Stretch film – The outlook for electric cars is becoming increasingly precarious. In many countries, including ours, the sector faces a slowdown 19-06-2024

Stretch film

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

Presented at the latest edition of NPE by Colines and ExxonMobil, a new stretch film combines technical performance and environmental sustainability

Colines, a Novara-based manufacturer of extrusion systems, together with the chemical group ExxonMobil, has unveiled a high-tenacity, low-thickness stretch film, containing 35% recycled material, extruded on ALLrollEX high-speed lines.
The High Tenacity Hand Wrap (HTHW) film, only 8 microns thick, is suitable for both manual use and automatic machines, with a pre-stretch ranging from 50% to 100%. These characteristics were achieved thanks to the formulation of the material, developed by ExxonMobil in collaboration with the Colines R&D department, using Enable 1617 polyethylene, also presented for the first time at the American fair. Stretch film
The ALLrollEX lines, dedicated to this application, are equipped with an in-line edge folding system, ideal for the production of films with a high recycled content for automatic machines. Additionally, they have AI technology implemented in the Virtual Production Assistant Mastermind, which automates complex operations without the need for human intervention.
To ensure continuous operation, they can be equipped with a continuous filter which eliminates the need to stop the line for component replacement. The ALLrollEX 3-up plant, used to produce this film, has 5 extruders for 7-layer films (ABCDCBE), reaching a maximum speed of 700 meters per minute for a production of up to 1,000 kg/h, with thicknesses varying from 6 to 50 microns. Stretch film
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The outlook for electric cars is becoming increasingly precarious. In many countries, including ours, the sector faces a slowdown

The anticipated swift transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is at risk, potentially forcing a reassessment of the push towards sustainability. Why this pessimism? Evidence suggests that many EV owners are nostalgic for traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

A recent study by McKinsey highlights ongoing challenges with battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Some industry giants, like Volkswagen, are reconsidering their focus on combustion engines, indicating that the issue extends beyond Italy. Europe as a whole is struggling, with only Norway having a majority of BEVs, a result of three decades of commitment. While hybrid vehicles have become mainstream, zero-emission cars are lagging behind. Stretch film

The research, conducted in 15 countries with 30,000 participants, revealed that 29% of BEV owners would switch back to ICE vehicles if given the chance. In the United States, the situation is more pronounced, with 46% of full-electric vehicle owners expressing a desire to return to combustion engines.

This sentiment could influence U.S. politics, where candidate Trump aims to make opposition to EVs a key issue. Trump has even proposed banning their sale, a move driven by political strategy and a reactionary voter base. Additionally, the global economic threat posed by China complicates matters, suggesting that abandoning EV technology might be the right-wing solution to competing on the global stage. Stretch film

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Solenis and PhaBuilder have entered a global agreement to advance PHA-based materials for sustainable paper packaging

This collaboration aims to address the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals for water-intensive industries, has partnered with Beijing PhaBuilder Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (PhaBuilder), an innovative synthetic biology enterprise.

Their joint effort will focus on developing and enhancing Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) technology for the paper packaging market. Stretch film

William (Bill) Kuecker, Senior Director of Global Strategic Marketing at Solenis, stated, “The global agreement with PhaBuilder will bring unique technology to the paper packaging market, addressing the increasing need for sustainable solutions.”

Ms. Sherry Xu, President of PhaBuilder, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting, “This strategic cooperation will enhance the application of PHA-based materials. The newly developed technology will ultimately reduce environmental impact, fostering a greener, more sustainable future.” Stretch film

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PET Resin Bottle Caps

Alpek Polyester’s CaPETall™ PET Resin is a patented technology that creates 100% PET Resin for cap closures for beverage containers, including water and CSD bottles.

Alpek Polyester, a global producer of PET Resins, has unveiled a new sustainable solution for 100% PET Resin bottle caps. CaPETall™ PET Cap Resin is a patented technology that allows PET to be used in caps and closures to achieve a 100% PET packaging Solution, which simplifies and improves post-consumer PET bottle recycling and the PET Circular Economy. 

Alpek Polyester’s CaPETall™ technology enhances and provides a fully recyclable PET polymer package while maintaining the advantages of mechanical and performance properties of PET’s crystallizable polymer. Stretch film

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PET Resin Bottle Caps

Duties on PVC are coming from Egypt and the United States

. This decision follows an inquiry initiated in November of the previous year. The duties target imports of suspended polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that are not compounded with other substances.

The proposed surcharges, which accuse producers of selling at prices below the cost in the EU market, vary between 58% and 100%. The Egyptian Petrochemical Company, along with other Egyptian firms, faces the steepest duty, except for TCI Sanmar SAE, which is subject to a 74.2% tariff. Stretch film

Formosa Plastics Corporation will be affected by a 71.1% duty, and other American producers will see a 78.5% duty. However, Oxy Vinyls, Shintech Incorporated, and Westlake Chemicals will encounter somewhat lower surcharges of 63.7% and 58%, respectively, for their exports to the EU.

These measures are a direct consequence of a complaint lodged in October of the prior year by a group of European PVC manufacturers, united under the Polyvinyl Chloride Trade Committee. The period under investigation for dumping spans from October 2022 to September 2023. Stretch film

The imposition of these duties aims to level the playing field for EU producers by addressing the unfair pricing strategies of their international counterparts.

Duties on PVC are coming from Egypt and the United States

LyondellBasell has recently launched a new polypropylene (PP) compounding production line at its Dalian facility in China, marking a significant expansion of its Advanced Polymer Solutions (APS) division

This addition is set to bolster the company’s capacity by 20,000 tonnes annually, effectively doubling the site’s output to cater to the burgeoning demand, particularly from the automotive sector.

Torkel Rhenman, the Executive Vice President of APS at LyondellBasell, highlighted the rapid evolution and growth of the global automotive industry, with China playing a pivotal role, especially in the new energy vehicle segment.

The company aims to leverage this growth by delivering high-quality, innovative products swiftly to the market. Stretch film

Rolf van Beeck, Vice President of APS for the Asia Pacific and Africa/Middle East/India regions, emphasized the new line as a testament to LyondellBasell’s ongoing dedication to the Chinese market. The firm anticipates accelerated business growth and continues to invest, promising top-tier products and services while fostering sustainability through its Circulen portfolio.

Since its establishment in 2015, the Dalian site’s potential production capacity stands at 80,000 tonnes with four lines, supplying various automotive applications. LyondellBasell’s APS division operates five sites across China, offering a diverse range of PP compounds, engineered plastics, and masterbatch products. Stretch film

LyondellBasell has recently launched a new polypropylene (PP) compounding production line at its Dalian facility in China, marking a significant expansion of its Advanced Polymer Solutions (APS) division

Recycled PET – Reheating leftovers in a microwave using plastic containers may endanger your health 18-06-2024

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