Tethered PET caps – Solid-state batteries have been a hot topic for years, heralded as the next big thing in the automotive industry 09-08-2024
Tethered PET caps
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New Foam for Car Interiors Showcased at Fakuma
LyondellBasell, in partnership with Antolin and Renault, will unveil the first applications of their newly developed expanded polypropylene (Hostacom TYC 2463F E2) at the Fakuma fair in Germany. This innovative material is designed to enhance the finish of car interiors and will be commercially used for the first time in Renault’s new Rafale hybrid SUV.
A component made from this new material will be displayed by LyondellBasell at Fakuma, held from October 15-19 in Friedrichshafen. Tethered PET caps
The development of this compound is attributed to LyondellBasell’s advanced catalysis system, which enhances the rheology of the expanding agent, making it ideal for producing interior parts with intricate designs and complex surface textures.
Key benefits of the new grade include high flowability, a broader processing window, and excellent melt resistance, resulting in a more uniform cell structure. Tethered PET caps
Additionally, the new formulation of the chemical foam system contributes to weight reduction.
The material is scratch-resistant, low in emissions, and has a semi-ductile consistency, making it suitable for various car interior applications.
Nathalie Etienne-Morange, head of door panels at Renault, states, “The collaboration between Renault, LyondellBasell, and Antolin has led to a groundbreaking solution. The use of this foam material in the new Renault Rafale marks a significant milestone in our pursuit of innovation and sustainability in automotive design.” Tethered PET caps
Solid-state batteries have been a hot topic for years, heralded as the next big thing in the automotive industry
These batteries promise higher energy density compared to current lithium-ion batteries, leading to better performance, longer range, shorter charging times, and reduced weight and volume. Samsung, a leader in this field, recently announced at the SNE Battery Day 2024 in Seoul that their solid-state batteries can offer nearly 1,000 km of range and can charge from 10% to 80% in just nine minutes. According to a Samsung SDI spokesperson, customer feedback on the samples provided has been very positive. Tethered PET caps
Benefits and Challenges
Samsung’s solid-state batteries boast an energy density of 500 Wh/kg, significantly higher than the best current batteries, and are designed to last at least 20 years. They use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, which contributes to their higher energy density and improved safety by eliminating flammability issues. Tethered PET caps
However, the main barrier to widespread adoption is the high production cost.
Industry Progress
Many companies are racing to perfect this technology. Chinese firms like NIO, CATL, and BYD are close to introducing solid-state batteries. In the U.S., companies such as QuantumScape, Factorial, and Solid Power are making strides, while Europe has the Spinmate project. Toyota has also committed to bringing solid-state batteries to market by 2027. It seems that solid-state batteries will soon become a reality, though it remains to be seen how quickly they will become affordable and widely accessible. Tethered PET caps
Electric-Thermal Hybrid Vehicles: The Right Choice?
Hybrid vehicles are increasingly popular among buyers, especially those not yet ready to commit to a fully electric car. This is mainly due to the limited number of charging stations available nationally, making charging inconvenient. Let’s explore their consumption and why they are favored.
Hybrid Car Consumption Hybrid cars present a viable alternative for those hesitant to switch from petrol engines but not ready for a fully electric vehicle. Their appeal lies in the balance they strike between efficiency and convenience. Tethered PET caps
However, the consumption data provided, based on the WLTP cycle, is often misleading. This data is collected under “laboratory” conditions, not reflective of real-life usage, leading to higher actual consumption. Nonetheless, hybrids remain fuel-efficient, with consumption ranging from 3.8 liters per 100 km for models like the Toyota Yaris, to over 6 liters for larger vehicles. Tethered PET caps
Advantages of Hybrids Compared to similar petrol engines, hybrids offer the benefit of using electric power for short trips, reducing carbon emissions to zero during those times. This feature makes hybrids an attractive option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing convenience.
Making the Choice While consumption is crucial, opting for a hybrid, whether small or medium-sized, over a purely electric or petrol vehicle, represents a significant step towards modernizing the vehicle fleet. Tethered PET caps
Hybrids offer adequate power through their thermal engines and benefit from regenerative braking, alleviating energy supply concerns. Considering sales trends and practical benefits, hybrids are an excellent choice for those considering a new car today.
Expanding Luminy® PLA Bioplastics Distribution in Japan
Nagase & Co., Ltd. partners with TotalEnergies Corbion to distribute and expand sustainable Luminy® PLA bioplastics in Japan
Nagase & Co., Ltd. has signed an agreement with TotalEnergies Corbion (TEC) to distribute Luminy® PLA bioplastics in Japan.Through this partnership, Nagase will expand the reach of Luminy® PLA in Japan, a country that has a strong focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As one of the world’s largest economy, Japan’s ambitious goals of carbon neutrality by 2050 has set the country in trajectory of adopting new technologies that reduce carbon emissions and minimize waste. Tethered PET caps
In addition to expanding sales of Luminy® PLA in the Japanese market, NAGASE and TEC will collaborate on research and development to evaluate and enhance material properties to develop new applications that meet customer needs. Through this strategic collaboration, both companies aim to reduce environmental impact by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a world based on a sustainable, circular and regenerative economy. Tethered PET caps
TotalEnergies Corbion’s Luminy® PLA is derived from ethically sourced, annually renewable sugarcane crops. With a significantly lower carbon footprint – 75% less than conventional plastics – Luminy® PLA offers inherent advantages such as a range of melting points, with excellent heat resistance and robust mechanical strength as well as favorable color appearance (including transparency). This makes it an ideal choice across a diverse range of applications. PLA is utilized across several sectors including food packaging, apparel, and durable goods such as automotive interior components, hardware components and luxury casing. Tethered PET caps
Montréal, Québec, Canada – Indorama Ventures’ Combined PET business segment will cease operations at its Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) plant in Montréal-Est, starting preparations for closure in September 2024. Tethered PET caps
This decision follows significant changes in the polyester industry, notably the new builds and persistent overcapacity in China, which have strained Western producers. The resultant feedstock cost pressures, declining demand, and inflation have led to low utilization rates and regional plant closures. To remain resilient and cost-competitive amid these structural shifts, Indorama Ventures has reviewed its portfolio for necessary asset optimization. Tethered PET caps
Despite the closure, customers will not be affected, as the company’s US production assets and global footprint ensure continued reliable supply solutions.
Muthukumar Paramasivam, President and Co-leader of the Combined PET Segment, stated: “We are deeply saddened to make this announcement. This was a very tough decision, but it is essential to adapt to challenging market conditions. We thank our Montréal employees for their loyal service since 2015. We are committed to mitigating the adverse effects on our employees and the local community.” Tethered PET caps
Origin Materials Introduces Innovative Engineering and Design for Tethered PET Beverage Caps
Enhanced Recycling with Mono-Material PET Caps
Origin Materials (“Origin”), a leading technology company dedicated to promoting sustainable materials, has unveiled groundbreaking engineering and design advancements in its production of tethered PET caps—the first of their kind. These caps simplify recycling by using “mono-material” containers and can be manufactured from either unmodified virgin PET plastic or 100% recycled PET plastic. This innovation also facilitates lighter packaging and extends product shelf life. Tethered PET caps
Environmental and User Benefits
The tethered design keeps caps attached to bottles, preventing environmental litter.
Compliance with EU Regulations
John Bissell, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Origin, highlighted that their PET cap innovations align perfectly with the European Union’s Single-Use Plastic Directive, which mandates caps remain connected to bottles. Bissell anticipates that other regions will adopt similar regulations, further enhancing the demand for their advanced PET cap technology. This positions Origin to capture a significant share of the $65 billion caps and closures market, which currently relies on non-recyclable materials. Tethered PET caps
Advancing Recycling Circularity
Bissell emphasized the importance of using the same material—PET—for both caps and bottles to avoid the need for separation at recycling centers. This ensures a higher purity of recycled materials and maintains the value of PET plastic within the recycling loop.
Lightweight and Versatile PET Caps
Origin’s tethered PET caps build on their previously announced PET closure, known as the world’s lightest carbonated soft drink (CSD) cap compatible with the PCO 1881 neck finish. These caps can be produced from virgin PET, recycled PET (rPET), or bio-based PET.
Tethered PET caps