sustainability, has already embraced this project and proudly presents the first jersey resulting from this collaboration. A cycling jersey manufactured through this innovative process will be showcased for the first time at ITMA, the prominent international trade fair for textile and clothing technology, scheduled in Milan from June 8th to 14th, 2023. You can find it at the booth of one of the project’s partner companies (Booth Pure Loop H9/D304).

This research project has revealed a new recycling pathway, enabling the production of high-quality polyester fibers from various sources, including pre-owned clothing, leading to a truly closed-loop system in the textile industry. Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

-Unannounced Inspections Conducted by European Commission in Synthetic Turf Industry

The European Commission has initiated surprise inspections at the premises of companies operating in the synthetic turf sector across various Member States. These inspections are being carried out due to concerns that the companies under scrutiny may have violated European Union (EU) antitrust regulations, specifically Article 101 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which prohibits cartels and restrictive business practices.

Synthetic turf, which replicates the appearance and functionality of natural grass, is primarily used for sports purposes. The investigation focuses specifically on synthetic turf intended for sporting applications.

During these unannounced inspections, Commission officials are accompanied by their counterparts from the national competition authorities of the Member States where the inspections are taking place. It is important to note that these inspections serve as a preliminary step in investigating suspected anticompetitive behavior. The fact that the Commission is conducting such inspections and requesting formal information does not imply guilt on the part of the companies involved, nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation.Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

The Commission upholds the rights of defense, particularly granting companies the opportunity to present their case in antitrust proceedings.

The duration of inquiries into anticompetitive conduct is not constrained by a legal deadline. Various factors, such as the complexity of each case, the level of cooperation from the companies involved, and the exercise of defense rights, contribute to the length of the investigation.

Under the Commission’s leniency program, companies that have participated in secret cartels may receive immunity from fines or substantial reductions in fines by reporting their conduct and cooperating fully throughout the Commission’s investigation. Both individuals and companies have the option to report cartel activities or other forms of anticompetitive behavior anonymously through the Commission’s whistle-blower tool. Additional information about the Commission’s leniency program and the whistle-blower tool can be found on the website of DG Competition.

-Herbold Meckesheim tanks offer plastic density separation

Recycling technology provider offers its plastic scrap density separator tanks in three sizes.

Herbold Meckesheim USA now is offering density separation tanks, also known as sink-swim tanks, that use water to separate plastic scrap of different densities as well as separate contaminants from homogenous plastics, says the firm, which is a subsidiary of Germany-based Herbold Meckesheim GmbH. Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

Items are introduced to the steel sink-swim tanks by a feeding screw or conveyor at one end, says the company. Three or four transport drums (rotating paddles) then move the material from one end of the tank to the other.

During the process, higher density plastics like polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinyl chloride, and contaminants sink to the bottom of the tank while lower density plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene float on the surface of the water.

According to Herbold Meckesheim, lighter plastics exit the tank via a top discharge setup and heavier items are continuously removed by a scraping chain conveyor mounted below the bottom of the tank. The tank’s V-shaped bottom has been designed to help ensure that sinking scrap or waste can be exited from the bottom with no accumulation or buildup.

Tanks are available in three sizes, with the smallest measuring 78 inches by 31 inches and the largest measuring 157 inches by 71 inches. Drive motors are available in a range from 1.5 horsepower (hp) up to 15 hp. “Throughputs vary depending on material and tank size,” the company says. Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

Herbold Meckesheim USA is a North Smithfield, Rhode Island-based designer, manufacturer and installer of size-reduction equipment and wash line systems for the plastics industry, specializing in the recycling of industrial and postconsumer plastics.

-LatAm to continue absorbing considerable PE, PP global capacities coming online

Latin America is set to continue being a net importer of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) as more global capacities come on stream, an ICIS expert said on Tuesday.

Thais Matsuda, chemicals analyst for Latin America at ICIS, said the region is expected to continue receiving large amounts of the two polymers coming from northeast Asia, the Middle East and the US. Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

While exports from the Middle East to Latin America are expected to increase in coming years as the region also becomes a key PE and PP producer after sharply increasing its capacities, the US is set to continue being king when it comes to sending product to the region, said Matsuda.

She was speaking at an event organised by the Latin American Petrochemical and Chemical Association (APLA).

Awash with polymers

The US is expected to export up to 45% of its PE and PP production that has come online in the past decade, spurred by the shale gas boom.

Matsuda said the US would need to export that 45% of its capacities to keep its operating rates at healthy levels; however, she added this would not include potential rationalisation, i.e. some old plants being shut down in coming years.

The US also plays with the advantage that most of its polymers production is concentrated in the Gulf Coast, a location which makes it very easy sending product to southern neighbours in Latin America.

In fact, Latin America received 70% of its PE and PP imports from North America in 2022, mainly the US. Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

Meanwhile, northeast Asia producers – China, Korea and Japan, among others – sent in 2022 35% of their PE and PP exports to Latin America.

Therefore, Latin America is set to continue as a major outlet for PE and PP producers globally.

Only in 2023-2024, the global capacities for the two polymers are expected to increase by 26m tonnes, and more are set to come online in 2025 and 2026.

However, Matsuda said PE and PP global supply is expected to outpace demand by a large amount, which will represent a “challenging” scenario for the petrochemicals industry.

In that scenario, prices could come down as producers compete fiercely for market share, she said.

“In summary, a major rebound in crude oil prices has not taken place despite OPEC+ production cuts as economic conditions globally soften,” said Matsuda.

“The cost advantage for North America’s olefins and derivative plants is set to continue, while excessive new capacity is set to come online, mainly in Asia.

An oversupplied market is set to result in a challenging scenario for the petrochemical industry.” Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

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-Solvay has announced a collaboration with Sapio for the development of the Hydrogen Valley Rosignano Project in Rosignano, Italy

This joint venture aims to establish a large-scale hydrogen production plant that will utilize locally-sourced green energy.

By leveraging the expertise of Solvay and Sapio, leaders in the hydrogen economy, this initiative will contribute significantly to the decarbonization of Solvay’s operations in Rosignano. The implementation of the project is projected to reduce CO2 emissions related to Peroxides operations by 15%.

The green hydrogen production facility will be constructed within Solvay’s Rosignano site, transforming a former industrial area. It is scheduled to be completed by mid-2026 and will rely on a dedicated 9.5 MW photovoltaic installation to generate green electricity. The plant will have an annual capacity of 756 tons of green hydrogen, which will be exclusively utilized for the on-site production of peroxides.

The Hydrogen Valley Rosignano Project exemplifies Solvay’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality. The company’s strategy emphasizes the maximization of electrification, the transition to renewable energies like solar power, and the promotion of process innovations. To support the construction of the hydrogen production plant in Rosignano, Solvay has secured EUR16 million in funding under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) from the Tuscan Region. Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

-China’s export sector experienced a significant decline in May, exceeding expectations, due to a global demand slowdown

Additionally, imports also saw a decrease, although at a slower rate, as manufacturers faced challenges in finding overseas demand while domestic consumption remained lackluster.

During May, Chinese exports, originating from the world’s second-largest economy, contracted by 7.5% compared to the previous year. This decline represents the most significant contraction since January and is in stark contrast to April’s 8.5% growth. On the other hand, imports experienced a contraction of 4.5%, which is a slower decline compared to the previous month’s 7.9% decrease.

Economists surveyed by Reuters had predicted a 0.4% decline in exports and an 8.0% drop in imports, making the actual figures much worse than expected.

The decline in exports highlights the weakened demand for Chinese products globally, as well as reduced imports of parts and materials that China utilizes in assembling finished goods for export. Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

This trend is consistent with the data from South Korea, which revealed a 20.8% decrease in shipments to China in May, marking a year of monthly declines. Notably, Korean semiconductor exports contracted by 36.2%, indicating a weak demand for components used in final production.

Following the release of the trade data, Chinese stock markets saw a reduction in their gains, and the Australian dollar, a currency closely tied to Chinese demand, lost value.

-Innovation in Batch-Type Waste Tire Pyrolysis Technology 

The Weibold Academy article series regularly explores practical developments and scientific research findings in the end-of-life tire (ELT) recycling and pyrolysis industry. In this second part of the series, we delve into the characteristics and advantages of batch reactors in relation to thermochemical reactions and their impact on the final products. Our insights are drawn from extensive scientific literature and the successful practices of industry-leading companies.

Introduction

Thermochemical conversion technologies, specifically pyrolysis, have gained significant importance in recent years for the sustainable and environmentally sound treatment of waste tires. Some of these technologies have already proven their technical and economic maturity. Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

Pyrolysis is a thermochemical process used to treat vulcanized rubber and recover valuable products. It involves the decomposition of rubber at high temperatures (400 – 900°C) in the absence of oxygen. The main products of pyrolysis are a solid fraction, typically raw recovered carbon black (according to ASTM D8178); a liquid fraction comprising light oil, heavy oil, and tar; and a permanent gas fraction [Ramirez-Canon et al., 2018].

The thermochemical decomposition process, known as pyrolysis, occurs within a reactor or reaction zone. Reactors can be classified as either batch or continuous, depending on their filling and processing modes, which significantly influence the reactor design.

Batch-type processes involve a complete loading process, followed by processing and subsequent unloading. When plotted on a time axis, different states exist at different times as the material concentration within the reactor changes. In contrast, continuous processes involve a continuous flow of material and processing.

In our previous article, we concluded that batch-based semi-continuous tire pyrolysis systems can benefit from the advantages of both worlds, and more, if:

1. Material loading and unloading are automated.
2. The completion of decomposition can be continuously detected by measuring the pyrolysis gas flow, allowing for continuous adjustment of the process duration.
3. Batch reactors are constantly maintained at the reaction temperature without any downtime.
4. The timing of individual processes is optimized with short intervals, resulting in a continuous flow of products. Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

In summary, modern batch reactors offer significant advantages, particularly in terms of precise process control despite variations in the feedstock’s chemical composition, which can vary depending on the tire manufacturer. Moreover, the composition and yields of the end products, such as raw recovered carbon black, oil, and gas, also depend on the pyrolysis conditions.

Influence of the Reactor Model on Product Yields

The type of reactor plays a crucial role in determining the yields of oil, permanent gas, and the composition and quality of recovered carbon black. The product yields primarily depend on the thermal decomposition temperature (T), heating rate (HR), and residence time (RT) of oil vapors and solid products within the reactor [Lewandowski et al., 2019].

While the yield of raw recovered carbon black is the same in both batch-type (“fixed bed”) and continuously charged (“moving bed”) reactors, assuming complete devolatilization of the feedstock in both cases, the yields of oil and permanent gas differ. A batch reactor generally yields more oil, whereas a moving bed reactor, such as a rotary kiln or auger, yields a higher amount of permanent gas (incondensable).

This can be attributed to the faster heating rate and longer residence time of oil vapors in a continuously charged moving bed reactor, which leads to more severe cracking reactions [Aylon et al., 2008]. Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

The higher oil yield in a batch reactor provides practical economic benefits as it enables increased product sales. Additionally, modern batch reactor designs still yield sufficient amounts of permanent gas to generate the necessary process heat, and the waste heat from the flue gas can be utilized in subsequent process steps.

Influence of Decomposition Temperature and Vapor Residence Time

In addition to natural rubber (NR), the most common synthetic rubbers used in tire manufacturing are cis-polybutadiene rubber (CBR), isobutylene-isoprene copolymer rubber (e.g., butyl rubber or BR), and styrene-butadiene copolymer rubber (SBR) [Kan et al., 2017]. The pyrolysis process mainly targets the decomposition of these rubber compounds, and the processes occur simultaneously and overlap with each other [Gonzales et al., 2001].

Studies suggest that SBR decomposes primarily at higher temperatures, NR decomposes at lower temperatures, while BR can be decomposed at both higher and lower temperatures [Ramirez-Canon et al., 2018]. Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

The heating rate (HR) is influenced by the power supplied, particle size, and thermal conductivity of the feedstock, whereas temperature (T) affects the primary thermal decomposition reactions of organic materials. Prolonged residence time in the reactor increases the likelihood of secondary reactions, such as the conversion of oil and char into gas. This occurs as molecules in the liquid and solid phases decompose into smaller molecules, enriching the permanent gas fraction [Lewandowski et al., 2019].

Laboratory tests have shown that the liquid yield initially increases to a maximum at 475°C and then decreases to a minimum at 575°C. The gas yield, however, increases across the entire temperature range. An optimum temperature of 475°C appears to yield the highest amount of liquid products (oil) from tire feedstock through pyrolysis, as decomposition is complete and liquid yields are maximized at this temperature [Rofiqul Islam et al., 2010].

Higher temperatures generally favor oil production, with the highest yield obtained at 550°C. Further increases in temperature result in higher gas production and reduced liquid fraction compared to that obtained at 550°C [Ramirez-Canon et al., 2018].

Conversely, lower temperatures around 450°C yield a higher amount of raw recovered carbon black (solid fraction). However, the solid fraction slightly decreases with further temperature increases until 550°C. At higher temperatures, the solid yield increases again [Ramirez-Canon et al., 2018]. Various studies have shown that the optimal decomposition temperature for producing raw recovered carbon black (solid fraction) falls within the range of 450°C to 550°C.

Lower temperatures, combined with low pressure and short vapor residence time, favor the production of high-value primary chemicals such as limonene, benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX), thereby increasing their yield in the oil (TDO). Limonene and BTX find applications in various industries. Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

High temperatures (above 550°C) and/or long residence times, on the other hand, lead to secondary cracking reactions of volatiles, resulting in the undesired development of aromatic and polycyclic aromatic compounds [cited in Nkosi et al., 2021].

Conclusion

Compared to continuously charged rotary kiln and auger reactors, which are associated with high heating rates and longer vapor residence times, modern batch reactors with slower heating rates tend to prevent secondary reactions. This prevention is due to limited gas accumulation around the char’s external area, resulting in higher value recovered carbon black [Lopez et al., 2010; Nkosi et al., 2021].

The complex and intertwined processes involved in end-of-life tire pyrolysis, combined with the inherent variability in feedstock chemical composition, highlight the significance of precise process control. This control is particularly important in ensuring complete devolatilization of all volatile components from the solid fraction, resulting in a “dry” rather than “roasted” recovered carbon black (rCB). Achieving this eliminates the need for an energy-intensive “second” pass. Fiber-to-fiber – Synthetic Turf

Therefore, it is clear that continuous process progress control, rather than continuous material feed, plays a vital role in achieving high product quality and the necessary flexibility to accommodate constantly changing feedstock qualities. Considering the ease of implementation and other mentioned arguments, a modern, batch-based, and semi-continuous process design appears to be a compelling choice.

PCR Prices – Nonwoven – rPET 08-06-2023

PCR Prices – Nonwoven – rPET

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

-LyondellBasell, headquartered in Ferrara, Italy, has successfully exported its chemical recycling technology to Germany

The company has established the first pilot plant with MoReTec (molecular recycling technology) in Ferrara, which enables the breakdown of post-consumer plastic molecules, including previously unrecoverable multi-layer and mixed materials. As a result, pyrolysis oil is produced, replacing fossil-based virgin naphtha in the steam cracking process used to obtain monomers like ethylene and propylene. These monomers are crucial for producing new polymers, including recycled plastics suitable for complex applications such as food packaging and biomedical use.

The success of the pilot plant in Ferrara, which has a treatment capacity of 50 tons of plastic material per year, has paved the way for the construction of an industrial plant in Wesseling, Germany, near Cologne. The German plant, utilizing LyondellBasell’s technology, will have a capacity of approximately 50,000 tons per year and is scheduled to be operational in 2026. PCR Prices – Nonwoven – rPET

The company plans to continue its research and development efforts to further increase production volume, highlighting the scalability of the technology.

Gabriele Mei, Vice President of Catalysis and Industrial Process and President of Basell Poliolefine Italia, explains the strategic choice of Germany for the new plant, citing the local presence of a cracker plant capable of utilizing pyrolysis oil from chemical recycling to generate new monomers and plastics. However, Italy, particularly the Ferrara hub, remains central to LyondellBasell’s development strategy. The company is committed to advancing processes and products that contribute to the circular economy and address climate and sustainability concerns.

LyondellBasell’s CEO, Peter Vanacker, emphasizes the importance of sustainability and the company’s commitment to achieving its goals. Under the Circulen brand, LyondellBasell has already produced and marketed over 175,000 tons of recycled polymers created from renewable sources since 2019. The company aims to reach a production volume of at least 2 million tons by 2030. PCR Prices – Nonwoven – rPET

The research and development conducted in Ferrara play a pivotal role in LyondellBasell’s overall operations. Italy accounts for around 40% of the global R&D budget, with approximately 700 R&D employees worldwide, 400 of whom are based in Ferrara. The Giulio Natta research centre, located within the petrochemical plant in Ferrara, is responsible for one-third of LyondellBasell’s 6,000 patents. The company anticipates hiring around 90 employees in Italy in 2023, with 80% of them being allocated to the Ferrara site.

-Toray to Recycle Glass-Fiber-Reinforced PPS in Europe

The carbon footprint of the material with 50% recycled content has been independently certified to be around 45% lower than virgin PPS.

Japan’s Toray Industries and its marketing and sales subsidiary, Toray Resins Europe GmbH (TREU), have developed a recycling process for glass-fiber-reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin scrap generated by injection molding. The new process leverages proprietary compounding technology developed in collaboration with tolling partner MKV GmbH Kunststoffgranulate, a compounding company based in Beselich, Germany, that specializes in recycling engineering and high-performance plastics. The recycled PPS resin has 50% recycled content and retains at least 90% of the mechanical strength of virgin injection grades. PCR Prices – Nonwoven – rPET

Testing, certification, and research institute SKZ – Das Kunststoff-Zentrum (Plastics Center) has calculated and verified that PPS made with this recycling process can deliver a carbon footprint that is around 45% lower than virgin PPS. The calculation was conducted based on international LCA standards ISO 14040, ISO 14044, and ISO 14067, “Carbon footprint of products.”

TREU supplies PPS resin to customers throughout Europe and is beginning to promote the recycled PPS grades under the Ecouse Torelina brand. Ecouse (pronounced Eco-use) is Toray’s integrated, worldwide brand for recycled materials and products.

Glass-fiber-reinforced PPS offers flame and chemical resistance as well as long-term durability. Consequently, it has diverse applications, including electric vehicles and other automobiles, electrical and electronic equipment, and water-related parts.

Previously, Toray announced that wholly owned subsidiary Toray Advanced Materials Korea would increase annual production capacity for Torelina PPS resin by 5,000 tonnes/year at a plant in Gunsan, Korea, starting in December 2024. PCR Prices – Nonwoven – rPET

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-Stora Enso Oyj : is laying the foundation for the future of circular packaging in Oulu, Finland

The future of packaging is circular and to be achieved with solutions that are net positive for both climate and biodiversity. This future is already taking shape in Oulu, a city in northern Finland, where the foundation stone for Stora Enso’s new board line was laid on 30 May.

We at Stora Enso believe that renewable materials will shape the future of circular packaging. In this future, plastics will be replaced with renewables, all packaging will be recyclable, and low emissions are harmonized with high quality standards.

To shape this future into reality, the founding stone of our new, high-volume consumer board line in Oulu, a city of approximately 200 000 inhabitants in northern Finland, was laid on 30 May. PCR Prices – Nonwoven – rPET

When ready in 2025, the new facility will have the capacity to produce up to 750 000 tonnes of renewable packaging materials from well managed northern forest fiber. The new capacity empowers our customers to make more sustainable choices for their food and beverage packaging, as it allows for the utilisation of renewable materials and promotes circular design principles: bio-based, recyclable, low carbon, and offers alternatives to plastic.

“This investment is at the heart of our growing packaging segments. Cartonboards are versatile, growing grades where we already have profound knowledge and a solid understanding of our customers’ needs and wishes. These new materials support plastic replacement solutions but also grow in their current traditional end-uses,” says Andreas Birmoser, SVP, BU Consumer Board, Stora Enso.

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-Prices fall further as low demand persists

R-PET suffers strongest downward price pressure

In April, recycled standard thermoplastic prices continued to drift lower, although at a slower rate than in the previous month. Low incoming orders remains the major drag on prices along with competition from the falling cost of virgin materials.

R-PET prices saw the steepest price reduction in April with clear flake prices down by €100/tonne over March levels; food-grade pellets and coloured flake prices fell €50/tonne. R-LDPE prices fell by €10-20/tonne while R-HDPE prices were either unchanged or increased by up to €10/tonne. R-PP prices were also unchanged; R-HIPS prices softened by around €20/tonne. PCR Prices – Nonwoven – rPET

Standard recyclate prices continued to drift downward in May as a result of ongoing weak demand and competition from off-spec virgin material and imports. Price movements did however vary quite considerably. R-PET clear flake prices once again saw a triple-digit drop; other R-PET grades also registered large price declines. Most other categories saw price reductions of between €10-40/tonne. R-LDPE extrusion black prices were unchanged.

Low demand continues to characterise the market for recycled plastics with order activity well below what would normally be expected for the time of year. Demand weakness can be easily explained by the slowdown in European economies and weakness in key end use markets for recyclate such as construction and packaging. Recyclate is also facing growing competition from the falling cost of off-spec virgin material and competition from cheaper imported material from the Far East.

Recyclers have continued to curb output to avoid a build-up of excess stocks; yet there has been no major shortage of material reported.

In June, standard recyclate prices are likely to fall further but at a slower rate. There is some hope that the early signs of a revival in demand may become more widespread by next month.

Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET)

In April, R-PET clear flake prices fell by €100/tonne with R-PET clear food-grade pellet and coloured flake prices down by €50/tonne. R-PET prices have fallen because of the availability of competitively-priced imports from Vietnam and substitution by the less expensive off-spec virgin material. In addition, the cost of clear and coloured bottle scrap has fallen across Europe. PCR Prices – Nonwoven – rPET

While producers continue to curb production rates supply was more than sufficient in April to meet demand because of the additional imports from Asia. While seasonal demand from the beverages sector is growing, processors are increasingly turning to cheaper imports from Asia or using the virgin PET material.

In May, prices have softened further as a result of continuing weak demand and competition from cheaper imported material. Clear flake prices have fallen by €100/tonne, clear food-grade pellet prices are down by €80/tonne and coloured flake prices have fallen by €50/tonne.

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-Post-consumer PET bottles: European recyclers under enormous pressure

For seven months, PET recyclers have been hoping for a turnaround in sales. But the situation on the market for recycled PET remains gloomy and May brought no improvement. Demand for recycled pellet (rPET) and flakes remained extremely weak, while both post-consumer bottles and recyclate stocks are rising. There are no signs of improvement in June either, according to market participants. Fewer and fewer companies are honouring contracts and still using recycled PET in the production of new bottles and film PCR Prices – Nonwoven – rPET

The pressure is immense: German market insiders report that buyers will try to renegotiate offers if they receive cheaper offers from other recyclers. Flakes from neighbouring countries are also being offered at favourable prices in Germany because the recyclers there are finding hardly any buyers in their domestic markets. High levels of recyclate supply in Europe come at a time when demand is very weak overall, market participants report.

The further erosion in primary PET prices is increasing the pressure on recyclers. Stocks of both PET bottles and flakes continue to grow. The warmer temperatures since the end of May are expected to significantly increase post-consumer bottle arisings.

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-PET imports to impact EU recycled content targets

A major increase in PET imports threatens the competitiveness of the EU’s industry, along with its objective to improve the waste management of plastics. PCR Prices – Nonwoven – rPET

Between 2021 and 2022, imports of PET have doubled reaching 1.9 Mt, with India, China, and Türkiye among the biggest exporters in terms of volumes and value, followed by Indonesia, Egypt, and Vietnam. With the increase, imports represented nearly 30% of the total demand for PET in Europe in 2022, compared to only 23% in 2020. Given the strong divergences in energy, labour and environmental costs in the EU compared to the rest of the world, this important market shift puts the European industry under a lot of pressure.

“Following these concerning market developments, the EU has initiated an anti-dumping proceeding against China for the imports of PET throughout 2022”, said Herbert Snell, PRE PET Working Group Vice Chair and Managing Director at Multiport GmbH – MultiPet GmbH part of the Veolia Group. “Among the allegations, the issued notice reflects a likelihood that increased dumped imports would have a negative impact on the performance of the EU industry”, he added.

The growing imports could be explained by the heightened demand for rPET in the EU, driven by the 2025 recycled content targets of 25% for beverage bottles, and the consequent rise in rPET prices on the continent. PCR Prices – Nonwoven – rPET

“It needs to be ensured that recycled PET imported to the EU at significantly lower prices is compliant with the stringent EU food contact regulation, and therefore does not put at disadvantage the efforts made for creating a robust rPET industry in Europe”, stated Casper van den Dungen, Vice-President of Plastics Recyclers Europe. He continued: “This will additionally require full verification of the traceability of imported polymers by end users to avoid using self-declarations as the means of reporting recycled materials participating to the EU targets”.

Consequently, ensuring the enforcement of EU rules for goods and materials from outside the continent is key to protecting the ‘Made in the EU’ and maintaining a level playing field for all actors.

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-Cinte Techtextil China, the leading trade show for technical textiles and nonwovens, is scheduled to take place from September 19-21, 2023, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre

With four months remaining until the event, international suppliers have already booked more than double the floor space compared to the previous edition. The previous edition attracted 366 exhibitors from eight countries and regions.

A significant highlight of this year’s fair is the return of the European Zone to the fairground. This high-traffic zone is expected to welcome both new and returning exhibitors who are eager to showcase their products to the thriving domestic market in China. Roberto Galante, plant manager of FMMG Technical Textiles (Suzhou) Co Ltd, expressed the immense potential of the Chinese market and the demand for high-quality overseas brands. PCR Prices – Nonwoven – rPET

Among the confirmed exhibitors, key industry players will be present in the European Zone, including Bekaert from Belgium, showcasing their range of conductive yarns and micro cables; Fil Man Made Group from Italy, specializing in quality staple yarns; Sanitized from Switzerland, offering hygiene and material protection functions; and Scantech from France, known for their X-ray online measurement and control systems for nonwoven materials.

In addition to the European Zone, a wide array of international suppliers will showcase their diverse product applications across various categories at the fairground. These categories include Coating & Bondtec, Fibre & Yarn, Nonwovens Equipment, Technology & Machinery, and Testing Equipment & Certification. Notable exhibitors from Europe in these categories include Autefa Solutions, Reifenhauser Heinsberg, Reifenhauser Reicofil, and Sicam.

Chinese suppliers will also play a significant role in complementing the international contingent at the fair. Domestic exhibitors such as Shanghai Shenda Kebao New Materials, SIJIA New Material (Shanghai), Zhejiang Jinda New Materials, and Zhejiang Hailide New Material are eager to connect with new buyers and strengthen existing business relationships. PCR Prices – Nonwoven – rPET

The fair’s product categories encompass 12 application areas, covering a wide range of uses in modern technical textiles and nonwovens. From upstream technology and raw materials providers to finished fabrics, chemicals, and other solutions, the fair provides a comprehensive platform for the entire industry.

Cinte Techtextil China is organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT, and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA).

rPET – Green Hydrogen – Plastic 07-06-2023

rPET – Green Hydrogen – Plastic

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

-Introducing Revolutionary Recycling Solutions for rPET & PU Waste by RAMPF

Visit Booth 1903 at Foam Expo 2023 in Novi, MI, from June 20 to 22 to witness the cutting-edge technology presented by RAMPF Group, Inc. This groundbreaking innovation enables the chemical recycling of rPET and polyurethane (PU) waste into premium-quality polyols.

Through ingenious chemical processes, RAMPF efficiently recycles the following waste materials into high-quality polyols:

1. Post-consumer PET sourced from beverage bottles, fabrics, and fibers.
2. PU foam scraps obtained from used mattresses, carpets, flooring, furniture, car seats, motorcycle seats, insulation materials, as well as fitness and leisure items.

Key features of RAMPF’s recycled polyols:

1. Manufactured using solvolysis techniques, including glycolysis, acidolysis, and aminolysis.
2. Delivering a level of quality and technical properties comparable to polyols derived from virgin raw materials.
3. Tailored precisely to fit the customer’s production setup, enabling direct usage in the manufacturing of new products.

Additionally, RAMPF has developed advanced chemical processes that allow for the utilization of PET/PSA, other polyesters like PLA, PC, PHB, and renewable/bio-based raw materials such as vegetable oils as viable sources for manufacturing bio-based recycled polyols. rPET – Green Hydrogen – Plastic

The company also offers comprehensive consultation services for polyurethane recycling, as well as the development of customized polyols. As part of their extensive portfolio, RAMPF provides formulation expertise for polyurethane systems using their upcycled polyols, and offers contract manufacturing services for molded components.

By leveraging their chemical expertise alongside partnerships with industrial plant construction specialists, RAMPF has achieved remarkable success in global markets, offering a unique product range: turnkey multi-functional recycling plants for their customers.

Companies can now utilize their own tailored plants and polyurethane waste materials, such as PET, phthalic anhydride, and polyisocyanurate, to produce high-quality recycled polyols on-site. This not only reduces costs but also contributes to environmental preservation.

Join RAMPF in embracing sustainable practices and witness the future of recycling at Foam Expo 2023!  rPET – Green Hydrogen – Plastic

-New Efforts in Reducing Green Hydrogen Production Costs

As part of efforts to develop a decarbonized economy, green hydrogen, which produces hydrogen without the use of fossil fuels or the emission of carbon dioxide, has gained popularity recently.

However, the economic viability of green hydrogen has not been very high due to the high manufacturing cost of water electrolysis devices that generate green hydrogen. However, the discovery of a technique that substantially reduces the amount of rare metals utilized in polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis devices, like iridium and platinum, is paving the way for lower production costs.

Dr. Hyun S. Park and Sung Jong Yoo of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology’s (KIST) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research Center announced the development of a technology that can substantially decrease the quantity of platinum and iridium, precious metals employed in the electrode protection layer of polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis devices while maintaining performance and durability comparable to existing devices. rPET – Green Hydrogen – Plastic

In particular, the researchers replaced the expensive precious metal in the electrode protection layer with inexpensive iron nitride with a greater surface area and homogeneously coated a small amount of iridium catalyst on top of it, greatly enhancing the economic effectiveness of the device. This is in contrast to prior studies that focused on reducing the amount of iridium catalyst while maintaining the structure that uses a large amount of platinum and gold as the electrode protection layer.

The polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis device creates high-purity hydrogen and oxygen by decomposing water using electricity supplied by renewable energy sources such as solar power, and it is used to provide hydrogen to industries like steelmaking and chemicals. Furthermore, because it is beneficial for energy conversion to store renewable energy as hydrogen energy, enhancing the economic efficiency of this device is critical for achieving a green hydrogen economy.

There are two electrodes in a typical electrolysis device that generates hydrogen and oxygen, and for the oxygen-generating electrode, which works in an extremely corrosive environment, gold or platinum is coated on the surface of the electrode at 1 mg/cm2 as a protective layer to guarantee durability and production efficiency, and 1–2 mg/cm2 of iridium catalyst is coated on top.  rPET – Green Hydrogen – Plastic

The precious metals utilized in these electrolysis devices have extremely limited deposits and production, which is a major impediment to the widespread adoption of green hydrogen generation devices.

To enhance the economics of water electrolysis, the researchers employed iron nitride (Fe2N) instead of the precious metals gold and platinum as a protective layer for the oxygen electrode in polymer electrolyte membrane hydrogen generation devices.

To do this, the researchers devised a composite process that coats the electrode uniformly with iron oxide, which has poor electrical conductivity and then transforms the iron oxide to iron nitride, which has higher conductivity.

The team also developed a procedure for uniformly coating an iridium catalyst around 25 nanometers (nm) thick on top of the iron nitride protective layer, resulting in an electrode with high hydrogen production efficiency and durability.

The designed electrode substitutes the gold or platinum used as a protective layer for the oxygen-generating electrode with non-precious metal nitrides while retaining comparable performance to existing commercial electrolysis units and reducing the amount of iridium catalyst to 10% of the current level.

Furthermore, the electrolysis unit with the new components was run for over 100 hours to ensure its initial stability. rPET – Green Hydrogen – Plastic

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-Polymer Resources Ltd., a leading U.S. compounding company specializing in high-quality engineering resins, has announced the successful completion of its expansion and modernization project at its compounding facility in Rochester, New York

According to Manufacturing, the facility upgrades were undertaken to meet the growing demand for engineering resins from customers.

To address the increasing needs of its customers, Polymer Resources transformed an existing building on its campus, resulting in a 40% expansion of the compounding capacity. The revamped facility now includes enhanced capabilities for grinding and shredding, enabling the recycling of plastic waste to support circularity and sustainability initiatives.

In addition to the increased production capacity, the facility’s layout has been optimized, incorporating new safety features and amenities that promote a comfortable and efficient working environment for employees. As the company foresees a significant increase in its workforce in the coming years, these improvements will accommodate the projected double-digit growth. rPET – Green Hydrogen – Plastic

Polymer Resources President and COO, Scott Anderson, emphasized the facility’s contribution to advancing sustainability through plastic waste collection and recycling. He expressed the company’s commitment to assisting customers in achieving their production and sustainability targets while also striving to fulfill its own sustainability goals. Anderson believes that the new facility will play a pivotal role in realizing these objectives.

Completed in just over a year, the project resulted in the consolidation of the compounding facility’s footprint from two separate buildings spanning 35,000 square feet to a single building encompassing 60,000 square feet. This expansion allows for more spacious compounding and grinding operations, enhanced storage capacity, a dedicated laboratory, and office space. Moreover, the Rochester site provides Polymer Resources with the opportunity to potentially expand the building to a total of 100,000 square feet in the future. rPET – Green Hydrogen – Plastic

-Coveris Unveils New Recycling Facility, ReCover, at Louth Site Coveris, a leading packaging manufacturer, has recently inaugurated its state-of-the-art ReCover plant at its Louth facility in Lincolnshire, UK

This cutting-edge facility incorporates groundbreaking technology to recycle printed polyethylene (PE) films.

Located within the PE extrusion and conversion site of Coveris Louth, the dedicated ReCover facility employs an innovative de-inking recycling process. This process effectively eliminates ink from printed film packaging waste, enabling the regranulation of the material into high-quality recycled PE resin called ReGen. Over a span of two years, the development of ReCover Louth has established a robust recycling infrastructure within the packaging industry, ensuring a consistent supply of superior-grade recycled resin, ReGen, for use in packaging film production.

The facility comprises a fully equipped ReCover Lab, serving as a hub for innovation, quality control, and validation of ReGen recyclate and its application in Coveris’ extrusion of recycled content films. rPET – Green Hydrogen – Plastic

ReCover Louth has an annual production capacity of 5,000 tonnes of ReGen pellets. The facility utilizes printed waste feedstock from within the Coveris Group, as well as production waste from its customers and suitable post-industrial waste films from the industry. Initially, ReGen pellets will be primarily utilized to meet the recycled content requirements within the Coveris Group. Additionally, they comply with the UK Plastic Packaging Tax and actively support the goals of the UK Plastic Pact.

Source: Coveris

-Recyclers in Europe are urging the implementation of a Critical Raw Materials Regulation that promotes circularity in the region

They have raised concerns about the proposed amendments found in the ITRE’s draft report on the EU COM proposal on Critical Raw Materials, which was published on May 26 and 30, 2023.

While some proposals emphasize the need for transparency when the Commission adds or removes a raw material from the list in Annex I & II, Section 1, the recyclers have noted that certain materials are being suggested for addition without proper justification. They strongly believe that any proposal included in EU legislation should be backed by scientific evidence-based assessments.

EuRIC, the European Recycling Industries Confederation, also insists that the Commission should review and potentially update the list of critical raw materials four years after its implementation and every four years thereafter. Reducing the frequency of updates would create uncertainty regarding capital investments.

In terms of proposals suggesting export restrictions, EuRIC strongly opposes them, as they contradict the concept of “free trade.” The recyclers argue that recycled materials meeting industry specifications or international standards should have access to international markets. They highlight that decisions regarding exports are already governed by the EU Waste Shipment Regulation and should not be the focus of this particular legislative act.  rPET – Green Hydrogen – Plastic

Furthermore, EuRIC welcomes proposals that aim to advance the adoption date of the Delegated Acts, which will determine the targets for recycled content mentioned in Article 28 of the proposal. However, they believe that the scope of the Article should be expanded, as they see a lack of ambition in its current form.

Emmanuel Katrakis, Secretary General of EuRIC, warned that the decisions made on various legislative proposals, including the Critical Raw Materials proposal, will shape the future of the EU recycling industry. These decisions are crucial for achieving the ambitious targets outlined in both the EU Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP).

Source: Euric

-Freudenberg opens new competence centre

Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel Europe has expanded its facility in Sant´Omero, Italy, into a competence centre for finishing and coating apparel interlinings.

According to Freudenberg, customers will benefit from faster and more flexible order processing while in the long term, they will also be able to count on products originating in Europe. The Competence Center was officially opened on May 26, 2023.

The Freudenberg team in Sant´Omero has over 35 years of expertise in the manufacture of high-quality interlinings for menswear: base materials produced at the site are finished and coated to customers’ specifications. With the new competence centre, the facility will now focus on coating and finishing all nonwoven, woven and weft apparel interlinings in Freudenberg’s portfolio. rPET – Green Hydrogen – Plastic

“Freudenberg stands for a high level of technical know-how and comprehensive experience in apparel interlinings – from product development through to consultation. With the new competence center in the core Italian market, our customers will benefit from even greater production flexibility and swifter delivery,” Dr. Hannah Koeppen, General Manager Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel Europe, explained.

Freudenberg installed the necessary finishing and coating technology at the new competence center in Italy over the last few months, building a new production hall for this machinery and equipment. Until recently, the bulk of interlinings were coated and finished in Weinheim, Germany. The facility there will now operate as a further competence center specializing in the production of base materials for apparel interlinings.

In addition to establishing the competence center, Freudenberg has also improved logistics. A new central warehouse in Italy now supplies customers in Southern Europe. It complements the central warehouse in Germany that delivers goods to customers in Northern Europe, effectively shortening both delivery routes and delivery times.

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-The newest Sustainable Plastics is live!

It’s an issue that takes a look at, amongst other things, defossilisation, in a contribution from the founders of the Renewable Carbon Initiative; how to grow PHA; chemical recycling – and the role of sustainable plastics in the mobility transition. And it was this latter topic that led me to reflect on the following.

A few weeks ago, I was invited – by Dow – to attend a car race. Now, as a relatively non-competitive type of person with a negligible interest in sports, the notion of spending an afternoon watching outsized toy cars drive around a track without actually ever going anywhere sounded less than thrilling. rPET – Green Hydrogen – Plastic

On the other hand, I’d never been to an actual car race before – and might never get the opportunity to do so again. Plus, because it was a race in the Formula E series, the cars in question were electric ones, which seemed intriguing.

In the end, I said I’d be happy to accept the invitation, and with some trepidation and very little idea of what to expect, I went to Berlin.

And it was superb. Call me a convert: the race was sensational, complete with collisions and safety car laps; a suspenseful, spine-tingling competition that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

There was nothing prim or subdued about the cars: these were full-blooded racing machines with a top speed of over 322km/h.

Sitting there, it also dawned on me that what I was watching was the future of electric mobility. This sport has achieved Net Zero Carbon certification since inception. The current generation of Formula E cars – Gen3 – is completely aligned to life cycle thinking. Natural rubber and recycled fibres make up 26% of the tires, which are fully recycled after racing. All waste carbon fibre is reused for new applications. The battery cells are reused and recycled at the end of life. The CO2 footprint of the car was measured from the start of the design phase onwards in order to determine all the measures that could help reduce its environmental impact. rPET – Green Hydrogen – Plastic

Formula E has been called ‘a laboratory for the future of electric mobility’. Race strategy is based on energy efficiency – allocating energy consumption across the race –  which has led to the development of optimised energy management software, while lightweight materials – composites and plastics –  play a key role by enhancing the performance-to-weight ratio.

The trickledown effect from race to road cannot be overestimated. The solutions and technologies, including sensors and other electronics, developed for the track will inevitably impact the efficiency, range, capabilities and safety of consumer electric vehicles as well.

And the plastics industry is contributing to this rapidly accelerating mobility transition by developing the new materials that these vehicles need. In this issue, we talk to three raw material producers, each of which, in its own way, is pushing the boundaries of performance for sustainably advantaged materials.

Electric vehicles are making more sustainable mobility possible, and, happily for the industry, plastics are a crucial part of that. rPET – Green Hydrogen – Plastic

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Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries 06-06-2023

Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

-In a triumphant declaration before the cameras, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman assured the OPEC+ alliance that the other members would adhere to their pledged oil cuts until 2024, while Saudi Arabia would further reduce its production by an additional 1 million barrels per day next month

His satisfaction was evident as he stated, “It is truly a great day for us because the quality of the deal is unprecedented, and I must say the level of cooperation is unparalleled.”

The OPEC+ delegates surrounding him couldn’t help but smile, likely aware that they would continue producing while Saudi Arabia vowed to double down on the cuts. Journalists in the room took notes, curious but possibly hesitant to ask the obvious question that would challenge the prince, who held a strong disdain for dissenting journalists and oil short sellers alike. The question that lingered was: “Your Excellency, doesn’t this agreement actually penalize Saudi Arabia?”

However, the truth behind the OPEC+ summit, the second of its kind since the pandemic, was that there was no groundbreaking deal as described by Abdulaziz. Over the past three years since the COVID-19 crisis plummeted oil prices to negative $40 per barrel, the demand for oil has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, albeit with some limitations. These limitations include slower-than-expected oil demand in China, concerns about a global recession, persistent inflation in the United States despite aggressive rate hikes by the Federal Reserve for over a year, and the influence of OPEC+ and its production cuts.

Oil revenues serve as the lifeblood of OPEC member economies, led by Saudi Arabia, comprising a 13-member group whose primary objective is to stabilize oil prices. An additional ten non-OPEC oil-producing countries, including Russia, have closely aligned their production levels with those of the group for pricing purposes. Collectively, the 23-nation alliance is known as OPEC+. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

For major OPEC members like Kuwait and Iraq, over 90% of their revenues come from oil. In the United Arab Emirates, oil accounts for 13% of exports and 30% of GDP, while in Algeria, it contributes to 25% of GDP. In Saudi Arabia, the largest OPEC member, oil represents 70% of total export value and 53% of government revenues. However, according to media reports, the Saudis require at least $500 billion (or potentially as much as $8.5 trillion) to successfully diversify their economy away from oil.

Given this context, it becomes clear why OPEC, particularly Saudi Arabia, which aims for a barrel price above $80 to achieve its ambitious plans, would go to great lengths to attain the desired price. OPEC has historically responded to oil price declines with production cuts, removing millions of barrels of crude oil from the market each day, creating an artificial supply shortage that eventually drives prices higher.

Nevertheless, in the current global economy with the aforementioned constraints, short sellers betting on falling oil prices have often emerged victorious over OPEC, despite oil supplies being among the lowest in recent years. This reality has infuriated Abdulaziz, who assumed office in 2019 and repeatedly warned of making speculators who bet against oil say “ouch” – his preferred expression for inflicting damage.

Over the past four years, the Saudi prince has boasted about his ability to deliver this anticipated “ouch” each time he announced a substantial and unexpected production cut. However, to his detriment, the negative consequences often shifted quickly from short sellers to OPEC, resulting in price drops despite the production cuts.

This context set the stage for the recent OPEC summit. Approximately two weeks before the event, the Saudi energy minister issued yet another warning to oil short sellers to “be careful,” fueling speculation of another production cut. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

However, what truly surprised observers was the intervention of Abdulaziz’s Russian counterpart, Alexander Novak, who expressed his belief that a cut was unnecessary. Dissent had already taken root, and amidst the ensuing controversy following Novak’s comments, the Russian minister accused Bloomberg of misquoting him, without explicitly denying similar rumors reported by other news services, including a Russian newspaper.

In a peculiar turn of events, Bloomberg, Reuters, and The Wall Street Journal were denied media passes to cover the OPEC meeting on June 4-5, with no reasons provided. Prior to the meeting, all three news outlets had published articles challenging the narrative Abdulaziz favored. This development raised eyebrows and further fueled speculation.

The question then arises: Was the outcome of the summit truly a victory for Abdulaziz? According to Reuters, many of the proposed reductions will not have a significant impact since the group has adjusted the targets for Russia, Nigeria, and Angola to match their current production levels. On the other hand, the UAE was granted the ability to raise its production targets. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

The Wall Street Journal confirmed a longstanding observation that OPEC+ production targets are typically determined by Abdulaziz himself (often in consultation with his half-brother, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the primary architect of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious economic restructuring plan) and then presented as OPEC+ decisions without thorough consultation with other group members.

The market’s reaction to Abdulaziz’s announcement was notable. Prices of US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and UK Brent crude initially surged by more than $2 per barrel each before the start of normal trading in New York, creating a “gap up” in Asian e-commerce. However, over the following hours, the gains dwindled and eventually settled at slightly above $1 per barrel, stabilizing at the time of writing. Sunil Kumar Dixit, Chief Technical Strategist at SKCharting.com, commented on the price action, stating that while WTI initially opened with a gap at $72, reaching $74.30, the bearish price action largely filled the gap. Dixit outlined potential support and resistance levels and the need for sustained momentum for further bullish movement. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

In what may seem like a gesture for the betterment of the world, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cutting one million barrels per day in July and potentially repeating the action in August has come to light. Abdulaziz humorously referred to it as the “Saudi lollipop,” likening it to a sweet treat for those desiring higher crude prices.

With the oil market entering its peak demand season during the summer, one would expect crude oil prices to follow an upward trajectory. However, as history has shown, even the most well-laid plans can go awry due to unexpected factors. OPEC+ has experienced eight months of falling prices following two significant production cuts.

John Kilduff, a partner at a New York energy hedge fund, Again Capital, highlighted the observation that the only evident outcome was the Saudis’ commitment to cutting their production to 9 million barrels per day in July, which is three million barrels less than US production. If Saudi Arabia fails to raise prices as desired, they may further reduce their production to 8 million barrels, subsequently impacting US production by four million barrels. Kilduff questioned who would lose market share if not the Saudis, considering Russia’s intention to continue producing 9-10 million barrels.

In reality, the rest of the OPEC+ alliance seems to be conveying a clear message to Saudi Arabia: “You keep cutting, and we’ll keep producing.” As for the lollipop gift, their response might be: “Keep it for yourself, Excellency.” Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

-Study Finds: Recycling and Reusing Plastics Carry Chemical Risks

A comprehensive analysis conducted by the Food Packaging Forum, based in Switzerland, has revealed that the recycling and reusing of food-contact plastics can result in the accumulation and release of harmful chemicals. The study, published by Cambridge University Press, highlights the potential negative consequences associated with these practices, as hazardous substances like endocrine disruptors and carcinogens may be emitted during reuse and build up during recycling processes. Consequently, the study emphasizes the need for utmost caution to prevent the presence of dangerous chemicals in plastic materials used for food packaging and the recycling of such materials.

Greenpeace has also recently released a review that aligns with these findings. The Food Packaging Forum, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to disseminating information on chemicals present in food packaging materials and their impact on human health, conducted the analysis. The review drew upon the extensive Database on Migrating and Extractable Food Contact Chemicals, which encompasses over 700 scientific publications related to plastic food contact materials, including packaging, utensils, plates, and baby bottles. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

Troubling discoveries emerged from the study, indicating that discussions on chemical accumulation are often overlooked in discussions about plastics. This issue becomes particularly significant in relation to plastic recovered from ocean cleanups due to the potential presence of persistent organic pollutants. Additionally, the study highlights that some tableware marketed as natural or compostable may actually consist of melamine resin mixed with bio-based powders or fibers like bamboo. Melamine can adversely affect kidney function, and the presence of bio-based fillers reduces material stability, thereby increasing the likelihood of migration of melamine and formaldehyde into the products.

Moreover, the study presents experimental evidence that recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) contains chemical contaminants, including the endocrine-disrupting chemical BPA, as well as the carcinogens benzene and styrene. These contaminants are introduced during use, processing, and recycling, potentially migrating into the food or beverages contained within the packaging. The report emphasizes the urgent need to address the safety assessment of the multitude of chemicals found in both recycled and virgin plastic polymers. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

In light of these findings, the authors call for further research on chemical migration, particularly as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority have been increasingly issuing favorable opinions regarding the suitability of recycling processes for producing food-contact packaging. The study suggests that transitioning to materials with inert properties that can be safely reused might offer a promising approach to reduce the environmental impact of single-use food packaging and minimize the health risks associated with migrating chemicals.

-OPEC+ Engages in Challenging Discussions on Production Cuts and Quotas

• Sources indicate potential cuts of 1 million bpd • OPEC+ considering adjustments to production baselines • Formal meetings delayed by more than 3 hours

According to insider sources, OPEC and its allies convened on Sunday in an attempt to reach an agreement on further production cuts. The group, referred to as OPEC+, faced declining oil prices and the looming threat of an oversupply. Sources reported that the start of formal talks was delayed by at least three and a half hours due to discussions among members regarding production baselines, which are used to calculate cuts and quotas.

Influential members of OPEC, particularly major Gulf producers like Saudi Arabia, sought to persuade under-producing African nations such as Nigeria and Angola to adopt more realistic output targets. These efforts proved to be challenging, according to sources. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates, a Gulf producer, sought a higher baseline to reflect its expanding production capacity. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

OPEC+, comprising the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allied nations led by Russia, collectively accounts for approximately 40% of global crude oil production. As a result, their policy decisions can significantly impact oil prices. Several sources familiar with OPEC+ discussions revealed to Reuters that additional production cuts were being deliberated as one of the options during Sunday’s session.

“One of the four sources said, “We are discussing the full package (of changes to the deal).” Three out of four sources indicated that the proposed cuts could reach 1 million barrels per day (bpd), in addition to the existing cuts of 2 million bpd and voluntary cuts of 1.6 million bpd, which were announced unexpectedly in April and took effect in May.

The April announcement initially pushed oil prices up by approximately $9 per barrel, with prices surpassing $87. However, they quickly retreated due to concerns about global economic growth and demand. On Friday, the international benchmark Brent settled at $76.

If approved, the new cuts would bring the total reduction to 4.66 million bpd, equivalent to around 4.5% of global demand. Typically, production cuts take effect the month following their agreement, although ministers could also opt for delayed implementation or maintaining current output levels.

Last week, Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz issued a warning to investors who were betting on a decline in oil prices, implying the possibility of additional supply cuts. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

Addressing Baselines for 2023 and 2024

Three OPEC+ sources also revealed that the group intends to address the issue of baselines for 2023 and 2024, which has been a contentious topic in the past. Nigeria and Angola have struggled to meet their production targets but opposed lower baselines, as they could result in actual cuts. Conversely, the UAE has demanded a higher baseline aligned with its growing production capacity, which could lead to a decrease in its share of overall cuts.

Accusations and Denials

Western nations have accused OPEC of manipulating oil prices and undermining the global economy due to high energy costs. Additionally, they have criticized OPEC for aligning with Russia despite Western sanctions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In response, OPEC insiders have argued that the West’s extensive monetary stimulus over the past decade has fueled inflation and compelled oil-producing nations to act in order to maintain the value of their primary export.

It is worth noting that OPEC has denied media access to its headquarters for reporters from Reuters and other news outlets. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

-Resin Price -Ample Availability Brings Down Prices

Polyethylene and polypropylene were in abundant supply, as prime resin prices peeled off another penny or two

Spot resin trading remained active last week, but it was off the previous week’s pace — the best week of the year, so far, at the PlasticsExchange trading desk — as many market participants got a jump on the long Memorial Day weekend.

Domestic demand showed marked improvement during May: As prices moved lower, spot market deals multiplied, reports the PlasticsExchange in its Market Update. Railcar availability remained quite good for polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), and prime resin prices peeled off another penny or two. Resellers, in general, have thinned their on-hand stocks. Export interest stayed solid, though weak global demand and competitive offers from Asia into Latin America as well as from the Middle East and Russia into Europe have created challenges for incremental export sales from the United States. Houston prices softened, as traders anticipate lower June offers intended to regain market leadership. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

PE grades drop a couple of cents

The PE market was slightly less active last week, as traders began to wind down for the month. All PE grades dropped a couple of cents on the week, and some buyers that had been holding out took advantage of these discounts with well-timed purchases. High-density (HD) PE was the major mover, with injection grades leading the charge, followed closely by blow molding materials. Low-density (LD) PE film business picked back up after a couple weeks of scant interest, with some scattered linear-low-density (LLD) PE trades peppered in, as well

More….

-PPG opens $30M battery pack application center in China; key coating technologies for EVs

PPG has inaugurated a battery pack application center (BPAC) in Tianjin, China.

The $30-million facility features a full range of capabilities to test the application of PPG coatings technologies, materials and systems for electric vehicle (EV) battery packs, allowing customers to accelerate the development of new EV technologies.

“The new application center is an important milestone in our effort to support our customers in China in the EV battery market. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

The new facility will be an important way for customers to validate our customizable coatings solutions that help them reduce application cost, increase battery life, range and charging speed, and contribute to occupant safety.

—Vincent Robin, PPG global vice president, Automotive Coatings”

The BPAC will include application testing for PPG technologies, including powder coatings, fire protection coatings, dielectric coatings, adhesives and sealants, surface pre-treatment, and e-coat technologies.

Its modular design will allow for independent projects to be carried out concurrently in each of the application areas.

This flexibility will enable development of material and process solutions across the range of current and potential customers. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

More…

-The storage battery market is expected to continue growing in light of the spread of renewable energy and electrified vehicles, as well as the global trend toward carbon neutrality

It will be necessary to utilize storage batteries for electrified vehicles in the future to meet the increasing demand and needs for energy storage in environmental and economic improvement, participation in the electric power market, and as business continuity plan (BCP) measures among others, both in terms of price and quantity.

To this end, TEPCO HD and Toyota have jointly developed a stationary storage battery system that can be used in combination with existing power conversion systems (PCS) by connecting multiple storage batteries for electric vehicles. The verification project will confirm the system’s operation and performance as well as feasibility, including its potential for business use in the electricity market. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

TEPCO HD will utilize the knowledge and technological capabilities it has cultivated in the electric power business to improve the utilization of renewable energy and meet the BCP needs of its customers, as well as to maintain the balance between supply and demand of electric power in order to build a stable energy supply system.

In addition to aiming for a carbon-neutral mobility society, Toyota will work with Toyota Industries Corporation, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, and Denso Corporation to utilize storage batteries for electrified vehicles that are safe, long-lasting, high quality, low cost, and high performance, as part of its various activities to realize a circular economy.

TEPCO HD and Toyota will evaluate the results of the verification project and work to develop storage battery systems with an eye toward consumer-oriented energy services and balancing electricity supply and demand capabilities in order to meet the energy storage needs of customers.

-Analysis of yearly high polyester polymerization rate from the angle of demand

The nominal polyester capacity has been revised up to 74.85 million tons/year in Jun. According to the data from CCFGroup, the polyester polymerization rate also hit new high at above 92% this week. Current operating rate of polyester market and downstream sector is both high. PFY, PSF and PET fiber chip plants witness high profit and low inventory. The operating rate of PET bottle chip also enjoys support.

Price of PTA and MEG shivers at low level this week dampened by commodity atmosphere and oil price. The polyester products see good profit and low inventory.

The raise of run rate will reduce the cost per ton, which will further push up the profit of producers. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

Polyester companies are still active in ramping up operating rate. Some PFY plants also increase the production of PET fiber chip when they raise the output of PFY.

The inventory of PFY and PSF has hit yearly low now, both consolidating aroura 25 days. The processing spread of polyester products is also high. According to the actual cost in factories, the profit of polyester products has been high, basically around 200-500yuan/mt. The profit of PSF plants may be slightly lower.

The inventory of DTY, yarns and grey fabrics is mounting in Jun. Grey fabric producers witness weakening profit after PFY price increased. The recouping of capital is a problem in the middle of year. Coupled with the coming of heat summer, downstream plants may face bigger pressure to lower run rate. Some plants’ run rate will be supported by orders at hand in short run. New orders are diversified among companies: new orders for knitted fabrics are weaker and those of water-jet fabrics are moderate.  Imitation acetic acid and cotton-like products perform better

The inventory of PSF and PFY will have upward space later, which has hit yearly low now. The polyester polymerization rate is expected to be firm in short run, with Jun average estimated at above 90%. As new units will start operation intensively, the fluctuation of PET bottle chip plants’ operating rate should be noted. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

More…

-Turkiye’s Q1 2023 apparel exports to Russia surge amid Ukraine crisis

INSIGHTS

• In the wake of the Ukraine conflict, Turkiye’s Q1 2023 apparel exports to Russia tripled to $181.471 million, making Russia the 7th largest market for Turkish apparel.
• This consistent increase has shown impressive annual growth, with a trade volume of $337.092 million in 2022 compared to $273.818 million in 2021.
• Previously, in Q1 2022, Russia ranked 16th.

Following the conflict in Ukraine, Turkiye’s apparel exports to Russia have more than tripled in Q1 2023, reflecting the changing geopolitical dynamics. Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Turkiye exported apparel worth $57.792 million in the final quarter of 2021. This figure soared to $181.471 million during the first quarter of 2023, positioning Russia as the seventh largest market for Turkish apparel exports. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

Turkiye’s exports to Russia have exhibited a consistent quarterly increase, with the exception of the second quarter of last year. The trade volume climbed to $70.032 million in the first quarter of 2022, then dipped to $60.534 million in the second quarter, before rebounding to $95.887 million in the third quarter and $110.637 million in the fourth quarter of the same year. In the first quarter of 2023, the export volume rose to $181.471 million, As per Fibre2Fashion’s market insight tool TexPro.

These exports have also displayed rapid annual growth. Trade volume totalled $337.092 million in 2022, a significant increase compared to $273.818 million in 2021, $213.802 million in 2020, $265.154 million in 2019, and $242.492 million in 2018.

In the first quarter of this year, Russia became the seventh largest market for Turkish apparel, accounting for 3.70 per cent of Turkiye’s total apparel exports of $4.899 billion. Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States were larger markets than Russia. Chemical Risks – OPEC+ – Batteries

Russia was the 16th largest market, with a 1.45 per cent share of Turkiye’s total apparel exports during the first quarter of last year. During the first quarter of 2021, Russia had a 1.66 per cent share of the total exports, ranking 15th, as per TexPro.

Flexible film recycling – Adipic-Acid 05-06-2023

Petrochemicals – BGPET – Adipic Acid

Polyestertime
ITEM	29/05/2023	05/06/2023	+/-
Bottle grade PET chips domestic market	7,000 yuan/ton	6,950 yuan/ton	-50
Bottle grade PET chips export market	920 $/ton	915 $/ton	-5
Filament grade Semidull chips domestic market	6,770 yuan/ton	6,800 yuan/ton	+30
Filament grade Bright chips domestic market	6,750 yuan/ton	6,770 yuan/ton	+20
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA domestic market	5,605 yuan/ton	5,670 yuan/ton	+65
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA export market	820 $/ton	820 $/ton	–
Monoethyleneglycol MEG domestic market	3,990 yuan/ton	3,990 yuan/ton	–
Monoethyleneglycol MEG export market	482 $/ton	475 $/ton	-7
Paraxylene PX FOB  Taiwan market Petrochemicals – BGPET – Adipic Acid	983 $/ton	955 $/ton	-28
Paraxylene PX FOB  Korea market	960 $/ton	932 $/ton	-28
Paraxylene PX FOB EU market	1,103 $/ton	1,072 $/ton	-31
Polyester filament POY 150D/48F domestic market	7,600 yuan/ton	7,750 yuan/ton	+150
Recycled Polyester filament POY  domestic market	7,100 yuan/ton	7,200 yuan/ton	+100
Polyester filament DTY 150D/48 F domestic market	8,900 yuan/ton	9,050 yuan/ton	+150
Polyester filament FDY 68D24F Petrochemicals – BGPET – Adipic Acid	8,650 yuan/ton	8,700 yuan/ton	+50
Polyester filament FDY 150D/96F domestic market	8,250 yuan/ton	8,350 yuan/ton	+100
Polyester staple fiber 1.4D 38mm domestic market	7,330 yuan/ton	7,350 yuan/ton	+20
Caprolactam CPL domestic market	11,800 yuan/ton	11,800 yuan/ton	–
Caprolactam CPL overseas  market	1,600 $/ton	1,600 $/ton	–
Nylon6 chips overseas  market	1,780 $/ton	1,780 $/ton	–
Nylon6 chips conventional spinning domestic  market	12,700 yuan/ton	12,650 yuan/ton	-50
Nylon6 chips  high speed spinning domestic  market	13,550 yuan/ton	13,500 yuan/ton	-50
Nylon 6.6 chips domestic  market	19,500 yuan/ton	19,400 yuan/ton	-100
Nylon6 Filament POY 86D/24F domestic  market	15,850 yuan/ton	15,750 yuan/ton	-100
Nylon6 Filament DTY 70D/24F domestic  market	18,100 yuan/ton	17,950 yuan/ton-	-150
Nylon6 Filament FDY  70D/24F	16,600 yuan/ton	16,450 yuan/ton	-150
Spandex 20D  domestic  market	36,500 yuan/ton	36,000 yuan/ton	-500
Spandex 30D  domestic  market	35,000 yuan/ton	34,500 yuan/ton	-500
Spandex 40D  domestic  market	31,500 yuan/ton	31,000 yuan/ton	-500
Adipic Acid domestic market	9,500 yuan/ton	9,250 yuan/ton	-250
Benzene domestic market Petrochemicals – BGPET – Adipic Acid	6,660 yuan/ton	6,580 yuan/ton	-80
Benzene overseas  market	846 $/ton	831 $/ton	-15
Ethylene South East market	870 $/ton	870 $/ton	–
Ethylene NWE market	751 $/ton	748 $/ton	-3
Acrylonitrile ACN  domestic market	8,800 yuan/ton	8,000 yuan/ton	-800
Acrylonitrile ACN  overseas market	1,400 $/ton	1,300 $/ton	-100
Acrylic staple fiber ASF  domestic market	17,100 yuan/ton	13,600 yuan/ton	-3,500
Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  domestic market	13,150 yuan/ton	13,150 yuan/ton	–
PP Powder domestic market	6,750 yuan/ton	6,600 yuan/ton	-150
Naphtha overseas market	593 $/ton	563 $/ton	-30
Phenol domestic market	7,075 yuan/ton	6,575 yuan/ton	-500

r-PET high end eco-friendly chips = 8,050 yuan/ton  — 8,000 yuan/ton  -50

Petrochemicals – BGPET – Adipic Acid

• Petrochemicals – r-POY – PSF 22-05-2023
• New enzyme technology for environmentally friendly plastic recycling

 

 

PET biorecycling – Food packaging

-UPM Biochemicals and Selenis, a member of the IMG Group and a producer of specialty polyester resins, have formed a strategic partnership to develop a sustainable resin called polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG)

The aim of this collaboration, announced on June 1st, is to increase the availability of sustainable material choices for packaging applications.

PETG is a transparent and FDA-approved material widely used in various applications, including heat shrink sleeves, cosmetics and personal care packaging, and durable goods such as bulk dispensers.

Under this partnership, UPM will supply Selenis with biobased mono-ethylene glycol (Bio-MEG) known as UPM BioPura. This Bio-MEG will be used by Selenis to partially produce PETG using sustainably sourced forest biomass. The biomass originates from certified hardwood in the Leuna region of Germany, where UPM is constructing the world’s first industrial-scale biorefinery that will utilize woody biomass as a feedstock for next-generation biochemicals. PET biorecycling – Food packaging 

UPM is actively collaborating with partners like Selenis to develop sustainable applications and products based on the biochemicals produced at the Leuna facility.

Michael Duetsch, Vice President of Biochemicals at UPM, stated, “Selenis pursues a strategy to continuously reduce the CO2 footprint of its products – partnerships like ours are at the heart of a greener, more sustainable chemistry.”

Both companies share a vision of supporting the packaging industry in reducing its carbon footprint and decreasing its reliance on virgin fossil materials. The BioPETG being developed will serve as a drop-in replacement for conventionally produced PETG.

Duetsch added, “We will work with Selenis to deliver outstanding solutions for their customers, enabling them to innovate towards sustainable packaging solutions with a significantly reduced greenhouse gas footprint. As the packaging industry strives for a more environmentally friendly future, incorporating bio-based materials like UPM BioPura alongside an increasing share of recycled materials will be essential.”

Selenis has developed technology that enables the upcycling of plastic waste into new fully recyclable polymers, thereby replacing fossil-fuel feedstocks with recycled polyester raw materials. By incorporating biobased or recycled content in their products, Selenis Converters and brand owners can reduce their carbon footprint without compromising performance.

Marta Matos Gil, Chief Sustainability Officer at Selenis, highlighted the importance of circularity for industries such as packaging and cosmetics, where brand owners prioritize sustainable practices. Selenis is also investing in solar energy to further reduce carbon emissions in the manufacturing process. PET biorecycling – Food packaging 

Matos Gil concluded, “As we take steps towards becoming a regenerative company, developing products that meet sustainable standards in recyclability, eco-resource efficiency, and eco-friendly compositions to improve their circularity is vital. Our new partnership with UPM is illustrative of how we are jointly working across the value chain to create tangible solutions that support the advancement of a circular economy and considerably reduce plastic waste.”

-Carbios and Indorama Ventures  have reaffirmed their partnership to establish a groundbreaking PET biorecycling plant in France

The companies have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to form a Joint Venture for this purpose.

Indorama Ventures intends to allocate approximately €110 million in equity and non-convertible loan financing for the Joint Venture, pending final engineering documentation and economic feasibility studies. Both parties are committed to implementing the project and aim to finalize contract documentation by the end of 2023.

Upon successful operation of the initial plant in France, Indorama Ventures has expressed its intention to potentially extend the technology to other PET sites for future projects.

According to the agreement, Carbios, which applied for plant permitting in December 2022, will acquire a 13-hectare land area from Indorama Ventures’ existing PET plant at Longlaville. Carbios expects to receive permits by Q3 2023, enabling the commencement of construction by the end of 2023 and targeted commissioning in 2025. The land has the potential to accommodate double the capacity of the plant. Indorama Ventures will ensure the complete repolymerization of the output, and both companies will collaborate to secure a reliable supply of feedstock. PET biorecycling – Food packaging

The total capital investment for the new plant is now estimated to be approximately €230 million, considering recent inflationary impacts. The project costs will be financed by funds provided by Indorama Ventures, subsidies from the French State and Grand-Est Region, and equity capitalization of the Joint Venture by Carbios. Carbios plans to finance part of its equity injection through a portion of its current cash position (approximately €86 million as of April 30, 2023). The remaining equity injection will be financed through the most suitable solution and timeline based on market conditions.

This project aligns with Indorama Ventures’ Vision 2030 initiative to strengthen its position as a global sustainable chemical company. The company aims to spend $1.5 billion to increase its recycling capacity to 50 billion PET bottles per year by 2025 and 100 billion bottles per year by 2030. In pursuit of these goals, Indorama Ventures, the largest producer of recycled PET resin for beverage bottles, is investing in new recycling technologies, including advanced recycling, and expanding its global network of mechanical recycling sites, including two in France.

Carbios has developed an innovative enzymatic depolymerization technology that enables efficient and solvent-free recycling of PET plastic and textile waste into products with properties similar to virgin materials, with the ultimate goal of achieving true circularity. Carbios aims to become a leading provider of advanced PET recycling technology by 2035. After successful operations at its demonstration plant in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Carbios has been collaborating with Indorama Ventures for over a year to assess the commercial and technical feasibility of the technology.

The industrial-scale enzymatic PET recycling plant at Longlaville will have a capacity to process approximately 50,000 tons of post-consumer PET waste annually, including non-recyclable mechanically waste, equivalent to 2 billion PET colored bottles or 2.5 billion PET trays. PET biorecycling – Food packaging

Yash Lohia, Chairman of the ESG Council at Indorama Ventures, expressed confidence in the technical soundness of Carbios’ technology and its potential as a valuable addition to PET plastics and fibers’ circular economy solutions. He mentioned the possibility of expanding Carbios’ technology to other global sites following the success of the Longlaville Project.

Emmanuel Ladent, CEO of Carbios, considered the partnership with Indorama Ventures and the establishment of the PET biorecycling plant as a significant milestone. He emphasized Carbios’ commitment to promoting the circular economy for plastics and textiles, stating that the Longlaville plant serves as a springboard for their worldwide industrial and commercial deployment, leading to leadership in advanced PET recycling.

-Recycling: what you can and can’t recycle and why it’s so confusing

When it comes to recycling are you a wishcycler? No, I didn’t know what this term meant until recently either – apparently it’s when people try to recycle items that should be thrown away instead. And the government are trying to crack down on it.

New rules will ask people to stop “over-recycling” and to be more careful about what they put in their recycling bins. This is to reduce the amount of dirty waste that goes to processing centres and landfills.

Many commonly recycled items either need specialist recycling treatment or are so contaminated that they cannot be processed properly. Think toothpaste tubes, takeaway packaging and juice cartons. So if you’re sticking these items in the recycling bin or box, you might want to rethink how you’re disposing of them.

Three years ago the UK government outlined its goal of recycling – setting the target for 65% of all household waste to be recycled by 2035 – with no more than 10% of this waste ending up in landfill. PET biorecycling – Food packaging

But a recent survey shows that 80% of UK households are “still unclear” on how to recycle effectively – does it need washing out, can I flatten items and what if the cardboard gets wet? (Wet cardboard is a no on the recycling front I’m afraid).

It’s no wonder that many admit it’s easier just to throw something in the bin instead of working out if it can be recycled.

Waste not

My team and I are researching how new bio-based and biodegradable plastics can contribute to a more circular economy (this is where items are reused and not sent to landfill or shipped abroad. While huge strides are being made in this area, we are still some way off all packaging being made in this way in a cost-effective manner. And so for now recycling is the next best option.

So then why the confusion about recycling? One of the main issues is there are differences in how recycling waste is collected across the UK – this can even be the case from one street to another.

For anyone confused by recycling rules, the advice is always “check with your local authority”. Households should have been sent a leaflet that explains what can be recycled and how. But if you’ve thrown yours away – or perhaps recycled it – the information should also be on your local authorities’ website.

Typically though, plastic containers such as bottles, food trays, margarine tubs and yoghurt pots are readily recycled. So too is aluminium foil, cans, glass bottles and jars. But again, if you want to optimise your council’s existing recycling infrastructure check your local collection guides. PET biorecycling – Food packaging

-Asda has made an announcement regarding its initiative to recycle over 200 million pieces of plastic annually by replacing coloured milk bottle tops

The supermarket chain will be switching from coloured caps to clear caps on all its own label fresh milk products, including skimmed, semi-skimmed, whole, organic, and filtered milk.

This change will enable the recycling of 268 tonnes of High-Density Polythene (rHDPE), which can then be used to create new milk bottles. It is a part of Asda’s larger plan to enhance the recyclability of its food packaging. As a result of this transition, approximately 207 million plastic milk caps will be recycled each year.

The decision to utilize natural-coloured caps ensures that they can be easily recycled into food-grade packaging. Unlike green, blue, and red caps, the clear caps are capable of being recycled and reintegrated into food packaging. Additionally, these clear bottle caps contain 30% recycled material. PET biorecycling – Food packaging

In collaboration with Arla, the largest dairy cooperative in the UK, Asda will implement this change across its stores from June. The switch will also affect Yeo Valley fresh milk products. Customers will still be able to differentiate between various types of milk through the coloured labelling on the bottles.

Fiona Dobson, Asda’s Lead Packaging Strategy and Innovation Manager, emphasized the supermarket’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact. She stated that the introduction of clear caps on milk bottles is part of a broader initiative to achieve 100% recyclable packaging and increase the use of recycled content in all products by 2025.

Catriona Mantle, Head of Milk, Organic, and Yogurt at Arla, expressed their dedication to sustainability and acknowledged the significant role packaging plays in this endeavor. Arla is continuously exploring ways to minimize their impact, and from early June 2023, they will introduce natural clear caps across their product range. While their coloured caps are already fully recyclable and contain 30% recycled material, the switch to clear caps will facilitate easy recycling into food-grade packaging.

Jayne Paramor, Strategic Technical Manager – Plastics at WRAP, praised Asda’s decision to remove pigments from milk bottle caps. Clear, colourless plastics have a higher demand as recycled material, enabling the production of valuable recycled plastics and creating markets for these reprocessed materials. This change not only enhances the recyclability of the UK’s milk bottles, which are already widely recycled into new milk bottles, but also exemplifies the circular economy for plastics in action. It represents a significant step towards developing a circular economy for plastics.

-Is the net closing in on chemicals used in food packaging?

Food companies remain reticent to talk about possible issues in their packaging supply chain.

ow much do we know about food contact chemicals used in packaging and what is being done to alleviate potential risks? PET biorecycling – Food packaging 

This time last year a new database containing thousands of food contact chemicals was launched. Some of them, like bisphenols, phthalates and PFAS (per and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances), are well studied, but there were also hundreds for which very little is known about their use and possible migration into food.

Such data are “critical for determining human heath risks” the scientists from Switzerland-based non-profit the Food Packaging Forum (FPF) noted. There was talk of “potential harm” and the gaps in understanding their impacts. PET biorecycling – Food packaging

Research the forum is about to publish alongside experts in the US shows how “reusing and recycling plastics can also lead to unintended negative impacts, because hazardous chemicals, like endocrine disrupters and carcinogens, can be released during reuse and accumulate during recycling”. It adds to growing concerns about the cocktail of chemicals in packaging that neither consumers nor food manufacturers appear to know much about.

“There are so few people who understand this issue,” explains FPF managing director Jane Muncke. “People get climate now and I guess they get biodiversity but chemicals is a whole different beast. Just saying the word scares people off.”

Food companies certainly remain reticent to talk about possible issues in their packaging supply chains. Just Food approached a number of major manufacturers but only two – Nestlé and General Mills – offered any comment on the topic (they follow the rules to ensure food is safe). PET biorecycling – Food packaging 

Industry body FoodDrinkEurope (FDE) says its members “comply with all EU regulations on the safety of food contact materials, using only food contact materials that have been assessed as safe to use”.

But regulation requires certainty and there is little of that when it comes to chemicals. Revisions to some relevant regulations (which date back decades) are underway across the world but these are complex and NGOs are concerned by both delays and their scope. So should food companies be worried? PET biorecycling – Food packaging

In a word: yes. A major scare story about chemicals is the last thing they need, not least because it could also damage their attempts to integrate more recycled content into their plastic packaging. Indeed, phrases such as ‘toxic recycling’ are increasingly being used by NGOs as attention turns to the possibility that recycling plastics could actually bring more chemical risks.

In 2021, for example, the US Environment Protection Agency warned that “the circular nature of the recycling economy may have the potential to introduce additional chemicals into products”. In Europe there are similar concerns that policymakers are driving circularity for packaging without a framework for the chemicals and additives.

Chemical safety is “often ignored” in solutions to reuse or recycle plastic, or to switch to other materials, noted 33 scientists in a ‘consensus statement’ in the journal Environmental Health in 2021. “Recycling processes may increase the levels of chemicals found in, and therefore migrating from, food packaging,” said co-author Olwenn Martin from Brunel University London. “This aspect needs to be considered at the design stage for solutions to be truly sustainable.” PET biorecycling – Food packaging 

Toxic recycling

Start to dig, as scientists increasingly are, and solutions designed to reduce the impact of packaging start to come unstuck when chemicals are considered. “In discussions of the circular economy it’s often forgotten that it only truly works as intended when we weed out the toxics first,” Heather Leslie, an ecotoxicologist who previously worked at the Institute for Environmental Studies at University Amsterdam said last year.

This left environmental NGOs in a predicament: many were wary of wading into this debate too quickly, for fear it could derail momentum around reduction, re-use and recycling of plastic packaging. But food companies, packaging firms and recyclers should know that the gloves are now off. PET biorecycling – Food packaging

In September, Zero Waste Europe together with the Health and Environment Alliance, CHEM Trust and ClientEarth launched a new campaign. “Harmful chemicals in recycled food contact materials can put the circular economy and our health at risk,” they tweeted, with an infographic entitled ‘Misconceptions about food contact materials’. Their use of the phrase “toxic recycling” was deliberately emotive.

In Europe, some 8,000 chemicals can be used in food packaging and other food contact materials (FCMs). Chemicals are added to packaging to give it certain properties like durability and stiffness but some migrate into the food. “We’re constantly demanding more from our food packaging, more durability, more functionality and more sustainability and this means more complex manufacturing processes,” FPF’s Muncke wrote recently.

A technical report dedicated to the topic of chemicals in plastic, published by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) last month, highlighted the “compelling scientific evidence” that shows chemicals of concern in a range of sectors and product value chains, including food contact materials like packaging. PET biorecycling – Food packaging 

Globally, more than 13,000 chemicals are associated with plastics and plastic production across a wide range of applications, of which over 3,200 monomers, additives, processing aids and non-intentionally added substances are of potential concern due to their hazardous properties, the authors wrote. PET biorecycling – Food packaging

More….

-Nexam progresses in efforts to boost rPET content in products

The company has also received its first official production order for its thermoformed food packaging.

Nexam Chemicals has achieved a new milestone in its efforts to increase the recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) content in its products.

The company specialises in developing solutions that improve the properties and performance of plastics. It invents, develops, manufactures and sells additives to various plastics companies across the globe. PET biorecycling – Food packaging 

Under the new milestone, Nexam has succeeded in using their additive technology to increase the overall amount of rPET in its offerings.

The solution is now fully developed and approved for technical use.

Furthermore, the company has secured its first production order for thermoformed food packaging. The order has an estimated value of approximately Skr0.5m.

Nexam CEO Ronnie Törnqvist said: “We see an increasing interest in our products in this type of application and we have several ongoing projects in Europe.

“This type of food packaging, together with our additives in recycled PET for fibre, are two areas with great potential.” PET biorecycling – Food packaging

Since 2022, the company has been working on a project in collaboration with an Israel-based food packaging manufacturer to boost the amount of rPET in its products.

The company said that the additives help in restoring and improving some of the base properties of the plastics, which are often lost during the recycling process.

In order to avoid this, the company uses its reactive recycling method to upcycle rPET content, instead of using traditional methods. PET biorecycling – Food packaging 

Törnqvist added: “Our additives open the door for the majority of actors to use recycled plastic at a low cost in the manufacture of products that are aimed at areas with higher demands on both quality and durability.

“In this case, food packaging in the food industry.”

-Italy is embarking on a groundbreaking project in the field of nuclear fusion with the establishment of a state-of-the-art supercomputer

An impressive investment of 50 million euros will be allocated over a span of five years to construct this cutting-edge infrastructure.

The collaborative efforts of Enea, Eurofusion, and Cineca have culminated in a significant agreement to oversee the development of this remarkable supercomputer.

Situated within the Bologna Technopole, this facility will join the ranks of other computational structures dedicated to weather and climate forecasting, as well as the renowned Leonardo supercomputer.

With a staggering computational power of 47 million billion operations per second, the supercomputer will revolutionize research in fusion energy.

Its primary applications will encompass numerical simulations of plasma physics and the structural analysis of advanced materials employed in nuclear fusion.

The three participating entities have aptly described this endeavor as a “technological challenge” that holds the potential to transcend our reliance on fossil fuels and combat the pressing issue of climate change. PET biorecycling – Food packaging 

Recycling sorting – Plastics – China 02-06-2023

Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

-STADLER, a German company specializing in recycling and sorting plants, has completed the installation of the first of three high-efficiency Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) and Compost Refinement plants for TERNA ENERGY in Tripoli, Greece

TERNA Energy, a leading Greek renewable energy company and a subsidiary of the GEK TERNA Group, is committed to clean energy production, storage, and sustainable development. Through its integrated waste management projects, TERNA Energy aims to contribute to the circular economy.

STADLER was chosen as the strategic partner by TERNA Energy for the design and installation of MRFs in the Epirus region and now in the Peloponnese region. The newly completed facility in Tripoli showcases advanced automation and efficiency, capable of adapting to changing material composition. With outstanding recovery rates, the plant achieves above 90% recovery for the organic fraction, plastic containers, bottles, and paper, and 80% recovery for biofilms and PE film. The facility is also designed for easy maintenance with accessible components and motors.

The MRF receives mixed Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and processes it to produce high-quality recyclates and organic materials. The recyclables, such as PET, HDPE, PP/PS, foils, paper, cardboards, ferrous and non-ferrous cans and containers, are sorted into automatic bunkers and baled. Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

The organic materials are processed in the compost refinement plant, generating two fractions of clean compost with different specifications and material size.

STADLER’s design team successfully addressed the challenge of managing the waste stream peculiarities in the Peloponnese region, which experiences high variations in seasonal consumption and packaging diversity due to tourism. The sorting process involves trommel screens, a STADLER STT5000 Ballistic Separator, and Pellenc ST COMPACT optical sorters integrated with high-speed conveyors. These optical sorters, known for their compact size, low energy consumption, and high performance, efficiently sort waste by material and color.

The project required close collaboration among TERNA Energy, STADLER, and technological partner Pellenc ST to ensure timely delivery. Despite a short timeframe and the need for the plant to run at full capacity from the first day of commissioning, the teams effectively coordinated their efforts. The successful partnership between STADLER and Pellenc ST, built on a strong relationship and smooth interactions, played a crucial role in the project’s success. Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

TERNA Energy expressed satisfaction with STADLER’s solid design, quality equipment, and effective project management throughout all phases. As part of the partnership, STADLER will design and build two additional MRF and Compost Refinement plants in Lakonia and Messenia, further advancing waste sorting capabilities in the Peloponnese region. STADLER will provide ongoing support through a local service team and a dedicated maintenance storage center. Together, these facilities will be the most advanced MRF sorting plants in Greece

-PepsiCo Unveils Its Most Environmentally Friendly Factory in Europe, Advancing the Circular Economy In a significant step toward addressing global food system challenges, PepsiCo has announced the opening of its most sustainable factory in Europe

The plant, located in Poland, exemplifies the principles of a circular economy and introduces innovative sustainability solutions.

Valued at EUR 300 million, this project represents PepsiCo’s fifth manufacturing facility in Poland. Its operations will cater to both the domestic market and export to more than 20 countries, including Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.

At the heart of the new plant lies a commitment to sustainability and circularity. The facility incorporates various eco-friendly practices throughout the entire life cycle of snack production. Notably, rainwater will be collected and reused, while rooftop solar panels will generate the plant’s energy, setting the stage for it to become climate neutral by 2035.

Furthermore, the factory boasts minimal utility consumption, and plans are underway to establish an onsite solar farm. Heat process water and rainwater will be effectively recovered for use within the facility’s utilities. Even the potato byproducts from the manufacturing process will find purpose, as the peelings are transformed into low carbon fertilizers through anaerobic digestor technology. These fertilizers are then returned to farmers, contributing to sustainable crop growth. Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

PepsiCo’s commitment to waste reduction is evident in the facility’s design and operations. The steam generation process is electrified, and the company maintains an electric fleet of cars for transportation, supported by dedicated charging stations.

The pursuit of sustainability aligns with PepsiCo’s pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) ambition, emphasizing waste reduction across the value chain. Silviu Popovici, CEO of PepsiCo Europe, expressed gratitude to associates and partners who contributed to this milestone and reimagined the future of food through the new environmentally sustainable facility.

Having been a part of Poland’s market for over three decades, PepsiCo’s presence continues to grow. The new plant will create 450 jobs, further contributing to the country’s economy. With a focus on local communities, PepsiCo collaborates with Polish farmers under the global PepsiCo Sustainable Farming Programme, sourcing over 200,000 tonnes of sustainably grown potatoes annually. This volume is set to increase by an additional 60,000 tonnes per year by 2025, and the farming program will expand to encompass 19,000 acres (7,700 hectares) and over 80 farms.

PepsiCo’s commitment to Poland is echoed by Mark F. Brzezinski, the US Ambassador to Poland, who highlighted the company’s enduring investment and expansion in the country.

The plant’s grand opening on May 31 was graced by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and US Ambassador Mark Brzezinski. The event brought together more than 150 government officials, local authorities, project partners, and PepsiCo employees to celebrate this milestone in sustainable manufacturing. Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

-Closed Loop Partners has secured a $10 million investment for its Plastics Recovery and Recycling Fund, courtesy of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), a Japanese banking institution

The investment is aimed at advancing the recovery and recycling of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) plastics in the United States and Canada.

The Closed Loop Circular Plastics Fund, a part of Closed Loop Partners’ circular economy strategy, focuses on resin types such as PE, PP, and flexible plastics that require additional investment to maintain a continuous flow of materials and meet the demand for recycled materials in the industry.

The fund will provide catalytic debt and equity financing, which will stimulate further investments in recovery and recycling initiatives and infrastructure that address bottlenecks in the recycling system.

Jennifer Louie, Head of the Closed Loop Infrastructure Group at Closed Loop Partners, emphasized that these new platforms can encourage greater financial participation, thereby accelerating projects, infrastructure development, and innovations necessary to close the loop on plastics. Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

Launched in 2021, the Closed Loop Circular Plastics Fund has already made several investments in private companies and public organizations. It has supported projects that enhance collection infrastructure, enabling technologies, sortation capabilities, and re-manufacturing of PE and PP plastics.

The fund’s performance will be evaluated based on a combination of financial and impact outcomes, including the amount of PE and PP impacted and the reduction or avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions.

Masayuki Takanashi, Chief Sustainability Officer of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, expressed their commitment to sustainability and forming partnerships that leverage their presence in Japan and the Asia Pacific region. They will be part of the Closed Loop Circular Plastics Fund’s impact-driven efforts to accelerate infrastructure development, equipment deployment, municipal services, as well as innovation and enabling technologies for flexible films and specific types of plastic.

Closed Loop Partners envisions a future for plastics within a circular economy framework that reduces the reliance on virgin resources, promotes design innovation and material science, and encourages reuse and new product delivery models. To date, the company has successfully kept 4.8 million tons of materials in circulation and contributed to the avoidance of 10.1 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.

Investing in increased plastics recovery, material reduction solutions, scalable reuse systems, and new materials can address a market with significant revenue potential. Additionally, plastic recovery and recycling divert millions of tons of plastics from landfills and the environment. Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

According to a report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, plastic waste is projected to triple by 2060, underscoring the urgency of such investments.

-Unmasking the Illusion: China’s Economic Rebound Narrative Revealed Microsoft Start’s Watchlist Ideas

In an article for the Financial Times, Ruchir Sharma, president of Rockefeller International, challenges the prevailing belief in China’s economic rebound, highlighting its lack of support from underlying economic realities. Sharma points to various indicators of weakness, including a meager 1.5% growth in corporate revenue during the first quarter, an 8% decline in imports in April, and credit growth in the previous month that fell short of expectations by half. He explains that since 2008, China’s economic model has relied heavily on government stimulus and mounting debt, which has now reached its limit. Sharma cautions against the excessive optimism of Western observers regarding China’s rebound narrative, warning that it could lead to substantial losses for investors in the range of hundreds of billions of dollars. He concludes by emphasizing the urgency of exposing this façade before its repercussions worsen.

Consequently, the following list explores companies that might be affected by China’s economic weakness. Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

Over the past year, this list has witnessed a negative performance of -3.58%. In comparison, the FTSE MIB Index has risen by 8.19% during the same period. The beta of this list, which measures volatility, is moderately low at 0.90. The list’s beta is calculated by equally weighting the average beta of the stocks within it. The list comprises 40.00% of Consumer Cyclicals shares, 40.00% of Technology shares, 10.00% of Energy shares, and 10.00% of Financials shares.

The performance of the list is determined using a fair weighting methodology. It is generated through web analysis and the utilization of algorithms to identify potentially relevant titles related to the topic. The list is intended for educational purposes and includes titles that may be suitable for a watchlist. It should not be regarded as a basis for investment or trading decisions. Microsoft does not endorse using the provided data and information as a guide for making investment choices. Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

-Addressing Plastic Pollution: Beyond the Limits of Recycling

The UNESCO headquarters in Paris is hosting the second meeting on a potential global treaty to combat plastic pollution this week. While recycling has often been hailed as a solution to tackle plastic waste, recent studies indicate that this approach comes with its own risks and is inadequate in the face of skyrocketing plastic production.

The magnitude of plastic pollution continues to escalate relentlessly. According to OECD data, the world now generates twice as much plastic waste as it did two decades ago, reaching a staggering 353 million tonnes in 2019. The vast majority of this waste ends up in landfills, incinerated, or improperly managed, meaning it is either left as litter or inadequately disposed of. Shockingly, only 9 percent of plastic waste is actually recycled.

Expanding plastic recycling may appear to be a logical means of transforming waste into a valuable resource. However, recent research highlights that recycling plastic poses its own environmental and health hazards. The recycling process generates significant levels of microplastics and harmful toxins, which can be dangerous for people, animals, and the environment. Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

Microplastics, plastic particles measuring up to 5mm, have been found in alarming quantities as a result of the recycling process. Erina Brown, a plastics scientist and lead author of a recent study published in May 2023, revealed the disturbing findings of her research on the microplastic runoff produced by recycling centers. Brown’s study focused on a UK recycling facility that utilized substantial amounts of water for sorting, shredding, and separating plastics before converting them into pellets for resale. Her findings indicated that approximately 6 percent of all plastics entering the facility were released as microplastics into the water, even with filtration systems in place. Brown emphasized the inadequacy of sewage treatment facilities in filtering microplastics, which often leads to their inadvertent application to fields as fertilizer or their entry into local waterways, ultimately spreading to even remote areas such as the Arctic seas.

While over two-thirds of UN member states agreed to develop a binding agreement on plastic pollution by 2024, with the current discussions being part of that process, some environmental groups argue that the proposed action plan primarily focuses on reusing, recycling, and shifting towards alternative materials. Critics contend that these strategies downplay the urgent need to reduce plastic consumption and are concessions to the global plastics and petrochemicals industry. Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

Microplastic release is not the sole concern associated with recycling plastics. Recycling processes involve working with unregulated toxic chemicals. Plastics contain up to 13,000 different chemicals, with a UN report indicating that around 3,200 of them possess hazardous properties that can harm human health and the environment. Furthermore, many of these chemicals have never been thoroughly assessed for their toxicity. The lack of global regulation and transparency in the market prevents consumers from knowing which plastics contain toxic chemicals. When recycled, the unknown composition of products combined with heating exacerbates the risk posed by these chemicals. Consequently, recycled plastics pose even greater health risks to workers in recycling centers and can contain higher levels of toxic substances compared to their virgin counterparts, including items such as kitchen utensils, children’s toys, and food packaging. Moreover, these toxic chemicals find their way into the food chain, even contaminating eggs in proximity to plastic recycling facilities.

While global plastic waste recycling is projected to increase to 17 percent by 2060, according to OECD figures, this approach fails to address a fundamental issue: most plastics can only be recycled once or twice before reaching a dead end.

Contrary to the belief that recycled plastics can be transformed back into plastic bottles if of high quality, the reality is that plastics gradually downgrade in quality during the recycling process. They are “down-cycled” into items like drain pipes or fleece clothing that cannot be further  Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

-Following in Elon Musk’s footsteps, Jamie Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan, has also made a visit to China

Speaking at the JP Morgan Global China Summit in Shanghai, Dimon addressed the strained relations between the United States and China.

The recent incident involving a Chinese spy balloon over American skies, coupled with the ongoing tensions with Taiwan, has intensified the situation. Dimon emphasized the need for a genuine commitment to improve relations between the two countries. He also cautioned that the prevailing uncertainty would not only impact foreign direct investment but also erode confidence among Chinese investors, as reported by Bloomberg.

While Dimon acknowledges the role of the Chinese government in the tensions, he remains optimistic, stating, “Disputes regarding security and trade between the US and China can be resolved. However, simply shouting at each other across the Pacific won’t make it possible. I hope we can reach a genuine commitment,” according to CNBC’s report citing Reuters sources. Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

The CEO of JP Morgan expressed a preference for de-risking East-West economic relations rather than pursuing a large-scale decoupling.

Dimon also addressed concerns about the slowdown of the Chinese economy. He highlighted alarming data on youth unemployment, which reached its highest level since the surveys began in 2019, surpassing 20% in May. Dimon stressed the importance of trust in fostering growth in China.

Recent economic indicators have cast doubt on the Chinese government’s target of achieving 5% growth in 2023. While the Chinese economy experienced a strong rebound in the first quarter, subsequent data revealed a decline in property investment, credit, industrial profits, and retail sales falling short of analysts’ expectations. Additionally, the contraction in industrial activity, reflected in the official index of purchasing managers in the manufacturing sector dropping to 48.8 points in May from 49.2 in April, further adds to the challenges faced by China.

Dimon’s previous visit to China was marred by criticism in November 2021 when he made a joke about Chinese politicians, suggesting that JP Morgan would outlast the Communist Party. However, relations have improved since then, as evidenced by the meeting between Dimon and Chen Jining, the party secretary of Shanghai. The Chinese politician expressed a desire for JP Morgan to continue investing in China. Dimon affirmed that his bank would serve as a bridge to Shanghai for foreign companies. These statements align with Elon Musk’s sentiments, who has emphasized the shared commercial interests between the United States and China. Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, after welcoming Tesla’s CEO, also extended his welcome to foreign companies, expressing hopes for a relationship based on “mutual respect” between the two powers.

-Import costs of flexible films used in packaging may rise

The import cost of flexible films used in packaging and labelling various products, such as foodstuffs, garments, beverages, medicines and tobacco, is expected to increase in the next fiscal year.

According to finance ministry officials, the government plans to propose an increase in customs duty on the import of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films from the current 10% to 15% in the upcoming national budget to provide protection to the local industry.

In 2018, Akij Group set up a plant for the first time in the country for producing packaging films, which are used as raw materials by various industries.

With a fresh investment of Tk1,000 crore, the new venture of the conglomerate has a production capacity of 80,000-90,000 tonnes, which is sufficient to meet the entire local demand.  Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

Akij Biax Films Ltd currently manufactures three types of products used in packaging: BOPP, biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET), and cast polypropylene (CPP).

However, officials at the local manufacturer argue that an increase in the import duty alone will not yield the expected results. They emphasise the need to prevent the sale of raw materials imported under the bond facility in the local market, as it poses the biggest threat to the local industry.

M Hossain Iraz, director (operation) at Akij Biax Films, told The Business Standard, “The government action is certainly important in creating competition between local production and imports.”

“When the cost is high due to the imposition of additional duties on imports, the possibility of a misuse of the bond facility will also increase. In this case, without strict government monitoring, the good initiative will not pay off,” he added.

According to officials, following an application by Akij Biax Films, the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission analysed the hardships of the raw material importer and producer.

The commission says that while the company has the production capacity to meet local demand, the protection provided to this industry is insufficient, given the current import taxes imposed on raw materials and finished goods, as well as the value related to duty.

More….

Recycling sorting – Plastics – China

Bottle washing – PLA technology 01-06-2023

Bottle washing – PLA technology  Layered film recycling

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

-Sorema recently announced the successful launch of a PET bottle washing and recycling plant in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)

The plant, located at Commercial Plastics, has met all qualitative and quantitative parameters, marking a significant achievement.

Andrea Villa, Senior Technical and Sales Engineer at Sorema, described the newly operational plant as a result of conducting a wash and recycle trial at their Recycling Research Center (RRC) in Alzate Brianza. Through this trial, using dirty bottles collected by Commercial Plastics, Sorema developed the necessary parameters to design a plant capable of producing 2,200 kg/h of high-quality flakes. These flakes can then be reused in the production of soft drink bottles. Multilayer Film Recycling

Villa emphasized that the material test conducted at Sorema’s RRC laboratory confirmed that the majority of the local market collection in Myanmar consists of small-format bottles ranging from 330 cc (mL) to 1000 cc (mL). These bottles are heavily contaminated with PVC labels, sand, and abrasive materials. Based on this analysis, Sorema, leveraging its robust and efficient design, developed and manufactured a bottle-to-bottle (BtoB) line customized for PET bottle recyclers in Southeast Asia (SEA).

The plant incorporates several machines, carefully constructed with high-quality components. It begins with a pre-washing module to remove labels and ensure optimal cleaning of the material surface. This technology improves the sorting process and minimizes wear on the entire production line, extending the delabeler’s maintenance schedule to several months. Bottle washing – PLA technology  Layered film recycling

The plant also achieves efficient removal of PVC labels through a combination of a delabeler, wet elutriator, and material detectors. This innovative technology meets the stringent standards set by major brand owners for their recycled PET (rPET) products. Furthermore, considering the SEA market’s transition from PVC to PP labels, Sorema’s technology proves vital in efficiently removing label glue. The company also took into account the potential wear caused by elevated sand levels in the input bales resulting from local collection practices. Multilayer Film Recycling

Source: Sorema

-Deink Brasil Unveils Groundbreaking Solution for Multilayer Film Recycling

Deink Brasil, a pioneering company in the field of sustainable solutions, has developed an innovative technology that promises to revolutionize the recycling of plastic multilayer films and multi-material plastic waste. Known as Deink 4D, this groundbreaking process is set to solve the conundrum of recycling previously unrecyclable post-consumer waste.

Multilayer films, commonly used in laminated packaging, pose significant challenges for recycling due to their composition of various plastic resins, adhesives, foils, and coated cardboard. However, Deink Brasil’s delamination technology offers a viable and technically feasible solution by effectively separating these layers and eliminating ink, metal, and varnish residues. The resulting resin possesses properties and performance comparable to virgin resin, making it an ideal material for reuse. Multilayer Film Recycling

Marcelo Mason, the head of Sustainability & ESG at Deink Brasil, described the process as a chemical-mechanical hybrid recycling method that holds immense potential for global implementation. Notably, the technology does not employ solvents, ensuring an environmentally friendly approach. Bottle washing – PLA technology  Layered film recycling

Deink Brasil has already incorporated the innovative de-inking technology developed by Spanish company Cadel, enabling the complete removal of inks from printed plastic waste. However, the company’s drive for innovation pushed them to pursue additional solutions. Mastering the delamination process is considered a significant milestone in the plastic recycling industry, according to Mason.

Founded in 2017 by Rogério Mani, Deink Brasil introduced the Cadel de-inking technology to Brazil, holding the exclusive license for the process. In 2022, the Brazilian packaging specialist Valgroup acquired a stake in the company, further strengthening its position in the industry.

The company is preparing to launch its first Deink 4D multi-layer plastics recycling line at a state-of-the-art facility spanning 30,000 m2 in Itupeva (São Paulo). Scheduled for July, this initial production line, focused on bioriented polypropylene (BOPP) films, marks the beginning of a transformative journey. Depending on demand, Deink Brasil plans to establish a second line shortly thereafter.

The Itupeva plant, with an installed capacity of 25,000 tons per year, represents an initial investment of R$ 85 million. Looking ahead to 2030, the company envisions ten additional lines across various regions of Brazil. Multilayer Film Recycling

Marcelo Mason emphasized the vast potential of the Deink 4D technology. With Brazil ranking as the fourth largest producer of plastic waste globally, the country disposes of over 2.4 million tons of plastic improperly, often in open-air dumps. Furthermore, approximately 7.7 million tons of waste find their way into landfills each year. The advent of Deink 4D offers a promising solution to this pressing environmental issue, paving the way for a more sustainable future. Bottle washing – PLA technology  Layered film recycling

-Sulzer signs agreement with Jindan New Biomaterials in China for production of biobased plastic

Jindan will utilize Sulzer’s licensed PLA technology at its new manufacturing plant to produce up to 75’000 tonnes of PLA per year, mainly to be used for food packaging, molded goods and fibers production.

Sulzer has recently signed an agreement with major lactic acid (LA) producer, Jindan New Biomaterials (Jindan), to enable the production of polylactic acid (PLA), a biobased plastic. Jindan will utilize Sulzer’s licensed PLA technology at its new manufacturing plant in Henan Province to produce up to 75’000 tonnes of PLA per year, mainly to be used for food packaging, molded goods and fibers production. Sulzer will also provide extensive service support to ensure a seamless start.

Enabling the transition to sustainable, circular practices

Jindan’s new bioplastic facility will produce PLA in a variety of grades to support the expanded use of bioplastics in several sectors in China, including the textile and package manufacturing industries. To enable the company’s transition towards more sustainable, circular practices, Sulzer Chemtech will design and supply its key proprietary PLA technology, while further providing extensive engineering and technical support and field services as the manufacturer commences operations. Multilayer Film Recycling

Sulzer’s Executive Chairwoman Suzanne Thoma said: “Our leading technologies are currently used at the vast majority of existing PLA facilities worldwide and support the increased adoption of circular manufacturing practices and sustainable materials. We are pleased to collaborate with Jindan New Biomaterials to meet ever-increasing market demand for bioplastics.” Bottle washing – PLA technology  Layered film recycling

Mr. Shi Congliang, President of Jindan New Biomaterial, added: “By investing in Sulzer’s PLA solutions, we are taking key, strategic steps to advance our competitiveness in the booming biopolymer industry and drive the use of greener plastics. Thanks to its comprehensive expertise in the PLA value chain and all the stages involved, Sulzer Chemtech is an extremely valuable partner. We look forward to installing the equipment and starting-up our enhanced operations.”

-“Thermoforming: a path to circularity”

Petcore Europe Thermoforms WG was launched in June 2015, followed by online workshops on Recycling PET Thermoforms in March 2015 and in December 2021.

Don’t miss our Thermoforms Conference 2023 that will be held on the 14 & 15 June in Italy, Bologna at Hotel Savoia.

Thermoforms WG comprises around 50 companies and organisations including key players from industry and waste management. The objective of this event is to promote thermoforms collection & recycling and specifically tray to tray recycling.  We will also showcase Petcore Europe Thermoforms WG’s initiatives: Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform (TCEP) and Functional Barrier (FB) task force. Please be advised that the number of attendees is strictly limited, thus we strongly encourage to make a reservation at your earliest convenience. Bottle washing – PLA technology  Layered film recycling

Agenda and Confirmed Speakers

On the first day of the event, we will have presentations from all the major experts in the field of thermoforms:

09:30 – 09:40 Introduction by Antonello Ciotti (PETCORE Europe) “Welcome – What are the waves in front of us?”

09:40 – 10:00 Raphael Jaumotte & Jose Antonio Alarcon (PETCORE Europe) “Reaching Circularity for thermoforms, turning expectations into facts”

10:00 – 10:30 Regulatory updates

10:30 – 12:45 EPR vision & Panel Discussion. Speakers & Panelists:

Jose Maldonado Ibanez (Eco-embes)

Corepla (speaker TBC)

Vincent Colard (Citeo)

12:45 – 13:30 Lunch Break  Multilayer Film Recycling

13:30 – 14:30 Recycler vision & Panel Discussion. Speakers & Panelists:

François Lagrue (Wellman)

AMP (speaker TBC)

Michal Figúr (GreenTech)

14:30 – 15:30 Converter Vision & Panel Discussion. Speakers & Panelists:

Ana Fernandez (KP) TBC

Faerch (speaker TBC)

PACCOR (speaker TBC)

15:30 – 16:15 Brand Owner & retailers’ vision & Panel Discussion. Speakers & Panelists:

CoOp (speaker TBC)

Schwartz (speaker TBC)

16:15 – 16:45 Functional barrier by Jose Antonio Alarcon (PETCORE Europe) Presentation of the exercise and what the exercise has taught to us?

16:45 –17:15 TCEP by Chair of the TCEP Samuel Pardo (KP) “How to improve recyclability via the platform of recyclability at PETCORE?”  Bottle washing – PLA technology  Layered film recycling

17:15 – 17:30 Closing Panel Discussion

17:30 – 17:45 Wrapping-up by Antonello Ciotti (PETCORE Europe)

While, on the second day Petcore Europe will organise a Plant visit at Hera sorting plant, in Ferrara region, showcasing Corepla’s efforts to collect & sort thermoforms in Italy (strictly for Petcore Europe members only).

-Dilo Group: Inventing the future today in nonwoven textile technology

Dilo Group has never ceased to amaze with its innovative nonwoven textile machinery range. The Germany-based group has been setting the benchmarks in nonwoven textile machinery manufacturing for a long time now. Its machinery is playing a key role in the textile industries of over 50 countries globally. In an exclusive interview, CEO Johann-Philipp Dilo spoke at length about the company’s early days, its history, products and solutions, USPs, participation in INDEX and ITMA 2023 and future plans, among others

Founded in 1902, Dilo is undoubtedly the oldest and continues to retain its global market leadership as a nonwoven machinery manufacturer. Can you look back on this glorious history and the key milestones in the history of the organisation?

Dilo Machine Building in Eberbach, Germany, was founded in 1902 by my grandfather Oskar Dilo. He started to supply to local spinning mills, who manufactured upholstery and mattress pads, machines for fibre preparation, carding and interlacing to process natural fibre and animal hair. After World War II my father Richard Dilo, his brother Oskar and sister Helene continued this business while the machine design was steadily improved. In the second half of the 1950s, the first needle loom was designed which replaced later the interlacing machine for mattress pads. Bottle washing – PLA technology  Layered film recycling

Through an array of innovations and inventions in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Dilo started its reputation as the specialist for needle looms. Among those were specialty needle looms for circular needling ‘Rontex’ to produce filter material in 1967, in 1968-69 the ‘Di-Loop’ structuring and patterning needle loom for floor coverings, in 1975 the ‘Di-Loft’ machine for lightweight car interior material, in 1979 the ‘Beltex’ process for paper machine felts, in 1983 the ‘Di-Lour’ process and machine with a brush apron to needle random lightweight velours for moulded car parts, the ‘VE 4’, a special drafting frame for the production of geotextiles.

More…

-Masterbatch: Ensuring Color Consistency in the PVC Industry’s Plastic Parts Manufacturing

Delta Tecnic, a leading provider of Masterbatch solutions, explores the application and maintenance of color in PVC products.

In the manufacturing of PVC plastic parts, achieving color uniformity poses a significant challenge. Maintaining consistent color throughout the useful life of the parts and from one production batch to another requires specialized formulations, machinery, and processes. Attaining this zero defects target demands precise color adjustment and repeatability between production batches. Bottle washing – PLA technology  Layered film recycling

For compounders, meeting customer requirements is essential, as many applications demand exact color matching. Color uniformity is not only crucial for branding purposes but also for safety, particularly in fields like electrical cables and circuits, where color coding plays a vital role. There are various scenarios where color uniformity proves to be decisive. Multilayer Film Recycling

To color plastic parts, pigments or masterbatch can be used. However, using pigments can result in color variations between production batches. On the other hand, masterbatch offers a stable solution for maintaining color uniformity. It provides a fast and highly efficient method for adjusting color to the original specification without the need for additional adjustments during the product manufacturing process.

Achieving Consistency in Masterbatch Mixtures

At Delta Tecnic, we employ a rigorous quality control process for each masterbatch mixture we produce to ensure consistent color that aligns with the defined standard set by our customers. If any color discrepancies are detected, we adjust the mix to ensure uniformity. Proper dispersion of pigments is also critical for achieving color consistency and minimizing variations between different batches.

By transitioning from pigments to masterbatch, compounders can reap several benefits. These include virtually eliminating defects related to color uniformity and adjustment at the beginning of production. This translates to notable improvements in production line efficiency, reduction in waste generation, and associated cost savings. These advantages enable compounders to enhance their competitiveness in the market and increase their production capacity. In many cases, it allows them to enter new markets where the color requirements were previously beyond their capabilities, as pigments fail to provide the required color uniformity for these customers. Bottle washing – PLA technology  Layered film recycling

In summary, color uniformity is a significant concern in plastic parts manufacturing. Working with masterbatch ensures color stability from one production batch to another and reduces the number of non-compliant products. Additionally, proper pigment dispersion is crucial for achieving color consistency. Compounders utilizing masterbatch can significantly improve their efficiency and competitiveness in the market.

Contributing to Waste Reduction and Sustainability

The importance of color consistency in plastic parts manufacturing extends beyond safety and branding—it also has a substantial impact on product durability. Inconsistent color can result in an uneven appearance and loss of aesthetic value, leading to premature scrapping or replacement of products. Therefore, color uniformity and stability over time contribute to sustainability and waste reduction.

Consequently, the use of masterbatch in plastic parts manufacturing offers environmental benefits. By reducing the production of non-compliant products, compounders simultaneously minimize waste generation and enhance energy efficiency. This is achieved by reducing preparation time and eliminating non-compliant internal products due to color deviations.

Masterbatch also plays a role in the recycling industry by improving the final appearance of recycled materials in terms of color, thanks to custom-designed masterbatches.

Ultimately, color consistency is just one aspect among many that plastic parts manufacturers must consider to produce high-quality, sustainable products. The utilization of masterbatch is a valuable tool for achieving greater production efficiency, waste reduction, and improved final product quality. By maintaining a focus on quality and sustainability, the plastic parts manufacturing industry can continue to innovate and progress toward a more sustainable future. Bottle washing – PLA technology  Layered film recycling

-Turning Trash into Treasure: Plastic Recycling Technologies

Over the long Memorial Day weekend, many attended parties and parades honoring those who served while celebrating being with loved ones. As you picture the day, images of those ubiquitous red solo cups come to mind, or perhaps patriotic-themed plastic BBQ plates and coolers filled with bottled water or bottles of soda. Now think of the all cleanup and the mountains of plastic waste collectively generated by the country in just that one day.

Plastics are one of the most prevalent and problematic waste materials due to their slow degradation and detrimental effects on ecosystems. Depending on the source, somewhere around 5%, 9%, or 15% of plastics are recycled in the United States, and worldwide, that number is around 9% of all plastic ever made. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2018, the latest date for which there is data, plastic products waste generation reached 35.7 million tons in the United States, or 12.2% of total Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), an increase of 4.3 million tons (54.4%) from 2010, primarily from the durable goods and the containers and packaging categories. In this article, we delve into three types of plastic recycling and discuss some companies developing technologies for a cleaner future. Bottle washing – PLA technology  Layered film recycling

Chemical Recycling

Chemical recycling involves using chemical reactions to break down plastics into their molecular components to produce high-quality raw materials, such as converting polymers into their constituent monomers or other useful products.

Norway-based Agilyx ASA (AGYX) is a technology licensor and a recycler. Historically, plastic recycling has been challenging because collecting, sorting, and recycling has often been more expensive than producing virgin plastic. One of the most significant barriers to recycling plastics is the challenge and cost of getting the right types of plastic waste to the right recyclers. To address this, Agilyx launched Cyclyx, a consortium-based supply chain company that works with municipalities, retailers, corporations, and universities to increase the amount of plastic waste sent to the appropriate recyclers.

Along with AmSty, Agilyx has a 50/50 joint venture facility in Tigard, Oregon, called Regenyx, that converts post-use polystyrene into its original components under the PolyRenew label. The facility showcases Agilyx technology at a commercial scale which supports its technology licensing business. In 2020, Agilyx and ExxonMobil created a joint venture to recover and sort plastic waste. Bottle washing – PLA technology  Layered film recycling

Loop Industries (LOOP) depolymerization technology breaks down previously unrecyclable PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic and polyester fiber waste into their base building blocks, dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and mono ethylene glycol (MEG). These monomers are then purified and re-combined (polymerized) into Loop-branded PET plastic and polyester fiber that can be used in food-grade packaging, such as water bottles, or for footwear and clothing.

More….

Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory 31-05-2023

Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

Crude Oil Prices Trend

-Sidel has successfully converted the PET lines of MenaBev, a PepsiCo bottler based in Jeddah, enabling the company to introduce seven new bottle formats across two PET lines

The Mega plant, one of the largest PepsiCo bottling plants worldwide, spanning 300,000m², serves millions of consumers in the MENA region and is supported by a local distribution center.

Through collaboration with Sidel, MenaBev modified its Combi PET lines to accommodate three new formats for Aquafina, its bottled water product, on one line, and four new formats on the other. MenaBev also sought Sidel’s assistance in creating new formats of the Carolina bottle in response to increased sugar taxes affecting the Saudi market. Despite facing component shortages in the market, both Combi PET lines were adapted within a week.

The Aquafina line now boasts an increased production capacity, capable of running up to 60,000 bottles per hour (bph), compared to its previous rate of 54,000 bph. The Carolina line maintains its speed of 48,000 bph. In an effort to enhance sustainability, the new bottle designs underwent thorough technical development, including feasibility studies, laboratory checks, and performance tests on the stretch blow-molding process. This approach was applied to the 330ml, 500ml, and 1.5L Aquafina bottles, resulting in a lighter-weight 330ml bottle that utilizes 10% less raw materials.

Karim Abdel Wahed, Sidel’s service manager, highlighted the company’s capability to adapt and convert existing Sidel lines, enabling customers like MenaBev to swiftly respond to global changes and market demands. Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

-Emerson Enhances Recycling Process for Increased Sustainability in Waste-to-Energy Sector

In the pursuit of a more sustainable waste-to-energy industry, global software and technology leader Emerson is collaborating with Swedish cleantech company HaloSep to optimize their innovative process that transforms hazardous incinerator flue gas residue into usable materials. At HaloSep’s plant for optimization, research, and technology (PORT) in Gothenburg, Sweden, Emerson’s advanced control technology and software are being deployed to manage a cutting-edge chemical separation process. This process effectively recovers valuable salt, metals, and minerals from fly ash, providing an alternative to landfill disposal and significantly improving the sustainability of waste-to-energy operations. Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

Recycling materials from challenging waste streams is a crucial step towards achieving a more circular economy. With over 2,600 waste-to-energy plants globally, capable of disposing of approximately 460 million tons of municipal waste each year, the issue of incinerator flue gas residue, known as fly ash, becomes prominent. Fly ash is a hazardous substance containing contaminants like heavy metals, chlorides, and sulfates, and currently, millions of tons of it are transported to landfills via truck, rail, or sea, resulting in significant costs and environmental unsustainability.

HaloSep’s President, Staffan Svensson, explained the importance of their PORT plant: “Given the inconsistent nature of household waste, fly ash resulting from incineration exhibits varying properties that necessitate different separation processes. Our PORT plant will analyze fly ash samples from around the world, test specific separation processes, and showcase the benefits of the circular economy to potential customers. Emerson’s technology and expert guidance in implementing automation throughout the plant have played a pivotal role in optimizing these processes, ultimately enhancing the sustainability of the waste-to-energy sector.”

Emerson’s scalable control system architecture was specially designed and implemented at the PORT facility. Working closely with HaloSep, Emerson developed unique separation sequences that enable the efficient recycling of fly ash with varying compositions. The DeltaV™ distributed control system from Emerson ensures the safe and efficient operation of the separation processes. Additionally, the DeltaV Live software provides operators with high-performance human-machine interfaces, equipped with key performance indicator-led dashboards that offer intuitive reporting, management, and support for optimized decision-making and operational performance.

Nathan Pettus, President of Emerson’s process systems and solutions business, emphasized Emerson’s commitment to driving sustainable innovations that minimize environmental impact in various industries, including plastics, lithium-ion battery manufacturing, and waste-to-energy generation. He stated, “Emerson’s technologies and expertise are designed to handle the complexity of HaloSep’s recycling process, assisting our customers in meeting the growing industrial, processing, and energy demands of today.” Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

HaloSep, a subsidiary of the Stena Metall Group, provides an on-plant solution that can be locally constructed at waste-to-energy facilities or deployed at sites where fly ash from smaller plants is consolidated. This approach eliminates the need for long-distance transportation, effectively reducing costs and emissions associated with fly ash management.

-Toray, Mitsui Chemicals and Kumagai Put People and the Planet First by Jointly Developing Revolutionary Mono-Material Film Packaging Material and Technology

Toray Industries, Inc., Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., and Kumagai Co., Ltd., announced today that they have jointly developed a revolutionary mono-material film packaging material and manufacturing process that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs; see note). Carbon dioxide emissions are 80% lower than from conventional counterparts with this new material, which is also recyclable.

The lightness, transparency, and processing ease of these materials should make them popular choices for refillable pouch applications, including for foods, shampoos, and detergents. The market for these materials should keep growing more than 3% annually (see note 2) as the global population rises. Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

Regular film packaging material manufacturing uses petroleum solvents inks to print text, images, and other information on plastic films and in adhesives to laminate plastic films. These solvents release VOCs. The equipment required to heat, dry, and incinerate petroleum solvents in inks and adhesives consumes a lot of electricity. The lamination of plastic films with different materials to achieve various functions makes them hard to recycle, leading to their frequent incineration as waste.

VOC emissions from petroleum solvents in film packaging materials production have raised concerns about their impact on work environments. Another issue is the global warming impact of carbon dioxide emissions from their electricity consumption in production processes and from incineration during disposal.

These considerations prompted Toray, Mitsui Chemicals, and Kumagai to develop a mono-material film packaging material and manufacturing technology that is free of petroleum solvents for ink and adhesives and is recyclable.

Toray demonstrated printing for the new material’s manufacturing process by employing its Toray proprietary IMPRIMA (see note 3) offset printing plate. The plate uses electron beam-cured printing inks that consumer less electricity need no thermal drying. Mitsui Chemicals verified the lamination process with adhesives that do not incorporate petroleum solvents. The manufacturing process is thus VOC-free because it does not use petroleum solvents for inks or adhesives. Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

Incorporating Kumagai’s package manufacturing and processing technologies resulted in a mono-material film packaging material. This breakthrough makes the material far easier to recycle than regular counterparts.

Under this collaboration, Toray is leading the way with its printing technology. Mitsui Chemicals is providing total coordination for the new setup with its materials technology. Kumagai is leveraging its industry-leading package manufacturing technology. The three look to commercialize the new film packaging material for food and other daily necessities.

They will offer the material to distributors and brand owners to help alleviate the environmental impact of the film packaging industry and contribute to a sustainable economy.

-Stellantis inaugurates the first gigafactory in France: «European champion of electric batteries»

In Douvrin, in north-eastern France, the first European gigafactory for the production of batteries for electric cars was inaugurated. The plant starts with an annual production of 13.4 GWh and by 2030 will produce 40 GWh per year. The site is spread over 34 hectares and will be divided into three blocks, the first of which starts today, 30 May 2023. By 2030 it is expected to employ around 2,000 people. Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

Investments of over 7 billion

“Here we are in the future.” So John Elkann, president of Stellantis, on the sidelines of the inauguration of the plant built by Acc, the joint venture between Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and TotalEnergies in Douvrin, in northeastern France. “It’s a big European project,” added Elkann, referring to the fact that this is only the first of three gigafactories that Acc will build in Europe. The second will be in Germany and the third in Italy, in Termoli, for a total investment of 7.3 billion euros, of which about 1.3 billion in public investments.

More …

-Biopolymers producers sign MOU to advance PHA/PLA solutions in China

Bluepha, TotalEnergies Corbion to collaborate on high-performance biopolymer development

Bluepha Co. Ltd, a China-based synthetic biology company in China, and Netherlands-headquartered PLA producer TotalEnergies Corbion, have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at fostering the market adoption of PLA/PHA-based solutions in China.

The companies will focus on the development of new high-performance PHA/PLA blends based on Bluepha’s PHA with TotalEnergies Corbion’s Luminy PLA technology.

Calling TotalEnergies Corbion a ‘trustworthy partner’, Teng Li, president and co-founder of Bluepha used a Chinese saying to characterise the collaboration, describing it as  ‘Adding wings to the tiger’. Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

“By combining the complement ary properties of these materials, we will significantly expand the application possibilities for brand owners seeking fully biobased material solutions,” said Thomas Philipon, CEO of TotalEnergies Corbion.

Bluepha completed construction of its first industrial-scale production facility, called BioFAB1, in 2022 in Yancheng and launched its first portfolio of marine degradable biopolymers during a celebration held this year on  1 March.

Before the MOU signing ceremony, Thomas Philipon was taken on a tour of the new Bluepha PHA Biorefinery.

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-Avient Establishes First Production Line for Long-Fiber Composites in Asia Pacific

Avient, a compounder specializing in engineered materials, has recently introduced its inaugural production line for Complēt and OnForce long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites in the Asia Pacific region. The new production line has been installed at Avient’s regional headquarters in Shanghai to cater to the growing demand for composite materials across various industries such as transportation, power tools, sports equipment, furniture, and outdoor recreation. These composites possess exceptional impact strength, elastic modulus, and material strength, making them an ideal choice for applications requiring robust performance. Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

Flight Xu, the General Manager of Specialty Engineered Materials Asia at Avient, highlights the shifting trend in the composites market from traditional materials like aluminum alloy and steel to long-fiber composites. As a result, there is a rising demand for an integrated approach encompassing material formulation, component design, and forming processes. Avient’s new production line, combined with their engineering support and design for manufacturability services offered through Avient Design, provides local customers with an efficient and flexible setup, enabling them to accelerate their time to market and gain a competitive edge.

The Complēt and OnForce composites offer structural characteristics that deliver excellent stiffness, strength, and toughness, positioning them as viable alternatives to metals. Moreover, the use of these composites as a replacement for metal components facilitates substantial weight reduction, along with the time and cost-saving benefits of single-step injection molding.

Avient also emphasizes the expertise of their specialized industrial designers and project engineers at Avient Design, who possess extensive knowledge in materials and molding. This enables them to provide valuable insights to customers regarding design and materials, enabling the launch of innovative products that meet the evolving requirements of the industry. Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

In addition, Avient offers the flexibility to tailor the Complēt and OnForce formulations to meet specific application requirements. By utilizing a range of engineering resins such as polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polyphthalamide (PPA), Avient can cater to the diverse needs of customers in sectors like power tools, sports equipment, utility vehicles, furniture, and outdoor recreation.

-Plastics treaty talks to resume underpinned by diverging interests

Countries are set to gather in Paris to continue negotiations on a plastics treaty as campaigners warn about attempts from industry to derail the talks.

Talks on a new treaty to keep the world from drowning in plastics are heading for another round in Paris between Monday and Friday, following a historic decision in 2022 between countries to negotiate a legally binding agreement by the end of 2024.

Plastics have permeated every aspect of society, leading to nefarious consequences for the environment and human health. Countries agreed to hammer out a treaty to tackle the plastic crisis together. In Geneva, where some of the preparatory meetings have taken place over the last year, environmental campaigners and other delegates warn about intentions to weaken the agreement. Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

After a first round of negotiations held in December in Uruguay, countries are hoping this week will pave the way for an early draft of the treaty to be readied ahead of the next round of talks, due to take place in Kenya in November 2023. After that, they will have one year to figure out the nitty-gritty details and adopt the deal.

“Time for negotiations is short, but this should not lead us to settle for a weak agreement,” Peruvian ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, chair of the body tasked with drafting the treaty, said by video message at a briefing for diplomats and civil society in Geneva late last month.

Closing the plastic tap or what?

The secretariat coordinating discussions issued a document in April summing up the different proposals countries have made to be considered for the treaty. The document shows a mix of options ranging from obligations, to control measures, to voluntary commitments. Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

Among the possibilities is for the treaty to set Paris-like targets for the globe similar to those agreed in the 2015 Climate Accord, as well as national ones. But civil society groups are worried about the prevalence of voluntary measures.

In an analysis shared with the media, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) wrote that the secretariat’s paper “troublingly displays lesser ambition than Member States’ submissions, weakens calls for legally-binding measures by turning them into voluntary ones, and borrows from submissions by heavy-polluting countries such as China”.

One key issue will be whether to set targets to phase out or reduce production of new plastics. The world produces around 440 million tonnes of plastic every year and is on the path to triple by 2060, according to the OECD.

“Scientifically proven necessities for the treaty include upstream measures like a cap on production and phasing out of problematic chemicals in plastics,” Bethany Carney, professor at Gothenburg University and member of the steering committee of the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, said at the briefing.

A group of 55 countries, including European Union members, working together to push for an ambitious treaty are in favour of imposing bans and restrictions on the production and consumption of problematic plastics, such as single-use plastics, but also to prevent plastic waste from leaking into the environment. Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

In contrast, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Russia, where the petrochemical industry wields great influence, have led efforts to have a climate-like agreement relying on the voluntary efforts of each country rather than on a strict global set of rules.

Private interests at play

Civil society has warned about previous attempts by the petrochemical sector to keep the treaty from imposing any limitations on plastic production. With the projected ramp-up for renewable energy and electric cars, the oil and gas industry is banking on plastics, which are mostly made from fossil fuels.

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-INDA releases North American Nonwoven Materials Annual Study

The Study Offers the Nonwovens Industry Key Metrics to Assist in Strategic Planning and Investments

INDA, the Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry, announces the publication of a new study, North American Nonwoven Materials Annual Study 2022.

Based on actual surveys and interviews with producers, enhancing the accuracy and relevance, this study tracks machine additions, closures, and productivity improvements. This study is the industry benchmark for capacity and production information for North America and the only publication that provides an estimate of operating rates, based on nameplate machine capacity, through the year 2022. The 72-page study contains 43 figures and 11 tables. Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

“An element of INDA’s mission is to provide credible statistics to the nonwovens and engineered materials industry,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President. “Our objective is to continually improve the quality of data and industry information. We feel the industry will greatly benefit from this in-depth resource for strategic planning and investment purposes,” Fragnito added.

The complete study is provided to producers who supplied key metrics. The Executive Summary, an overview of the findings and implications, will be offered to current INDA members on a complimentary basis. The detailed study is available for purchase, with members receiving a discount. Findings from this year’s study include:

North American capacity continues to increase with investments being made across all the processes and for a variety of end-uses. The industry’s nameplate capacity utilization has increased year-over-year, for the fifth consecutive year.

In 2022, capacity of nonwovens in North America reached 5.565 million tonnes, an increase from the previous year of 2.4% (net growth of 128,700 tonnes) and an improvement over the previous year’s growth rate of 1.8%.

North American imports, in tonnage, decreased 24.3% in 2022 and exports decreased 16.3% due to market stabilization after COVID. Nonwoven production tends to stay within the region, so the net trade balance (imports less exports) accounted for less than 5.5% of the region’s capacity. Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

“2022 was a period of economic adjustment and stabilization,” said Mark Snider, Chief Market & Industry Analyst. “We’re seeing a controlled and consistent transition back to pre-pandemic levels of nonwoven growth.”

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-PETG vs TPU: The Differences Simply Explained

Take a look at how PETG vs TPU filaments compare, and discover which one is right for your next 3D printing project!

electing the right filament for your 3D printer can be a daunting task, as there are so many options available. Two widely used filaments are PETG and TPU. Both materials offer unique benefits and drawbacks. PETG is a popular choice known for its strength and durability. On the other hand, TPU is valued for its flexibility and impact resistance.

To give you a clearer idea of the differences between these two materials, imagine a 3D printed storage container made of PETG.

The container is strong, rigid, and capable of withstanding external force. In contrast, picture a 3D printed shoe sole made of TPU. It’s flexible, providing comfortable movement and impact resistance. Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth comparison of PETG and TPU filaments, highlighting their printing performance, mechcanical properties, and other essential factors to consider when choosing between them. With this in mind, let’s dive in!

Let’s take a closer look at the two different materials and explore their basic attributes.

PETG

Polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) is a thermoplastic polymer known for its chemical resistance, strength, and transparent qualities. It’s primarily sourced from crude oil, and the chemical components – glycol and terephthalic acid – are then heated and mixed to form raw PETG plastic.

PETG has grown in popularity in the 3D printing space due to its durability and strength. PETG filaments are popular for making a variety of 3D printed objects, such as mechanical parts, figurines, toys, and common household items. Its high impact strength and resistance to high temperatures, UV rays, water, and chemical solvents make it an excellent choice for printing parts that will be subjected to frequent wear and tear.

PETG can be more challenging to print than other materials like PLA, as it requires high temperatures and is prone to over-adhesion and stringing. However, it remains a versatile filament that can be used for many different applications.

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), is a flexible rubber-like material with excellent impact resistance, durability, and elasticity. It’s made by combining a polyol with a diisocyanate through a process called polymerization. Mono-Material Film – Gigafactory – Toray Mitsui Chemicals Kumagai

TPU is often derived from petroleum-based sources but can also be made from renewable sources such as plants or waste biomass. The production method can vary depending on the manufacturer and their specific processes. It’s commonly used for creating flexible parts such as phone cases, shoe soles, and certain automotive parts. Its main advantages include flexibility and resistance to impact and abrasion. TPU also has excellent layer adhesion and can produce highly detailed prints.

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Biodegradable plastic – R-Carbon-fiber  30-05-2023

Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

Petrochemicals – Ny6 – CPL – Ny66

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Crude Oil Prices Trend 

-Dow and New Energy Blue have joined forces to collaborate on the development of renewable plastic materials derived from corn residue

This groundbreaking partnership, the first of its kind in North America, aims to produce bio-based ethylene for Dow’s assets on the U.S. Gulf Coast. By harnessing the potential of renewable agricultural residues, New Energy Blue will create bio-based ethylene, which Dow plans to purchase and utilize in the production of recyclable applications across various fast-growing markets such as transportation, footwear, and packaging.

This agreement marks Dow’s first foray into utilizing agriculture residues for plastic production in North America. In this partnership with New Energy Blue, which comprises experts experienced in bio-conversion ventures, Dow seeks to unlock the value of agricultural residues. Karen S. Carter, Dow’s President of Packaging & Specialty Products, emphasizes that by committing to purchase bio-based ethylene, Dow supports waste recycling innovation, meets the demand for bio-based plastics from customers, and strengthens the ecosystem for diverse and renewable solutions.

Under the agreement, Dow is providing support for the design of a new facility called New Energy Freedom, located in Mason City, Iowa. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

This facility is expected to process 275KT (kilotonnes) of corn stover annually and produce commercial quantities of second-generation ethanol and clean lignin. Around half of the ethanol will be converted into bio-based ethylene feedstock for Dow’s products. Additionally, Dow has secured similar commercial supply options for New Energy Blue’s four future projects, enabling scalability and supporting farmers by creating a reliable market for agricultural residues. Together, these five projects are anticipated to displace over one million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, contributing to a reduction in Dow’s reliance on fossil fuels and subsequent emissions.

This collaboration aligns with Dow’s strategy to develop material ecosystems that prioritize waste transformation into circular products. By partnering with leading experts and employing cutting-edge technologies for waste collection, reuse, and recycling, Dow aims to facilitate the scaling of global material ecosystems. Manav Lahoti, Dow’s Global Sustainability Director for Olefins, Aromatics & Alternatives, expresses enthusiasm for the potential of agriculture-based plastics to help the company achieve its waste transformation and net-zero CO2 goals, as well as increase the use of renewable resources. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

Thomas Corle, CEO of New Energy Blue, highlights the significance of this collaboration in redefining raw material sourcing for products, not only in Iowa but throughout the United States and globally. The partnership aims to reduce carbon emissions from farming, support rural communities, and enable the production of sustainable, low-carbon plastics made from a variety of biomass sources. By utilizing renewable yet recyclable resources, Dow aims to transform them into everyday consumer products. Furthermore, the agreement will help reduce carbon emissions from agriculture by repurposing carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere during the decomposition of corn stover.

Dow intends to ensure the certification of its bio-based feedstocks from New Energy Blue through ISCC Plus, an international sustainability certification program that emphasizes traceability within the supply chain. This certification would enable Dow’s customers to account for bio-based materials in their own supply chains. By opening a dependable new market, Dow’s supply agreement with New Energy Blue would also create additional economic value for farmers. New Energy Blue’s upcoming processing facility in Iowa will directly source corn stover from local farmers each year, providing them with an additional income stream while employing farming practices that enhance carbon retention in the soil. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

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-MTMA Urges Collaboration between Malaysian and Chinese Textile Manufacturers

In a recent statement, the chairman of the Malaysian Textile Manufacturers Association (MTMA), Datuk Seri Tan Thian Poh, has called upon textile manufacturers in Malaysia to join forces with their Chinese counterparts to embrace digitalization and automation in their production processes. The aim is to enhance productivity and increase revenue within the industry.

Poh emphasized the need for Malaysia to adopt a system where manufacturers compensate employees based on their productivity, taking inspiration from the Chinese model. He highlighted the importance of addressing productivity levels alongside calls to raise the minimum wage, as low productivity can adversely affect competitiveness.

Poh acknowledged that the domestic textile industry has historically been viewed as labor-intensive and stagnant. However, he highlighted that significant progress has been made towards automation in recent times. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

One of the key challenges faced by Malaysia is the availability of labor, rather than the cost of labor. Poh noted that relying on the government’s continuous supply of foreign workers is not a sustainable long-term solution for local players. Therefore, he urged the industry to focus on branding and retailing, particularly in the online retail sector, to maintain competitiveness.

Speaking at the China Textile City Overseas Mini Fair, Poh emphasized the potential benefits of collaboration between Malaysian and Chinese textile manufacturers. By embracing digitalization and automation and adopting a productivity-focused approach, the industry can unlock new opportunities for growth and success.

-Headline: Germany Enters Recession as Berlin’s GDP Shrinks

Germany is facing a technical recession as new data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) reveals a decline in the country’s GDP during the first quarter of 2023. Berlin, in particular, experienced a 0.3% drop in GDP from January to March compared to the previous quarter, which had already recorded a -0.5% decrease in GDP from October to December 2022. The overall growth lost since the beginning of summer 2022 to the present can be attributed to factors such as high inflation, elevated energy prices, disruptions in global supply chains, the Russo-Ukrainian war, and a slowdown in international trade, all of which have had significant macroeconomic effects.

Germany, as an economy focused on industrial transformation and trade, has been particularly affected. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

Producers faced uncertainties due to high energy prices and inflation, while the domestic market was strongly influenced by the challenges faced by Olaf Scholz’s government coalition in managing ongoing bills. The decline in domestic consumption has had a severe impact on the German economy, with a decrease of 1.2% compared to the previous quarter. Citizens, intimidated by the high cost of living and 7.2% inflation, exhibited a limited propensity to spend. The country’s export sector, which is typically a driving force, only experienced a modest increase of 0.4%. The Financial Times reports that the construction industry has shown a positive rebound, with a 3.9% increase in value compared to the previous quarter, primarily attributed to a mild winter starting in January. However, industrial production remains 0.5% lower than pre-war levels in Ukraine, although it grew by 2% over the quarter. Furthermore, Germany’s GDP has fallen below pre-Covid levels, while most of Europe is recovering.

While some economists believe that a decrease in inflation and an acceleration in wage growth, combined with a robust labor market, could lead to tepid growth for the remainder of the year, the risk of a recession caused by stagnant demand persists. This situation could potentially create a contagion effect throughout the rest of Europe. A decrease in Germany’s production would result in reduced imports of semi-finished products from other European countries. As a result, there is a growing temptation for Germany to revert to austerity measures. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

Christian Lindner, a prominent figure in finance known for his conservative stance, predicts a decline of 30 billion euros in tax revenues over the next decade due to the consequences of the Russo-Ukrainian war, including its impact on energy prices and domestic investments. The cost of servicing the debt, incurred as a result of pandemic-related spending, has risen from 4 to 34 billion euros since before the Covid crisis. Berlin is now faced with the temptation to implement severe public spending cuts, reminiscent of the austerity measures seen in 2014 under Angela Merkel’s leadership. The liberal Free Democratic Party, led by Lindner, advocates for reduced government spending to counter the fiscal shock. Meanwhile, the Green Party, represented by Deputy Prime Minister Robert Habeck, focuses on cutting spending related to fossil fuels to expedite the transition to renewable energy. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) remains committed to maintaining existing public welfare programs and is opposed to significant spending cuts. The budget dispute is expected to be challenging, and even Habeck, who is not known for advocating austerity, has proposed cutting at least 22 billion euros in public spending this year.

Criticism has also been directed at Scholz for his use of special and extra-budget funds for emergency programs, similar to the public loan guarantees implemented during the Covid crisis. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

These “shadow budgets,” including a controversial 200 billion euro fund to lower gas and energy prices for citizens and companies

-Innovative Approaches to Address Plastic Waste through Recycling

Ahead of the upcoming UN conference dedicated to tackling plastic pollution, Covestro is emphasizing the importance of advancing innovative recycling technologies to increase the currently low rates of plastic recycling. Covestro has already achieved significant success through the development of its groundbreaking chemical recycling method. Moreover, the company is planning to collaborate with six other chemical groups to establish a global research center for processing plastic waste.

From May 29 to June 2, an international negotiation round, known as ‘INC-2,’ will take place in Paris, with the aim of drafting a comprehensive global agreement to combat plastic waste pollution. The agreement is expected to be finalized by the end of 2024. The international community initiated this process during the United Nations Environment Assembly in spring 2022. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), approximately 22 million tons of plastic waste, including microplastics, enter the oceans and the environment annually.

Without effective countermeasures, this annual amount could double by 2060.

Dr. Markus Steilemann, CEO of Covestro, emphasizes the urgent need to address the rising consumption of resources and the growing waste crisis, which have adverse consequences for the environment and climate. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

Dr. Steilemann states that it is imperative to implement countermeasures, change consumption habits, and transform production patterns. He further emphasizes the importance of transitioning to a circular economy and highlights the critical role of recycling, along with the production of durable and resource-efficient products. Covestro is committed to playing a central role in achieving these goals.

Establishment of a Collaborative Research Center for Plastic Waste Processing

At present, the global recycling rate for plastic waste stands at a mere nine percent. However, a study suggests that with increased industrial-scale recycling, nearly 60 percent of plastic production could be met through recycled materials by 2050, resulting in a 30 percent reduction in petroleum consumption. To accelerate the development of low carbon emitting technologies for chemical production, including plastic waste processing, the World Economic Forum has initiated the Low Carbon Emitting Technologies initiative, promoting global collaboration. As part of this initiative, seven international chemical companies, including Covestro, have signed a collaborative agreement to establish a research and development center in partnership with the Dutch research institute TNO. The initial focus of their work will be on sorting, cleaning, and preparing plastic waste for subsequent recycling technologies.

Addressing the Challenge of Non-Recyclable Plastics

One significant challenge in plastic recycling is the presence of plastics that cannot be effectively recycled or have limited recycling options. Covestro is actively pushing for the development of chemical recycling as an additional solution. This process involves breaking down used plastics into their chemical components, enabling the production of new materials from these molecules. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

Breakthrough in Recycling Mattress Foam

Covestro has achieved a technological breakthrough in the chemical recycling of soft foam used in mattresses. Currently, around 40 million mattresses in the European Union alone end up in waste incineration plants or landfills each year. Through the new ‘Evocycle CQ-Mattress’ process, the two central foam components can now be effectively recycled. Covestro is further developing this process at its Leverkusen site in Germany through a pilot plant, with the aim of eventual industrial implementation.

Circular Foam Research Project

Covestro is coordinating a Europe-wide research project called CIRCULAR FOAM, initiated in 2021, which focuses on the chemical recycling of rigid foam used for building insulation and refrigeration appliances. This collaborative effort involves 22 partners from nine countries. If the material cycle can be closed successfully, it is estimated that around one million metric tons of waste and three million metric tons of CO2 emissions per year could be saved in the European Union by 2040. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

Enhancing Recycling of Food Packaging

In May 2023, Covestro introduced a new development to improve the recycling of food packaging made of paper and cardboard. The company has developed a special coating material that can be recycled alongside the packaging, unlike conventional coatings. The coating material itself is produced in line with the principles of circularity, utilizing raw materials that are partially derived from plants.

Through these innovative recycling initiatives, Covestro aims to contribute significantly to combating plastic waste and promoting a more sustainable approach to resource consumption and production.

-Asia gets most of Russian dark fuels after EU embargo

Asian countries remain the lead destinations for Russian vacuum gasoil (VGO) and fuel oil exports after the European Union’s embargo, traders said and Refinitiv data showed, said Hydrocarbonprocessing. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

“Pretty stable flows for refining and bunkering”, one trader said. According to Refinitiv data, China and India, which became main importers of embargoed Russian oil, were respectively accounting for about 2.6 million tons and 2.1 million tons of exports of dirty oil products from Russian ports since the start of the year, buying fuel oil and VGO for further processing at their refineries.

Singapore and Malaysia also hit the top five destinations for fuel oil and VGO of Russian origin with almost 3.5 million tons in total, while Turkey and Saudi Arabia received about 1.6 million tons each, Refinitiv data showed. Fujairah, key transit and blending hub for oil products in the United Arab Emirates, accepted almost 1.4 million tons of fuel oil and VGO since the start of this year.

In February 2023, the EU introduced a full ban on supplies of Russian oil products, but Russian fuel oil and VGO had already been diverted elsewhere as restrictions were applied partially in August 2022. Asia and the Middle East and also ship-to-ship (STS) loadings became the most popular ways to bypass sanctions since then.

STS loadings near the Greek port of Kalamata have attracted from Russia the biggest dirty oil products volumes, which surged to 8 million tons in 2022 and totaled almost 2.7 million tons from the beginning of 2023. Traders said those cargoes mostly end up in Asia. “(The main destinations were) China, Singapore and some cargoes went to India,” one trader added. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

Russia also exports small amounts of dirty oil products to Africa, mostly to Senegal, which has bought about 114,000 tons of Russian fuel oil this month, according to Refinitiv.

We remind, Czech Republic can cover its oil needs through shipments via the Transalpine Pipeline (TAL) pipeline from 2025, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Tuesday after the country signed a deal to boost capacity along the link.

The Czech government is looking to eliminate all dependence on Russian oil in the coming years, and thus end its exemptions from a European Union ban on imports from Moscow last year. Czech refineries are owned by Polish state-controlled refiner PKN Orlen, which said in April it terminated a contract for Russian oil supplies for its Polish refineries.

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-What is Recycling Equipment?

Recycling has become indispensable to our efforts to protect the environment and preserve natural resources. However, recycling involves more than simply tossing materials in bins – special equipment is essential in ensuring efficient recycling processes for various materials. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

Waste management equipment consists of machinery and tools designed to transform waste into valuable resources, from sorting to shredding. Recycling machines ensure maximum resource recovery while mitigating environmental impact by automating and streamlining this process.

Recycling plays an integral role in sustainable waste management. Together we will explore this field, its various forms, and functions while emphasizing its role in creating an eco-friendlier future.

Types of Waste Management Equipment

1. Sorting Equipment

Sorting equipment is crucial to accurately sorting materials according to composition and properties, using sophisticated technologies such as optical sorters and magnetic separators to efficiently recycle plastics, metals, glass, paper, and more.

2. Shredding Equipment

Shredders are machines designed to reduce the size and volume of various materials. They can reduce bulky objects like cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, or aluminum cans into more manageable chunks for transportation and storage or allow further processing into new products. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

3. Compacting Equipment

Compressors and balers make recycling materials easier to handle and transport by compacting their volume for storage or transportation purposes.

4. Crushing Equipment

Crushing equipment reduces large objects or materials into smaller pieces for recycling, simplifying disposal while increasing separation, sorting, and recycling operations. Crushers specialize in material separation, including concrete, asphalt, demolition debris, and any other waste material that needs sorting or separation procedures.

Recycling Equipment Benefits

1. Recycling Enhances Efficiency

Waste management equipment streamlines various recycling processes to increase their efficiencies and performance, improving performance. These machines can sort, shred, compact, crush and wash materials for increased outputs and better resource recovery rates while decreasing manual labor and time. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

2. Cost Savings

Businesses investing in recycling can enjoy long-term cost savings through automated processes that replace manual labor with automatic methods, thus cutting labor costs. Furthermore, effective recycling maximizes resource utilization while minimizing waste disposal fees – recovered materials may then be sold or reused to generate extra revenues for an organization.

3. Environmental Conservation

Recycling plays an integral part in environmental sustainability. Recycling machinery helps alleviate landfill strain and improve aesthetics by converting waste from landfills into valuable commodities.

4. Improved Product Quality

Eco-friendly processing equipment such as washing machines can significantly increase the product quality of recycled materials by removing impurities such as dirt, labels, and adhesives to meet the required standards for reused material production – leading to high-quality recycled products suitable for various applications and opening up market opportunities. Renewable plastic – Chinese Textile Germany GDP Recession 

Overall, recycling machinery is integral in optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling processes. Businesses investing in such machinery can expect improved productivity, cost savings, and environmental sustainability benefits, as well as conserve natural resources by reducing landfill waste volumes while mitigating pollution risks.

General Kinematics offers an expansive selection of recycling equipment with detailed descriptions of functions and benefits – an invaluable tool in creating a more sustainable future by increasing resource recovery rates and developing circular economies.

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Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery 27-05-2023

Petrochemicals – Ny6 – CPL – Ny66 Bottle grade PET -chips-export 

Polyestertime
ITEM	22/05/2023	29/05/2023	+/-
Bottle grade PET chips domestic market	7,050 yuan/ton	7,000 yuan/ton	-50
Bottle grade PET chips export market	930 $/ton	920 $/ton	-10
Filament grade Semidull chips domestic market	6,770 yuan/ton	6,770 yuan/ton	–
Filament grade Bright chips domestic market	6,750 yuan/ton	6,750 yuan/ton	–
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA domestic market	5,510 yuan/ton	5,605 yuan/ton	+95
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA export market	840 $/ton	820 $/ton	-20
Monoethyleneglycol MEG domestic market	4,110 yuan/ton	3,990 yuan/ton	-120
Monoethyleneglycol MEG export market	493 $/ton	482 $/ton	-11
Paraxylene PX FOB  Taiwan market Petrochemicals – Ny6 – CPL – Ny66 Bottle grade PET -chips-export	988 $/ton	983 $/ton	-5
Paraxylene PX FOB  Korea market	965 $/ton	960 $/ton	-5
Paraxylene PX FOB EU market	1,139 $/ton	1,103 $/ton	-36
Polyester filament POY 150D/48F domestic market	7,480 yuan/ton	7,600 yuan/ton	+120
Recycled Polyester filament POY  domestic market	7,100 yuan/ton	7,100 yuan/ton	–
Polyester filament DTY 150D/48 F domestic market	8,750 yuan/ton	8,900 yuan/ton	+150
Polyester filament FDY 68D24F Petrochemicals – Ny6 – CPL – Ny66Bottle grade PET -chips-export	8,600 yuan/ton	8,650 yuan/ton	+50
Polyester filament FDY 150D/96F domestic market	8,100 yuan/ton	8,250 yuan/ton	+150
Polyester staple fiber 1.4D 38mm domestic market	7,370 yuan/ton	7,330 yuan/ton	-40
Caprolactam CPL domestic market	11,900 yuan/ton	11,800 yuan/ton	-100
Caprolactam CPL overseas  market	1,650 $/ton	1,600 $/ton	-50
Nylon6 chips overseas  market	1,880 $/ton	1,780 $/ton	-100
Nylon6 chips conventional spinning domestic  market	12,900 yuan/ton	12,700 yuan/ton	-200
Nylon6 chips  high speed spinning domestic  market	13,550 yuan/ton	13,550 yuan/ton	–
Nylon 6.6 chips domestic  market	19,700 yuan/ton	19,500 yuan/ton	-200
Nylon6 Filament POY 86D/24F domestic  market	15,850 yuan/ton	15,850 yuan/ton	–
Nylon6 Filament DTY 70D/24F domestic  market	18,100 yuan/ton	18,100 yuan/ton-	–
Nylon6 Filament FDY  70D/24F	16,900 yuan/ton	16,600 yuan/ton	-300
Spandex 20D  domestic  market	37,000 yuan/ton	36,500 yuan/ton	-500
Spandex 30D  domestic  market	35,000 yuan/ton	35,000 yuan/ton	–
Spandex 40D  domestic  market	31,500 yuan/ton	31,500 yuan/ton	–
Adipic Acid domestic market	9,750 yuan/ton	9,500 yuan/ton	-250
Benzene domestic market Petrochemicals – Ny6 – CPL – Ny66 Bottle grade PET -chips-export	6,610 yuan/ton	6,660 yuan/ton	+50
Benzene overseas  market	878 $/ton	846 $/ton	-32
Ethylene South East market	910 $/ton	870 $/ton	-40
Ethylene NWE market	793 $/ton	751 $/ton	-42
Acrylonitrile ACN  domestic market	9,500 yuan/ton	8,800 yuan/ton	-700
Acrylonitrile ACN  overseas market	1,400 $/ton	1,400 $/ton	–
Acrylic staple fiber ASF  domestic market	17,100 yuan/ton	17,100 yuan/ton	–
Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  domestic market	13,100 yuan/ton	13,150 yuan/ton	+50
PP Powder domestic market	6,850 yuan/ton	6,750 yuan/ton	-100
Naphtha overseas market	588 $/ton	593 $/ton	+5
Phenol domestic market	7,375 yuan/ton	7,075yuan/ton	-300

r-PET high end eco-friendly chips = 8,150 yuan/ton  — 8,050 yuan/ton  -100

Petrochemicals – Ny6 – CPL – Ny66 Bottle grade PET -chips-export 

• Petrochemicals – r-POY – PSF 22-05-2023
• New enzyme technology for environmentally friendly plastic recycling

 

 

Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery Society and Enterprise 5.0

-Stellantis Invests in Lyten’s Breakthrough Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery Technology

• Lyten is a Silicon Valley-based pioneer of tunable three-dimensional graphene, which has demonstrated significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and will advance the transition to sustainable mobility
• Stellantis and Lyten to develop applications for advanced Lithium-Sulfur based EV batteries, vehicle lightweighting, and enhanced vehicle sensing solutions
• Lithium-Sulfur batteries have the potential to deliver more than twice the energy density of lithium-ion and represent an alternative, non-nickel-manganese-cobalt cathode solution
• Stellantis exploring all battery technology to meet the diverse needs of its broad customer base and ensure clean, safe and affordable mobility

Stellantis N.V. and Lyten, Inc. announced today that Stellantis Ventures, the corporate venture fund of Stellantis, invested in Lyten to accelerate the commercialization of Lyten 3D Graphene™ applications for the mobility industry, including the LytCell™ Lithium-Sulfur EV battery, lightweighting composites, and novel on-board sensing. Lyten, a pioneer of three- dimensional (3D) Graphene, will leverage the unique tunability of the material to enable enhanced vehicle performance and customer experience while decarbonizing the transportation sector.  Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery Society and Enterprise 5.0

Lyten’s tunable materials platform has demonstrated significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and will advance the transition to sustainable mobility.

Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, Lyten’s Lithium-Sulfur batteries do not use nickel, cobalt, or manganese, resulting in an estimated 60% lower carbon footprint than today’s best-in-class batteries and a pathway to achieve the lowest emissions EV battery on the global market. Raw materials for Lithium-Sulfur batteries have the potential to be sourced and produced locally, in North America or Europe, enhancing regional supply sovereignty. This technology will meet the needs of industries seeking lightweight and energy-dense batteries that are free from supply chain disruptions.

Stellantis launched Stellantis Ventures in 2022 as a venture capital fund committed to investing in early and later-stage startup companies developing innovative and sustainable technologies within the automotive and mobility sectors. Stellantis Ventures, powered by an initial €300 million in funding, is a key component of the Company’s Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, which sets out core targets for Stellantis, including deep emission cuts to slash CO2 in half by 2030, benchmarking the 2021 metrics, and achieving carbon net zero by 2038 with single-digit percentage compensation of the remaining emissions.

“We are delighted that Stellantis Ventures, as the venture investment arm of a global automotive innovator, has demonstrated a strong belief in our company and our Lyten 3D Graphene™ decarbonizing supermaterials,” said Dan Cook, president and CEO of Lyten. “Among the automotive product innovations being transformed by Lyten 3D Graphene™ are Lithium-Sulfur batteries with the potential to deliver more than twice the energy density of lithium-ion, payload-improving lightweighted vehicle composites, and new modes of sensing that do not require chips, batteries or wires. We are committed to advancing each of these applications to Stellantis and the automotive market.”

Cook continued: “Unlike two-dimensional forms of graphene, the production of our tunable Lyten 3D Graphene™ has been independently verified to be carbon neutral at scale. We are converting greenhouse gases into a new class of high-performance, high-value carbon materials and are incorporating these tuned materials into applications that will decarbonize the hardest to abate sectors on the planet.”

“Having recently visited Lyten together with our CTO Ned Curic and our head of Stellantis Ventures, Adam Bazih, we walked away impressed by the potential of this technology to help drive clean, safe and affordable mobility,” said Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO.

“Lyten’s materials platform is a key investment for Stellantis Ventures, in line with our Dare Forward 2030 goal to accelerate deployment of innovative, customer-centric technologies. Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery Society and Enterprise 5.0

Specifically, Lyten’s Lithium-Sulfur battery has the potential to be a key ingredient in enabling mass-market EV adoption globally, and their material technology is equally well positioned to help reduce vehicle weight, which is all necessary for our industry to achieve carbon net zero goals.”

With traditional lithium-ion battery materials in critically short supply for EV manufacturing, Lyten’s Lithium-Sulfur battery will offer an alternative, non-nickel-manganese-cobalt cathode solution that supports the global transition to electric vehicles at mass market scale. Lyten’s goal is to provide a secure supply of performance-based and environmentally sustainable products to its customers, while also enabling auto manufacturers to take advantage of growing U.S. and European policy incentives, such as those referenced in the Inflation Reduction Act.

-Society and Enterprise 5.0: The New Paradigm of Japanese Development Model Valuing Human Capital

Introduction: Following the G7 summit in Hiroshima, preparations are underway for the transition to the G7 2024 in Italy. Among the key topics of discussion, in addition to healthcare, the focus is on the world of work and a societal model that represents a new cultural paradigm arising from the current epochal phase of social and economic transition, characterized by a poly-crisis and post-globalization.

The Emergence of Society and Enterprise 5.0: Professor Yuko Harayama, an eminent scholar, has been appointed by the Japanese Prime Minister to define a new economic and social development model, giving rise to the concept of Society and Enterprise 5.0. The previous model, Industry 4.0, originated in Germany and represented the fourth industrial revolution based on the Internet of Things and real-time data communication, enabling the concept of an omnipresent factory in both physical and virtual spaces. However, Industry 4.0, with its focus on enabling technologies, efficiency, and productivity, is now considered outdated. Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery Society and Enterprise 5.0

Understanding Enterprise 5.0: The Japanese Model: In contrast, Enterprise 5.0 represents a paradigm that emphasizes people, the environment, quality of life, and sustainability. It leverages the technologies of Industry 4.0 while shifting the focus to a transformed relationship between humans and robots. This model strives to balance economic development with the resolution of socio-environmental issues, utilizing technology not only for profit but also to enhance the quality of life for every citizen. It aims to improve the quality of life for individuals, respecting their gender, preferences, and all forms of “diversity.”

Application in Agriculture: An example of the application of the Enterprise 5.0 model can be seen in the agricultural sector. In Japan, with its large cities like Tokyo, young people are not inclined to remain in rural areas where agriculture is a dominant activity. Consequently, the average age of the population engaged in agriculture has risen significantly, making the traditional approach unsustainable. To address this challenge, Japan has implemented initiatives and funding as part of the Government Plan for Society 5.0, digitalizing and making agriculture more appealing to young people. They can now manage it as a business using new digital tools such as meteorological data, crop growth data, market conditions, food trends, and dietary requirements, along with the utilization of biotechnologies. These initiatives aim to tackle multiple challenges, ensuring the availability of agricultural products desired by consumers while prioritizing health, the environment, and rejuvenating the primary sector by attracting young people back to rural areas.

Italy vs. Japan: The Challenge of Work and Longevity: Examining Italy through the lens of the European Index on Gender Equality (EIGE), we find that it lags behind in terms of workforce participation. This reinforces the broader findings of the Global Gender Gap Report 2022 published by the World Economic Forum, highlighting the challenges in economic participation and opportunities for women. The true social emergency in Italy pertains to the participation and conditions of women in the labor market. This issue needs to be addressed comprehensively. Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery Society and Enterprise 5.0

The Role of Human Capital and Life Skills: To meet the challenges of the future, it is essential to build an environment that nurtures human capital equipped with essential life skills. These skills include decision-making, problem-solving, creative and critical thinking, anticipation, flexibility, effective communication, relationship-building, self-awareness, emotional management, stress management, and empathy. Transforming the education system and the entrepreneurial ecosystem is crucial to develop the necessary human capital.

Italy’s Progress in Life Skills Education: In Italy, the recent passage of Law 2782/2022, unanimously approved, marks a significant step towards

-Miba Battery Systems and AEHRA, a new premium e-car brand from Italy, have announced a partnership for the development of batteries

The collaboration aims to create a customized battery package for AEHRA’s SUV and sedan models, focusing on optimizing range, efficiency, and weight. The battery technology, provided by Austrian technology group Miba, will enable ultra-fast charging with up to 350 kW and a range of up to 800 kilometers. Sustainability and battery longevity are key focuses of the development project.

One notable feature of AEHRA’s battery solution is bi-directional charging, allowing customers to use the electricity stored in the vehicle’s battery to power their homes when needed. This feature is particularly beneficial for customers with solar energy systems, as the larger battery capacity of AEHRA’s vehicles can provide extended power storage during times when photovoltaic panels may not generate sufficient energy.

AEHRA aims to deliver a unique customer experience by combining Italian design, technology from top engineers, and an American approach to customer service. Their electric vehicles will incorporate a flat EV architecture, innovative powertrain performance, and a design that emphasizes aerodynamics and reduced rolling resistance.

Stefan Gaigg, Managing Director of Miba Battery Systems, expressed excitement about the partnership and the opportunity to develop battery packs for high-performance electric vehicles. Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery Society and Enterprise 5.0

Miba’s battery solutions are developed and produced at their VOLTfactory #01 in Austria, with plans to open additional locations as per demand.

Stefano Mazzetti, Head of Purchasing and Procurement at AEHRA, commended Miba’s flexibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, stating that their high-quality standards align perfectly with AEHRA’s innovative approach. Franco Cimatti, AEHRA’s Chief Engineering Officer, emphasized the focus on providing excellent dynamic performance without oversizing the battery, to avoid unnecessary complexity, inefficiencies, and increased costs.

Through their partnership, Miba Battery Systems and AEHRA aim to deliver super-efficient vehicles in the premium electric vehicle segment while prioritizing sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of the battery system.

-PP pouch containing 60% ocean-bound plastic developed by SABIC and partners to package frozen prawns

SABIC, Estiko Packaging Solutions, and Coldwater Prawns of Norway have worked together to implement a reported 60% ocean-bound plastic waste into a new, ISCC PLUS certified pouch for frozen prawns – aspiring to keep plastics out of the environment and in a circular material stream. Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery Society and Enterprise 5.0

To produce the pouch, Estiko Packaging Solutions has created a multi-layer film from a random polymer grade of SABIC’s PP QRYSTAL copolymer. SABIC converts ocean-bound plastic (OBP) waste into an alternative feedstock for use in advanced recycling, with which it produces certified circular polymers to be returned into the material stream. These polymers form part of its TRUCIRCLE portfolio and services for circular solutions.

The resultant packaging, set to be applied to Coldwater Prawns of Norway’s frozen prawns, is said to offer an OBP content of around 60%. It is mass balance certified under the ISCC PLUS chain of custody, meaning that its material flow is tracked to each pouch.

Estiko Packaging Solutions can then claim an equivalent amount of flexible film as certified circular for every ton of certified circular polymer used in the production of the PP resin. In turn, Coldwater Prawns of Norway can display its sustainability credentials on the packaging for the benefit of consumers.

It is also said that the pouch complies with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal #14 for ‘Life Below Water’ and aligns with the sustainable intent of Coldwater Prawns of Norway’s harvesting practices, in which cold water prawns are caught from the Barents Sea as opposed to farming king prawns. Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery Society and Enterprise 5.0

“Recovering OBP waste that could otherwise end up in our waterways or oceans is a complex challenge and requires close collaboration with dedicated value chain partners,” says Abdullah Al-Otaibi, general manager of Engineering Thermoplastics & Market Solutions for Petrochemicals at SABIC. “We are proud to present yet another successful joint project that demonstrates a feasible solution to contribute to this global issue with a frozen foods packaging pouch that capitalises on the sustainable benefits of our TRUCIRCLE programme.

“With its high OBP content, this application helps all players reduce their carbon footprint and support the circularity of flexible packaging.”

More….

-Starts PEK (polyetherketone) business, an injection-moldable super engineering plastic with ultra-high heat resistance and durability

Polyplastics Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Takashi Miyamoto; hereinafter referred to as Polyplastics) has started SARPEK® PEK (polyetherketone) business from April 2023. Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery Society and Enterprise 5.0

SARPEK® PEK is an engineering plastic in the upper end of the crystalline super engineering plastic portfolio, a resin with the same backbone as PEEK (polyether ether ketone), which has a high crystallization rate and high molding efficiency.It is a newer material with high heat resistance and high strength that can replace metals in harsh environments where crystalline super engineering plastics could not do so in the past. With the start of this business, a total of six grades will be launched, including three non-reinforced, glass-fiber reinforced, and carbon-fiber reinforced grades.Sales outside Japan are scheduled to begin in October 2023.

■ Application Examples

Suitable for springs, gears, screws, and other machine element parts where durability is required.

■Future Developments

We will make proposals according to customer applications, such as needs for replacing metal with resin.We can provide not only pellets but also test specimens such as extruded rods, etc. Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery Society and Enterprise 5.0

SARPEK® is a registered trademark owned by Polyplastics in Japan and other countries.

-Ring Container Technologies Unveils Second Annual Sustainability Report

Ring Container Technologies, a leading producer of plastic containers, has recently unveiled its second annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report titled “Pursuit of Excellence 2022.” The report highlights the company’s notable achievements and advancements in sustainability, underscoring its commitment to responsible business practices.

Throughout the year, Ring Container Technologies made significant progress in its ongoing sustainability initiatives, resulting in substantial reductions in plastic materials, enhanced energy efficiency, and support for customers in reducing food waste. The company’s comprehensive report not only showcases its accomplishments but also reinforces its dedication to minimizing environmental impact while maximizing positive contributions to employees, customers, and communities. Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery Society and Enterprise 5.0

Brian Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer at Ring Container Technologies, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, stating, “Responsible, sustainable practices are at the core of our business. By setting ambitious yet attainable ESG goals, we strive to make meaningful changes while instilling confidence in our stakeholders that we will continue to fulfill our commitments.”

The report highlights Ring’s ESG achievements across three key categories: innovation, environmental stewardship, and employee and community engagement. Additionally, it outlines the company’s plans to meet future sustainability goals by 2027. Noteworthy accomplishments featured in the “Pursuit of Excellence 2022” report include:

1. Recognition: Ring Container Technologies received a 2022 EcoVadis Gold Medal sustainability rating, placing it in the top 5% (98th percentile) of all rated companies. The company also ranked in the top 1% for Overall, Environment, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement scores within the Manufacture of Plastics Products industry.
2. Recycling Compliance: The entire product portfolio of Ring Container Technologies now adheres to the Federal Trade Commission Green Guidelines for recycling, ensuring that 100% of their products meet the necessary standards.
3. Material Reduction: Through the implementation of TRIMLITE technology, the company reduced its PET material usage by over 11 million pounds of resin, making significant strides in reducing environmental impact.
4. Energy Efficiency: Ring achieved a 5% improvement in energy intensity compared to its 2018 baseline. In recognition of this progress, the U.S. Department of Energy honored the company with an Honorable Mention at the 2022 Better Project Awards. Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery Society and Enterprise 5.0

Ring Container Technologies’ second annual sustainability report demonstrates the company’s unwavering dedication to sustainable practices and serves as a testament to its ongoing efforts to make a positive difference in the world.

-PureCycle Technologies Inc.’s flagship polypropylene recycling facility in Ironton, Ohio, is on the verge of commencing commercial pellet production, according to CEO Dustin Olson

The plant, which aims to promote sustainability, prioritizes the well-being of its team members and the local communities. In a press release on May 9, Olson expressed excitement about the safe initiation of commercial operations and the production of ultra-pure recycled (UPR) resin at their state-of-the-art purification facility in Ironton.

PureCycle, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, faced several delays in launching the highly anticipated Ironton plant. The project, expected to generate 80-100 jobs and cost up to $361 million, has overcome these obstacles with the recent arrival of the necessary solvent for the recycling process. The company’s next steps involve converting virgin polypropylene (PP) resin into pellets and incorporating post-industrial and post-consumer PP into the purification process, thereby creating recycled resin pellets for sale and distribution to customers. Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery Society and Enterprise 5.0

To ensure a smooth transition, PureCycle plans to gradually increase plant capacity utilization while simultaneously scaling up feedstock deliveries and customer offtake shipments. Although PP holds promise as a significant market for plastics recycling, the actual recycling rates for this material remain relatively low in the United States, typically in the single digits. PET and high-density polyethylene, by comparison, have recycling rates just under 30 percent.

PureCycle’s Ironton plant, utilizing a solvent-based technology originally developed by Procter & Gamble, can process nearly 110 million pounds of PP annually. This innovative method washes away impurities, colors, and odors, resulting in a resin that resembles virgin material. In addition to these advancements, PureCycle recently secured $62 million in debt financing to strengthen its financial position, including funds for a planned recycling plant in Augusta, Georgia.

Larry Somma, PureCycle’s Chief Financial Officer, emphasized the company’s intention to obtain long-term project financing for the Augusta plant once the Ironton plant is operational. This approach will provide a sustainable and cost-effective source of funding. Site engineering work is progressing in Augusta, and PureCycle has submitted a finance plan to the Development Authority of Augusta for a purification line. The company aims to finalize land rights for the project by June 30 and has begun module preparation for the proposed plant in Beaumont, Texas. Lithium-Sulfur EV Battery Society and Enterprise 5.0

Internationally, PureCycle has initiated site engineering work at the Port of Antwerp in Belgium to commence the permitting process. In South Korea, their joint venture team is making progress on engineering plans, while in Japan, PureCycle is engaged in potential joint venture discussions with Mitsui & Co., an industrial firm. Additionally, they have started the feasibility study process for potential sites in Japan.

In terms of financial performance, PureCycle reported a loss of $25.8 million in the first quarter of 2023, following a loss of $25.4 million during the same period in 2022. The company’s full-year loss for 2022 amounted to nearly $85 million. Despite these figures, PureCycle’s stock price closed at approximately $7.40 per share on May 9, marking a more than 17 percent increase for the year so far.

BICO fibers – solid-state batteries 26-05-2023

-Braskem´s owner Novonor says won’t hold talks with ADNOC, Apollo

Braskem, the largest petrochemical company in Latin America, and owner of an ethylene-polyethylene complex in Mexico, as well as the leading polypropylene producer in North America with five plants in the U.S., has declined a joint offer from the Abu Dhabi state oil company ADNOC and the Apollo fund, according to Reuters

The offer, made in May, was not considered by Braskem’s owners, Novonor, or the top officials from Petrobras, as stated in a letter sent by Braskem’s financial director, Pedro Texeira de Freitas, to the Brazilian stock authorities on May 16, 2023.

The letter, which was written in response to an article published in the Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo titled “Braskem controllers disapprove offer from Arabs,” clarified that the offer of 47 Brazilian reais (approximately $9.40) per share would not result in that amount being paid to shareholders. In reality, shareholders would likely receive only around 20 reais per share. BICO fibers – solid-state batteries

The main shareholders of Braskem, Novonor (formerly Odebrech) with a stake of just over 50%, and Petrobras with 38%, have chosen not to engage in negotiations and sit at the negotiation table due to the perceived insufficiency of the offer. The letter emphasized that Novonor had not received any proposals from potentially interested parties that would significantly advance the discussions being held with banks holding stakes.

Despite Braskem’s management reaching out to Novonor for information regarding any potential sale decision, they received a written response stating the majority owner’s intention to abstain from talks. Plastic recycling – solar Panels

It is worth mentioning that Eni and ADNOC have announced plans to explore collaborative opportunities in various areas, including renewable energy, blue and green hydrogen, carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS), greenhouse gas and methane gas emissions reduction, energy efficiency, routine gas flaring reduction, and the Global Methane Pledge. This cooperation aims to support global energy security and facilitate a sustainable energy transition. Furthermore, both companies will assess potential areas of cooperation to promote sustainable development and foster a culture of sustainability within the energy industry and its stakeholders. BICO fibers – solid-state batteries

-Solarge, in collaboration with chemical company Sabic, has launched a groundbreaking innovation in the form of new lightweight solar panels

These panels not only boast full circularity but also offer a carbon footprint reduction of over 25% compared to traditional panels.

The unveiling of the new panels took place at Solarge’s recently inaugurated production facility in Weert, the Netherlands, on May 22. The event witnessed the presence of industry leaders, including representatives from Sabic and Solarge, as well as esteemed guests like Rob Jetten, the Dutch Minister for Climate & Energy, and Kadri Simson, the European Commissioner for Energy. Lada Kurelec, the General Manager of PP & E4PS at Sabic, emphasized the company’s commitment to collaboration and innovation in support of sustainability and the energy transition. Kurelec expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and its potential in driving sustainability and working towards carbon neutrality.

Sabic played a pivotal role in the development of these low-carbon footprint solar panels in close collaboration with Solarge. Unlike traditional glass panels, the new panels are made from Sabic PP compounds, which offer expanded application possibilities. This feature is especially advantageous for buildings with roofs that cannot bear the weight of numerous glass PV panels. BICO fibers – solid-state batteries

By substituting Sabic’s PP Compounds, the panels achieve a weight reduction of more than 50% in addition to the 25% reduction in carbon footprint. Furthermore, after 25 years of use, the panels can be recycled and reused within the PV production chain, making them an attractive option for commercial and industrial building segments seeking lighter and more energy-efficient alternatives. Plastic recycling – solar Panels

Jan Vesseur, CEO of Solarge, expressed his satisfaction with the new production line, which enables the realization of the most sustainable solar panels on a large scale. Vesseur emphasized the critical role of Sabic’s collaboration in the development of this groundbreaking product and commended their exemplary execution.

The initial concept and patent for these PV panels were developed by Sabic and Solarge. Sabic engineered a range of polypropylene materials to ensure that the lightweight solar panels meet all performance requirements. Subsequently, Sabic collaborated with Solarge in further application development, testing, installation, and supported the industrial scale-up of the product for market entry. BICO fibers – solid-state batteries

The Sabic PP compounds used in these panels will be manufactured at Sabic’s polypropylene compounding site in Genk, Belgium. As a pilot, the company has already installed 50 of these new PV panels on the roof, with a full-scale roof installation of nearly 5,000 panels scheduled for completion in 2023. This significant deployment marks a significant step towards accelerating the energy transition in the most sustainable manner possible. Plastic recycling – solar Panels

-Chevron Phillips Chemical has partnered with Circulate Capital, a financier promoting a circular economy for plastics in emerging nations, to inaugurate a $65 million endeavor aimed at combating plastic pollution in Latin America and the Caribbean, as stated by the corporation

CPChem is among a consortium of investors pledging their support for this initiative, which will initially focus on Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, with plans to expand throughout the region.

The objective is to expand the recycling supply network, tackle climate change, and enhance the economies of the impacted countries, according to the investors.

“We have identified promising prospects throughout Latin America that, if expanded, could reverse the plastic waste predicament in the region,” remarked Rob Kaplan, CEO and founder of Circulate Capital. Plastic recycling – solar Panels

“By implementing the lessons and exemplary practices garnered from our years of work in South and Southeast Asia, we are confident that we can foster scalable solutions in Latin America’s thriving markets to establish a circular approach.

Our corporate partners will also play a pivotal and strategic role in facilitating collaboration between top-tier recyclers and global supply chains.” BICO fibers – solid-state batteries

Alongside CPChem, IDB Lab, Builders Vision, Danone, Dow, Mondelez International, and Unilever are participating in this venture. Plastic recycling – solar Panels

According to the United Nations, the burgeoning economies in Latin America and the Caribbean have outpaced the development of their waste management and recycling infrastructure, presenting an opportunity to fortify the recycling value chain across the region.

-When electric car batteries are either not holding enough charge or have been damaged in an accident, they’re not done with by any means

Currently, only a small number of electric and hybrid vehicles are old enough for to become End of Life Vehicles (ELVs), but the amount of accident-damaged EVs has been growing. Hybrid cars, with their smaller batteries, have also been around much longer.

Firstly, let’s deal with the traditional battery which every car uses to start and which powers its accessories. Usually, the vehicle recycler removes it and passes it to a battery recycler where it’s dismantled into its various parts, such as lead, silver, plastic and acid. The valuable parts can be extracted for re-use, while the lead is melted down, very easily recycled and acid neutralised.

The EV battery is another matter. Each car uses a pack consisting of 2,000-plus individual lithium-ion cells working together in modules. Other valuable elements are nickel, manganese and cobalt. They reach the end of their vehicle life when there is no longer an acceptable charging capacity.

This can be after well over 100,000 miles and eight to ten years, which is usually the warranty period. Volkswagen, for example, guarantees a minimum battery capacity of 70% – regardless of charging behaviour for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Car manufacturers are legally obliged to keep control of how their EV batteries are treated at the end of their life in a car. Under current EU rules, all waste from all types of battery should be collected free of charge for end-users, regardless of their nature, chemical composition, condition, brand or origin.  In the UK battery producers must also pay for waste battery collection, treatment, recycling and disposal.

Ecobat is the world’s largest recycler of batteries with facilities in the UK, mainland Europe and North America. It built its business on recycling the traditional lead-acid batteries and now works with many major manufacturers on processing end of life and second-life EV batteries. It also collects those tubes of tiny used batteries you see in supermarkets.

The volumes of EV batteries are still relatively small. Since opening in 2021, Ecobat’s UK diagnostic and disassembly centre in Darlaston has processed over 5,000 Batteries and performance graded more than 10,000 Modules, but it expects this to steadily grow.

The battery takeaway

Where an EV battery is not re-sold by a dismantler, or if a dealership needs to have one taken away, Ecobat Solutions collects the battery from the vehicle dismantler using specialist boxes loaded onto trucks which protect against ‘thermal runaway’ where a damaged battery can catch fire. They are treated with the same care – if not more – as a tank of petrol. Normally, batteries must be transported at a maximum 30% charge except when they are waste.

Ecobat has dedicated units on-site where high-voltage critical batteries can be stored then examined safely and remotely – called quarantining. Battery modules are examined for faults or damage and can be discharged to safe levels for storage or further transportation. Neatly, this excess energy helps part -power car charging points in front of the building. Each battery is graded for future re-use.

The metal casing, connectors, cables and raw material like steel, aluminium and plastics are taken away for recycling. The cooling system is removed and this leaves the many individual lithium-ion cells which are either cylindrical or multiple flat plates in individual modules. These can be re-built into modules or batteries and re-certified for a new use.

The second life of EV batteries

The most common form of second use is repurposing for an energy storage system in a domestic or industrial setting or a solar farm. A battery that’s done, say 10 years in an EV and is at 70 or 80% state of health can go into an energy storage system as it will no longer being subject to being charged up multiple times and ask to perform under sudden heavy loads. A kind of being put out to pasture.

Many carmakers have set up specific uses for the old batteries from their EVs. In 2011, Nissan’s Leaf was one of the very first mass-produced EVs. In Namie, Japan, a dedicated factory (4R Energy) takes back batteries and grades them.

Sometimes, the battery components are as good as new; they get an ‘A’ grade and can be reused in new high-performance battery units for a new EV. With a ‘B’ grade, the batteries are powerful enough for industrial machinery like forklifts and large stationary energy storage. In a home or commercial building, for example, they can capture surplus electricity generated during the daytime by solar panels and then power the building during the night.

The ‘C’ grade batteries can be used in units that supply backup power when the electric grid fails, say at grocery stores that must have their refrigerators and lights running even during a power outage. The 4R Energy engineers estimate the recovered batteries have a life span of about 10 to 15 years.

In 2022 Jaguar Land Rover partnered with Pramac to develop a portable zero-emission energy storage unit powered by second-life Jaguar I-Pace batteries from prototype and engineering test vehicles. Charged from solar panels, the unit is a self-contained solution that consists of a battery system linked to a bi-directional converter and the associated control management systems.

The top system has a capacity of up to 125kWh – more than enough, JLR claims, to fully charge an EV, or to power a regular family home for a week. The units are available for commercial hire and fitted with Type 2 charging connections.

On a larger scale former EV batteries could be used to power manufacturing plants and streets. Eventually the factories that produce the batteries could be powered using the repurposed batteries.

When an EV battery isn’t viable for being re-used, there is little chance it will be sent to landfill. The cells are put through a first stage recycling process, essentially crushing, sifting and filtration. Once any non-metal material is extracted the remains are called ‘black mass’ but contain lithium, nickel, manganese, cobalt, all valuable metals.

Until now, black mass, in simple terms, ended up in a blast furnace but should be able to be separated in future. For example, in Germany Volkswagen opened its first plant for recycling used electric car batteries in 2021 and it aims to create a closed material cycle that will not only reduce the Volkswagen Group’s primary demand for raw materials in the long term but can also significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the batteries.

More….

Recycling technology – Coca-Cola 25-05-2023

Recycling technology – Coca-Cola  LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

-TotalEnergies and Changsu Industrial to advance BOPLA industry in China

The new BOPLA products are hoped to help China reach its national Made in China 2025 sustainability targets

French company TotalEnergies Corbion has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with biaxial-oriented polyamide film (BOPLA) manufacturer and supplier Xiamen Changsu Industrial. Recycling technology – Coca-Cola  LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

The agreement will see both companies working together for advancing the adoption of biobased BOPLAs.

The companies will focus on product development, market promotion, as well as on the research and development of new BOPLA technologies and applications.

TotalEnergies Corbion CEO Thomas Philipon said: “With increasing needs for sustainable solutions globally, the partnership of Changsu and TotalEnergies Corbion is paving the way for the introduction of more PLA-based innovation to the world.

“It’s a win-win-win for people, industry, and the environment.”

The agreement will further allow Changsu Industrial and TotalEnergies Corbion to introduce sustainable solutions to the Chinese market.

One such sustainable alternative is the BOPLA adhesive tapes which can be developed using Changsu’s BiONLY product. Recycling technology – Coca-Cola  LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

This adhesive material can replace traditional fossil-based material used by the national postal service in China.

The country has already announced new regulations to promote the use of biodegradable materials in its postal service by 2025 with some of its cities working to achieve this by the end of this year.

Once developed, alternatives like BOPLA-based adhesive tapes are also expected to be widely adopted by other Chinese industries in the future, beyond postal services, the companies added. Recycling technology – Coca-Cola  LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

Changsu Industrial vice-president Mou Qingying said: “The bioplastic industry in China has seen tremendous growth with new technological breakthroughs in biobased materials after the country issued its manufacturing sector development plan known as Made in China 2025.

“These innovations will contribute to the worldwide green transformation and help China reach its goal of being carbon-neutral by 2060.”

More…

-Solvay, a leading producer of specialty materials, has recently unveiled an innovative development in the form of KetaSpire KT-857, a cutting-edge polyetheretherketone (PEEK) extrusion compound

This new compound has been specifically designed to revolutionize the insulation of copper magnet wire in electric motors. The driving force behind the creation of this custom-engineered insulation material stems from the automotive industry’s shift towards higher density batteries and electric powertrains operating at 800V or higher. These advancements are aimed at addressing the common concern of range anxiety among consumers. Recycling technology – Coca-Cola  LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

To accommodate the requirements of higher voltage e-motors, thicker magnet insulation, reaching up to 180 microns, is often necessary. Brian Baleno, Head of Marketing, Automotive, at Solvay Materials, explains, “Unlike the traditional method of applying insulation with a single PEEK extrusion layer, the polyimide process involves multiple application passes, which can potentially introduce defects that are magnified with each added layer. Conversely, one of the primary challenges associated with standard PEEK extrusion is achieving adequate adhesion between the insulation and the copper magnet wire. Our KetaSpire PEEK KT-857 technology effectively eliminates both of these constraints.”

Beyond the pursuit of enhanced adhesion through a faster and more cost-efficient monolayer process, Solvay’s novel magnet wire PEEK insulation material also strives to deliver significant sustainability benefits. The extrusion of a single insulation layer requires less energy, and Solvay claims that, unlike the enamel process, it does not involve the use of any volatile organic compounds. Additionally, KetaSpire KT-857 PEEK ensures a more uniform insulation layer, further enhancing its performance and reliability.

KetaSpire KT-857 complements Solvay’s extensive portfolio of dedicated e-motor solutions. This portfolio includes Ajedium PEEK film and Xydar LCP for slot liners, Amodel PPA and Ryton PPS resins for high-voltage connectors, connection rings, and busbars, as well as Xencor long fibre thermoplastics for slot wedges.

Together, these comprehensive solutions cater to the diverse needs of the evolving electric vehicle industry, positioning Solvay as a leader in providing innovative materials for this growing market segment. Recycling technology – Coca-Cola  LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

-CCEP Ventures, the investment arm of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), has exciting news to share as it announces its second investment in the recycling start-up CuRe Technology, based in Emmen, Netherlands

As the world’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler, CCEP is committed to eliminating the use of virgin oil-based plastic in its bottles, and it is actively exploring various avenues to achieve this ambitious goal. One technology that has shown great promise is CuRe Technology’s innovative approach. LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

In 2020, CCEP made its initial investment in CuRe Technology, recognizing the potential of their proprietary ‘polyester rejuvenation’ technology. This investment aimed to accelerate the development of CuRe Technology’s groundbreaking solution by providing support for their research and development roadmap, as well as their pilot plant. Now, CCEP Ventures is doubling down on its commitment by making a further investment.

CuRe Technology was born out of the collaboration between a consortium of recycling innovators and experts, led by the Morssinkhof Group and the Cumapol/DuFor Group. Strategic partners in this venture include Niaga and NHL Stenden University of Applied Science. Recycling technology – Coca-Cola   

Through their collective expertise, CuRe Technology has developed a partial depolymerization process that focuses on shortening the polymer chains just enough to remove impurities. This approach appears to be less energy-intensive compared to full depolymerization.

Remarkably, CuRe Technology’s recycling process produces high-quality recycled PET (rPET) with a carbon footprint approximately 65% lower than that of virgin PET, as determined by CuRe’s comprehensive life cycle assessment.

Initially, CuRe Technologies applied this innovative technology to transform opaque and traditionally challenging-to-recycle food-grade PET into high-quality rPET suitable for food and beverage packaging applications. The process takes place in a continuous manner on a single site, streamlining operations and maximizing efficiency.

With CCEP’s latest investment, CuRe Technology will be able to transition from the pilot plant phase to full commercial readiness. The plans include the establishment of a new plant, scheduled to commence production in 2025. This significant milestone will enable CuRe Technology to scale up its operations and meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Recycling technology – Coca-Cola

Additionally, CCEP will gain access to CuRe Technology’s rPET, ensuring a reliable supply for its bottles across Europe. This strategic partnership will empower CCEP to fulfill its commitment of achieving 100% rPET usage in PET bottles, furthering its sustainability goals and contributing to the circular economy. LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

By investing in CuRe Technology and supporting its innovative recycling process, CCEP Ventures reaffirms its dedication to driving positive change within the beverage industry. Together, they are forging a path toward a more sustainable future, where plastic waste is minimized, and valuable resources are preserved through advanced recycling technologies.

-Expanding upon the topic of giving new life to hard-to-recycle plastics, our company is at the forefront of innovation with our revolutionary MoReTec molecular recycling technology

Plastic packaging plays a crucial role in our daily lives, providing essential preservation and safety measures for a wide range of products. From snacks and bakery items requiring specialized barriers to maintain freshness, to packaging for frozen microwaveable vegetables that must withstand extreme temperatures, and even plastic bottles containing household cleaning products that need to prevent leaks and ensure child safety – the design and functionality of these plastics present unique challenges for recycling.

Traditional recycling methods, such as mechanical recycling, have their limitations when it comes to complex plastics. LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

Mechanical recycling involves shredding, cleaning, melting, and pelletizing the waste without significantly altering the chemical structure.

While the resulting plastic resins find applications in various industrial and consumer products, they are often unsuitable for critical uses like food packaging and medical supplies. Recycling technology – Coca-Cola

Enter molecular recycling, an advanced technique that employs a process called pyrolysis to break down plastic waste into its individual component molecules. Unlike mechanical recycling, which merely cuts plastics into smaller pieces, molecular recycling transforms them into valuable feedstock for manufacturing. This method produces new plastic resins that can be utilized across all applications, including food packaging and medical supplies. Furthermore, molecular recycling holds the potential to reduce the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels by repurposing a larger quantity of plastics into new materials.

At our company, we are developing an innovative molecular recycling technology called MoReTec. This proprietary technology utilizes a catalyst within the pyrolysis process to enhance the breakdown of plastic waste. Our team is confident that MoReTec possesses significant potential due to its lower energy consumption and highly efficient chemical conversion process, enabling us to scale up operations for commercial use. Our collaboration with Germany’s renowned Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has already demonstrated the efficacy of the MoReTec technology at the laboratory scale, reinforcing our confidence in its capabilities. Recycling technology – Coca-Cola

In 2019, we embarked on an extensive screening process to identify potential catalyst systems and conducted tests on various plastic waste streams. Building upon our findings, we took a significant step forward in July 2020 when we commissioned a small-scale pilot plant at our facility in Ferrara, Italy. LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

The purpose of this pilot plant is to develop and optimize the process conditions required to make MoReTec technology scalable for a semi-industrial proof-of-concept plant by 2021.

Through our relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainable solutions, we aim to revolutionize the recycling landscape by breathing new life into hard-to-recycle plastics. The MoReTec molecular recycling technology holds the promise of transforming plastic waste into valuable resources, paving the way for a more circular and environmentally conscious future.

-Ford Motor Co CEO Jim Farley presented an ambitious roadmap for the future of the company during Monday’s investor day

The strategy focuses on cost reduction, improved product quality, and a shift towards software, services, and innovative vehicle offerings.

One key aspect of Ford’s plan is to reduce its emphasis on highly competitive market segments, such as small SUVs, and instead prioritize software, services, and vehicles that have shown strong demand.  LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

This includes a renewed focus on pickup trucks, large SUVs, commercial vehicles, and high-end electric vehicles, particularly the second generation of electric models.

The Washington Post reported on Ford’s intention to capitalize on these areas.

In addition, Ford aims to streamline its vehicle manufacturing processes by reducing the number of parts used. Recycling technology – Coca-Cola

This strategic move will not only lead to cost savings but also help decrease warranty and recall expenses, boosting overall profitability.

Ford has set an ambitious target of achieving a 10% pre-tax profit margin by 2026. The company also reaffirmed its earlier guidance of $9-11 billion in pre-tax profit for 2023. Farley emphasized a shift in focus from competing for small market shares to providing personalized ownership experiences.

He even suggested the possibility of non-negotiable pricing for Ford vehicles, highlighting the company’s commitment to offering unique and tailored customer experiences.

To support its electric vehicle division, Ford announced a series of partnerships to secure a steady supply of lithium products.  LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

Reuters reported that these deals involve Albemarle Corporation , Nemaska Lithium, Compass Minerals International, Inc , and EnergySource Minerals. Through these partnerships, Ford aims to make its electric vehicles more competitive and ensure eligibility for new federal tax credits. Recycling technology – Coca-Cola

Ford has set an ambitious target of producing two million electric vehicles by 2026, a significant increase from the expected 600,000 units by 2023.

Furthermore, Ford confirmed its plans to split into three distinct units: Ford Blue, Ford Model E (focusing on electric vehicles and digital products), and Ford Pro (dedicated to the commercial vehicle business).

Each unit is expected to contribute to the company’s overall profitability. Although the Model E unit may report a loss this year, it is anticipated to be offset by profits from the traditional Blue and Pro fleet businesses.  LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

This strategic division will allow Ford to effectively address the evolving needs of different market segments while driving innovation and profitability. Recycling technology – Coca-Cola

-Indian Oil Corp., the leading refiner in India, has announced its plans to embrace sustainable practices in its petrochemical operations

In an effort to decarbonize its petrochemical feedstocks, the company aims to introduce bio-naphtha into its cracking process. Chairman Shrikant Madhav Vaidya emphasized the importance of transitioning to bio-based feedstocks like bio-naphtha and bio-ethanol to achieve long-term sustainability in the petrochemical industry. Although no specific timeline was provided, Indian Oil Corp. is actively exploring the utilization of bio-naphtha and bio-ethanol as alternatives.   LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

Bio-naphtha, a renewable fuel, is typically derived from the hydro-treatment of used vegetable and cooking oils. Indian Oil Corp. is currently conducting research and development on bio-naphtha at its facility in Faridabad, located in northern India. A. S. Sahney, the executive director of petrochemicals, mentioned that while the company is considering the pathway of using used cooking oil, their primary focus is to obtain bio-naphtha through the conversion of bio-ethanol.

This approach highlights their commitment to developing innovative and sustainable solutions for the petrochemical industry. Recycling technology – Coca-Cola

The move towards bio-naphtha aligns with Indian Oil Corp.’s broader objective of reducing carbon emissions and promoting a greener future. By adopting bio-based feedstocks, the company aims to minimize its reliance on traditional fossil fuels and contribute to a more environmentally friendly petrochemical sector. With ongoing research and development efforts, Indian Oil Corp. is actively working towards integrating bio-naphtha into its operations, thus furthering its commitment to sustainable practices.

-Here is the new Tesla Model Y, equipped with the powerful Blade battery supplied by BYD

This exceptional vehicle was manufactured in Berlin’s renowned Gigafactory and uses LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry for its battery. With a capacity of 55 kWh, Model Y promises an impressive range of 440 km, offering an ideal solution for electric car enthusiasts. LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

This long-awaited collaboration between Tesla and BYD has finally taken shape, although both companies have kept their official deal a secret. This is understandable, considering they are two of the main competitors in the electric car market, with a significant presence and constant competition for the top spot in global sales.

However, there is now no doubt that this Model Y has been equipped with BYD’s renowned Blade battery. Recycling technology – Coca-Cola

The Blade battery, supplied by FinDreams, a subsidiary of BYD specializing in the production of batteries, has a unique feature: the cell-to-pack architecture. This means that there are no intermediate modules inside the battery, which leads to an increase in its energy density. The Blade battery has undergone rigorous evaluation tests and demonstrated excellent performance. In the Tesla Model Y, with a capacity of 55 kWh, it is able to recharge from 11% to 71% in just 15 minutes, thanks to a maximum charging power of 170 kW.  LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

Interestingly, the Chinese-sourced Blade battery was introduced at Gigafactory Berlin about a month ago. According to German media, it entered production lines on May 4, and about 15 days later, on May 20, the first Model Y with this new battery was completed. At the moment, the vehicle is still in the prototype stage and not yet officially in production. However, in the future it could be available on the market as an entry-level model, offering a range of 440 km. That’s a noteworthy figure, especially when compared to the entry-level Chinese-made Model Y, which features a CATL battery with a capacity of 60 kWh and a range of 455 km. Recycling technology – Coca-Cola

In conclusion, the Tesla Model Y equipped with BYD’s Blade battery represents a significant step forward in the electric car sector. The combination of Tesla’s outstanding performance with BYD’s renowned battery technology promises an exceptional driving experience and adequate range to meet the needs of modern drivers.

With further developments and eventual market introduction, this new collaboration could pave the way for further innovations and advancements in the electrification of transportation. LFP battery – EV-cars Ford

Sustainable Packaging – automotive 24-05-2023

Sustainable Packaging – automotive    Chemical recycling platic waste

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

-Plastic and automotive

The amount of plastic used in a car can vary depending on the make, model, and specific components of the vehicle. However, it’s worth noting that cars contain various types of plastics in different areas, including both visible and hidden parts.

Plastics are commonly used in car interiors for components such as the dashboard, door panels, center console, seats, and trim. They are also used in exterior parts like bumpers, grilles, mirrors, and body panels. Additionally, there are plastic components in the engine compartment, including parts of the cooling system, intake manifold, and various connectors.

While it is challenging to provide an exact quantity of plastic used in a car, estimates suggest that modern cars can contain anywhere between 300 to 900 pounds (136 to 408 kilograms) of plastic. This includes both thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics used in different applications throughout the vehicle. Sustainable Packaging – automotive

It’s worth noting that there is a growing emphasis on reducing plastic use in the automotive industry due to environmental concerns.

Car manufacturers are increasingly exploring alternatives and incorporating more sustainable materials into their designs. Chemical recycling platic waste

Polyamide 6 and polyamide 66 for automotive

Polyamide 6 (PA6) and polyamide 66 (PA66) are two commonly used types of polyamides in the automotive industry. They are thermoplastic materials known for their excellent mechanical properties, heat resistance, and chemical resistance, which make them suitable for various automotive applications.

Polyamide 6 (PA6): PA6 is a versatile and widely used engineering plastic. It offers good strength, toughness, and impact resistance, making it suitable for various automotive components. Some common applications of PA6 in the automotive industry include:

1. Engine Components: PA6 is used for manufacturing engine covers, intake manifolds, oil pans, and other under-the-hood components. Its resistance to high temperatures and chemicals makes it ideal for these applications.
2. Fuel System Components: PA6 is used for fuel rails, fuel filter housings, and fuel tank components due to its excellent chemical resistance to fuels and solvents.
3. Electrical Components: PA6 is used for connectors, sensors, cable sheathing, and other electrical components in automotive wiring systems. It provides good electrical insulation properties. Sustainable Packaging – automotive
4. Interior Parts: PA6 is used for manufacturing various interior components such as door handles, seat frames, dashboard parts, and trim pieces. Its mechanical properties and resistance to wear and abrasion make it suitable for these applications. Chemical recycling platic waste

Polyamide 66 (PA66): PA66 is another popular polyamide used in the automotive industry. It offers improved mechanical properties compared to PA6, including higher tensile strength and stiffness. Some common applications of PA66 in automotive include:

1. Under-the-Hood Components: PA66 is commonly used for manufacturing radiator end tanks, air intake manifolds, and other components that require high strength, rigidity, and resistance to high temperatures.
2. Cooling System Components: PA66 is used for manufacturing coolant pipes, water pumps, and other parts in the automotive cooling system. Its resistance to heat and chemicals is essential in these applications.
3. Exterior Components: PA66 is used for exterior parts like mirror housings, wheel covers, and grille components due to its combination of mechanical properties, weather resistance, and dimensional stability.
4. Structural Components: PA66 is also used in the production of structural components, such as brackets, clips, and supports, where its high strength and stiffness are required. Sustainable Packaging – automotive

Both PA6 and PA66 offer advantages in terms of mechanical properties, heat resistance, and chemical resistance, but PA66 generally provides higher performance due to its superior strength and stiffness. The specific choice between PA6 and PA66 depends on the specific requirements of the automotive application, considering factors such as load-bearing capacity, operating conditions, and cost. Chemical recycling platic waste

PET and PBT resin in automotive

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) resins are commonly used in the automotive industry for various applications due to their excellent mechanical and thermal properties.

PET Resin: PET is a strong and lightweight thermoplastic polymer that offers high strength, good dimensional stability, and excellent resistance to impact and abrasion. It is widely used in the automotive industry for applications such as:

1. Engine Components: PET resins can be found in engine components such as connectors, housings, and sensors due to their ability to withstand high temperatures and exposure to chemicals.
2. Electrical Systems: PET is used for electrical connectors, switches, and wiring harnesses due to its excellent electrical insulation properties and resistance to heat. Chemical recycling platic waste
3. Interior Components: PET resins are used in interior applications such as instrument panels, door panels, and trim components due to their aesthetic appeal, scratch resistance, and durability.
4. Fluid Handling Systems: PET resins are used in fuel systems, coolant systems, and other fluid handling applications due to their excellent chemical resistance and low moisture absorption. Sustainable Packaging – automotive

PBT Resin: PBT is a thermoplastic polyester that offers high strength, good dimensional stability, and excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and weathering. In the automotive industry, PBT resins are commonly used for the following applications:

1. Electrical Systems: PBT is extensively used for electrical connectors, relays, switches, and sockets due to its excellent electrical properties, flame resistance, and dimensional stability.
2. Exterior Components: PBT resins are used in exterior applications such as grille assemblies, mirror housings, and bumper components due to their impact resistance, UV stability, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
3. Lighting Systems: PBT is commonly used for lamp sockets, bulb holders, and lighting components in automotive lighting systems due to its high heat resistance and dimensional stability. Chemical recycling platic waste
4. Under-the-Hood Components: PBT resins find applications in under-the-hood components such as cooling fans, engine covers, and intake manifolds due to their resistance to heat, chemicals, and dimensional stability.

Both PET and PBT resins are preferred in automotive applications due to their mechanical properties, chemical resistance, dimensional stability, and ease of processing. They contribute to lightweighting vehicles, improving fuel efficiency, and providing durable and reliable components. Sustainable Packaging – automotive

Bioplastic in automotive

Bioplastics are a type of plastic derived from renewable sources, such as plants, rather than fossil fuels. They have gained attention in various industries, including the automotive sector, as a potential alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Here are some ways bioplastics are being used in the automotive industry:

1. Interior Components: Bioplastics can be used to manufacture interior components such as dashboards, door panels, and trim pieces. These components can be made from biodegradable or bio-based materials, reducing the environmental impact compared to conventional plastics.
2. Seat Cushions: Bioplastics can be used to produce foam materials for seat cushions, providing a more sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based foams. These bio-based foams can offer similar performance and comfort while reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. Chemical recycling platic waste
3. Exterior Parts: Certain bioplastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA), can be utilized to create exterior parts like body panels, bumpers, and spoilers. PLA-based bioplastics are lightweight and have good impact resistance, making them suitable for automotive applications.
4. Packaging and Components: Bioplastics can also be used in automotive packaging materials and smaller components. For example, they can be employed in packaging for spare parts or as protective covers for delicate components during transportation. Sustainable Packaging – automotive
5. Electrical Components: Some bioplastics exhibit good electrical insulating properties, making them suitable for use in wiring harnesses and other electrical components. Bioplastics can replace conventional plastic insulators, reducing the environmental impact of the automotive electrical systems.

It’s worth noting that while bioplastics offer certain environmental advantages over conventional plastics, there are still challenges to overcome. For instance, ensuring the scalability of bioplastic production, addressing the cost considerations, and addressing the end-of-life management of bioplastics to ensure proper disposal or recycling. Nonetheless, the automotive industry is exploring and adopting bioplastics as part of its sustainability efforts and the drive towards more eco-friendly materials. Chemical recycling platic waste

Recycled plastic in automotive

Recycled plastic is increasingly being used in the automotive industry for various applications. Here are some common uses of recycled plastic in automotive:

1. Interior components: Recycled plastic is utilized in the manufacturing of various interior components such as door panels, dashboard trim, seat cushions, and carpeting. These components can be made from recycled plastic materials, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP), which help reduce the overall weight of the vehicle and enhance fuel efficiency.
2. Exterior parts: Recycled plastics can be found in exterior parts like bumpers, fenders, wheel arch liners, and underbody panels. These components often incorporate recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or thermoplastic olefin (TPO) materials, which provide durability, impact resistance, and improved resistance to weathering. Sustainable Packaging – automotive
3. Wiring harnesses: Wiring harnesses, which consist of numerous wires and connectors that transmit electrical signals throughout the vehicle, can incorporate recycled plastics. For instance, some wire insulation and cable sheathing can be made from recycled materials, such as recycled PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or polyethylene.
4. Battery casings: In electric vehicles (EVs), the casings for battery packs can be manufactured using recycled plastic materials. These casings often require materials with high strength, heat resistance, and electrical insulation properties, making recycled plastics a viable option. Chemical recycling platic waste
5. Filaments for 3D printing: The automotive industry also employs 3D printing for rapid prototyping and manufacturing of components. Recycled plastic filaments, such as polylactic acid (PLA) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) made from recycled sources, can be used in 3D printers to create custom parts, tooling, and fixtures.

The integration of recycled plastics in the automotive industry helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and lower the carbon footprint of vehicle production. However, it’s important to note that the specific applications and extent of recycled plastic usage may vary among manufacturers and regions, as sustainability initiatives and regulations continue to evolve. Sustainable Packaging – automotive

-The issue of recycling polypropylene (PP) poses several challenges due to the long polymer chains present in the material

When PP is derived from mechanical pre-sorting of various material streams, the resulting melt flow index is often too low for further processing through injection molding or extrusion. To address this problem, the use of peroxide can be beneficial as it shortens the long polymer chains, thereby increasing the melt flow index.

However, working with peroxide comes with its own set of considerations. Peroxide is a flammable, highly reactive, and sometimes explosive chemical, requiring strict adherence to safety regulations during transport and handling. Special protective equipment and dosing technology are necessary for safe handling, and peroxides have limited shelf life even under proper storage conditions. To overcome these challenges, Polyvel Europe, a compounder based in Jork, Germany, has developed the P-Series range of peroxide masterbatches specifically designed to enhance the flow properties of recycled polypropylene. Sustainable Packaging – automotive

Polyvel’s peroxide masterbatches are formulated with additive concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 20% peroxide. They are available in granulate form, which ensures safe handling and facilitates easy dosing. Moreover, these masterbatches have a shelf life of over five years since the peroxide is encapsulated within a polymeric carrier material, preventing volatilization until the time of processing. Chemical recycling platic waste

By incorporating peroxide masterbatches into the recycled polypropylene, the viscosity can be modified in a targeted manner, leading to an increase in the melt flow index. This modification enables the successful processing of recycled polypropylene through injection molding. Furthermore, the peroxide masterbatch can be directly dosed during the injection molding process to further improve the material’s flowability. This enhancement is particularly advantageous when producing thin-walled components with long flow paths, ensuring greater process reliability.

The increased flowability of the polypropylene also allows for lower processing temperatures, resulting in shorter cooling times. This reduction in overall cycle time improves productivity and ultimately lowers production costs. Moreover, the precise and cost-effective adjustment of polypropylene’s melt flow index through the use of masterbatches ensures consistent and reproducible results.

This capability enables the processing of recyclates as a higher-quality starting material, reducing the reliance on primary raw materials in the production of plastic components and products. Sustainable Packaging – automotive

Additionally, the masterbatch granules facilitate the homogeneous distribution of the additive within the polypropylene during compounding. This uniform distribution ensures that the peroxide’s effects are evenly dispersed, leading to reliable and predictable outcomes. Chemical recycling platic waste

With varying peroxide contents available, both small and large melt flow index adjustments can be precisely tailored to meet specific requirements.

While peroxide increases the melt flow index in polypropylene, it has the opposite effect on polyethylene (PE), causing the viscosity to rise. This characteristic offers advantages in recycled film extrusion and blow molding processes where increased viscosity can be beneficial.

In summary, the utilization of peroxide masterbatches in the recycling of polypropylene presents a solution to the challenges posed by long polymer chains. By enhancing the melt flow index, these masterbatches enable the successful processing of recycled polypropylene, resulting in improved productivity, cost savings, and the conservation of primary raw materials. The development of granulated masterbatches ensures safe handling, precise dosing, and uniform distribution, guaranteeing reliable and reproducible outcomes. Chemical recycling platic waste

Furthermore, the versatility of peroxides extends beyond polypropylene, as they can also be advantageous in polyethylene-based processes such as film extrusion and blow molding. Sustainable Packaging – automotive

-Traditional Production crude oil Versus shale oil 

The cost of traditional production crude oil and shale oil can vary based on several factors. Here are some key points to consider when comparing their costs:

1. Extraction Process: Traditional production crude oil is typically extracted from conventional oil reservoirs through drilling wells. Shale oil, on the other hand, is extracted through hydraulic fracturing (fracking) of shale rock formations. Fracking requires advanced technology and additional infrastructure, which can contribute to higher costs compared to conventional drilling.
2. Reservoir Characteristics: Traditional oil reservoirs are often easier to access and have higher permeability, allowing oil to flow more freely. Shale oil reservoirs, however, have lower permeability and require fracking to extract oil from the tight rock formations. The complexity of accessing and extracting oil from shale formations can add to the cost. Sustainable Packaging – automotive
3. Production Scale: Traditional oil fields are often large and well-established, allowing for economies of scale in production. Shale oil operations, on the other hand, tend to be smaller and require more frequent drilling of wells to maintain production levels. This can increase costs as additional wells need to be drilled and maintained. Chemical recycling platic waste
4. Environmental Considerations: Shale oil extraction, particularly hydraulic fracturing, requires significant amounts of water, chemicals, and energy. Implementing proper environmental safeguards and managing waste can add to the overall cost of shale oil production. Traditional oil production also has its own environmental challenges, such as the potential for spills or leaks during drilling and transportation.
5. Market Conditions: The cost of both traditional and shale oil production is influenced by market conditions, including oil prices, supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and regulatory policies. Fluctuations in oil prices can impact the profitability and viability of both types of production.

It is important to note that the cost of crude oil production can vary widely depending on specific circumstances, such as the location of the operation, technological advancements, efficiency of operations, and access to infrastructure.  Chemical recycling platic waste

Therefore, providing precise cost comparisons between traditional and shale oil production is challenging without considering specific case studies or data from a particular time period. Sustainable Packaging – automotive

-Shinshu University develops degradation‐free polymer closed loop recycling method: Decomposes into original fine particles when soaked in a solvent

Among the various polymer materials used in daily life, only plastic bottles have achieved closed‐loop recycling and are reused without degradation. The production of polymers continues to increase, and predictions indicate that by 2050, the amount of waste derived from polymers will increase by over threefold compared with the current levels. A research group led by Associate Professor Daisuke Suzuki of the School of Science and Technology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology at Shinshu University, has developed a material recycling method for polymer particles. By simply soaking the used polymer materials in a solvent, they can be broken down into their original fine particles and reused, resulting in low energy consumption and no degradation. Chemical recycling platic waste

Suzuki said, “We have demonstrated the concept with polymethyl methacrylate, but similar recycling is possible with any polymer composed of fine particles.

Statistics show that one‐fifth of the polymers produced in Japan are composed of microparticles. We are currently conducting joint research with the paint and tire industries, and this research was conducted in cooperation with SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. Sustainable Packaging – automotive

We hope to use this method as a design guideline when creating new materials for the next generation.” The result has been published in the journal Green Chemistry.

Polymer microparticles ranging in size from tens to hundreds of nanometers are used in cosmetics, paints, paper processing and other applications. By simply drying a dispersion containing these tiny microparticles, the microparticles can fuse together to form a particulate film. For this reason, they are used in adhesives and paints; however, this has poor strength. Chemical recycling platic waste

Therefore, various chemical reactions can be induced at the fine particle interface using plasticizers, etc., to firmly bind the microparticles and strengthen them. However, once they are formed, the chemical bonds are difficult to break once again, often requiring special chemical reagents and harsh conditions such as high pressure and temperature. In addition, once the interfaces are forcibly broken in this way, recovering the material in a reusable state is challenging. Even if the material could be recovered, its quality would be degraded; therefore, the reuse of fine‐particle films while maintaining their high quality is considered difficult. Sustainable Packaging – automotive

The newly developed method enables recycling by maintaining decomposition at the particulate level instead of the monomer level, as in the conventional method. Specifically, by simply placing the polymer film, or other material to be recycled, in a solvent containing a mixture of ethanol and water in a certain ratio, it can be degraded to the particulate level within 24 hours. The fine particles can be recycled by removing them from the mixture. The yield exceeds 99%, and the film produced after recycling performs at par with that before recycling. Chemical recycling platic waste

More….

-Turkiye’s growth forecast for 2023 has been downgraded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) from 3 percent to 2.5 percent

This revision comes as a result of several factors, including the effects of the earthquakes that occurred in February and the anticipated credit tightening due to the country’s external imbalances later in the year. The EBRD’s Regional Economic Prospects report, which also slightly lowered the overall 2023 output for the EBRD regions by 0.1 percent, provides detailed information about this adjustment. Chemical recycling platic waste

According to the EBRD, the impact of the earthquakes on Turkiye’s economic outlook is expected to be relatively limited, with a negative output shock of less than 1 percent for the year. However, the total cost of the natural disasters is estimated to exceed $100 billion, imposing a significant burden on the country’s reconstruction efforts.

In addition to the earthquake-related challenges, Turkiye faces ongoing economic vulnerabilities. Sustainable Packaging – automotive

The current account deficit continues to grow, and there is increasing short-term external debt, low foreign-exchange reserves, and pressure on the Turkish lira. These factors contribute to the overall weaknesses in the economy.

Although Turkiye experienced a strong start to 2023, driven by robust household and government spending, uncertainties surrounding the post-election economic policies could have a substantial impact on the country’s growth trajectory. The EBRD highlights the importance of addressing these uncertainties to ensure a more stable economic environment.

Looking ahead, the EBRD predicts that the reconstruction efforts following the earthquakes will contribute to economic growth in 2024, with a projected expansion of 3 percent. The bank acknowledges the potential positive impact of these efforts on Turkiye’s economy in the coming year. Chemical recycling platic waste

It is worth noting that the EBRD has been a significant investor in the Turkish economy, particularly in the private sector, with total investments exceeding €17.3 billion. These investments reflect the bank’s commitment to supporting economic development and stability in Turkiye. Sustainable Packaging – automotive

ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam 23-05-2023

ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

-Fakuma showcases Polymers for the Future

Booth spaces are rapidly filling up in the exhibition halls in Friedrichshafen for the 28th Fakuma global trade fair for plastics processing. All participating parties are eagerly anticipating fresh inspiration from the world’s leading trade fair for the injection molding industry. Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

Fakuma is internationally recognized as a premier trade fair in the domain of injection molding. It serves as the industry and technology gauge for extrusion technology, thermoforming, and 3D printing. This year’s event will once again emphasize digitalization, process automation, and energy efficiency. “Especially for our sectors, circular economy and sustainability go beyond mere buzzwords,” remarks Annemarie Schur, Fakuma project manager at trade fair organizers P. E. Schall. “It has become evident that manufacturers and users are dedicated to making plastics production and processing as environmentally sustainable as possible. ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam

Companies are focusing on high-quality, long-lasting advanced solutions that find indispensable use in various industries such as solar modules, electric mobility, construction, technical components, consumer goods, and furnishings. None of these sectors can function without plastics,” emphasizes the project manager

. “Fakuma will once again demonstrate the integration of the highly intricate subject of plastics into climate protection and circular economy, showcasing its forward-thinking approach in a truly exceptional manner.”

Energy efficiency, sustainability, recyclable design, and AI-driven solutions will receive extensive attention at the trade fair. Another significant objective of Fakuma revolves around showcasing plastics processing in the intelligently interconnected factory of tomorrow. Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

“The event stands out for its practical relevance,” highlights Nicolai Küls, managing director of technotrans solutions GmbH. “Technological trends and their application in mass production are frequently showcased at Fakuma. This is a crucial factor for an innovative, application-oriented company like technotrans.

In our view, practical relevance, focus, and continuity are key ingredients for future success.” ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam

“As pivotal megatrends, climate protection and society’s increasing environmental awareness, along with ever-evolving legal requirements such as the use of eco-friendlier refrigerants for process cooling and the rise of e-mobility, will ensure that energy efficiency remains a driving force in future product development,” asserts Nicolai Küls. “Moreover, intelligent collaboration among machines, tools, and peripheral technology, particularly in the realm of thermal process management, still holds immense potential for cost savings.”

Forward-thinking solutions: processes, products, and business models

Numerous sustainable solutions and products would simply be unattainable without plastics. The importance of plastics, their significance for everyday life, and future demands will take center stage at Fakuma. Consequently, the trade fair serves as an ideal platform for unveiling new products and technological solutions, as well as for expert discussions on present and future challenges. Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

Advanced machinery, optimized processes, novel products, and future-oriented business models will also receive special attention. ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam

-Maire Tecnimont wins deal to design PP plant in Vietnam

Vietnam’s Stavian Quang Yen Petrochemical JSC said it had awarded a contract to design a USD1.5-B polypropylene plant in the country to Italian engineering group Maire Tecnimont, said Hydrocarbonprocessing.

The 10-month Front End Engineering Design contract signed on the same day in Hanoi was for the development of the plant to be built in the northern province of Quang Ninh, Stavian said in a statement. Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

Stavian said earlier the plant would start commercial operations from the fourth quarter of 2026 and would produce 600,000 tons of polypropylene annually to supply manufacturers of home appliances, automobiles, electronics and medical equipment.

Vietnam’s demand for plastic raw materials, estimated at eight million tons last year, is forecast to increase 6.6% a year from now through 2025, Stavian chairman Dinh Duc Thang said.

“Domestic supply is limited, leaving significant room for development,” Thang said in the statement. ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam

We remind, Maire Tecnimont S.p.A. (Milan, Italy) announced that its Sustainable Technology Solutions subsidiary NextChem has been awarded a new contract by Storengy to carry out a further advanced basic engineering study for the gasification of the waste wood and the purification system of the syngas to produce biomethane.

-Smartex reveals new knitted fabric-roll level traceability tool Smartex, the producer of systems that identify fabric imperfections on circular knitting machines, introduces a novel tool for tracking fabric-roll levels

Scheduled for debut at the upcoming ITMA Milan exhibition, the Smartex Loop system represents a significant advancement in the company’s pursuit of state-of-the-art instruments to enhance fabric quality for knitting mills.

Expanding on the success of Smartex Core, the AI-enabled automated quality control solution, Smartex Loop allows suppliers to leverage data collection at the fabric-roll level and upgrade communication within the supply chain. This directly addresses the fashion industry’s demand for improved supply chain data, ushering in an era of transparency and collaboration. ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam

“Smartex Loop future-proofs businesses by establishing a foundation for enhanced data collection and communication, enabling them to meet the growing need for transparency and accountability in the textile sector while enhancing operational efficiency,” explained Gilberto Loureiro, CEO of Smartex. “With Smartex Loop, users can swiftly scan the Loop Passport of any fabric roll—or review all their rolls on the Smartex Platform via their computer or mobile device—and gain instant access to a wealth of information about the production history and quality of that fabric roll.” Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

The traceability tool equips fabric manufacturers with the means to elevate product value, boost productivity, and stay ahead of the ever-changing industry landscape, according to Smartex. Specifically, the system enables mills to identify issues with fabric rolls, pinpointing the exact machine, worker, or yarn supplier involved. This visibility enhances quality alignment and transparency between knitting facilities and dye house partners, fostering trust, reducing waste, and minimizing delays.

Moreover, in cases of supply chain disputes, Smartex Loop offers undeniable evidence of product quality through a digital roll map, effectively avoiding time-consuming and expensive litigation with upstream and downstream customers.

Interestingly, the advantages of Smartex Loop go beyond quality control. It also provides crucial evidence for reducing waste, tracking inventory, and identifying Tier 2 production locations, enabling fashion brands to meet the increasing demands for improved supply chain data from legislation, investors, and consumers. ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam

“We can now comprehend the underlying causes of defects that occur during our manufacturing process,” added Carlos Rocha, Industrial Director of Impetus Group. “By consulting Loop, I can gather the necessary information to collaborate with other parties and enhance our production quality.” Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

The company has also upgraded its Core module, the foundation of the Smartex system, which now supports all circular knitting machines, including tubular machines.

Smartex Core facilitates automated quality control, enhancing productivity, profit margins, and waste reduction by eliminating rejected rolls. Utilizing advanced artificial intelligence and European hardware, it detects and prevents defects during fabric production, tackling production issues at their source.

“By expanding compatibility to include tubular circular knitting machines, it ensures that all their existing and future customers can ensure quality and optimize production with Smartex Core,” stated the company.

ITMA attendees can find Smartex at Hall 4, Stand E103, as well as at three other booths: Terrot (H4-E104), Norsel (H4-C306), and Unitex (H2-D204). Additionally, the company will showcase a new Automatic Roll Grading tool at the exhibition. This feature enables objective and automated grading of all fabric rolls, departing from the subjective and sample-based approach commonly used in the textile industry. Leveraging Smartex Core’s advanced camera and light system, the Smartex Platform analyzes captured photos to provide consistent and accurate grading. ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam

Factories can customize their quality thresholds, gaining deeper insights into production and machine performance while maintaining consistent quality standards. The seamless communication of fabric roll quality across the supply chain is facilitated by integrating Automatic Roll Grading with Smartex Loop. Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

-China’s Sinopec agrees terms for potential Kazakhstan polyethylene investment

China’s Sinopec said it has agreed key terms with Kazakh state-owned oil and gas firm KazMunayGaz (KMGZ.KZ) to build a gas-based petrochemical complex in Kazakhstan’s Atyrau region and a final investment decision will be made in 2024.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the ongoing China-Central Asia Summit in Xian in China’s Shaanxi province, where China President Xi Jinping is meeting with the leaders of five ex-Soviet countries to discuss enhanced cooperation in a range of fields, including energy. Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

The companies agreed to build a petrochemical complex processing ethane – a by-product from natural gas field – into ethylene with an annual capacity of 1.275 million tonnes, Sinopec said in its inhouse newspaper on Friday.

They also agreed to build two polyethylene facilities each sized at 625,000 tonnes a year, the report added. ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam

President Xi met with Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Wednesday, where the two discussed deepening trade and economic ties between the countries.

China’s three main state-owned oil firms Sinopec, PetroChina and CNOOC have all previously made investments in Kazakhstan’s oil and gas sector. PetroChina is a member of the consortium that is currently developing the Kashagan field in the Caspian Sea – Kazakhstan’s second-largest producing field – alongside Western oil majors and KazMunayGaz.

Investment between China and the five nations reached a record high of more than $70 billion in 2022. Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

More….

-Oil experiences a recovery after declines due to minimal risk of US debt ceiling, while low-quality crude weakens despite production cuts by OPEC+

In general, the overall sentiment remains varied as investors balance optimism regarding the avoidance of a US debt default with inflation data that may indicate more interest rate hikes from global central banks.

On May 19, oil prices bounced back from losses exceeding 1% in the previous session, as investors cautiously embraced optimism about the diminishing risk of a US debt default. However, in Asia, Middle East crude prices dropped to their lowest point in months, despite OPEC+ reducing production. Asian refiners held back on immediate purchases, while China and India opted for inexpensive Russian oil. Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

Brent futures climbed 69 cents, or 0.9%, reaching $76.55 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate US crude rose by 56 cents, or 0.8%, to $72.42. In general, the overall sentiment remains mixed as investors balance optimism regarding the avoidance of a US debt default with inflation data that may indicate more interest rate hikes from global central banks. ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam

Impact of US debt ceiling on oil markets

Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy reiterated their commitment to reaching an agreement to raise the federal debt ceiling of $31.4 trillion and agreed to hold discussions on May 21. According to Federal Reserve policymakers, US inflation does not appear to be cooling down rapidly enough to enable the Federal Reserve to pause its cycle of interest rate hikes.

“I believe markets have been factoring out the risks associated with a US debt default, leading to a more risk-on environment and some recovery buying in Brent crude following the previous oversold conditions,” stated Yeap Jun Rong, a market strategist at IG, in an interview with Reuters.

Analysts from the National Australia Bank have expressed concerns that the possibility of additional rate hikes increases worries about weakened demand in the United States. However, they also mentioned the potential for prices to rise as they anticipate ongoing improvement in China’s demand throughout 2023, which should offset the slowdown in demand from OECD countries. ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam

Weakness in sour crude prices despite OPEC+ cuts

On May 18, the premium of benchmark Dubai crude dropped to a four-month low of 70 cents per barrel above Dubai quotes. Meanwhile, Qatar has set al-Shaheen’s July term price at its lowest point in 27 months after increasing supplies. The decline in prices might lead top exporter Saudi Arabia to lower prices for its term cargoes to Asia for the second consecutive month in July, as reported by traders. Weak refining margins last month also caused certain Asian refiners to reduce output. Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

The next meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) is scheduled for early June. Iraq’s oil minister stated that he does not anticipate further output cuts by OPEC+.

While sour crude prices have strengthened in Europe and the US due to the Russian oil boycott and strong demand for alternative supplies, China and India, the world’s primary and third-largest crude importers respectively, are purchasing record amounts of Russian crude at the highest prices since the December embargo. ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam

-16th edition of ArabPlast promises to be bigger than ever

The 16th Edition of ArabPlast is scheduled from 13 to 15 December 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Show in the Middle East is dedicated to the Plastics, Petrochemicals, Packaging and Rubber Industry and will be attended by major industry players, according to organisers. Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

Organisers believe that the UAE offers unmatched and unlimited opportunities for new businesses as well as the established ones to step up the ladder.  Its strategic location in the Middle East, also provides exporters a smooth access to the EMEA region and ArabPlast is a perfect platform for manufacturers, recyclers, businessmen and traders alike.

ArabPlast, a biannual B2B trade show, brings together professionals and decision-makers from the most resilient industry.  Organisers claim It offers a unique platform to present innovations and technology, establish new businesses, exchange know-how, and to interact for a productive enhancement that will increase business profitability and add value to the industry.  The trade show has had a historic success story since its 1st Edition and continues to attract global players with India, Europe, Taiwan, and China being the largest contributors. ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam

For the regions of Europe and the West, ArabPlast is supported by their International Associate, Messe Duesseldorf, the organisers of the largest plastics trade fair in the world titled, K, while the Indian sub-continent is supported by The Plastics Export Promotion Council (PLEXCONCIL).

The present changing dynamics of the industry has set focus on circular economy for more efficiency and sustainable environment.  The term waste economy is becoming past, as plastics have made its way into most industrial sectors viz. building & construction, food & beverages, aviation, automobiles, logistics, healthcare, sports, to name a few, due to its various properties, adaptability, and advantages. Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

The global market is expected to expand at a CAGR as below:

Plastics: 3.4% – US$ 750.1 billion by 2028

Petrochemicals: 6.4% by 2028

Plastics Packaging: 4.8% – US$ 441.6 billion by 2030

Rubber: 5.3% by 2027

Synthetic Rubber: 4.9% by 2029

Plastics Recycling: 9.3% by 2026

The UAE oil and gas market is expected to register a CAGR of more than 2.0% during 2022 to 2027 while the plastics and packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% during the period 2022 to 2027 and the plastics recycling market will grow at a healthy CAGR of 5.34%. Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

The country is currently witnessing significant manufacturing developments in the plastics industry. ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam

More….

-Decrease in sales of Italian textile machinery

The orders index for textile machinery for the first quarter of 2022, processed by ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, shows a slight decrease (-4%) compared to the same period from January to March 2021. In absolute value, the index stood at 117 points (basis: 2015 = 100). ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam

On the domestic front orders shrank by fully 22%, whereas abroad the decline was more contained (-2%). The absolute value of the index in Italy was set at 136 points. On foreign markets, the index scored a value of 114.9 points. Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

ACIMIT President Alessandro Zucchi commented that: “The global pandemic and Russian-Ukrainian conflict have accentuated the climate of uncertainty for the whole of the textile industry. Criticalities already present in the past year (such as a sharp rise in prices of raw materials and their scarce availability, as well as increased transport costs) are now accentuated more than ever. While orders appear to have settled on foreign markets, domestically, following a strong recovery in 2021, we now have to deal with a general negativity permeating the Italian economy.”

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, together with successive pandemic lockdowns in the main market for textile machinery manufacturers, namely China, have undermined the confidence of Italian companies in the sector. “I believe 2022 will be a transition year for the industry, as we await a calming international economic scenario. In the meantime,” adds Zucchi, “our association continues to work to strengthen the positioning of Italy’s textile machinery industry worldwide through promotional initiatives in collaboration with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Italian Trade Agency.”The latest of these initiatives was carried out at the end of April, with the opening of an Italian technology training center for textile machinery in Mongolia, a Country that ranks among the world’s leading producers of raw cashmere. ACIMIT’s president concludes that, “With the training center starting its operations, our sector is laying the foundations for further business opportunities in an emerging market. ArabPlast – Fakuma – PP-plant Vietnam

I’m certain the initiative will bear a return in terms of image not only for individual Italian companies who are participating by supplying machinery, but on the entire Italian textile machinery sector as a whole.”  Polyethylene – Maire-Technimont

Contacts:

Mauro Badanelli, ACIMIT Economics-Press,

Tel. +39024693611, Mail: economics-press@acimit.it

EV-battery revolution – Recycling 22-05-2023

EV-battery revolution – Recycling    Petrochemicals  – PET Resin

Petrochemicals – r-POY – PSF

More….

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

-LanzaTech and Plastipak Collaborate to Manufacture World’s First PET Resin Crafted from Recycled Carbon

LanzaTech Global, Inc. (Nasdaq: LNZA), an inventive carbon capture and conversion (“CCT”) firm that transforms waste carbon into materials like eco-friendly fuels, textiles, packaging, and other items utilized in everyday life, and Plastipak Packaging, Inc. (“Plastipak”), a leading global company involved in the design, production, and recycling of plastic containers, announce their successful creation of PPK Natura, the inaugural polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin derived from captured carbon emissions.

This resin is suitable for food, personal care, pharmaceutical packaging, and various other non-packaging applications. Petrochemicals 

Introducing PPK Natura

PET is a polymer molded into plastic bottles and containers for packaging food, beverages, personal care products, and numerous consumer goods. PET Resin

PET resin typically contains 30% monoethylene glycol (MEG) derived from conventional petroleum sources. EV-battery revolution – Recycling

PPK Natura utilizes CarbonSmart™ MEG from LanzaTech’s CCT process, retaining the technical properties of virgin fossil-based PET while presenting a reduced carbon footprint.

PPK Natura resin diminishes greenhouse gas emissions, and its manufacturing process does not necessitate land or food resources.

Additionally, packaging produced from this material can be fully recycled at the end of its life, ensuring the carbon remains in a circular material cycle.

Leading Swiss retailer Migros and its subsidiary Mibelle Group were the first to adopt this PET resin for their in-house brand packaging, including PET bottles for smoothies and containers for household cleaners that also contain LanzaTech ethanol as a crucial component.

“LanzaTech’s commercial technology is designed to empower our partners across various industries to minimize their carbon footprint and overall environmental impact,” stated Jennifer Holmgren, Chief Executive Officer of LanzaTech. “Our collaboration with Plastipak is vital in showcasing the possibilities available today. Presently, we are producing food- and pharmaceutical-grade packaging and making substantial progress toward forging a more sustainable future for all.” PET Resin

Producing PET with Reduced Environmental Impacts

LanzaTech’s CCT technology functions similarly to a brewery, wherein exclusive bacteria consume pollution and convert it into CarbonSmart chemicals.

These chemicals are then transformed into a range of products, from clothing and laundry detergent to sustainable aviation fuel. EV-battery revolution – Recycling

By utilizing diverse waste feedstocks, LanzaTech’s technological platform is shaping a future in which consumers are not reliant on virgin fossil resources for all their daily needs.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with LanzaTech to make early strides toward our objective of manufacturing PET with diminished environmental impacts.

The utilization of CarbonSmart MEG marks a significant initial milestone in our journey towards this objective. PET Resin

Combined with the use of renewable electricity during the production process, it has contributed to noteworthy advancements in areas such as carbon reduction and the utilization of fossil resources. Petrochemicals 

PPK Natura resin represents one aspect of Plastipak’s ESG program, which, among other initiatives, aims to enhance the circularity of our products to support customers in reducing their Scope 3 emissions.

We eagerly anticipate a long and mutually beneficial partnership with LanzaTech as we work together to achieve our long-term goals,” commented Pedro Martins, Executive Managing Director Europe of Plastipak.

“The utilization of fossil fuels must be avoided. EV-battery revolution – Recycling

When this is not feasible, it is logical to incorporate greenhouse gases into products to prevent these gases from contributing to global warming and climate change,” explained Christoph Meili, an expert in life cycle assessments at WWF Switzerland.

-Charging times set to be slashed in electric car battery revolution

Charging durations poised to be reduced in electric vehicle battery revolution Nyobolt, the battery technology firm, intends to significantly reduce the time required to charge electric cars as it announces its collaboration with design and engineering enterprise, CALLUM. Nyobolt is introducing its patented rapid-charging battery technology to the realm of electric vehicles. PET Resin

Through the CALLUM partnership, it will redefine the notion of swift charging by cutting charging durations from up to one hour to mere minutes.

By expanding its patented battery technology to the automotive industry, Nyobolt is preparing to revolutionize the sector, eliminating batteries as the constraining factor in the development of electric cars. Petrochemicals 

By harnessing the potential of battery performance, Nyobolt has developed a currently achievable and scalable technology that will make recharging as convenient as refueling a gasoline or diesel vehicle.  EV-battery revolution – Recycling

To accomplish this technological breakthrough, Nyobolt’s leading team has adopted a comprehensive approach to the development of high-power, fast-charging battery solutions. PET Resin

They have pioneered novel materials, cell designs, efficient software control, and power electronics. With CALLUM’s established capabilities in automotive design and engineering, along with its in-house engineering facilities in Warwickshire, the companies will collaborate on projects incorporating this patented battery technology.

The first automotive concept, which showcases the application of the technology in passenger vehicles, will be unveiled in June this year.

It has been conceived by esteemed car designer Julian Thomson, currently the design director at General Motors Advanced Design Europe, with the concept developed and executed by CALLUM. Dr. Sai Shivareddy, CEO of Nyobolt, stated: “At Nyobolt, we are unlocking the potential of battery technology to drive immediate innovations.

The rapid transition to battery electric vehicles worldwide is a prime example of an industry that urgently requires our patented battery to drastically reduce charging times from hours to minutes. PET Resin

“Partnering with an established entity like CALLUM and leveraging its experience and expertise in automotive design and engineering will aid us in achieving our strategic goal of widespread adoption in this sector.”  EV-battery revolution – Recycling

David Fairbairn, managing director at CALLUM, commented: “We continue to observe charging, access to battery materials, and battery degradation as major challenges in the shift to electric vehicles. Petrochemicals 

Nyobolt’s groundbreaking battery technology offers the automotive industry a solution to these significant obstacles.

In the upcoming months, we will demonstrate the compelling advantages this new technology offers to the sector and motorists.” PET Resin

CALLUM and Nyobolt will unveil their initial collaborative concept in June 2023.

For more information, please visit www.nyobolt.com.

-Global agreement could reduce plastic pollution by 80%

As plastic production continues without restraint, recent findings suggest that with adequate ambition, the world has the potential to decrease plastic pollution by over three-quarters. Petrochemicals 

One year after international representatives committed to reaching an agreement on plastic pollution and finalizing it by 2024, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released a report outlining a pathway to significantly diminish the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the environment. PET Resin

Based on a framework of established methods to address plastic pollution, the report published on Tuesday establishes the foundation and demonstrates what is achievable.

The discoveries indicate systemic changes that could reduce plastic pollution by more than 75% by 2040, while generating hundreds of thousands of employment opportunities and saving trillions of dollars.  EV-battery revolution – Recycling

“The report reveals that only an integrated, systemic transition from a linear to a circular economy can prevent plastics from entering our ecosystems and bodies, and instead keep them within the economy,” stated Inger Andersen, Director of UNEP.

The release of the report precedes a gathering of international representatives scheduled later this month in the French capital.

This meeting will mark the second round of discussions on the agreement, which the UN Environment Assembly has hailed as “the most significant environmental accord since the Paris (climate) agreement.” PET Resin

At present, the world produces approximately 350 million tons of plastic pollution each year, resulting in biodiversity depletion and global concerns regarding health and food supply. Petrochemicals 

What actions need to be taken? The report calls for prohibitions and agreements to eliminate unnecessary and problematic plastics, including those that are non-recyclable, non-reusable, non-compostable, as well as excessive packaging or plastics containing hazardous chemicals detrimental to human health.

Furthermore, it outlines a three-pronged approach of reusing, recycling, and transitioning to alternative materials.

Measures to promote reuse, such as refillable bottles, reusable bags, bulk dispensers in grocery stores, deposit-return programs, and packaging take-back initiatives, present the most readily achievable solutions, reducing plastic pollution by 30% by 2040.

Certain countries, like France, have already taken initial steps to enhance reuse rates by mandating large grocery stores to provide reusable containers to customers and banning disposable plates through their anti-waste law implemented in 2021.

Enhancing recycling rates could be accomplished by implementing stricter design standards, prohibiting problematic additives and polymers that hinder recycling processes, and discontinuing subsidies for fossil fuels, thereby making recycling economically favorable compared to producing new plastic. EV-battery revolution – Recycling

The report suggests that improved recycling rates could lead to a 20% reduction in plastic pollution. Petrochemicals 

Spain and the UK have already imposed taxes and levies on the production of virgin plastic to create a level playing field, while Mexico incentivized recycling and increased its recycling rates from 8.8% in 2002 to 56% in 2018. PET Resin

An additional 17% reduction in plastic pollution could be achieved by transitioning to alternative materials for products like wrappers, sachets, and takeaway items. Nevertheless, humanity would still generate approximately 100 million metric tons of plastic waste from short-lived products, necessitating responsible disposal methods to prevent the accumulation of plastic in oceans.

To address microplastic pollution, the report proposes modifications in textile production practices and reducing vehicle mileage to minimize tire abrasion.

The economic advantages According to the UNEP report, implementing the recommended systemic changes would result in savings of $4.5 trillion (€4.1 trillion) by 2040.

While producing less single-use plastic would contribute to cost savings, most of the benefits would be derived from reducing the expenses currently borne by plastic manufacturers, such as healthcare and cleanup initiatives. EV-battery re volution – Recycling

-Will Artificial Intelligence Revolutionize Recycling?

Automation and artificial intelligence are driving efficiencies in the recycling operations of a materials recovery facility in Boulder, CO. PET Resin

Automation and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing industries globally and that includes the recycling sector. Petrochemicals 

One remarkable example can be found at a materials recovery facility (MRF) in Boulder, CO, where cutting-edge AI technology has been deployed to enhance recycling operations.

This intelligent system has acquired the ability to distinguish between different materials, accurately identifying pieces of plastic among sheets of paper and then efficiently separating them. EV-battery revolution – Recycling

This also increases accuracy and speeds while reducing manual labor requirements. By seamlessly integrating AI into recycling processes, this facility is paving the way for more efficient and effective recycling practices. PET Resin

The automated sorting systems are from AMP Robotics.

-‘Infinite recycling’ startup Samsara Eco partners with Lululemon

Samsara Eco, an Australian startup that uses enzyme-based tech to recycle plastics, textiles and other materials countless number of times, has struck a major partnership with Lululemon. Petrochemicals 

The deal means Samsara Eco and Lululemon will create what they describe as the world’s first infinitely recycled nylon 6,6 and polyester from apparel waste.

The partnership is also Lululemon’s first minority investment in a recycling company, though the amount was undisclosed, and Samsara Eco’s first partnership in the apparel industry. PET Resin

The startup has raised a total of $56 million from investors like Breakthrough Victoria and Temasek and its commercial partners include Woolworths Group.

Nylon and polyester currently make up about 60% of clothing produced today, but at the end of their lifecycle, 87% end up in a landfill or incinerated. EV-battery revolution – Recycling

Samsara Eco’s enzyme-based technology breaks down mixed apparel derived from plastics into their molecular building blocks to produce new apparel, which in turn can be broken down again, creating what the company refers to as infinite recycling.

Paul Riley, the CEO and founder of Samsara Eco, explained that nylon 6,6 is one of the textile and fashion industries’ most commonly used materials, because its complex chemical structure makes it very versatile and resilient. But it’s also difficult to break down and recycle. Petrochemicals 

Both nylon and polyester are derived from fossil fuels and usually end up in landfills. By working with Lululemon, however, Samsara Eco has expanded its library of plastic-eating enzymes to include ones for polyester and nylon 6,6. PET Resin

“What this means is that we can now break down apparel made from blended materials back down to its core molecules, which can then be used to recreate brand-new apparel again and again.” EV-battery revolution – Recycling

More…

-Enabling manufacturers to enhance production yields by allowing automation to take on additional unsupervised night shifts, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag will also unveil how existing and potential customers can decrease expenses and unlock untapped profit opportunities

Debuting in the UK & Ireland market and tailored for trade molders and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the linear 4-axis robot with cartesian kinematics for standard applications provides a compact production unit with efficient handling functions and fully integrated robotic controls. Petrochemicals 

All sourced from a single origin. PET Resin

The comprehensive turnkey cell, with dimensions as small as 3.95m x 2.4m, incorporates the all-electric IntElect75 accompanied by the company’s new SAM-C5.

The cell also includes a storage and conveyor system with a buffer and integrated boxing unit. Every component was developed in-house by Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s automation experts. EV-battery revolution – Recycling

This equips molding companies with the necessary technology and tools to confidently operate “ghost” workflow shifts and save costs with minimal human intervention.

Instead of implementing split shifts or keeping workers in the factory until late at night, the 75-ton IntElect turnkey cell, showcased at Interplas, demonstrates to trade molders and SMEs the untapped production opportunities during after-hours.

Additionally, day-shift teams benefit from the augmented workflow process by automating monotonous and repetitive tasks. Petrochemicals 

This allows individuals to allocate their time to more creative and business-enhancing responsibilities, resulting in a more motivated and engaged workforce. PET Resin

Optimizing business efficiency, the Interplas 2023 exhibit in Hall 4, Stand C40 emphasizes the reduction in operational errors and efficiency improvements, thereby transforming the night shift into an additional source of valuable production.

Equipped with a tool from Germany, visitors at Interplas 2023 can witness the molding of a precision slide gauge.

The tool-dependent buffer system can be acquired with or without an optional robot removal feature. The conveyor belt technology is designed to transport standard-sized industrial containers.

This handle&box solution is ideal for injection molding machines within the 75 to 280-ton clamp force range. For ease of operation, the SAM-C robotic system is fully integrated into the IntElect machine control system. EV-battery revolution – Recycling

Underscoring the significance of alleviating workforce pressures, Nigel Flowers, the incumbent UK managing director, adds, “Our new SAM-C robots fulfill a crucial need in the processing market and assist molders in increasing the production capacity of standard components while simultaneously addressing skill and labor challenges.

Customers benefit from process and system technology provided by a sole supplier, complete with hardware and software control integration, as well as robotic mechanics that are fully customized to Sumitomo (SHI) Demag machines.” PET Resin

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag will also present its new productivity whitepaper to visitors at Interplas. Petrochemicals 

The whitepaper reveals how a combination of automation, digital tools, remote diagnostics, expert field tests, processing adjustments, and workforce training can result in an additional 168 days of production, equivalent to approximately a 50% boost in productivity. EV-battery revolution – Recycling

Bio-based polyamide – Plastics waste 20-05-2023

Bio-based polyamide – Plastics waste  Gigafactory – eco-friendly packaging

-Biopolymers are polymers that are derived from natural sources such as plants, animals, and microorganisms

They are distinct from synthetic polymers, which are derived from petroleum-based sources. Biopolymers have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential as sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics and other materials. Here are some common types of biopolymers and their uses:

1. Starch-based biopolymers: Starch is a polysaccharide found in various plants. It can be modified and processed to create biodegradable and renewable biopolymers. Starch-based biopolymers are used for packaging materials, disposable cutlery, and agricultural films.
2. PLA (Polylactic Acid): PLA is a biodegradable and compostable thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. It is commonly used in food packaging, disposable tableware, medical implants, and 3D printing. Bio-based polyamide – Plastics waste
3. PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates): PHAs are a group of biodegradable polymers produced by microorganisms through fermentation of renewable feedstocks. They have properties similar to conventional plastics and can be used in packaging, agricultural films, medical devices, and consumer goods.
4. PCL (Polycaprolactone): PCL is a biodegradable polyester derived from petroleum or renewable resources. Gigafactory – eco-friendly packaging
5. It has a low melting point and is often used in drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and 3D printing applications.
6. Chitosan: Chitosan is derived from the shells of crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs. It has excellent biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties, making it useful in wound dressings, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering scaffolds.
7. Protein-based biopolymers: Proteins such as collagen, gelatin, and silk are used as biopolymers in various applications. Collagen and gelatin find applications in biomedical engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery, while silk is used in textiles, sutures, and tissue engineering. Bio-based polyamide – Plastics waste
8. Cellulose-based biopolymers: Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on Earth and is derived from plant sources. It is used in a wide range of applications such as paper, textiles, food packaging, and medical products.

These are just a few examples of biopolymers and their uses. The field of biopolymer research is rapidly expanding, and scientists are constantly exploring new sources and applications for these sustainable materials.  Gigafactory – eco-friendly packaging

-Bio-based polyamide feedstocks refer to raw materials derived from renewable resources that can be used to produce polyamide (nylon) polymers

Traditional polyamides, such as nylon 6 and nylon 6,6, are primarily made from petrochemical-based feedstocks. However, with growing concerns about sustainability and environmental impact, there is an increasing interest in developing bio-based alternatives.

Some common bio-based feedstocks used for polyamide production include:

1. Plant-Based Feedstocks: Certain plants or plant-derived materials can serve as feedstocks for bio-based polyamide production. Examples include:
   • Castor Oil: Castor oil, obtained from the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), can be used as a precursor to produce bio-based polyamides like nylon 11.
   • Vegetable Oils: Various vegetable oils, such as soybean oil, can be chemically modified to create polyamide precursors for bio-based nylon production. Bio-based polyamide – Plastics waste
2. Biochemical Feedstocks: Certain bio-based chemicals can be synthesized from renewable resources and used as intermediates in the production of bio-based polyamides. These feedstocks may undergo further processing to yield the desired polyamide polymers. Examples include:
   • Bio-Succinic Acid: Succinic acid, produced through fermentation of biomass feedstocks, can be used to synthesize bio-based polyamide precursors like polyamide 5,10. Gigafactory – eco-friendly packaging
   • Bio-Adipic Acid: Adipic acid, an essential component in the production of nylon 6,6, can be derived from bio-based sources such as glucose or plant sugars.
3. Animal-Based Feedstocks: Some bio-based polyamides can also be produced from animal-derived materials. One notable example is:
   • Chitosan: Chitosan, derived from the shells of crustaceans like shrimp and crab, can be chemically modified to create bio-based polyamide materials. Bio-based polyamide – Plastics waste

It’s worth noting that the availability and commercial viability of bio-based polyamide feedstocks can vary depending on factors such as cost, scalability, and regional availability of the feedstock sources. Ongoing research and development efforts aim to expand the range of bio-based feedstocks and improve the overall sustainability of polyamide production. Gigafactory – eco-friendly packaging

-UN targets 80% reduction in plastics pollution

Ahead of the second round of global plastics treaty talks in Paris later this month, the United Nations Environment Programme on May 16 released a road map that said a well-crafted agreement could reduce plastics pollution by 80 percent by 2040.

UNEP, which is coordinating the treaty negotiations, called for first eliminating “problematic and unnecessary” plastics and then adopting policies like container deposits, producer responsibility and more reusable packaging, along with better recycling systems and “careful” replacement of items like plastic wrappers, sachets and takeaway items.

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen told an online news conference that the report finds that plastic pollution costs the world several hundred billion dollars a year, including from climate impacts of plastics manufacturing, air and water pollution and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Bio-based polyamide – Plastics waste

She said the report, “Turning Off the Tap,” also suggests steps to help make recycled materials more cost competitive compared with virgin plastics.

“As long as virgin plastic is cheaper than recycled, then that becomes an economic dimension that will make us, as a global society, lean back on virgin,” she said.

The report looks at levies on virgin materials, which Andersen admits might be a non-starter in some counties, as well as extended producer responsibility programs and container deposits. Gigafactory – eco-friendly packaging

The U.N. report found that the largest gains could be made toward the 80 percent reduction from policy options like reusables, EPR and bottle deposits. It estimated they could account for a 30 percent drop.

As well, it said building more profitable recycling systems, including removing subsidies for fossil fuels and enforcing design guidelines for recyclability, could account for another 20 percent drop. Bio-based polyamide – Plastics waste

It estimated those steps could boost the share of economically recyclable plastics from 21 percent to 50 percent.

As well, UNEP estimated that replacing products like plastic wrappers, sachets and takeaway items with alternatives, including paper and compostable packaging, could deliver an additional 17 percent reduction.

Andersen said countries will set their own policies but she hoped the UNEP report can help steer the treaty talks. The second of five negotiating rounds begins May 29 in Paris, with 2,500 diplomats and observers from 170 countries gathering for five days.

“Governments can deliver a strong deal to end plastic pollution,” she said. “Businesses [can] ensure innovation and commitment to move away from virgin plastics, starting immediately.

“International financial institutions and other large investors need to move significant investments towards solid waste management and collection systems,” Andersen said. “Creative chemical engineers must take a hard look at product design and weed out harmful chemicals and plastics.” Bio-based polyamide – Plastics waste

More…

-62nd #Dornbirn-GFC  13 – 15 September 2023
Dornbirn, Austria

Tim Biemelt et al, Indorama Ventures/Trevira GmbH, Guben (GER)

Smart Textiles are on the rise. Annual growth rates of their market volumes amount up to 30%.

To access this market, new ways of linking electronics and textiles need to be found. Innovative, flexible textile-based conductors are consistently challenged to combine electrical conductivity, mechanical robustness, textile flexibility and the lowest possible cost.

dvanced additives can help to open previously unattainable features, while at the same time paving the way from laboratory scale to industry.

Graphene and its relatives (GRM) are considered to be novel wonder materials, whose excellent electronic, mechanical and thermal properties have the potential to replace commonly used materials in various fields. Bio-based polyamide – Plastics waste

In this context, there are also many examples in which GRMs have been investigated for their usage in conductive polymer compounds. Gigafactory – eco-friendly packaging

However, when these conductive compounds are spun into synthetic fibers, either the conductivity is lost or the resulting yarns lack tenacity.

Trevira GmbH has now developed a method of melt spinning conductive core-shell yarns that overcome just this obstacle and are both electrically conductive and have high tenacity.

Fabrics made from this material can be used in a wide variety of applications such as antistatic, sensory, heating, electromagnetic shielding or medical equipment.

Trevira GmbH is an innovative European manufacturer of polyethylene terephthalate granulates, fibers and filament yarns.

It is the only company in Europe that covers the entire value chain from monomers to finished yarn and ready-to-use fibers. Trevira is a subsidiary of Indorama and part of IVL Lifestyle Europe.

-Tesla expands Giga Shanghai (and will produce pouch cells)

The House moves to expand its largest production plant and install a small line dedicated to bag cells
The largest Tesla plant in the world gets even bigger… bigger! Let’s talk about Giga Shanghai, the flagship of Elon Musk and associates, which is preparing for a production expansion plan. In fact, for months there has been talk of enlarging the plant, but now the House is officially moving.
The proof is reported by Reuters and put in black and white in a request for authorization that the manufacturer has asked the local authorities. According to leaked information, the goal is to produce 1.75 million engines a year, up from 1.25 million today. But not only.
Space for pouch cells Gigafactory – eco-friendly packaging
Tesla would also have requested permission to install a small production line dedicated to pouch cells (also called “bag”), with a capacity of approximately 20,000 Ampere-hours (Ah) per year, equivalent to the power of a Model battery pack Y.

Production at Tesla Giga Shanghai

An absolute novelty for the manufacturer, who had never used this technology until now. The differences? In pouch cells, the battery components are contained in a flexible metal pouch, rather than a rigid cylinder.
Goal: 20 million Tesla
And, again, the House would be creating new facilities to recycle chemicals and treat wastewater from the Gigafactory. However, there are no official comments from the manufacturer.
In any case, it seems that Tesla is laying other foundations to reach the production targets: 2 million electric cars in 2023 and 20 million in 2030. The starting point is the 1.3 million deliveries in 2022, also the result of the 726,000 cars baked in Shanghai. But now he puts his foot on the accelerator.

-China will be present at the meeting alongside the republics of the “Stans,” but Russia will be absent for the first time in many years, signaling a shift in the regional power dynamics

 

Stefan Hedlund, an expert on Russia and professor at Uppsala University, emphasizes this significant development in the upcoming China-Central Asia summit scheduled for Thursday 18 and Friday 19 May.

While the leaders of the world’s seven largest industrialized economies convene in Hiroshima, the presidents of the five Central Asian republics (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan) will gather in Xi’an, China.

Beijing views this event as a pivotal step towards forging a community with a shared destiny. Bio-based polyamide – Plastics waste

China’s primary investment undertaking now centers around the “middle ground” or the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

This initiative enables the transportation of goods without traversing Russian territory.

The “Northern Corridor” had long served as the preferred route for container shipping, but the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia has disrupted traffic along this pathway.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson heralds this meeting as the dawn of a new era in collaboration between the two sides. The summit will culminate in the signing of an undisclosed “significant political document.”  Gigafactory – eco-friendly packaging

What remains undeniable is Russia’s conspicuous absence, as China endeavors to assume the role of the region’s dominant power. In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled the new Silk Road in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, a comprehensive infrastructure investment plan encompassing the entire Eurasian continent.

The Ukrainian conflict and Russia’s waning international influence have amplified the opportunities that the region presents to China.

Hedlund sees this development as the demise of Russia’s position as the region’s linchpin, a vision Vladimir Putin espoused during the APEC meeting in Vladivostok in 2012.

At that time, Putin aimed to invigorate the Russian economy with Chinese investment. However, Hedlund now describes the Russian economy as a wreck adrift at sea, with China offering no assistance. Bio-based polyamide – Plastics waste

Russia’s role as the guarantor of security in Central Asia has been eroding, particularly since the onset of the Ukrainian war.

Yet, experts note that China is not yet prepared to assume this responsibility, as its primary focus lies in exploiting the region’s trade opportunities.

For the European Union, the area is of particular interest due to the efficacy of the imposed sanctions on Russia.

Traffic between Central Asia and Moscow has nearly doubled in 2022, leading the EU to suspect that the five republics are exporting European goods affected by the sanctions, thereby assisting the Kremlin in circumventing them.

Consequently, the EU includes these republics and China in its efforts to target companies that evade sanctions and denounce the Russian invasion. Bio-based polyamide – Plastics waste

Hydrogen – Plant Nonwoven – TiO2 19-05-2023

Hydrogen – Plant Nonwoven – TiO2

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

-TiO2 specialist Venator files for bankruptcy protection

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) producer Venator has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US after reaching an agreement with the majority of its shareholders for a recapitalisation plan, the UK-headquartered firm said on Monday.

The producer, which reported a $228m loss in the closing three months of 2022 on lower demand and higher costs, intends to recapitalise through

“We have faced unprecedented economic headwinds, including significantly lower product demand and higher raw material and energy costs in the second half of 2022,” Turner added.the Chapter 11 filing, financed by a debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing facility, including a $275m commitment for fresh financing from its creditors.

If the plan receives US court approval it will be set to equitise “nearly all” of the company’s debt, Venator said in a statement on Monday. Hydrogen – Plant Nonwoven – TiO2

“The agreement we have reached with our lenders on a recapitalisation plan will significantly reduce Venator’s debt burden,” said Venator CEO Simon Turner.

Venator has struggled to maintain competitiveness for an extended period, reporting a 41% year on year drop in TiO2 revenues in the fourth quarter of 2022 due to lower demand and currency headwinds, and projecting that conditions would deteriorate further during the first quarter 2023.

The company had suspended operations at its Duisberg, Germany, TiO2 plant in the fourth quarter, citing unsustainably low contribution margins. The company moved to restart the site in February, but noted that it may not be economically viable to continue production long-term.

The company expects to remain in possession and control of its assets during the Chapter 11 process, with operations expected to continue as normal for the duration of the process.

More….

-Reduced hydrogen gas leakage: Graphene polymers for the hydrogen industry

Graphmatech, a partner of the Graphene Flagship project, is developing thermoplastic masterbatches containing graphene, which have substantial implications for hydrogen storage and transportation. The use of graphene in manufacturing innovative composite materials holds great promise in enabling safe and efficient storage and transportation of hydrogen.

Graphmatech AB, a Swedish materials technology company, has recognized the potential of graphene and has been working on thermoplastic masterbatches infused with graphene. These masterbatches are specifically designed for the production of products like pressure vessel liners used in hydrogen storage. Niclas Westerlund and Torkel Nord Bjärneman, representatives of Graphmatech, expressed their optimism about the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) masterbatch, which has the potential to revolutionize the plastics industry. Hydrogen – Plant Nonwoven – TiO2

According to Niclas Westerlund, the challenge with hydrogen storage lies in its tendency to escape through materials, leading to leakage. HDPE is commonly used as a gas barrier layer for pressure vessels, but it suffers from permeation issues. Although polyamide is an alternative, it is more expensive and harder to process compared to polyethylene. By incorporating graphene into virgin polyethylene and other plastics, Graphmatech has found that the permeability of these materials decreases, offering new opportunities in the hydrogen economy.

Graphmatech has collaborated with ST BlowMoulding, an industrial partner, to explore the use of nanotechnologies in the blow moulding industry, which involves manufacturing hollow plastic parts such as liners for pressure vessels. ST BlowMoulding recognizes the challenge of creating impermeable liners for hydrogen and is enthusiastic about collaborating with Graphmatech to stay updated with market needs and innovations.

Marco Solinas, Global Product Manager at ST BlowMoulding, highlights the significance of graphene’s barrier properties and its conductivity. Ensuring the safe storage and transportation of gases like hydrogen is crucial, and graphene shows potential in addressing this concern. Additionally, customers in the chemical container industry increasingly demand conductive plastics to prevent electro-static charges that could cause explosions. Graphene, with its conductivity, could serve as a cost-effective alternative to expensive additives like silver compounds. Hydrogen – Plant Nonwoven – TiO2

The growing presence of graphene in the hydrogen industry is a cause for celebration, offering a bright future in the transition to greener economies.

-Power giant hits gas with NEV hydro technology

Power titan accelerates progress with NEV hydro technology State Power Investment Corp has pledged to intensify investment in hydrogen-fueled new energy vehicles (NEVs) to further advance the widespread adoption of fuel cell passenger vehicles, a trend that has gained momentum in recent years in China.

State Power Investment Corp Hydrogen Energy Tech has committed to investing 1 billion yuan ($140 million) in cutting-edge high-power density fuel cell reactors and engine technology for passenger vehicles over the next five years.

Chen Ping, the technical director of the company, made this announcement during the launch event of Hydrofore-S, a fuel cell product for passenger vehicles, held in Beijing on Wednesday.

The company also intends to strengthen collaborations with automotive conglomerates in China, including China FAW Group Co Ltd, one of China’s oldest and largest vehicle manufacturers. Hydrogen – Plant Nonwoven – TiO2

The initial batch of Hydrofore-S products will be incorporated into Hongqi H5 sedans, with plans to expand to more models in the future, as stated by Chen Ping.

It is anticipated that the Hydrofore-S fuel cell product will be utilized in 10,000 sedans within the next five years.

This achievement will not only help break the monopoly of foreign technology but also mark a comprehensive breakthrough in independent fuel cell and engine systems for passenger cars and large-scale industrial processes, according to Chen Ping.

Recognizing green hydrogen as an inevitable choice for achieving green and low-carbon development, Hydrogen Energy Tech’s parent company, State Power Investment Corp, one of the world’s top five power generators, has officially entered the hydrogen-powered passenger car sector for the first time.

Previously, all of its hydrogen fuel cell products had been used exclusively in long-distance buses.

An industry analyst noted that China, as the world’s largest hydrogen producer, has actively been developing hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles in recent years.

This includes the implementation of supportive policies and subsidies for fuel cell vehicle purchases, as well as the construction of hydrogen refueling stations.

Furthermore, numerous domestic automakers in China have invested in the research and development of hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles, according to Lin Boqiang, the director of the China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy at Xiamen University.

Although the market share of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in China is still relatively small due to the higher cost of fuel cell technology and the limited infrastructure, such as hydrogen refueling stations, it is expected to grow steadily in the forthcoming years.

This growth will be facilitated by government support and the endeavors of domestic automakers, Lin Boqiang emphasized. Hydrogen – Plant Nonwoven – TiO2

According to a plan jointly released by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration in March, China is projected to have around 50,000 fuel cell vehicles on its roads by 2025.

The China Hydrogen Alliance estimates that China’s hydrogen energy market will reach 43 million metric tons by 2030, with the proportion of green hydrogen rising from 1 percent in 2019 to 10 percent.

-Tesla is pushing the accelerator, signaling the potential demise of conventional engines for Elon Musk

The innovative CEO of Tesla has initiated his campaign against “traditional” vehicles with the aim of dominating the global stage through electric cars, effectively rendering internal combustion engine vehicles obsolete.

Tesla has declared war on cars powered by internal combustion engines. Elon Musk, the visionary leader of Tesla, an American company specializing in the production of electric vehicles, has a not-so-hidden objective of achieving market dominance worldwide, dealing a decisive blow to the fossil fuel sector. This strategy has already proven successful, as zero-emission vehicles are experiencing significantly favorable sales figures in 2023, setting a promising trajectory for the future.

Several Tesla models have garnered exceptional popularity among motorists. Among them, the Tesla Model Y stands out as the best-selling car in Europe during the first quarter of 2023. It is highly likely that the Tesla Model Y will continue its reign as the world’s best-selling car throughout 2023. As a result, the company aims to increasingly undermine the sales of their competitors, starting with vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines. Hydrogen – Plant Nonwoven – TiO2

Elon Musk’s objective

Musk’s intentions were primarily revealed through a slide presented during a video conference with Tesla executives in Europe. The slide boldly proclaimed, “This year we eradicate the ICE.” In this context, ICE does not refer to frozen water, but rather serves as an acronym for “Internal Combustion Engine,” the term used to identify traditional vehicles equipped with heat engines.

Europe presents an ideal battleground for Musk’s ambitions. Unlike other markets that have adopted electric cars more rapidly, the continent has yet to fully embrace this new technology. This explains Tesla’s strategic move to reduce the prices of their best-selling models. Europe represents a significant growth opportunity, and the continuous price reductions serve as a clear indication of this. While Tesla’s main production facility is the renowned Giga Berlin, located in Grünheide, Brandenburg, they have established delivery centers, showrooms, and sales outlets across the continent. Hydrogen – Plant Nonwoven – TiO2

Expanding both market share and production capacity is essential for Tesla’s success. Therefore, it is likely that the company will establish new factories in the coming years to manufacture their future vehicles, thereby penetrating deeper into the European market. However, breaking the stronghold of internal combustion engine vehicles in Europe is a challenge, particularly in countries like Italy where zero-emission cars have not yet gained significant traction due to inadequate infrastructure and high prices.

Consequently, Tesla’s strategy will involve further price reductions for their best-selling models, such as the Model 3 and Model Y. This strategic move aims to increase Tesla’s market presence in Europe, although achieving these goals within a few years seems challenging, and Musk’s project may be seen as overly ambitious for now.

-ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview: Goller To introduce Oxidator Module

Goller, a member of the CHTC Fong’s Group, will introduce its new highly efficient Oxidator module for woven fabrics at ITMA 2023 in Milan from June 8-14, at stand B106 in Hall 18.

The interchangeable modular design of the new Oxidator washing compartment enables it to be interchanged to meet the demands of differing fabric qualities and washing requirements, extending the life of the machine.Hydrogen – Plant Nonwoven – TiO2

It combines powerful spray washing and up-down roller washing to achieve an excellent cleaning effect, while accommodating 25% more fabric content than a conventional drum washer.

The Oxidator enables multi-power spraying at adjustable angles with high circulation of the water for excellent washing efficiency, automatic cleaning of the squeezer and filter and automatic tension control.

It is suitable for all kinds of woven fabric.

Goller continuous dyeing and wet finishing units are manufactured at the plants of Fong’s in Germany and China.

The design and development centre in Germany designs tailor-made solutions for customers based on a modular combination of different compartments depending on the process, fabric and production speed.

The company has been producing machines for over a century and can draw on comprehensive knowledge in the field of the continuous treatment of textile materials when designing bespoke customer solutions. Hydrogen – Plant Nonwoven – TiO2

In addition to innovative ideas in the development of machines, design based on experience, experimental field tests and the detailed development of the different modules, Goller’s engineers can help to reduce energy and water during production on continuous wet finishing plants.

-ECOFUSE™ Plant Based Nonwoven Materials Expected to Reduce GHG Emissions by approximately 3,750 MT CO2 Per Year, Growing to Over 10,000 MT CO2 by Year 2030

 

Roswell Textiles provides update on the carbon emission reduction potential of its flagship plant based nonwoven materials known as ECOFUSE™.

Roswell Textiles announces that its proprietary biopolymer nonwoven materials, sold under the brand name of ECOFUSE™, are expected to reduce total GHG emissions by 3,750 MT CO2 per year, growing to over 10,000 MT CO2 by year 2030 as increased adoption is achieved. ECOFUSE™ technology is expected to initially reduce 1,500 MT CO2 in the Energy Sector with proprietary water filtration bags that are used in industrial water processing, 1,500 MT CO2 in the food and beverage industry by replacing synthetic polypropylene-based materials, 400 MT CO2 in the HVAC filtration industry and 350 MT CO2 in the Healthcare industry. Hydrogen – Plant Nonwoven – TiO2

3,750 MT CO2 is a significant amount of carbon emissions. Here are some examples to help visualize how much CO2 that is:

The average commercial flight produces around 0.11 MT CO2 per hour per passenger. 3,750 MT CO2 is equivalent to the emissions from approximately 34,000 passenger hours of air travel (that’s about 3.88 years of continuous flying).

The average passenger car emits around 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year. 3,750 metric tons of CO2 is equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 815 passenger cars.

It’s about the emissions of 194,000 propane cylinders used for home barbeques.

It’s about 38.1 acres of forest preserved from deforestation. Hydrogen – Plant Nonwoven – PET

-PET Baltija is in the process of developing one of the largest PET recycling facilities in Europe through an investment of €35 million

The project, scheduled for completion by the end of Q1’2024, involves the construction of a state-of-the-art PET recycling factory in Olaine, Latvia.

PET Baltija, a prominent PET recycling company in Northern Europe and a division of Eco Baltia, the largest waste management and recycling conglomerate in the Baltics, has partnered with Piche, a renowned industrial park developer in Latvia, to realize this endeavor.

The ambitious venture, financed by the INVL Baltic Sea Growth Fund, aims to establish a cutting-edge production plant spanning approximately 30,000 square meters of indoor space, encompassing manufacturing facilities, office areas, and shared amenities. The outdoor premises will cover an additional 40,000 square meters.

Concurrently, PET Baltija’s current facility in Jelgava will be gradually relocated to the new site in Olaine. Hydrogen – Plant Nonwoven – TiO2

The ultimate goal of this development is to expand the production capacity of food-grade rPET pellets and create favorable conditions for the company’s future growth.

The commencement of the construction phase was celebrated in early May, with the installation of the initial production equipment in one of the completed areas.

The chosen supplier for the recycling equipment is Starlinger, a renowned Austrian manufacturer specializing in recycling technologies.

Starlinger’s advanced equipment is deployed in only two other European plants and ten globally, solidifying PET Baltija’s position as one of the most technologically advanced PET recycling factories in Europe and worldwide.

Piche, a leading industrial building developer in Latvia, is responsible for the realization of this extensive project, which represents one of their largest and most intricate undertakings of the year.

n line with the sustainability initiatives of Eco Baltia and PET Baltija, the new facility will adhere to the Breem sustainable construction standard and operate entirely on renewable energy sources.

Notably, the factory will incorporate innovative wastewater treatment systems to minimize the use of chemical substances and an air recuperation system to repurpose excess heat energy generated during the PET melting process for building heating.

The well-being and working conditions of employees are also prioritized, with a focus on maintaining high safety standards and providing ergonomic and comfortable workspaces, as well as communal and recreational areas. Hydrogen – Plant Nonwoven – TiO2

PET Baltija’s relocation from Jelgava to Olaine will occur in several stages, with the transition expected to be completed by the end of Q1’2024, resulting in the creation of over 250 jobs at the new facility.

LFP batteries – Tires-recyclyng – Gas 18-05-2023

r-Polyester – Flexible packaging 17-05-2023

Solid-state batteries – Microplastics 16-05-2023

Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

-The future of the cell: powerful batteries are the central element of electric vehicles

The technology continues to evolve and is expected to make further progress when it comes to capacity, charging capacity, safety, and service life. Porsche is directly involved in current developments through the Cellforce Group and Group14 Technologies.

High energy content, high performance, long service life, maximum safety—all at the lowest possible cost: Batteries in electric vehicles have to meet many requirements, which the dominant lithium-ion technology is already succeeding at quite well. Further improvements can, however, be made to almost all of its parameters, and researchers and industry are currently working intensively on doing just that. At the same time, potential successors are already lining up. It is no coincidence that lithium-ion batteries dominate today’s market: Lithium atoms are particularly keen to emit one of their three electrons, and lithium is also the lightest metal. This makes the element a popular raw material for batteries. Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

“Pure lithium is the ideal active anode material in terms of energy density,” says Dr. Stefanie Edelberg, Specialist Engineer Battery Cell at Porsche Engineering. “For safety reasons, however, graphites are currently used primarily as active anode materials that can absorb lithium ions.” In addition, the charging capacity of the batteries is very high and their price is relatively low. Added to this is their long service life: “1,500 to 3,000 full charge cycles until a residual capacity of 80 percent is reached does not present a problem,” says Dr. Falko Schappacher, Commercial and Technical Director of MEET Battery Research Center at the University of Münster (WWU). Car battery service lives of up to one million kilometers are now being predicted.

Anode optimization

Because lithium-ion technology is a multi-component system, there are many ways to optimize it further. Take, for example, the anode: Graphite is currently used as an active anode material. Silicon is an interesting alternative to this because it offers a storage capacity that is ten times higher. “Silicon anodes would significantly increase the total capacity of the lithium-ion battery,” as Schappacher underscores. Edelberg also points out the advantages: “Silicon is of particular interest because it exhibits the second-highest storage capacity in terms of weight after lithium, which allows for cells with very high energy densities. What’s more, it is the second most common element in the earth’s crust.” Cells with a high fast-charging capability and which can be charged from five to 80 percent in less than 15 minutes are indeed feasible. Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

“However, when lithium is absorbed, the silicon particles expand by 300 percent, resulting in mechanical stress in the material and electrode,” says Schappacher. If this were to damage the electrode surfaces, the service life of the battery would also be impaired. “The biggest leverage in terms of energy density is attained by using pure silicon active material, but then you also have to contend with the worst downsides in terms of service life,” says Edelberg. Nevertheless, intensive work is being carried out on anodes with a very high proportion of silicon of up to 80 percent. This is the path that Cellforce (see box), for example, is following in conjunction with Porsche.

More nickel in the cathode

Intensive work is also underway on optimizing the active materials for the cathode. The important thing in this case is a combination of a large charging capacity and a high electrochemical potential of the material. At present, lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese-oxide (NCM) in a ratio of 6:2:2—in terms of the parts nickel, cobalt, and manganese—is most frequently used in electromobility in Europe. Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

In the future, nickel’s share is likely to increase, while cobalt and manganese will be used to a lesser extent. The growing share accounted for by nickel promises higher charging capacities. Further optimization potential is offered by the separator, which consists of very thin (10 to 20- micrometer) films, mostly comprised of polyethylene or polypropylene. This separator costs space and weight. “The separator can indirectly contribute to the energy content of a battery cell,” says Edelberg. “The thinner it is, the more layers or coils on electrodes fit into a cell. This increases the cell capacity and the energy content of a battery cell.”

Compact solid-state batteries

Solid batteries, an area into which intensive research is being conducted, could need significantly less installation space than conventional lithium-ion batteries. They do not use an electrolyte solution, but a solid supporting electrolyte. “The plan for solid cells is that the classic separator will be completely replaced by a thin layer of solid electrolytes,” explains Edelberg. Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

“The solid electrolyte is then both electrolyte and separator in one.”

More ….

-Innovative e-bike technology: a nylon rear swing arm RadiciGroup and Acerbis have collaborated to create a groundbreaking product for electric two-wheelers that offers both reduced weight and advanced technical performance

This technology has been incorporated into select Fantic Trail and Enduro e-bike models.

The two Bergamo-based companies, RadiciGroup and Acerbis, have initiated an inventive project to produce design solutions that deliver high performance. They have developed a rear swing arm for electric bikes, which is made of nylon rather than aluminium, as a first of its kind in the e-bike market. This innovation enables the rear triangle to better absorb the stress caused by uneven terrain.

Fantic, an Italian manufacturer of motorbikes and electric bikes, is the first company to use this pioneering technology, which is the result of meticulous research and development. Fantic has decided to incorporate the new rear swing arm in several models of its Trail and Enduro lines that were unveiled at EICMA 2022 and are now available for purchase. Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

Claudio Ghilardi, CAE analyst of RadiciGroup High Performance Polymers Marketing and Technical Service, stated that as this component of the bike frame is structural, a polyamide 66-based specialty material reinforced with glass fibre has been selected to ensure that the part can withstand continuous high stress. This material also has properties that are less affected by moisture absorption. In addition, the material has an attractive appearance, is UV-stabilized, and is resistant to weathering.

The use of RadiciGroup’s compound in the nylon swing arm reduces its weight by 10% and eliminates the need for the painting process used for the corresponding metal component, resulting in improved environmental performance. RadiciGroup engineering polymers are solution-dyed, which means that the part is already colored during the extrusion process, resulting in an excellent surface finish.

The achievement of this result was made possible by the close collaboration of RadiciGroup, Acerbis, and Fantic in all phases of the project, from the part design to the material formulation, the creation of the mould, and the injection molding process, to the testing of the component mounted on an e-bike. Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

According to Guido Acerbis, CEO of Acerbis, this partnership among Italian companies represents a step towards a new way of thinking about production that will allow them to accelerate some production reshoring to Europe. By replacing a metal part with a nylon one and improving its function, the project has given them the opportunity to simplify and shorten the production time while increasing the volume of products brought to market in a short time.

-Indorama Ventures Reports Improved Quarterly Earnings; Focuses On Competitiveness Amid A Challenging Environment

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemical producer, today reported improved quarterly earnings as headwinds continue to ease from the previous quarter’s peaks, although still below normalized levels. The company continues to focus on enhancing its global competitiveness as the full benefit of China’s reopening spurs volumes through the year, and as volatile energy costs and the destocking trend by customers begin to normalize.

Indorama Ventures achieved Reported EBITDA of $301 million in 1Q23, an increase of 269% QoQ and a decline of 62% YoY. Sales volumes dropped 8% YoY amid the heavy destocking trend that is impacting the chemical industry globally, although volumes rose 5% QoQ as the pace of destocking begins to slow from the peak in 4Q22. With China reopening from pandemic lockdowns and economic activity increasing, there has been marginal improvement in benchmark spreads, albeit below historical levels. In Europe, the warmer-than-expected winter contributed to lower energy prices and alleviated the cost pressures faced last year. Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

Mr. Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, said, “We are seeing early signs that the highly unusual headwinds that are impacting our industry are starting to ease from their highs, although it will take some time to normalize. We continue to maintain a sharp focus on enhancing our competitiveness, including acting on sites that are marginally profitable, especially in Europe. In Asia, we are introducing more innovative products to improve our businesses’ global competitiveness, and we are strengthening leadership across our three business segments to deliver shareholders returns. Project Olympus, our ongoing cost transformation program, will continue to drive efficiencies in 2023.”

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-In a victory for Europe, Northvolt, the Swedish battery maker, announced on Friday (12 May) its plans to invest several billion euros in building an electric vehicle battery facility in Germany, beating the United States in the competition

The plant, which is set to commence operations in 2026, will have a production capacity of 60 gigawatt hours, which is sufficient to power approximately one million electric vehicles every year. Although the precise investment and funding amounts are not finalized, two sources familiar with the matter claim that Northvolt could spend around €3-5 billion on the facility and receive approximately half a billion euros in German subsidies. German Economy Minister Robert Habeck lauded the project, stating that it would create thousands of green-tech jobs, making it one of the most critical flagship projects of the energy and transport transition.  Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

Northvolt, in collaboration with Volkswagen, is among the few European players leading the way for the continent’s home-grown battery sector. However, Asian players will own a large portion of the planned capacity in Europe. The new battery facility is the first project to receive subsidies under the EU’s Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF), aimed at supporting green industrial initiatives and countering the subsidies offered by the US’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The EU’s TCTF allows countries to match foreign subsidies under specific conditions, allowing them to provide the same amount to firms as third countries for specific projects. The German government intends to supplement these subsidies with state funding under the EU’s scheme of “Important Projects of Common European Interest.”

The plant, located in Heide, will create 3,000 direct jobs and thousands more in the surrounding industry and service sector. Additionally, the battery facility will receive state funding as part of the EU’s “Important Projects of Common European Interest” program. Although Northvolt had previously put its final investment decision for the plant in northern Germany on hold, citing higher subsidies and lower production costs in North America, the company’s decision to build in Germany does not preclude the possibility of constructing another plant in North America. The plant’s approval clears a significant administrative hurdle, and its completion will be critical to the growth of Europe’s electric vehicle market. Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

-Microplastics seeping into wastewater through recycling facilities, says study

New research has found that a ‘state-of-the-art’ plastic recycling facility in the UK could be releasing up to 75 billion microplastics per cubic meter of wastewater annually.

New research suggests that plastic recycling facilities could be releasing wastewater packed with billions of tiny plastic particles, contributing to the pollution of waterways and endangering human health.

A team of international scientists sampled water inside a new recycling facility at an undisclosed location in the UK They suggest that the facility could be releasing up to 75 billion microplastics — tiny plastic pieces less than 5 millimetres, or 3/16 of an inch, in length — per cubic meter of wastewater per year.

That’s about 6 per cent of the plastic that entered the facility to be recycled. However, the researchers only considered microplastics as small as 1.6 microns (μm), which means these numbers are likely to be an underestimate, they say.

The researchers tested the wastewater before the facility installed a water filtration system, as well as after the filtration system was installed. They found that while the system filtered out about 90 per cent of the microplastics larger than 10 μm, it didn’t remove the pieces smaller than 10 μm. Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

The study, which was recently published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, suggests the recycling plant discharged up to 2,933 metric tons of microplastics each year prior to the water filtration system, and up to 1,366 metric tons of microplastics each year after the system was in place.

“Given the size of these microplastic particles, the environmental repercussions and risk of ingestion by all manners of invertebrates, biota and humans is worrying.”

“We wouldn’t have done this study if we hadn’t thought there was any pollution in the water, but it was just shocking numbers,” study lead author Erina Brown, a researcher at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, tells Mongabay. “Over 80 per cent of the particles that we found were under 10 microns, which have been shown to be really harmful, both to humans and so many different organisms — from large organisms down to tiny zooplankton.” Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

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-Gerdau Graphene has introduced two novel graphene additives, NanoDUR and NanoLAV, specially designed for the coatings and paints sector

The company, which specializes in developing advanced graphene-enhanced materials for industrial purposes, utilizes graphene nanoplatelets in the production of these cutting-edge additives. The new products are formulated with Gerdau Graphene’s G2D technology and deliver unprecedented performance improvements for water-based paints and coatings, without altering pH levels. Furthermore, they decrease or eliminate the requirement for some traditional manufacturing inputs, additives, and processes, which can lessen production costs and enhance sustainability by reducing environmental impact.

According to Alexandre de Toledo Corrêa, CEO of Gerdau Graphene, the utilization of carbon nanomaterials like graphene in commercially available additives makes it possible to upgrade product performance, reduce manufacturing costs, and improve sustainability simultaneously. NanoDUR and NanoLAV are the latest additions to Gerdau Graphene’s growing portfolio of graphene additives and are expected to help coatings manufacturers leapfrog their competitors across the value chain. Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

NanoDUR, a water-based graphene additive, enhances paint and coating durability on low- and high-traffic surfaces, demonstrating excellent dispersion. The use of NanoDUR leads to painted surfaces with remarkable wear and tear resistance, weathering, and resistance to other external factors that can lead to degradation over time, while still maintaining physical and chemical properties such as adhesion, color, and resistance to chipping, flaking, cracking, fading, and peeling. NanoLAV, a graphene additive specifically formulated for water-based architectural paints, increases washability and moisture-resistance, making it an ideal choice for applications where hygiene is essential, such as hospitals, schools, and kitchens.

Gerdau Graphene’s portfolio of graphene additives includes products for a wide range of industrial materials and applications. Poly-G, a collection of graphene-enhanced thermoplastic masterbatches for the plastics sector, is among the company’s latest offerings. Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

Poly-G dramatically enhances the durability and sustainability of plastic packaging films, profiles, and sheets made by extrusion processes. Gerdau Graphene is collaborating with Sumitomo Corporation to import and distribute Poly-G in Japan.

Graphene is a one to 10 atom-thick sheet of densely compacted carbon, recognized as the strongest material on Earth. Since its discovery in 2004, its extraordinary chemical, physical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties have fascinated the world and led to its inventors being awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry.

-The 62nd edition of the Dornbirn Global Fibre Congress (GFC) is scheduled to occur from September 13 to 15, 2023 at the Kulturhaus located in Dornbirn, Austria

The Dornbirn GFC 2023 has broadened its scope significantly, offering an expanded selection of 120 presentations in multiple halls.

Distinguished international speakers from both industry and research fields will unveil the latest advancements in the fiber and textile sectors across four platforms. A distinctive culinary experience and exceptional hospitality await visitors attending this year’s Dornbirn GFC. Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

An early bird ticket is currently available at a discounted price until May 31, 2023. The participant ticket will grant admission to all 120 expert lectures, the exhibition area, the 3rd Innovation Days, and the customary gala evening on the opening day, complete with a buffet and fashion show. The congress ticket also comprises a premium lunch on the first and second day, refreshments such as fruits, coffee, and cake during breaks, as confirmed by the event’s organizers in a press release.

The Dornbirn GFC organizing team has imbued the spirit of Innovation Days to offer superior quality to both participants and attendees. The 3rd Innovation Days will be given a more extensive platform as part of the Dornbirn GFC. FashionForGood and PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) have collaborated to provide a larger stage to the 25 participants of the 3rd Innovation Days. The young companies will pitch their innovative concepts during the opening morning, with over 500 experts following each presentation. The Contact Point, the heart of the Innovation Days, will be situated in the vast foyer of the event location, connecting the professional audience with the Innovation Days participants. FashionForGood, a renowned company with vast experience in the fashion industry, will support these budding entrepreneurs throughout the congress and explore new possibilities. Solid-state batteries – Microplastics

A unique series of lectures will ensue from the collaboration on the topic of sustainability between RWTH Aachen University and European industry partners. The block of lectures will commence with the Swiss company TEXAID Textilverwertungs presenting on the topic of “Sustainability in the textile industry: the conversion of recycled materials into yarn by spinning mills.” Other prominent industry players will take the stage to showcase their innovations in this critical field and future direction.

Plastic-degrading – rPET – BGPET 15-05-2023

Plastic-degrading – rPET – BGPET

-Petrochemicals – BGPET – FGPET

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Crude Oil Prices Trend

-Wind of recession in Germany, what are the risks for Italy and the EU  

The wind of recession is blowing from Germany, but it can drag the whole of Europe – and Italy – into an economic crisis with still vague contours and with an alarming potential that can lead the old continent to contract.
The warning comes from macro data released on Monday May 8: German industrial production has collapsed the most in a year, raising the risk that Europe’s largest economy has indeed slipped into a winter recession.
Specifically, German industrial production fell by 3.4% in March. The slump was particularly pronounced in the auto sector, according to the statistics office.
While the data comes with a big lag and the most recent releases suggest that the economy as a whole is booming in the European powerhouse, the unexpectedly poor manufacturing performance could still see the first-quarter reading for gross domestic product fall. Plastic-degrading – rPET – BGPET

That means Germany could enter a recession between October and March after vacillating between growth and contraction since Russia attacked Ukraine and inflation took off.
There is no alarmism, but concern yes. The German numbers are, according to recent analyses, alarm bells for the entire continent. They reflect all the weaknesses of the global and, specifically, European financial and economic system.
Looking at Germany, according to ING economist Carsten Brzeski, it can be noted that “more structurally, production expectations have weakened again, the order book has thinned and inventories remain high… And the prospects are anything but how rosy”.
Despite the different peculiarities of the system of the EU countries, one cannot fail to notice that in Germany’s fragility there are signs of a delicate moment for the whole continent. The ECB will remain aggressive and this will affect the various nations, including Italy which is shaking with its high debt.

-Is Aquafil Using Too Much Debt?

Howard Marks put it nicely when he said that, rather than worrying about share price volatility, ‘The possibility of permanent loss is the risk I worry about… and every practical investor I know worries about.’ So it might be obvious that you need to consider debt, when you think about how risky any given stock is, because too much debt can sink a company. Importantly, Aquafil S.p.A. (BIT:ECNL) does carry debt. But should shareholders be worried about its use of debt?

When Is Debt Dangerous?

Debt is a tool to help businesses grow, but if a business is incapable of paying off its lenders, then it exists at their mercy. If things get really bad, the lenders can take control of the business. However, a more common (but still painful) scenario is that it has to raise new equity capital at a low price, thus permanently diluting shareholders. By replacing dilution, though, debt can be an extremely good tool for businesses that need capital to invest in growth at high rates of return. When we examine debt levels, we first consider both cash and debt levels, together. Plastic-degrading – rPET – BGPET

See our latest analysis for Aquafil

What Is Aquafil’s Debt?

The image below, which you can click on for greater detail, shows that at March 2023 Aquafil had debt of €375.3m, up from €344.9m in one year. However, it does have €122.8m in cash offsetting this, leading to net debt of about €252.5m.

A Look At Aquafil’s Liabilities

The latest balance sheet data shows that Aquafil had liabilities of €231.9m due within a year, and liabilities of €310.2m falling due after that. On the other hand, it had cash of €122.8m and €35.8m worth of receivables due within a year. So it has liabilities totalling €383.5m more than its cash and near-term receivables, combined.

This deficit casts a shadow over the €219.2m company, like a colossus towering over mere mortals. So we definitely think shareholders need to watch this one closely. After all, Aquafil would likely require a major re-capitalisation if it had to pay its creditors today.

We use two main ratios to inform us about debt levels relative to earnings. The first is net debt divided by earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), while the second is how many times its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) covers its interest expense (or its interest cover, for short). Plastic-degrading – rPET – BGPET

This way, we consider both the absolute quantum of the debt, as well as the interest rates paid on it.

Aquafil’s debt is 3.3 times its EBITDA, and its EBIT cover its interest expense 4.8 times over. This suggests that while the debt levels are significant, we’d stop short of calling them problematic. We saw Aquafil grow its EBIT by 9.2% in the last twelve months. That’s far from incredible but it is a good thing, when it comes to paying off debt. There’s no doubt that we learn most about debt from the balance sheet. But ultimately the future profitability of the business will decide if Aquafil can strengthen its balance sheet over time. So if you’re focused on the future you can check out this free report showing analyst profit forecasts.

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-NIO’s most recent submission suggests that electric vehicles powered by solid-state batteries could arrive as early as this summer

 

The filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology indicates that NIO plans to enhance the battery capabilities of three existing EV models with the help of solid-state battery developer WeLion.

This aligns with the company founder’s previous statements regarding the launch of solid-state-powered EVs this summer.

While various EV technologies have been introduced and improved, solid-state batteries have yet to be produced on a large scale at a cost comparable to traditional lithium-ion batteries used by most automakers.

However, there has been progress, with companies like WeLion in China and Quantumscape in the US nearing the launch of commercial-grade EV-specific cells.

NIO has a long-standing relationship with WeLion, and its latest filing suggests that its new solid-state battery packs may soon be available to the market.

The filing specifies that two NIO SUVs and one sedan will be receiving battery upgrades using cells from Huzhou WeLion Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NIO’s current semi-solid-state battery supplier, Beijing WeLion New Energy Technology.

While the filing does not explicitly mention solid-state batteries, it indicates that NIO models will be equipped with battery upgrades using WeLion’s cells.

Although the NIO ET7 may not be the first NIO EV to feature the new energy-dense pack, the sedan remains associated with the technology since the automaker announced plans for a 150-kWh solid-state pack in early 2021. Plastic-degrading – rPET – BGPET

The progress of this battery transition and its significance remains uncertain until NIO provides more information.

However, if NIO delivers solid-state EVs in China this summer, it may ship them to Europe thereafter, meaning both Chinese and EU markets could see solid-state-powered EVs driving around before the US.

-Swiss researchers identify plastic-degrading microbial strains in the Alps and Arctic region

Finding, cultivating, and bioengineering organisms that can digest plastic not only aids in the removal of pollution, but is now also big business. Several microorganisms that can do this have already been found, but when their enzymes that make this possible are applied at an industrial scale, they typically only work at temperatures above 30 °C. The heating required means that industrial applications remain costly to date, and aren’t carbon-neutral. But there is a possible solution to this problem: finding specialist cold-adapted microbes whose enzymes work at lower temperatures.

Scientists from the Swiss Federal Institute WSL knew where to look for such micro-organisms: at high altitudes in the Alps of their country, or in the polar regions. Their findings are published in Frontiers in Microbiology. Plastic-degrading – rPET – BGPET

“Here we show that novel microbial taxa obtained from the ‘plastisphere’ of alpine and arctic soils were able to break down biodegradable plastics at 15 °C,” said first author Dr Joel Rüthi, currently a guest scientist at WSL. “These organisms could help to reduce the costs and environmental burden of an enzymatic recycling process for plastic.”

Rüthi and colleagues sampled 19 strains of bacteria and 15 of fungi growing on free-lying or intentionally buried plastic (kept in the ground for one year) in Greenland, Svalbard, and Switzerland. Most of the plastic litter from Svalbard had been collected during the Swiss Arctic Project 2018, where students did fieldwork to witness the effects of climate change at first hand. The soil from Switzerland had been collected on the summit of the Muot da Barba Peider (2,979 m) and in the valley Val Lavirun, both in the canton Graubünden.

The scientists let the isolated microbes grow as single-strain cultures in the laboratory in darkness and at 15 °C and used molecular techniques to identify them.

The results showed that the bacterial strains belonged to 13 genera in the phyla Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, and the fungi to 10 genera in the phyla Ascomycota and Mucoromycota. Plastic-degrading – rPET – BGPET

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-Eastman secures significant feedstock agreements for molecular recycling facility in France

Eastman today announced it has secured a significant amount of feedstock needed for its planned molecular recycling facility in Port Jerome sur Seine, Normandy, France. With an investment of $1 billion, the planned facility will become the world’s largest material-to-material molecular recycling plant.

“We began the year with roughly half of our feedstock needs secured for phase 1 of the project, and with these important additional agreements in place we are moving closer to the more than 80 percent we expect to secure by year-end,” said Brad Lich, executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “This strong progress is a testament to the complementary nature of Eastman’s innovative molecular recycling technology to the current mechanical technologies in the market and to the growing need to enable circularity for more waste streams going back to high-quality contact-sensitive output.”

Citeo, the leading Producer Responsible Organization (PRO) in France, recently announced that Eastman, in a commercial partnership with Paprec, France’s leading integrated waste management company, has been selected to receive a significant amount of feedstock for the methanolysis facility in Normandy. Plastic-degrading – rPET – BGPET

The Citeo agreement to secure French household waste has provided Eastman with a strong foundation for securing French-sourced waste for its project in France.

Eastman also shared it has reached an additional agreement with Interzero, an innovation leader in plastics recycling with the largest sorting capacity in Europe, for an additional 25,000 metric tonnes of waste in addition to the 20,000 metric tonnes from a previous agreement announced last year.

“We’re pleased to grow our initial agreement with Eastman and do even more to solve the waste crisis we’re facing,” said Jacco de Haas, chief commercial officer of Interzero Plastics Recycling. “Chemical recycling is a necessary complement to mechanical recycling to keep more raw materials in the loop. Interzero and Eastman are committed to creating material circularity and Eastman’s facility in France will process colored and opaque PET waste that cannot be recycled mechanically.”

Another agreement with a leading company in the waste management and recycling eco-system was reached at the end of last year. This agreement, adding approximately 30,000 metric tonnes of waste, allows geographic coverage in strategic waste supplies.

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-GRS certification for Piana Nonwovens

Piana Technology has been certified to the Global Recycling Standard (GRS) for its Piana Nonwovens business unit.

The Georgia and Arizona-based textile facilities specialize in vertically and cross-lapped nonwovens. Since 2015 and 2019, in each location respectively, the company has manufactured a variety of intermediate products that are behind many of the common household products used today. Plastic-degrading – rPET – BGPET

The GRS is a product standard that verifies and tracks recycled raw materials through the supply chain. It includes criteria to prevent the use of potentially hazardous chemicals, and verifies positive social or environmental production at facilities – this includes requirements for worker’s rights and safety, as well as an environmental management system to set and track environmental goals. Both Piana Nonwovens facilities were assessed by a third party to verify their conformance to the standard, and were awarded a scope certificate in March.

All eligible nonwoven products from Piana Nonwovens will be made with at least 50% recycled GRS material.

Daniela Leal, Sustainability manager at Piana Technology said the certification was a step forward for the company’s mission to offer traceable technologies that have a smaller environmental footprint, on top of its organization-wide purpose of becoming a powerhouse of sustainable innovation. Plastic-degrading – rPET – BGPET

“We are proud to demonstrate our commitment to traceability, social, and environmental standards through this certification,” she said. “It is always our priority to work for the benefit and wellbeing of people and the planet.”

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Textile recycling – rPET-rPP – Hydrogen 13-05-2023

Textile recycling – rPET-rPP – Hydrogen

-Lenzing AG: Lenzing and partners launch Austria’s largest textile recycling project

• Lenzing, ARA, Salesianer Miettex, Caritas and Södra joining forces to drive forward the transition to circularity
• Joint project involving the collection, transport and sorting of used textiles for processing to make pulp and fibers
• Pioneering project with a strong social component

The Lenzing Group, a world-leading provider of specialty fibers for the textile and nonwoven industries, has taken another big step towards achieving a circular future in collaboration with several partners. Austrian companies and not-for-profit organizations, including Lenzing’s logistics and sorting partner ARA (Altstoff Recycling Austria AG), the textile service provider Salesianer Miettex and Caritas, as well as the Swedish pulp producer Södra have joined forces to collect used household and clothing textiles for reprocessing to produce pulp and, ultimately, new lyocell and viscose fibers.

In this pilot project, used textiles collected by Salesianer Miettex that are not suitable for reuse will be passed on to ARA, before being delivered to Caritas for sorting by hand at a recycling plant. Textile recycling – rPET-rPP – Hydrogen

The Caritas recycling facility provides secure employment to more than 70 people with disabilities. After the sorting process, the textiles will be delivered to Södra for recycling and processing to produce OnceMore® pulp. This method is a world first in the industrial recycling of textile waste made from blended fibers. Lenzing will then apply its innovative REFIBRA™ technology to produce new lyocell and viscose fibers.

“One company alone cannot solve the pressing problem of textile waste. Proactive partnerships such as these allow us to make progress and accomplish real systemic change,” says Sonja Zak, Head of Textile Sourcing & Cooperations at Lenzing Group. “We work hard to make our industries more sustainable and promote the transformation of the textile business model from linear to circular. Continued action across the whole sector will be necessary to facilitate this transition.” Textile recycling – rPET-rPP – Hydrogen

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-Technip Energies (Paris) and Casale SA (Lugano, Switzerland) have formed a new alliance to jointly license oxidative reforming-centered technologies, namely autothermal reforming (ATR) and partial oxidation (POx) technologies, for the blue hydrogen market, as per the company’s announcement

 

ATR is a process that generates syngas containing hydrogen, CO, and CO2, and when combined with carbon capture technology, it becomes a cost-effective means for low-carbon hydrogen that is suitable for larger-scale facilities. Under this partnership, Technip Energies and Casale will act as co-licensors of the technology and will provide a Process Design Package (PDP), exclusive equipment, and entire plants. The ATR-based solution could achieve up to 99% carbon capture rate to decarbonize hydrogen facilities. Technip Energies’ two hydrogen centers of excellence, situated in Claremont CA, US, and Zoetermeer, NL, will collaboratively execute PDP for ATR-based blue hydrogen projects with Casale.

Loic Chapuis, SVP Gas & Low Carbon Energies of Technip Energies, remarked, “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Casale, which will enable us to provide cutting-edge ATR-based solutions for the blue hydrogen market. By capitalizing on our worldwide leadership in hydrogen, having delivered over 30% of the installed capacity globally, with our combined exclusive technologies, we believe that we can offer advanced and economical solutions that can satisfy our customers’ needs.

ATR-based solutions will complement T.EN’s exclusive SMR-based solutions, enabling us to provide a complete range of solutions in the low-carbon hydrogen market. We anticipate collaborating with Casale to foster innovation and scale up hydrogen production decarbonization.” Textile recycling – rPET-rPP – Hydrogen

Federico Zardi, CEO of Casale SA, stated, “We are pleased to form this partnership with Technip Energies, a worldwide leader in hydrogen plants. This partnership has the potential to provide the market with advanced solutions for worldwide decarbonization, leveraging our extensive experience in developing and utilizing advanced ATR and POx technologies with several ATR-based mega production units already supplied, coupled with Technip Energies’ technological expertise in the hydrogen arena.”

-Lummus Technology Announces Partnership with Texplore to License HDPE Technology

Agreement expands Lummus’ portfolio and continues track record of collaboration with industry leaders and innovators

Lummus Technology, a global provider of process technologies and value-driven energy solutions, and Texplore Co., Ltd. (Texplore), a wholly owned subsidiary of SCG Chemicals Public Co., Ltd. (SCGC), announced a commercial cooperation agreement to license and market EXCENE™, Texplore’s high-density polyethylene (HDPE) technology. Leadership from both companies recently participated in a signing ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Licensing Texplore’s HDPE technology builds on our recent success of expanding Lummus’ comprehensive technology portfolio,” said Leon de Bruyn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lummus Technology. “Lummus has a long history of partnering with industry leading companies like SCGC to leverage our collective strengths and bring innovative technologies to market.” Textile recycling – rPET-rPP – Hydrogen

“We are honored to join hands with Lummus Technology in this collaboration, as we see it as a perfect fit for both parties to synergize our strengths and experiences towards a successful long-term partnership,” said Dr. Suracha Udomsak, Executive Vice President and Chief innovation Officer of SCGC. “Today’s CCA signing is just the beginning of a new chapter in our journey, and we are excited to explore further steps together to boost our sustainable market and bring value to our clients.”

Under the agreement, Lummus will exclusively license Texplore’s EXCENE™ HDPE technology. Lummus will also provide engineering design for plant construction, services for plant commissioning and start up, and additional lifecycle services, while Texplore will provide their EL-CAT™ catalyst supply.

Well suited for high-capacity production, HDPE is a thermoplastic polymer that is one of the most versatile plastic materials.

HDPE has a high strength-to-density ratio and is used to make a wide variety of products including large-diameter pipes and films, and more. Textile recycling – rPET-rPP – Hydrogen

EXCENE™ is a proven proprietary HDPE process commercialized by Texplore.

The technology offers HDPE for the use in variety of high-end applications and quality products. It is also reliable and simple process and operation.

-Verdeco expands with eye on evolving materials landscape

 Equipment is being installed in Verdeco’s new operation in South Carolina, putting the PET recycling firm on track to bring an additional 90 million pounds of capacity on-line this summer. Rob Bindner, Verdeco CEO, told Plastics Recycling Update that the Greenville build is part of a long-term strategic vision that emphasizes material innovation.

With packaging manufacturers moving fast to bring more recycled material into different applications, the plastics processor sees opportunity in offering testing solutions and other services that could open new doors in the use of recycled content.

“We believe that, ultimately, for our customers to achieve their sustainability goals and targets, you’ve got to have innovation through material science and not just solely rely on feedstock,” he said. Verdeco also has facilities in California and Indiana, each with an annual capacity of 60 million pounds.  Textile recycling – rPET-rPP – Hydrogen

The new facility is in Greenville, S.C. and will become the company’s headquarters.

The location was selected for its proximity to Verdeco’s customers and to several major ports, allowing for easy feedstock movement.

Bindner added the Greenville area offers a variety of upsides that help the company attract and retain employees.

“From an academic standpoint, a climate standpoint, a cost of living standpoint, South Carolina – and Greenville in particular – really has the opportunity to accomplish all that in one location,” he said.

Accelerating sustainability The 217,000-square-foot facility in South Carolina will pelletize hot-washed PET flake and also provide a testing laboratory that will help the company develop customized solutions for customers quickly, Bindner said.

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PET-flakes -Car battery solutions 12-05-2023

Plastic waste – Recycled batteries

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

-Borealis showcases a new PP monomaterial pouch that is fully compatible for mechanical recycling of polypropylene at PRSE 2023

-Newly-developed high barrier flexible pouch for dry food is designed for recycling

-Monomaterial pouch containing over 95% polypropylene (PP) helps producers and brand owners fulfil stringent Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) guidelines

-Value chain collaboration in the spirit of EverMinds™ continues to advance plastics circularity

Borealis announces that it is using the occasion of the Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRSE) in May to highlight a new monomaterial pouch containing over 95% PP and designed for recycling.

Developed in collaboration with value chain partners, this more sustainable high barrier packaging format offers a range of benefits for the blown and cast film extrusion processes as well as for brand owners and end consumers. Plastic waste – Recycled batteries

As a monomaterial PP packaging format, it can help meet ambitious recycling and waste reduction targets set forth in the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) as well as eco-modulation criteria for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programmes.

Accelerating plastics circularity through value chain co-operation

High barrier packaging is used to preserve and protect foodstuffs that are sensitive to moisture, oxygen, aromas, and light, like dry ingredients and powders, coffee, and snack foods.

Producers and consumers benefit from the longer shelf life and reduced food waste made possible by these convenient high barrier pouches.

In the extrusion lamination process, laminating PP cast and BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) films yields mono PP laminates with uniquely advantageous properties. These include high barrier and stiffness, and excellent sealing performance.

Using conventional adhesion lamination structures, producers have previously been able to obtain pouch laminate materials containing approximately 90% PP.

However, by pooling their respective areas of expertise, Borealis and value chain partners have now been able to boost the share of PP to over 95%. Plastic waste – Recycled batteries

When processed within dedicated mechanical recycling streams for PP, this monomaterial pouch yields greater volumes of high-quality recyclate fit for use in non-food, flexible PP packaging applications.

It is thus the ideal format with which to fulfil the principle aims of the PPWR: improve recyclability, grow the market for recycled content, and reduce packaging waste.

While eco-modulated EPR fees based on packaging recyclability credentials and recycled content may differ among EU Member States, the new monomaterial pouch made of over 95% PP meets the  (Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging) definition of “fully compatible to mechanical recycling PP.”

It is thus a cost-saving alternative to conventional pouch formats composed of a greater number of different materials.

“In re-inventing essentials for sustainable living, our aim is to uphold the integrity and quality of packaging materials while ensuring that these convenient formats are more and more circular,” says Peter Voortmans, Borealis Global Commercial Director Consumer Products. “We are very proud of this value chain collaboration.

It equips our partners and customers with yet another viable and more sustainable solution to help manage the updated requirements of the PPWR.”

The high barrier pouch made of over 95% PP demonstrates excellent seal strength and hermetic sealing properties thanks to the material solutions and production expertise contributed by each of the value chain partners involved in this project.

Commercially available polyolefins in the Borealis PP extrusion coating and lamination grade portfolio offer stable processability and good laminate bond strength.

These were used in tandem with tie layers contributed by the Mitsui Chemical Group, a leading international manufacturer of specialty chemicals, including polyolefin-based tie resins. Plastic waste – Recycled batteries

As a global leader in the development and manufacture of specialty BOPP films, Jindal Films contributed to this innovative solution for recyclable packaging.

With locations in Europe, America, and China, Profol, known for its innovative cast PP films and lightweight composites, produced the cast films.

Based in Finland and operating in 38 countries, Huhtamaki Flexible Packaging provides solutions that enhance wellbeing and convenience for consumers around the world, and contributed innovative laminates to the new monomaterial pouch.

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-An investment syndicate comprising of Invest-NL, Infinity Recycling, and LyondellBasell has injected nearly €13 million into Pryme, an advanced plastic waste recycler located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Pryme has developed an economical pyrolysis technique for recycling plastic waste on an industrial scale, with a high conversion rate and a low carbon footprint.

According to the Dutch research organization TNO, chemically recycling plastic waste can help avoid 92,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year for each Pryme reactor line of 40,000 tonnes compared to incineration.

The new funds raised will be used by Pryme to enhance the commercialization of its recycling process. The CEO of Pryme, Chris Herve, expressed his excitement about the new investors, adding that they are expected to bring valuable experience and insight to advance the technology further.

The recycling plant in Rotterdam, with a yearly input capacity of 40,000 tonnes, is being constructed by Pryme and will commence operations in 2023.

Infinity Recycling, a member of the consortium, is a portfolio company of Pryme, with a focus on investing in valorisation technologies for recycling plastic.

Invest-NL is the Netherlands’ national financing and development institution.

Elisabeth Storm de Grave, its principal, described the investment round as a significant step towards expanding Pryme’s advanced recycling capabilities.

For LyondellBasell, the investment provides a potential source of feedstock for the integrated hub it is developing in Cologne, Germany. Plastic waste – Recycled batteries

The company aims to process up to 2 million tonnes of renewable or plastic waste-based feedstock annually, and it is engineering an advanced recycling plant with its proprietary MoReTec technology.

Martino Gabellich, Vice President of Advanced Recycling and Low Carbon Solutions at LyondellBasell, emphasized the importance of investing in rapidly growing firms like Pryme to support the scaling-up of new advanced recycling commercial operations and decrease the amount of plastic waste sent for incineration as the demand for more circular products increases.

-In a statement, Glencore and Li-Cycle, who are leaders in the lithium-ion battery resource recovery industry and have been partners with the Swiss multinational since May 2022, have announced a joint study to develop a Recycling Hub in Europe by converting an existing metallurgical plant owned by Glencore in Portovesme

This will become the largest source of high-quality recycled lithium for batteries, as well as recycled nickel and cobalt in Europe.

The official announcement of the plant’s conversion study comes just a few days before the working group scheduled for May 17th at Mimit, which will discuss the future development of the industrial site after the lead line closure.

The creation of the first fully closed-loop European solution for raw materials from lithium batteries to high-quality battery products is expected. The new Hub’s processing capacity is estimated to be between 50,000-70,000 tonnes of black mass per year, according to the Swiss multinational’s statement. The definitive feasibility study will begin in mid-2023 and will benefit from Li-Cycle’s cutting-edge technology and the advantage of being the first in Europe. The timeline has been accelerated thanks to the reuse of some of Glencore’s existing facilities in Portovesme, Italy.  Plastic waste – Recycled batteries

A letter of intent has also been signed “to jointly evaluate the feasibility and subsequent development of a Hub plant in Portovesme,” which will produce critical battery raw materials, including nickel, cobalt, and lithium, from the content of depleted batteries. “The Portovesme Hub will benefit from Li-Cycle’s cutting-edge hydrometallurgical technology and will be the largest sustainable battery product manufacturing plant in Europe.”

-China’s foreign policy has become more lenient, as evidenced by recent efforts to establish itself as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine

President Xi Jinping’s country now expresses support for normalizing relations with the United States. The Chinese Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, urged better management of the Taiwan issue to preserve the “one China” principle. He also requested that the US respect China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests. Qin met with US Ambassador Nicholas Burns to discuss the importance of stabilizing relations following a series of misleading actions and statements by the US.

The US-China relationship experienced heightened tension after Speaker of the US House Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022. Although the tension eased after Joe Biden and Xi Jinping’s meeting at the G20 summit in Indonesia, relations have cooled again due to subsequent actions and statements by the US. Plastic waste – Recycled batteries

Qin also hopes to cultivate relations with Europe, and he will visit Germany, France, and Norway, where he plans to mediate the EU’s decision to impose sanctions on seven Chinese companies for aiding the Russian war machine.

-Taiwan, China asks the US to stabilize relations. Military aid to Moscow: EU sanctions on seven Chinese companies

China softens its foreign policy. After the initiatives to establish itself as a qualified mediator between Russia and Ukraine, President Xi Jinping’s country says it is in favor of a normalization of relations with the United States.

The message comes from Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who in a meeting in Beijing with US Ambassador Nicholas Burns spoke of the “need to stabilize relations after the series of erroneous statements and actions that have cooled ties”.
Qin, according to a note from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, has asked the United States for better management of the Taiwan affair, so as to put an end to the erosion of the “one China” principle, according to which Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan are part of a single national entity. Plastic waste – Recycled batteries

“The United States should adequately address the issue of Taiwan and stop supporting and legitimizing the separatist forces of independence”, added the Chinese foreign minister, who also asked Washington to respect the “red lines” imposed by China and to stop violating its interests of sovereignty, security and development.
The spiral of tensions between the US and China
Relations between the two largest economies in the world cracked in August 2022 after the trip to Taiwan of the then speaker of the US House, Nancy Pelosi.

Tensions only eased in November, when Joe Biden and Xi Jinping met at the G20 summit in Indonesia, where they pledged to talk more frequently.

“However, since then, a series of misleading actions and statements by the US have disrupted the hard-won positive momentum in bilateral relations, and relations between countries have cooled down again,” Qin said.
In fact, even China has its faults. The climate of tension reached its peak again in February after the discovery of the Chinese spy balloon flying in US airspace.

After his downing, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled a planned visit to Beijing. Blinken recently corrected the shot and stressed the importance of re-establishing regular lines of communication with Beijing. Plastic waste – Recycled batteries

Idea reproposed by the Chinese Foreign Minister: “The top priority is to stabilize relations and avoid a negative spiral in order to prevent any incidents between China and the United States.”
The EU will sanction Chinese companies accused of aiding the Russian war machine
In addition to the US, the Chinese foreign minister is also trying to cultivate relations with Europe. From May 8 to 12, Qin Gang will be visiting Germany, France and Norway.

“At the invitation of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna and Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang will visit Germany, France and Norway,” he said. announced Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.

The purpose of the visit is also to mediate the EU’s decision to sanction Chinese companies accused of aiding the Russian war machine. Plastic waste – Recycled batteries

-Chemical recycling of plastic in action: How four companies teamed up to turn industrial production waste into valuable products

In the polymers industry, there are waste streams that the industry has, so far, not been able to recycle. Finnish company Uponor found itself in a similar situation and decided it’s time to make a change: they decided to find ways to recycle materials that were considered not recyclable in the past. And together with three other partners, they succeeded. Plastic waste – Recycled batteries

Imagine you’re a producer of pipes for housing and construction purposes. Although you have already optimized your processes to a very high degree, some inevitable material losses remain with the production of every pipe: a small portion of production scrap. The problem with this scrap is that there is not really any use for it.

The situation described above is one that Finnish sustainable water solutions company Uponor was facing. Among a wide range of other products, Uponor is producing pipes for heating and plumbing. These pipes are made of a specific type of polymer: cross-linked polyethylene, often referred to as “PEX”. The PEX pipes are an important contributor to energy efficiency and safety. They are robust, temperature-resistant and long-living. They basically bring all the properties you want to see in the pipes transporting water through a building. Plastic waste – Recycled batteries

These properties go back to the cross-linking characteristic of the polyethylene. Cross-linking refers to the forming of connections between molecules in the polyethylene. Creating these “bonds” makes the polymer more durable, damage-resistant and flexible. Sounds complicated? Let’s try to make it simple: Think of polymers as very long chains – think of cooked spaghetti. If you put a bunch of cooked spaghetti on your plate, you’ll see that they do not form something spectacular, but end up just being a pile of spaghetti. But if you were to use some glue, you could connect strands of spaghettis with each other and form a real noodle network. With every connection you build, you add sturdiness to this pasta pile to form a spectacular piece of delicious art.

With that in mind, let’s consider PEX a very well glued together variant of the spaghetti pile, making it a great choice when in need of a durable product. Unfortunately, it also came with a downside in the past: PEX is considered nearly impossible to recycle with conventional recycling technologies.

When producing the PEX pipes, Uponor was left with no alternative but collecting the PEX production scraps and disposing of them. They were either incinerated or landfilled. That’s why the team looked for a more resource-efficient alternative – and found one after bringing together the right partners. Plastic waste – Recycled batteries

More …

-GC Ventures invests in UK-based start-up Interface Polymers, a developer of high-performance additives for performance plastics

GC Ventures (GCV), a subsidiary of PTT Global Chemical PLC (GC), is investing in the British company Interface Polymers Ltd. The company says that this investment opens new horizons for GC Group, enabling more efficient and sustainable plastic recycling.

Interface claims Polymer’s Polarfin additives enable compatibilization between polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) with different kinds of plastics such as PET, PA, EVOH and other plastics. This makes it possible to recycle the mixed plastics widely used in food packaging chains across the world. Plastic waste – Recycled batteries

The  Polarfin additive technology developed by Interface Polymers, are added to PP and PE at very low rates, which makes them more recyclable, easier to work with and enables strong surface adhesion to plastics, paints and general adhesives.

“Today, sustainability is key to business operations. We are committed to using innovative solutions to make our products environmentally friendly. Plastic is a crucial component in various daily life equipment. Applying the circular economy principle to the closed-loop plastic waste management, recycling, and upcycling is necessary. This includes studying new innovations and accessing up-to-date technologies to help improve the use of plastic to better meet people’s needs.” says Kamel Ramdani, Senior Vice President, Product Innovation and Innovation Management of GC.

Ross Baglin, CEO of Interface Polymers, said: “We are delighted to have GCV/allnex as investors and development partners respectively, and we look forward to making polymers the best environmental solution for so many human needs. We all know that we cannot go on consuming earth’s resources and consigning the results to history.

We need a materials revolution as well as an energy revolution: making things reparable, recyclable, perhaps even everlasting.  Plastic waste – Recycled batteries

Polymers are a unique material made from the earth’s bounty and extraordinary human ingenuity. They are too good to waste. Polarfin® can help make polymers work for us, generation after generation”.

More …

Anti-UV-PET – Chemical recycling 10-05-2023

-LyondellBasell may build next chem recycling plant in Houston

LyondellBasell may build its second chemical recycling plant at its refinery in Houston, one of the several plans it is considering for the site after the company shuts down the complex, the producer said.

LyondellBasell plans to build its first commercial-scale chemical recycling plant at its Wesseling site near Cologne, Germany. The project will use LyondellBasell’s MoReTec process technology, which is already featured in a semi-industrial-scale chemical recycling plant in Ferrara, Italy. A final investment decision for the Wesseling project is expected by the end of 2023.Anti-UV-PET – Chemical recycling

Much of the waste for the Wesseling plant will come from a plastic-waste sorting and recycling facility that is being developed by Source One Plastics, a joint venture made up of LyondellBasell and 23 Oaks Investments.

If LyondellBasell decides to develop the Wesseling site, then the Houston refinery could host the company’s second chemical-recycling plant, said Peter Vanacker, CEO. He made his comments during an earnings conference call. Vanacker had mentioned chemical recycling at the Houston refinery a year ago.

The refinery has hydrotreaters that could upgrade the pyrolysis oil produced by the chemical recycling plant.

More…

-Russia’s economic recovery: it will grow more than Germany and Great Britain

According to the latest forecasts of the International Monetary Fund, this year Russia will grow more than Germany and Great Britain and like France and Italy.

Vladimir Putin’s state is expected to match, if not surpass, four of the Western powers that are insisting on sanctions against Moscow, which was responsible for starting the war in Ukraine last year.

This economic recovery by Russia therefore represents an unexpected event. In 2022 Putin hoped for a blitzkrieg in Ukraine, via a blitzkrieg in the country, but the West had responded with sanctions to limit Russia.

Mario Draghi, Italian premier at the time, had been one of the most determined leaders, in favor of the embargo of Russian energy sources, asking himself: “What do we prefer? Peace … or the air conditioning on all summer?”. Anti-UV-PET – Chemical recycling

Russia will grow more than Germany and Great Britain: Putin continues the war in Ukraine Despite the crushing sanctions, Russia appears to be continuing to grow economically and, as if this weren’t enough, Putin continues his war on Ukraine undaunted.

It seems that the Russian oligarchs did not do much to make the Russian president think, but rather supported him and, at the same time, tried to make other countries believe they did not appreciate the decisions of the former KGB.

Do Sanctions Work? Not entirely it seems As Federico Fubini points out in an article published in the Corriere, it is now clear that the most optimistic forecasts on the impact of the sanctions on Russia have not finally come true.Anti-UV-PET – Chemical recycling

Indeed, ironically, countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, China and India have intensified economic relations with Moscow and several Western countries have increased the import of petroleum products that emerging countries derive from crude oil from Moscow.

-TSMC also wants to produce car chips in Europe

The Taiwanese giant discusses the construction of a factory in Germany. A 10 billion euro investment is ready
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) may soon open a chip manufacturing plant in Europe.

The Asian giant, in fact, has negotiations underway with a series of partners to kick off a maxi investment of between 7 and 10 billion euros for a microchip plant in Germany and more precisely in Saxony.   Anti-UV-PET – Chemical recycling
The plant, which would be operated by a joint venture between TSMC, NXP Semiconductors, Bosch and Infineon Technologies, would focus on the production of chips for the automotive sector and would receive state subsidies, for which approval from the European Commission is required .
Plans could still change
“TSMC is still evaluating the possibility of building a plant in Europe,” said company spokeswoman Nina Kao, without providing further details.

Representatives from NXP, Bosch, Infineon and the German economy ministry instead directly declined to comment on the project.

TSMC chairman Mark Liu said it has begun assessments of setting up manufacturing operations in Germany, Europe’s largest economy.
According to CEO C. C. Wei, the proposed European plant would focus on the production of 28-nanometer chips for the automotive sector.

Similar projects in Germany have received grants of up to 40% of the total amount allocated. Anti-UV-PET – Chemical recycling

These are measures put in place by the EU with a view to doubling its share of global semiconductor production by 2030.
Production of silicon carbide chips in a Bosch plant
A helping hand from the EU
In April, Europe approved the Chips Act, a €43 billion measure to boost domestic production following supply chain disruptions during the pandemic and rising tensions between the United States and China.
Meanwhile, in Japan, where TSMC is investing $8.6 billion with partners to build an additional plant, the Taiwanese company will receive about half of the funding from the government.
Strategic move
If built, it would be TSMC’s first plant in the European Union. TSMC is Taiwan’s largest corporation and the main chip maker for Apple. It produces most of its semiconductors in Taiwan, but as customers and governments grow increasingly concerned about geopolitical tensions and China’s military threats against the island, it has begun ramping up its capacity in the United States and Japan. Anti-UV-PET – Chemical recycling
Infineon, on the other hand, opened a semiconductor factory in Dresden, Saxony on Tuesday, a city that also hosts production plants for GlobalFoundries and Bosch. Manufacturing plants are concentrated in clusters, allowing expensive plants to take advantage of infrastructure and workers that are already on site.

-Coca-Cola switches to 100% rPET in Italy

With the new Gaglianico plant coming on stream, the bottles of Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Kinley, Powerade and FuzeTea are now entirely in recycled PET.
Cola has announced the switch to 100% recycled PET (rPET) bottles for all its brands distributed on the Italian market, including therefore the drinks Fanta, Sprite, Kinley, Powerade and FuzeTea. Anti-UV-PET – Chemical recycling
This result was possible thanks to the recycling capabilities of the new CCH CircularPET plant in Gaglianico (BI), costing 30 million euro (read the article), put into operation as part of the World Without Waste plan.
Previously a bottling plant, which was later shut down for eight years, the plant was renovated and since July last year has been able to transform up to 30,000 tons of PET flakes a year, first into preforms and then into new bottles in 100% recycled PET .
The new Biella plant is capable of producing 9 different types of preforms, both for carbonated and still drinks, with a weight ranging from 17 to 44.7 grams for bottles with capacities from 0.4 to two litres.
“We were the first soft drinks company to introduce a bottle made with 100% rPET to the Italian market and we have been committed for years to reducing the raw material in glass, aluminum and plastic packaging,” Coca-Cola HBC said in a statement.

We have recently extended the ‘tethered caps’, the caps attached to the bottle, to all brands in the portfolio, with the aim of simplifying collection and recycling and reducing the dispersion and impact of plastic on the environment”.
coca cola gaglianico PETAs part of the World Without Waste programme, the beverage giant has eliminated the color of the bottles of Fanta (orange) and Sprite (green) to facilitate recycling in the flows of transparent PET.
KeelClip paper secondary packaging was also introduced for can multipacks.
Finally, a collaboration was launched with the Coripet consortium and IED – Istituto Europeo di Design to involve young designers in a path dedicated to sustainability, stimulating the new generations on the topic of the circular economy of PET and the importance of recycling. Anti-UV-PET – Chemical recycling

This will take place through a contest for the creation of a Recycling Machine with an innovative design from an aesthetic and experiential point of view.

ITMA – Textile recycling – Smart-fabric 09-04-2023

-‘Holistic’ Recycling of CFRP Pioneered by Germany’s Pyrum

Germany’s Pyrum has pioneered a “holistic” recycling process for carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), marking the first time that the material has been recycled in such a way. Pyrum, which specializes in end-of-life tire recycling via pyrolysis, has commissioned what it claims is the first automated, semi-industrial recycling plant for CFRP. The material is used in various industries, including automotive, transportation, construction, and electronics, and its increasing use has prompted concerns over its disposal, which currently involves landfill or incineration.

Pyrum’s recycling process is energy self-sufficient and can recycle 1 kg of CFRP per hour. In addition to recovering fibers, the process also produces pyrolysis oil, which is already sold profitably to the chemical industry through Pyrum’s tire recycling activity. The Infinity Project, led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite, and Processing Technology (IGCV), involves several partners and has received €170,000 in investment, mainly from government grants. ITMA – Textile recycling – Smart-fabric

Pyrum is the first company in the end-of-life tire recycling sector to receive REACH registration from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for the pyrolysis oil it produces. This means that the oil is officially recognized as a raw material that can be used in production processes. Additionally, Pyrum has received ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system and ISO 9001 certification for its quality management system.

Pyrum CEO Pascal Klein stated that the company is committed to promoting a sustainable and circular economy, and that they plan to contribute to this through not only end-of-life tire recycling, but also the recycling of CFRP. The commissioning of the first automated, semi-industrial plant is an important milestone for the recycling industry and a significant step towards building the first industrial plant. The Fraunhofer Institute has also confirmed that Pyrum’s proprietary pyrolysis process saves significantly more CO2 emissions than current recycling processes for end-of-life tires.

-Lumiweave: the new fabric that stores solar energy is the revolution for awnings

Introducing Lumiweave: the revolutionary fabric that harnesses and stores solar energy, making it the ideal awning solution for anyone looking to make a positive impact on the environment.

This innovative fabric not only provides shade from the sun’s rays during the day but also illuminates the night with its stored solar energy, making it an efficient and eco-friendly solution.

In a world where it’s increasingly important to find sustainable solutions to safeguard the environment, Lumiweave is a significant step forward.

This product showcases how designers, architects, and engineers can collaborate to create useful and sustainable accessories that promote a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. ITMA – Textile recycling – Smart-fabric

Lumiweave is essentially a photovoltaic panel made of fabric that captures and converts the sun’s rays into electricity, making it a reliable and renewable energy source. By using this fabric as an awning, it’s possible to lower the temperature and make the heat bearable, making it the perfect solution for urban shading. Additionally, the installation of Lumiweave is extremely simple and fast, unlike traditional photovoltaic cells.

One of the most significant advantages of Lumiweave is that it does not have any impact on the environment, making it an eco-friendly choice. By harnessing the sun’s energy, it can produce light for the night hours and save significantly on electricity bills. Lumiweave is also completely autonomous, which means it doesn’t require any other structures, means or energy sources other than solar energy.

Furthermore, Lumiweave’s potential benefits extend beyond personal use, as it has the potential to be used in the creation of shading systems that can cover entire cities. This will lower temperatures and reduce the need for harmful equipment like air conditioners and fans, which have adverse effects on both humans and the environment.

In summary, Lumiweave is a cutting-edge, modern tool that not only helps protect the environment but also creates unique and incomparable outdoor experiences. By choosing Lumiweave, you can save on consumption, reduce your carbon footprint and help preserve our planet for future generations. ITMA – Textile recycling – Smart-fabric

-Domo Chemicals – Polyamide Compounding Line in India

Domo Chemicals, an engineering plastics supplier, has launched a new compounding line at its facility in Mahape, Navi Mumbai, to meet the growing demand for its polyamide-based solutions in the automotive, electrical & electronics, consumer, and industrial goods sectors. This move is a part of the company’s expansion plan in the Asia region, where it has experienced double-digit growth in its overall operations.

The new compounding line will have a total capacity of 8,000 tonnes/year of engineered materials based on polyamide, and it is equipped with the latest technology to serve customers in India.

Fabrizio Cochi, General Manager Asia, expressed the company’s commitment to growth and innovation in the Asia region and emphasized that the new compounding line is a milestone in achieving this goal.  ITMA – Textile recycling – Smart-fabric

Domo Chemicals has been operating in Navi Mumbai since 2016 and has established a technical center with advanced facilities to develop new solutions for the Indian market. These solutions include lightweighting and metal replacement, electrically friendly and flame-retardant materials for e-mobility, food- and water-contact grades for home appliances, and automotive cooling solutions.

Apart from expanding its operations in India, Domo Chemicals has also signed a manufacturing contract with Mika Inc. for Technyl solutions in South Korea and has planned to increase its capacity in China up to 50,000 tonnes/year by the second quarter of 2024.

The company’s new plant in Haiyan will facilitate this expansion, making it possible to meet the growing demand for its solutions in China. ITMA – Textile recycling – Smart-fabric

-A recent trend study by German consulting firm Ecoprog has found that the number of chemical recycling projects for waste plastics is on the rise globally

Ecoprog has tracked close to 180 plants and projects worldwide, with over 140 chemical recycling projects in various stages of development identified by early 2023 – an increase of 50 projects compared to the previous year.

The number of projects in the construction stage has doubled, with pyrolysis being the main technology used in the majority of the projects.

The number of operational plants has also increased from 20 to 37, which together can treat nearly 145,000 tonnes of waste plastics per year.

However, most of these plants are research facilities and not commercial projects, according to Ecoprog. ITMA – Textile recycling – Smart-fabric

The increasing number of plants and project announcements “can be seen as an indication that this technology continues to develop towards a booming market,” said the consulting firm.

Ecoprog also noted that chemical recycling continues to involve companies from several sectors, including chemical and oil companies investing to produce feedstock for fuel production, start-ups and technology suppliers seeking to develop and commercialize chemical recycling technologies, and plastics producers and converters “exploring opportunities to enhance recycling practices.”

However, the study’s authors also concluded that “chemical recycling remains controversial.” Chemical recycling offers the future potential to fully recycle plastics without downcycling and could potentially recycle even contaminated and mixed waste streams that currently cannot be mechanically recycled.

Nevertheless, chemical recycling is continuously criticized for its CO2 footprint, and it also remains uncertain to what extent chemical recycling will become economically viable. To date, there is “a lack of regulation in many countries and regions,” particularly with regard to whether chemical recycling’s input and/or output streams can be classified as recycled.

Ecoprog’s “Trend Study Chemical Recycling” offers analyses on the technologies, market factors and developments, plant inventory, projects, and competition in the field of chemical recycling worldwide. ITMA – Textile recycling – Smart-fabric

The study is available for purchase on the website www.ecoprog.com for €1,800 plus VAT.

Petrochemicals – rPET – BGPET 08-04-2023

Petrochemicals – rPET – BGPET

Polyestertime
ITEM	02/05/2023	08/05/2023	+/-
Bottle grade PET chips domestic market	7,400 yuan/ton	7,300 yuan/ton	-100
Bottle grade PET chips export market	1,010 $/ton	980 $/ton	-30
Filament grade Semidull chips domestic market	7,020 yuan/ton	6,980 yuan/ton	-40
Filament grade Bright chips domestic market	7,020 yuan/ton	6,950 yuan/ton	-70
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA domestic market	6,150 yuan/ton	6,005 yuan/ton	-145
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA export market	860 $/ton	860 $/ton	–
Monoethyleneglycol MEG domestic market	4,040 yuan/ton	4,185 yuan/ton	+145
Monoethyleneglycol MEG export market	498 $/ton	515 $/ton	+17
Paraxylene PX FOB  Taiwan market Petrochemicals – rPET – BGPET	1,065 $/ton	1,022 $/ton	-43
Paraxylene PX FOB  Korea market	1,042 $/ton	999 $/ton	-43
Paraxylene PX FOB EU market	1,278 $/ton	1,227 $/ton	-51
Polyester filament POY 150D/48F domestic market	7,700 yuan/ton	7,600 yuan/ton	-100
Recycled Polyester filament POY  domestic market	7,250 yuan/ton	7,200 yuan/ton	-50
Polyester filament DTY 150D/48 F domestic market	9,050 yuan/ton	8,950 yuan/ton	-100
Polyester filament FDY 68D24F Petrochemicals – rPET – BGPET	8,750 yuan/ton	8,650 yuan/ton	-100
Polyester filament FDY 150D/96F domestic market	8,250 yuan/ton	8,150 yuan/ton	-100
Polyester staple fiber 1.4D 38mm domestic market	7,380 yuan/ton	7,500 yuan/ton	+120
Caprolactam CPL domestic market	12,525 yuan/ton	12,650 yuan/ton	-125
Caprolactam CPL overseas  market	1,680 $/ton	1,680 $/ton	–
Nylon6 chips overseas  market	1,880 $/ton	1,880 $/ton	–
Nylon6 chips conventional spinning domestic  market	13,350 yuan/ton	13,500 yuan/ton	+150
Nylon6 chips  high speed spinning domestic  market	14,100 yuan/ton	14,000 yuan/ton	-100
Nylon 6.6 chips domestic  market	19,600 yuan/ton	20,000 yuan/ton	–
Nylon6 Filament POY 86D/24F domestic  market	16,400 yuan/ton	16,300 yuan/ton	-100
Nylon6 Filament DTY 70D/24F domestic  market	18,600 yuan/ton	18,600 yuan/ton-	–
Nylon6 Filament FDY  70D/24F	17,400 yuan/ton	17,350 yuan/ton	-50
Spandex 20D  domestic  market	38,000 yuan/ton	37,500 yuan/ton	-500
Spandex 30D  domestic  market	36,500 yuan/ton	36,000 yuan/ton	-500
Spandex 40D  domestic  market	33,000 yuan/ton	32,500 yuan/ton	-500
Adipic Acid domestic market	9,900 yuan/ton	10,200 yuan/ton	+300
Benzene domestic market Petrochemicals – rPET – BGPET	7,160 yuan/ton	7,020 yuan/ton	-140
Benzene overseas  market	928 $/ton	871 $/ton	-57
Ethylene South East market	950 $/ton	920 $/ton	-30
Ethylene NWE market	982 $/ton	884 $/ton	-98
Acrylonitrile ACN  domestic market	10,000 yuan/ton	10,000 yuan/ton	–
Acrylonitrile ACN  overseas market	1,400 $/ton	1,400 $/tn	–
Acrylic staple fiber ASF  domestic market	17,100 yuan/ton	17,100 yuan/ton	–
Viscose Staple Fiber VSF  domestic market	12,900 yuan/ton	13,000 yuan/ton	+100
PP Powder domestic market	7,300 yuan/ton	7,250 yuan/ton	-50
Naphtha overseas market	638 $/ton	584 $/ton	-54
Phenol domestic market	7,725 yuan/ton	7,662 yuan/ton	-63

Petrochemicals – rPET – BGPET

• Petrochemicals – Caprolactam – PA 02-04-2023
• New enzyme technology for environmentally friendly plastic recycling

 

 

Petrochemicals – Bioplastic – BGPET

Petrochemicals – rPET – BGPET

More…

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

-BASF, Krones, Südpack, and Tomra have partnered to tackle the issue of unrecyclable multi-layer film packaging, which is still widely used in the food industry.

The packaging’s different layers are often made from different materials, making recycling difficult.

The EU’s upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) aims to make all packaging on the EU market recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030.

To comply with this regulation, the partners have demonstrated that PET/PE multi-layer packaging can be separated into its individual components and reused as raw materials. During the first industrial trial, conducted at a Krones pilot plant, the partners were able to completely separate as much as 69 percent of the PET/PE components and partially separate another twelve percent. Petrochemicals – Bioplastic – BGPET

This was achieved using existing recycling infrastructure, and the project is ongoing, with the partners seeking to optimize the recycling process and improve the quality of recycled materials.

The aim is to re-use the PET for food packaging and the PE fraction for non-food packaging.

– An expert in international economics and Asia,Mr.Alberto Forchielli, believes that China is the primary rival to Western energy transition policies.

He states that China has created a dependency relationship in many sectors critical to the energy transition, including wind turbines, electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and inverters.

Forchielli notes that China has become the world’s leading exporter of electric cars due to its dominance in electric vehicle technology.

He attributes China’s success to its ability to plan development from above and subsidize critical sectors to expand demand for businesses.

China’s manufacturing advantage, combined with economies of scale, allows it to maintain cost advantages over the West.

Forchielli also highlights the laxity of the West in addressing this dependence, and he cites the example of the joint venture between Ford and Chinese Catl, which underscores China’s dominance in new technologies. Petrochemicals – Bioplastic – BGPET

He relates the issue of critical mineral value chains to this and states that China has built secure supply chains for critical minerals, creating a structural dependence on the West. Forchielli suggests that the West should use industrial and market planning, incentives, and duties to defend critical industries to break dependence on China in the energy transition.

-The battery that recharges in three minutes arrives in June

It was created by the collaboration of Nyobolt and Callum and promises to cut charging times from 3 hours to 3 minutes

Soon the long waits to recharge the electric car will be just a memory. Or at least this is what good news from the United Kingdom promises, where Nyobolt says it is ready to present a revolutionary battery.

The innovative composition of the accumulators promises to reduce recharging times from 3 hours to 3 minutes, thus facilitating everyday life, both for cars and for all other rechargeable devices. Petrochemicals – Bioplastic – BGPET

Will this be the battery of the future?

The battery is the result of collaboration with Callum, a company specializing in the fields of design and engineering, and will be presented next June. Nyobolt does not yet reveal the composition of the accumulator in detail, even if it speaks of “unpublished” materials, a new, more compact design of the cells and an “efficient control software”.

So Sai Shivareddy, the CEO of Nyobolt:

“We have managed to fully unlock the potential of batteries to give birth to a new generation of technologies. The growth in the sale of electric cars all over the world makes it clear that the industry needs solutions of this type, capable of reducing recharging times”.

Matter of batteries and columns

The British company is not the only one interested in making super-fast batteries. For example, StoreDot is testing the XFC, batteries that promise to recharge 160 km in 5 minutes, with 15 car manufacturers already interested.

Then there are the CATL sodium ion batteries, compatible with an 800-volt architecture and capable of charging in 5 minutes. Petrochemicals – Bioplastic – BGPET

In addition to accumulators, there are those who are moving forward with ultrafast columns, with structures up to 480 kW that have already made their debut in China. Without forgetting the Tesla Megachargers, the immense columns for recharging the Semi truck with up to 1.5 MW of power.

-Top 5 Bioplastic Companies (May 2023)

The Plastic Age

Plastic is an omnipresent material in modern life. We use it for packaging food and drink, and in manufacturing like making pipes, clothing, or even cars and airplanes.

This is also a material made almost exclusively from fossil fuels. While it can somewhat be recycled, after enough cycles, it will ultimately end up “consumed”.

The worst is having it turned into trash in the environment, or into micro-plastic pollution, which happens to roughly 80% of total plastic usage. But even if incinerated, it will produce CO2, like any other fossil fuel combustion.

This is not a fatality however, plastic is essentially carbon chains assembled in specific ways. So there is no reason that organic materials could not provide the basic components for plastic manufacturing. Petrochemicals – Bioplastic – BGPET

Bioplastics

To answer the growing concern about plastic production, bioplastics have been developed. They are made from plant materials, often leftovers from other industries like paper mills or farming. The sector is expected to reach $25B by 2027, growing at 14.9% CAGR (other studies anticipate a 17% growth).

Still, bioplastics represent just 1% of the total market currently dominated by fossil fuel plastics, leaving a very large addressable market.

A subsection of this category is biodegradable plastics, which is more environmentally friendly. Most bioplastics are easier to degrade than usual plastics. On that topic, research is also done to find microbes able to digest “normal” plastic, in order to solve the micro-plastic pollution issue. Petrochemicals – Bioplastic – BGPET

Overall, people are ready to pay more for eco-friendly products, with a growing trend, especially among younger people in the last few years.

Stock Selection Strategy

Despite the “bio” part, the bioplastic creation process is very much a chemical engineering issue. So as you will see, it is not surprising that most of the industry leaders are also the leaders in the chemical industry or spin-offs from it.

Nevertheless, investors looking into bioplastics might not want to directly invest in giants like BASF, as the bioplastic part is almost irrelevant to the company’s overall business. For example, BASF will much more likely be dependent on the price of natural gas in Germany.

The following list is focused on smaller publicly traded companies, with a strong focus on bioplastics and eco-friendly solutions. Petrochemicals – Bioplastic – BGPET

More…

-Neste moves forward in its renewable hydrogen project in Porvoo, Finland

In accordance with its ambition to reach carbon neutral production by 2035, Neste is working on a 120 MW electrolyzer project to produce renewable (i.e. green) hydrogen at its Porvoo refinery in Finland, said Hydrocarbonprocessing.

The company has now decided to proceed to the basic engineering phase with the project. The investment decision readiness is expected to be reached in early 2024. If an investment decision is made, green hydrogen production could start in 2026.

“Our project is one of the largest development projects to produce green hydrogen in the European refineries and it supports our goal to transform the Porvoo refinery to the most sustainable refinery in Europe by 2030.

The green hydrogen would be primarily used in our Porvoo refinery’s processes, where it would replace hydrogen produced from fossil feedstocks,” says Markku Korvenranta, Executive Vice President in Neste’s Oil Products. Petrochemicals – Bioplastic – BGPET

Production of green hydrogen also generates renewable heat. In connection with the 120 MW green hydrogen project, Neste has started a preliminary study with Porvoon Energia on the utilization of renewable heat in district heating. Porvoon Energia is a regional Finnish energy company focusing on heat and electricity production and distribution as well as development of the electricity network.

Hydrogen projects at Neste’s Porvoo refinery contribute considerably to the EU green hydrogen value chain. In July 2022, Neste became the first Finnish company to receive IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Interest) status from the European Commission for its hydrogen projects. In December 2022, Business Finland awarded Neste EUR27.7 MM of public funding for its renewable hydrogen projects at the Porvoo refinery.

More…

-TPE Made with 50% PCR Derived from End-of-Life Tires

Prism Worldwide has commercialized its first TPE with this type of recycled content based on its patented technology.  Petrochemicals – Bioplastic – BGPET

A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) made of 50% post-consumer recycle content derived from end-of-use tires while maintaining the look, feel and processing of a typical petrochemically derived TPE has been introduced by Prism Worldwide of Kirkland, Wash. Company sources confirm that this is the first such TPE launched and that its patented Prism technology is compatible with both styrenic and olefinic based resins.

This process uses tire rubber as the primary feedstock in the production of polymer intermediates called PTR. These intermediate polymers are then compounded into injection moldable TPE pellets at the company’s facility in the  Rochester, N.Y. area. (In November 2022, Prism acquired CRC Polymer Systems (CRC), a custom compounding company supplying compounds, resins, and colors to the plastics industry._

The first compound in a series, Ancora C-1000, is suitable for use in a broad range of applications, such as automotive all-weather mats, weather stripping, and footwear. Available in black, the compound has a Shore A of 80 and is 99% domestically sourced meeting IIJA Buy America requirements. Petrochemicals – Bioplastic – BGPET

Compared to virgin synthetic rubber compounds, Prism’s base polymer has approximately 86% lower carbon footprint. “There is growing demand for recycled content throughout the industry, and high recycle content TPEs are not widely available in the marketplace. This product fills a unique market demand for both sustainability and performance. The technology we use can be applied over a broad range of applications and we look forward to working with the industry to grow this into a family of TPE compound products,” said Prism’s chief commercial officer Mark Kinkelaar.

More…

Artificial grass – Mega batteries 06-05-2023