Textile-to-textile – Lignin reinforcement enhances PLA biopolymer functionality 24-01-2024

Textile-to-textile

In the ongoing Middle East conflict:

Houthi authorities in Yemen have instructed US and British UN workers and humanitarian organizations in Sanaa to leave the country within a month. This decision follows attacks by the US and British armed forces, supported by other nations, against military targets of the pro-Iranian Houthi group. The attacks were in response to Houthi-initiated assaults on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

Israel has rejected the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza, with the government emphasizing the destruction of Hamas, the release of hostages, and ensuring Israel’s security. The government spokesperson, Ilana Stein, dismissed rumors about a new agreement with Hamas.  Textile-to-textile

The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that at least 25,700 Palestinians have been killed, and 63,740 injured in Israel’s attacks on Gaza since October 7. In the past 24 hours, 210 Palestinians were killed, and 386 were injured.

The Prime Minister’s office in Iraq warned that US attacks on Iraqi military positions would lead to an “irresponsible escalation” and violate the nation’s sovereignty. The US targeted three facilities linked to an Iranian-backed militia.

Israel and Hamas are reportedly nearing a 30-day ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The potential agreement involves the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Diplomatic efforts by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt aim to mediate differences between the two sides and facilitate increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, a permanent resolution to the Gaza war remains elusive, as Hamas insists on addressing this issue before moving forward.  Textile-to-textile

The United States has sought China’s assistance in addressing Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea

American officials, including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Deputy Jon Finer, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have engaged with senior Chinese officials, particularly Liu Jianchao, head of the Chinese Communist Party’s international department. The discussions aimed to convey a warning to Iran, urging it to restrain Houthi rebels and prevent escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Despite these efforts, there is limited evidence of Chinese pressure on Iran to curb Houthi attacks. The most recent development includes a generic statement from Beijing, issued last week, urging “interested parties” to ensure safe passage for ships navigating the Red Sea—a crucial global trade route.

While the United States plans to persist in raising the issue with Beijing, there is skepticism regarding a change in China’s stance. Some signs of Chinese engagement have been noted, but they are considered insufficient. The Financial Times source cautioned against overestimating China’s actions or their impact on the matter.

In summary, the U.S. has requested China’s assistance in addressing Houthi attacks, but there is little indication that China has exerted significant pressure on Iran to restrain the rebels. The U.S. remains cautious about expecting a change in China’s attitude on this issue.

Toyota : “Electric cars will never dominate the market”

Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota and a prominent figure in the automotive industry, recently reiterated his skepticism about electric cars during a dialogue with employees. Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), Toyoda remains steadfast in his belief that they will not dominate the market, projecting a maximum 30% market share. Emphasizing technological neutrality, he advocates for a multi-path approach to the energy transition, asserting that consumers should not be compelled to choose electric cars over other technologies like hybrids or hydrogen fuel cells.

Expressing concerns about industrial impositions by politicians, Toyoda insists on allowing consumers to decide the best solution for their needs rather than succumbing to regulatory pressures.  Textile-to-textile

He criticizes the idea of a one-size-fits-all approach and champions a diversified strategy to combat the real enemy—CO2 emissions.

Despite facing criticism for Toyota’s perceived delays in developing EV models, Toyoda defends the company’s focus on alternative technologies, acknowledging the challenges of navigating this path independently.

In challenging the legislative landscape, Toyoda predicts that only 30% of the market will be occupied by electric cars, leaving room for hybrid, fuel cell, and hydrogen vehicles.

He underscores the importance of consumer choice and questions the practicality of solely relying on battery-powered cars, especially in regions lacking essential charging infrastructure.  Textile-to-textile

Additionally, he raises concerns about potential financial challenges for companies still engaged in combustion engine production, warning of the risk of banks withdrawing credit support.

In essence, Akio Toyoda advocates for a balanced, consumer-driven approach to the future of transportation, emphasizing the need for diverse options to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the automotive industry.  Textile-to-textile

The “swamp” or the escalation with Iran: what the US risks with the raids against the Houthis

The United States is navigating a complex response to hostile acts by Tehran-aligned forces in the Middle East, particularly in relation to the Houthi aggressions in the Red Sea. In an effort to counter these threats, the U.S. has initiated multiple waves of raids, including cruise missiles, targeting Houthi depots. The well-organized adversary presents a challenge, forcing the Pentagon to consider both preventive actions and reducing the opponent’s arsenal, with uncertainties surrounding the likelihood of success.

The potential risks for the U.S. are multifold. On one hand, massive intervention might lead to entanglement in a protracted conflict, akin to sinking into a swamp. On the other hand, failure to respond could be perceived as encouragement for the militiamen’s challenge. Simultaneously, economic costs are rising for maritime transport, impacting Europe, which has established its own safety plan to safeguard navigation in response to the escalating situation. Textile-to-textile

Iran’s role in supporting the Houthi faction includes intelligence and technical support for anti-ship operations, a command/control base in Sanaa, and ongoing efforts to replace destroyed systems. Despite Iran downplaying its influence, analysts warn of a potential strategy of attrition favoring the militants.

The situation extends beyond Yemen, with pro-Iranian factions launching strikes in Syria and Iraq, presenting a dilemma for the U.S.: how to respond to attacks on its installations without escalating into a total war that might involve targeting Iran directly. Amidst this geopolitical chessboard, Israel adds a variable with its determination to strike enemies beyond its borders, potentially sparking reprisals against not only Israeli but also U.S. interests. Textile-to-textile

The overall scenario underscores the intricate web of challenges faced by the United States in the region, balancing military responses, diplomatic efforts, and the broader geopolitical implications involving Iran, Israel, and the safety of maritime routes.

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

BASF and Inditex have achieved a significant breakthrough in textile-to-textile recycling with the introduction of loopamid, a revolutionary polyamide 6 (PA6) made entirely from 100 percent textile waste

This marks a milestone in their collaborative efforts to enhance recyclability within the textile industry. Loopamid, developed by BASF, enables the recycling of discarded polyamide 6 textiles into new, virgin-quality synthetic fibers and materials. Zara, a flagship brand of Inditex, has embraced this innovation by creating a jacket composed entirely of loopamid, aligning with a “design for recycling” approach where every component, including fabrics, buttons, filling, hook and loop, and zipper, is derived from loopamid.

The cutting-edge technology behind loopamid facilitates textile-to-textile recycling of post-industrial and post-consumer textile waste, showcasing its adaptability to various fabric mixtures like PA6 and elastane.  Textile-to-textile

This breakthrough not only improves circularity in the fashion industry but also allows for multiple recycling cycles while maintaining material characteristics identical to those of conventional virgin polyamide.

Dr. Ramkumar Dhruva, President of BASF’s Monomers division, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating it marks a crucial step towards circularity in the fashion industry. The capsule jacket, a result of collaboration with Inditex, serves as proof that circularity is feasible. BASF is committed to scaling up its technology to provide commercial quantities, further contributing to the sustainable transformation of the textile industry.  Textile-to-textile

Javier Losada, Inditex’s Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in fostering a more responsible industry. The loopamid project represents a key step toward a circular solution, addressing the need for increased collecting and recycling capacities to achieve a scaled approach for post-consumer waste.

Both BASF and Inditex share ambitious sustainability goals, with BASF aiming to double its sales from circular economy solutions to €17 billion by 2030. Inditex, on the other hand, strives to have 100% of its textile products made exclusively from materials with a smaller environmental footprint by 2030, emphasizing the use of next-generation materials, recycled materials, and organic and regenerative fibers.  Textile-to-textile

Chinese manufacturer CALB is set to establish a lithium-ion battery factory in Portugal, according to the APA Portuguese environment agency’s announcement on Monday

Portugal, boasting the largest lithium reserves in Europe, is an ideal location for this venture, given lithium’s crucial role in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The proposed factory, strategically situated in the coastal town of Sines, approximately 100 kilometers south of Lisbon, aims to commence operations by the end of 2025.

The APA highlighted the facility’s primary focus on meeting robust customer demand, particularly within the automotive industry. A public consultation period, scheduled until the end of February, will allow stakeholders to provide input on the project. The estimated two billion-euro ($2.2 billion) investment by CALB encompasses the construction of five buildings, with projections indicating the creation of approximately 1,800 direct jobs, a significant boost to the local economy.  Textile-to-textile

Despite potential environmental concerns, APA has conditionally approved two lithium mining projects in northern Portugal. These decisions have faced opposition from environmental NGOs and local residents. The lithium-ion batteries that will be produced at the CALB factory are crucial components for electric vehicles, aligning with global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels and promote green energy solutions.

The initiative plays a role in supporting the automotive industry’s shift towards sustainable practices, contributing to the broader green energy transition agenda.

As the project progresses through the public consultation phase, the successful establishment of CALB’s lithium-ion battery factory in Portugal could mark a significant step towards advancing clean energy technologies and creating a substantial economic impact in the region.  Textile-to-textile

For more information, readers can visit AFP.com, as this article was produced by the Agence France-Presse (AFP), and the Barron’s news department was not involved in its creation.