Month: September 2024

Truetzschler’s installed BCF and IDY systems entrusted to Oerlikon Neumag

TopicalTruetzschler’s installed BCF and IDY systems entrusted to Oerlikon Neumag

The Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division of the Swiss Oerlikon Group is expanding its customer services and spare parts business in the area of machines and systems for the production of carpet yarns (BCF) and industrial yarns (IDY). To this end, the company concluded an agreement with the Truetzschler Group, based in Moenchengladbach, Germany, in August. Automotive

Technology experts and service staff from Oerlikon Neumag are now the new contacts for customer services and the spare parts business for Truetzschler’s BCF and IDY technologies installed in the market. The textile machinery manufacturer Trützschler Group announced that they are withdrawing from this business segment in order to concentrate on the spinning, card clothing and nonwovens businesses in future.

“Our range of customer services and spare parts for existing BCF and IDY systems from Truetzschler fits perfectly into our existing Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions business model,” explained Georg Stausberg, CEO of the Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division. Automotive

erlikon Polymer Processing Solutions is expanding its service and spare parts business Image Source: Oerlikon

Truetzschler Group stated that Oerlikon Neumag is the best partner to offer its former clients customer services and spare parts for the Truetzschler BCF and IDY systems installed in the market in the future.

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ADNOC is expected to submit a formal offer to acquire Covestro for approximately €14.4 billion ($15.9 billion), including debt, according to the Financial Times

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has been pursuing the German chemicals manufacturer for over a year. In June, ADNOC gained Covestro’s willingness to share more information and engage in deeper discussions, following an improved indicative bid of €11.7 billion, or €62 per share. Automotive

Covestro, known for producing plastics and chemicals used in construction and engineering, agreed to open its financial books to ADNOC in the hope of reaching an agreement on key aspects, such as the company’s growth strategy.

While Covestro acknowledged the report from the Financial Times, a spokesperson declined to comment further. ADNOC has also not issued any statements regarding the potential acquisition. Automotive

Mercedes, in partnership with American company Factorial Energy, has announced its upcoming solid-state batteries, named Solstice

These batteries are expected to revolutionize electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of the decade, offering greater range and lower costs. Promising to increase EV autonomy by 80%, Solstice boasts a 40% higher energy density, reaching 450 watt hours per kilogram (Wh/kg).

The higher energy density will reduce battery size, leading to lighter, more efficient, and cheaper EVs. Additionally, the new design will improve production sustainability and efficiency, lowering overall costs. Automotive

Solid-state batteries also offer increased safety, with a reduced risk of fire compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. However, they currently face challenges with cold temperatures and expansion during development.

Factorial has already delivered near-solid electrolyte accumulators to Mercedes, achieving an energy density of 391 Wh/kg. Automotive

Other automotive giants like Hyundai-Kia and Stellantis are also involved, with the latter helping finance production. Mercedes and Stellantis jointly invested 200 million euros in the factory and production lines. While the Solstice batteries are in development, the full impact of this collaboration is expected to be realized by the end of the decade.

Why Car Manufacturers Should Go “All-In” on Electric Cars

A flexible approach to transitioning from internal combustion to electric vehicles (EVs) may seem wise, but it could be dangerous long-term. As the auto industry faces fluctuating demand, many manufacturers are hedging their bets by producing hybrids and traditional fuel vehicles alongside EVs. However, this strategy can backfire. Automotive

Current production is already below optimal levels, with factories operating at 70% capacity. If manufacturers continue this “multi-fuel” strategy, production efficiency could drop further, potentially falling below 60% by 2030. This could lead to factory closures and job losses.

Moreover, delaying full investment in EVs risks missing market opportunities. As consumers await more affordable electric options, manufacturers focusing on hybrids may find themselves left behind. Companies that prioritize electric vehicles now could gain a significant market advantage when demand shifts. Automotive

While some, like Toyota and Stellantis, are cautious about going fully electric, others, such as Volkswagen and Hyundai, are more committed to zero-emission vehicles. The race to EV dominance is uncertain, but those who hesitate could face greater challenges. A clear focus on electric vehicles is essential to avoid the pitfalls of a fragmented strategy and ensure future success.

Batteries

PET Bottle – StarLITE®-R Premium: Sidel’s New rPET Bottle Base Elevates High-End Packaging

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Cyclohexanone Prices Rise in Europe Amid Steady Demand and Production Hurdles

Cyclohexanone prices saw notable increases in both Germany and the Netherlands due to a combination of moderate demand, fluctuating raw material costs, and supply constraints in early September. This price trend of Cyclohexanone was influenced by various factors in the downstream and upstream markets, alongside seasonal and geopolitical developments. Batteries

In early September 2024, Cyclohexanone prices saw a notable increase in both the Netherlands and Germany. In the Netherlands and similarly in Germany, prices rose, reflecting a weekly increase of 1.4%. This upward trend was driven by moderate demand from downstream sectors such as nylon, adipic acid, and caprolactam production, alongside seasonal fluctuations that boosted consumption. Despite the decline in benzene costs, which typically affects production expenses, ongoing high production costs continued to support elevated prices of Cyclohexanone in both regions.

The crude oil market experienced significant turbulence as U.S. crude oil prices fell to their lowest level since June 2023, marking an 8% weekly decline, the steepest drop since October. Brent crude prices also dropped by 9.8%. Batteries

This downturn was compounded by OPEC+ delaying its planned production increase of 180,000 barrels per day until December, introducing uncertainties about global supply and demand. These developments had a ripple effect, affecting related markets and sectors, including construction, where the EU’s forecast for the year was revised to a 1.5% decrease from an initial 0.5% decline, though positive signs such as rising house prices and increased building permit issuance indicated a potential rebound in building material production.

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Aquafil has unveiled its 2024-2026 Industrial Plan, including €100 million in investments and a focus on mergers and acquisitions (M&A)

The company anticipates a 15-20% volume growth in 2025 compared to 2024, and a further 2-4% rise in 2026. By the end of 2025, Net Financial Position (NFP) is expected to decrease to €185-195 million, reaching €157-167 million in 2026. CEO Giulio Bonazzi highlights the strategy’s focus on unlocking growth through increased volumes, innovative technologies, and industrial efficiency. Batteries

A planned €40 million capital increase will strengthen Aquafil’s financial flexibility and support key investment initiatives, helping consolidate its market leadership and seize strategic opportunities. Aquafin Holding, the controlling shareholder, has committed to subscribing to its share of the increase, confident in the Plan’s success.

The Plan targets growth in European, North American, and Asia Pacific markets, driving revenue expansion across all business areas. It emphasizes technological improvements, process efficiency, automation, and cost rationalization, which are expected to positively impact margins.  Batteries

Solid-State Batteries: The Key to Electric Vehicle Efficiency

The future of electric vehicles hinges on more efficient, reliable batteries. To achieve maximum efficiency, we need batteries with extended mileage, fast recharging capabilities, and enhanced durability against impacts and fires. Solid-state batteries, often considered the “Holy Grail,” may be the solution.

What Are Solid-State Batteries?
Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which use liquid electrolytes to transfer ions between electrodes, solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte. This allows them to store more energy in the same size casing. Additionally, they eliminate the flammable liquid electrolytes, improving vehicle safety and enabling faster recharges—potentially within 15 minutes for a range of over 480 km.

Current Challenges
Despite their promise, solid-state batteries are not yet ready for mass production. They offer higher energy density but face technical hurdles. Commonly used graphite anodes can develop dendrites—needle-like structures that can cause short circuits. The solid electrolyte material also tends to crack and degrade over multiple charge cycles.

Looking Ahead
Many companies, including Toyota, are racing to commercialize this technology, with potential breakthroughs by 2027. However, scaling up solid-state batteries for automotive use remains a challenge, requiring significant investment to lower costs and secure a reliable supply chain.

Massless Batteries: A Game-Changing Innovation

A Swedish startup, Sinonus, is rethinking battery design to revolutionize portable devices like notebooks. Originating from Chalmers University of Technology, the company has developed a new type of carbon fiber to create massless batteries, potentially reshaping the future of technology.

Challenges in Battery Technology

Innovating battery technology is crucial due to its direct impact on daily life and tech progress. New-generation batteries with higher energy density and longer lifespans can minimize electronic waste by reducing replacements. Additionally, using less toxic and more abundant materials than lithium and cobalt lessens environmental harm.

Higher energy density allows for lighter, more efficient devices such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles (EVs), significantly enhancing portability and user experience.

In EVs, advanced batteries could mean greater range, faster charging, and lower costs, encouraging more sustainable mobility. Improved batteries also promise advancements in medical devices, robotics, and energy security.

How Massless Carbon Fiber Batteries Work

Sinonus has developed carbon fiber that serves both as a structural material and an energy storage medium. Their prototype replaces traditional AAA batteries with carbon fiber, though scaling up for larger devices remains a challenge. While the energy density is still low compared to lithium-ion batteries, the material’s dual function could free up space in devices for other uses.

The Future of Massless Batteries

Despite current limitations, Sinonus’ innovation could reduce the weight and size of devices without sacrificing battery life, offering a glimpse into a lighter, more efficient tech future.

PET Bottle – StarLITE®-R Premium: Sidel’s New rPET Bottle Base Elevates High-End Packaging 16-09-202416-09-2024

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Chinese passenger vehicle sales dropped for the fifth consecutive month in August, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association

Sales declined 1.1% year-on-year to 1.92 million units, improving slightly from a 3.1% fall in July. Despite the overall decline, sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs), including electric and plug-in hybrid models, surged 43.2%, making up 53.5% of total car sales. BYD and Tesla led the NEV market, setting sales records.

Car exports also rose, up 24% following a 20% increase in July. However, consumer confidence continues to wane, with more trade-ins than first-time purchases. EV cars

Subsidies are available for drivers switching from petrol-powered vehicles, offering up to 20,000 yuan ($2,823) for those buying NEVs and up to 15,000 yuan for smaller-engine alternatives.

Local EV makers Nio and Xpeng introduced lower-priced brands to address shifting demand. Despite rising NEV sales, dealerships face challenges due to falling car prices. Over half of dealerships reported losses in the first half of the year, up 7.3 percentage points from 2023. China Grand Automotive Services, the second-largest dealership, was delisted from the Shanghai Stock Exchange in August after its stock traded below par value for 20 days straight. EV cars

Schneider Electric and GR3N have joined forces to develop the first open automation system for advanced plastic recycling

GR3N’s innovative technology, MADE (Microwave Assisted Depolymerisation), breaks down PET plastics into their chemical components, allowing for the production of new, high-quality PET pellets used in packaging and textiles. This process, based on alkaline hydrolysis, is more efficient at handling impurities than existing methods. EV cars

In March 2024, GR3N demonstrated MADE alongside Schneider’s EcoStruxure Automation Expert at their site in Italy. The plant’s modular design is built for scaling, with the first industrial facility planned in Spain, expected to process over 40,000 tons of PET waste annually. GR3N’s system, based on the IEC 61499 standard, allows seamless hardware-software integration, enabling flexible and scalable operations.

The collaboration offers several benefits, including reduced engineering costs, faster time-to-market, and the ability to scale without vendor constraints. The open automation system simplifies control, enhances data analytics, and integrates operational and IT functions, providing new optimization opportunities. Furthermore, it attracts a next-gen workforce with its modern, IT-aligned approach. EV cars

This partnership aims to scale to new sites rapidly, with the first large-scale plant set for 2027, positioning GR3N and Schneider Electric at the forefront of sustainable plastic recycling.

In August, prices for PVC and PET bottle resin declined after two consecutive months of increases

The drop in PET bottle resin prices was largely due to fluctuations in raw material costs. PVC saw a similar decline, reflecting shifts in supply and demand dynamics. Both materials had experienced a summer price surge, but August brought a reversal as the market adjusted to changing conditions.

Key factors contributing to the price drops included lower feedstock costs and reduced demand in certain sectors. PET, commonly used in beverage bottles, was particularly affected by decreasing prices of raw materials like paraxylene and PTA. Meanwhile, PVC, essential in construction and piping, faced a softening market as production stabilized and demand dipped. EV cars

The price decreases came after a period of volatility, highlighting the sensitivity of these materials to global economic trends and the supply chain. Manufacturers and buyers are now watching for signs of further adjustments in the coming months, especially with ongoing uncertainties in energy markets and raw material availability.

In summary, August saw a notable reduction in PVC and PET bottle resin prices, driven by lower raw material costs and market recalibrations after previous increases. This development may signal further price adjustments in the near future. EV cars

The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) represent a new global power shift, with Russia and China at the forefront

From Yalta in 1945 to the upcoming October summit in Kazan, Russia, 29,108 days have passed, yet the rules governing the world remain unsettled. The BRICS, once dismissed as “emerging economies,” now represent nearly half the global population and a quarter of its GDP, challenging both the G7 and the United Nations.

Key players, Russia and China, are using their influence in Africa, Asia, and beyond to reshape global dynamics. Russia has ousted former French colonial powers in Africa, controlling crucial resources like uranium. Through “proxy” politics, they wield power as the U.S. once did. Meanwhile, China secures mineral resources and strategic access in Africa by investing heavily in infrastructure projects. EV cars

In Asia, Xi Jinping controls North Korea and asserts dominance over Taiwan, while Iran, aligned with BRICS powers, strengthens its regional influence. This alliance presents a stark challenge to Western powers, including the U.S., EU, and a weakened United Nations. The Kazan summit, held just before the U.S. presidential elections, marks a pivotal moment in this evolving geopolitical landscape, where new alliances are shaping the future.

How much worse are coloured plastics for the environment?

Studies are finding more reason to boycott coloured plastic products.

In 2020, Clover Milk released their new blue milk bottles, in an effort to differentiate themselves from other white milk cartons on supermarket shelves. But as those on social media at the time will remember, this marketing ploy prompted a negative response from the public, including the #BoycottTheBlueBottle campaign. This was motivated largely by the fact that blue plastic is much less valuable at recycling plants and is therefore less likely to be recycled at all. EV cars

Now, four years later in 2024, studies are finding more reason to boycott coloured plastics.

A study done by the University of Cape Town and University of Leicester has shown that coloured plastics have a higher susceptibility to degradation when compared to plain plastics.

Faster rates of deterioration means more plastics breaking down into microplastics – which are harder to manage and can persist in ecosystems for decades.

Plastics consist of polymers which break down over time – a process accelerated by exposure to various elements. EV cars

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Mario Draghi urges Europe to develop a comprehensive plan for electric vehicles, focusing on batteries, charging infrastructure, and raw materials

In his report, “The Future of European Competitiveness,” presented with Ursula von der Leyen, Draghi emphasizes the need for urgent action to revive the struggling EV sector. He warns that without a solid industrial policy, Europe risks losing production to foreign competitors. EV cars

Key steps include increased financial support for businesses and a clear roadmap for electrification, battery development, and resource management. Draghi highlights the importance of utilizing Europe’s resources through recycling and raw material extraction, suggesting the EU could meet over half its metal needs for clean technologies by 2050.

Criticizing Europe’s delayed response, Draghi points out that while China has been building its EV supply chain since 2012, the EU only launched the European Battery Alliance in 2017. EV cars

This delay has left Europe behind in both technology and charging infrastructure, with Chinese manufacturers now dominating the market at lower costs. As a result, European market share has shrunk from 80% to 60%, while China’s has grown from 5% to 15%. Europe, Draghi concludes, must accelerate its efforts to stay competitive.

Green hydrogen – Australia has committed €9.5 million (AUD 15.6 million) to advance soft plastics recycling, aiming to divert 43,000 tonnes from landfills annually 11-09-2024

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Why China Tariffs Could Reshape the Global Economy

Tariffs, especially between the U.S. and China, have become a central issue in global economic policy. Initially embraced by Trump, they have now gained traction within both major U.S. political parties. President Biden has not only maintained the tariffs but has also raised them on Chinese products, signaling a long-term strategy that’s likely to persist regardless of future administrations. Given this reality, it’s important to consider how these tariffs might reshape the global economy, U.S.-China trade relations, and potential investment strategies. Biomass

Tariffs and U.S.-China Trade Relations

The Biden administration plans further tax increases on Chinese goods, including electric vehicles, semiconductors, and critical minerals. These measures follow delays in reviewing tariffs originally imposed under Trump. In response, China has repeatedly urged the U.S. to remove all tariffs, arguing they harm not just China but the global economy as a whole.

The Complex Effects of Tariffs

While tariffs aim to make imports more expensive, encouraging consumers to buy domestic products, the reality is more nuanced for three key reasons:

1. Currency Depreciation: When the U.S. imposes tariffs, China’s currency often depreciates. For example, after Trump’s tariffs, the Chinese yuan weakened, offsetting some of the anticipated effects. This depreciation makes Chinese exports cheaper, diminishing the impact of the tariffs. Biomass
2. Corporate Evasion: Many Chinese firms have found ways to bypass tariffs by moving production to countries like Vietnam or Mexico. These products are then rebranded or assembled elsewhere, making it difficult to restrict Chinese imports effectively.
3. Impact on U.S. Manufacturers: Tariffs can raise costs for U.S. companies that rely on Chinese materials. For example, steel and aluminum tariffs increase expenses for U.S. automakers and appliance manufacturers, undermining their global competitiveness. Biomass

Can Tariffs Prompt Economic Reform in China?

China’s economic strategy is heavily dependent on overproduction and exports, leading to a glut of low-cost goods on the global market. This model has contributed to significant debt and unsold inventory within China, while also suppressing wages and domestic consumption. Tariffs could push China to rethink this unsustainable approach, much like Japan did in the late 20th century. By making it harder to flood global markets, tariffs might encourage China to focus on domestic growth and more balanced economic policies.

Global Manufacturing Shifts and Investment Opportunities

One unintended but positive consequence of tariffs is the potential for economic growth in other regions. Biomass

To avoid U.S. tariffs, Chinese companies have shifted production to countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Mexico, spurring economic development there. Investors might see opportunities in these emerging markets, where manufacturing capacity and infrastructure are improving due to this relocation.

A New Era of Globalization?

Tariffs could be the catalyst for a more balanced global economy. As China diversifies its production, countries like Mexico and Morocco are poised to become new manufacturing hubs. Biomass

Investors who position themselves in these regions could benefit from the next phase of globalization, where production is more evenly distributed across the world.

In summary, while tariffs are often seen as blunt economic tools, they could play a crucial role in reshaping global trade and investment landscapes.

The HolyGrail 2.0 Initiative has validated the use of digital watermarking combined with Near-Infrared (NIR) technology for advanced sorting of flexible packaging

This technology, provided by Digimarc and Pellenc ST, was tested in an industrial setting at Hündgen Entsorgung’s material recovery facility. The trials, conducted from December 2023 to February 2024, focused on separating hygiene-grade LDPE films from food-grade PP films.

Results from the December 2023 trials showed detection efficiencies over 95%, sorting efficiencies above 85%, and purity levels exceeding 70% in single-pass sorting. These figures are expected to improve with two-pass sorting, commonly used in recycling facilities. In February 2024, despite harsher conditions, including mixed waste streams and higher throughput, the technology maintained high detection (89.9%) and sorting (75.1%) efficiencies, with purity at 88.1%. Biomass

The results demonstrated the technology’s potential to create high-quality recycling streams, surpassing current capabilities. The consistent performance across varied conditions suggests that the technology is ready for industrial application, potentially reaching Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9.

A subsequent three-month trial will focus on sorting digitally watermarked rigid packaging in Denmark and Germany.

If successful, this will further validate the system’s robustness in an operational environment, paving the way for large-scale industrial adoption. Biomass

Audi begins mass production of radiator grilles with recycled content

For the first time, Audi is mass-producing painted radiator grilles made from a blend of polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recyclates for the new Audi A3 Sportback and Audi A3 Sedan. This groundbreaking achievement is the result of a collaboration between Mocom, a specialist in compounding and recycling, Winning Plastics, a leading plastics processor, and Audi.

“Our objective is to systematically increase the use of recycled materials in Audi vehicles. With the A3 model update, the painted radiator grille ontains a significant portion of secondary raw materials for the first time. Biomass

As a key design element of Audi models, the grille must meet high standards in design, appearance, and quality, in addition to specific mechanical requirements,” explains Frank Fischer from Audi’s Materials Engineering department.

The project team encountered challenges due to the stringent technical requirements for mechanical properties in safety-critical components and the high purity needed for the material to be reused in painted parts. “Developing and producing radiator grilles with recycled content was an exciting process”, says Werner Meschitz, Head of Innovations at Winning Plastics. “Suitable recyclates were not available off-the-shelf, so together with our partner Mocom, we developed a recycled compound that partially incorporates painted scrap components from our own production. Biomass

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What’s the weakness in spandex compared to polyester and nylon?

Since the beginning of the year, the trends of the main raw materials for synthetic fibers-polyester, nylon, and spandex-have shown significant discrepancies. The prices of polyester and nylon have experienced wide fluctuations influenced by supply and demand, seasonal changes, and cost variations. However, spandex market continues to experience severe competition, with prices consistently falling. Biomass

Since the beginning of the year, the price trends of polyester, nylon, and spandex have shown clear differences, though some similarities exist. All three materials have experienced price declines, with spandex prices decreasing more sharply than those of polyester and nylon (see above chart). The price declines for polyester, nylon, and spandex since the beginning of the year are approximately 1.8%, 5.0%, and 10.3%, respectively. Notably, the price performance has diverged among these materials; while polyester and nylon saw two phases of price spikes followed by corrections, spandex has shown a consistent downward trend.

Early in the year, polyester prices experienced a slight spike, and by late February and early March, prices were at a seasonal high. In March, due to downstream inventory digestion and insufficient new order follow-ups, the average monthly price of polyester saw a slight decline. From April to mid-May, polyester prices continued to soften; however, by late May, major polyester manufacturers began to limit production to maintain prices, leading to a noticeable increase in June’s average monthly price. Biomass

Meanwhile, nylon prices rebounded slightly in April and May due to demand from sun protection, sports, leisure, and outdoor sectors. However, despite a reduction in new orders for circular knitting machines and warp knitting in early June, strong cost support from rising benzene prices led to a slight increase in nylon prices.

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Nonwoven – Volkswagen has partnered with Germany’s Revoltech to develop a sustainable leather alternative called LOVR, made from industrial hemp waste 05-09-2024

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PET Bottle – Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG) has initiated research on chemically recycling end-of-life tires (ELT) at its Kagawa Works facility, targeting the production of sustainable carbon black by March 2026 

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Zhengzhou Exchange Launches Bottle-Grade PET Resin Futures

The Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange (ZCE) in China has launched futures trading for bottle-grade Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) resin to better address the risk management needs of businesses. PET resin, primarily used for making mineral water bottles, plays a crucial role in daily life.

On the first day of trading, the bottle-grade PET resin futures saw a trading volume of 133,444 contracts, amounting to 13.17 billion yuan (approximately $1.86 billion USD). Six contracts were listed initially, with a benchmark price set at 6,850 yuan ($966 USD) per ton. Sustainability

Niu Yike, a manager at ZCE, highlighted that the introduction of these futures will complement existing polyester-related products, enabling better hedging and inventory management for enterprises, ultimately supporting the industry’s high-quality growth.

Since crude oil is the primary raw material for producing bottle-grade PET resin, its price volatility significantly impacts PET resin prices. Over the past three years, crude oil price fluctuations have exceeded 60%, severely affecting production and operations for companies like Zhejiang’s new material firm, as noted by senior executive Chen Canzhong. The seasonal variability in PET resin sales further complicates production, making the need for financial tools to manage market risks essential. Sustainability

In 2023, China produced 13.1 million tons of bottle-grade PET resin, consuming 7.56 million tons, which is 24% of global consumption. China is currently the world’s largest exporter of bottle-grade PET resin, with products reaching over 100 countries.

Lummus Wins Contract for Kazakhstan’s First Polyethylene Plant

Lummus Technology, a leader in process technologies and energy solutions, has secured a contract from Silleno LLP to provide an ethylene unit for Kazakhstan’s inaugural polyethylene plant. This plant, situated in the National Industrial Petrochemical Technopark in the Atyrau Region, is expected to significantly boost Kazakhstan’s economy by enhancing GDP, creating jobs, and stimulating local businesses. Sustainability

Leon de Bruyn, CEO of Lummus Technology, expressed pride in contributing to such a vital project, highlighting the company’s extensive experience in Kazakhstan. Lummus’ ethylene technology, essential for producing polyethylene, involves converting ethane from the Tengiz oil field into 1.3 million tons of ethylene annually. The technology also includes their Short Residence Time (SRT®) heaters and an olefins recovery system, which together enhance energy efficiency, lower costs, and reduce CO2 emissions by optimizing product yield and cutting equipment needs by 25% compared to traditional methods.

Lummus has been a dominant force in light olefins technologies, securing nearly half of the new projects since 2000 and licensing over 200 ethylene plants globally, representing around 45% of the world’s ethylene capacity. Sustainability

This project reinforces Lummus’ role in advancing Kazakhstan’s petrochemical and energy sectors.

Oerlikon Celebrates 20 Years Of E-Save — The Sustainability Program Of Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division

Over 15 million tons of CO2 savings in 20 years – that is the balance sheet of e-save – the sustainability program of today’s Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division. As one of the world’s leading suppliers of manmade fiber plant technologies, the company has been developing, producing and launching its products and services with sustainability in mind since 2004: ‘Energy’ savings and ‘Efficiency’ of systems, machines and components, ‘Environment’ relief and improved ‘Ergonomics’ for optimal machine operation are the four e-save topics that have provided fiber and yarn manufacturers with significant added value in terms of economy, safety and process handling right from the start. Sustainability

The pioneers of today’s brands Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag and Oerlikon Nonwoven were already true pioneers in terms of sustainability.

The e-save logo is awarded to components and machines from Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag and Oerlikon Nonwoven that are significantly more sustainable than the market standard or predecessor models. Sustainability

Rising energy prices, scarce resources, an ageing society, a shortage of skilled workers and lower profit margins in many industries prove Oerlikon’s e-save mission right. For 20 years, the technology leader in manmade fiber production has been scoring points with significantly lower energy consump-tion compared to the market standard, the competition or its own predecessor models. Fiber and yarn manufacturers around the world appreciate this, as investments in new systems developed according to e-save criteria pay for themselves in a much shorter time.

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Chile has inaugurated its first plant dedicated to producing beverage bottles from recycled plastic

Named Re-Ciclar, the facility is a $35 million joint venture between Coca-Cola Andina and Coca-Cola Embonor.

The plant aims to recycle over 350 million bottles annually, incorporating food-grade recycled material into Coca-Cola’s packaging in Chile.

Equipped with advanced technology from Italy, Japan, and Austria, Re-Ciclar uses sustainable methods such as solar power and electric cranes. The facility is expected to generate 25,000 indirect jobs nationwide. It plays a key role in Coca-Cola’s initiative to increase recycled content in its bottles, targeting 15% recycled PET by 2025, with aspirations for 100% in the future. Sustainability

Economy Minister Nicolás Grau emphasized the plant’s significance in advancing Chile’s sustainable development and circular economy. Re-Ciclar collaborates with various stakeholders, including local governments and grassroots recyclers, making it one of Latin America’s most advanced recycling facilities.

The plant partners with the National Association of Recyclers of Chile, Latitud R, La Ciudad Posible, and citizens to collect around 10,000 tons of PET in 2024. The recycling process begins with individuals depositing bottles at recycling points, followed by collection, storage, and delivery to Re-Ciclar. There, bottles are cleaned, shredded, and processed into recycled resin pellets, which are then transformed into new beverage bottles, ready for consumers. Sustainability

Netstal Earns Silver in Ecovadis Sustainability Ranking

Netstal has achieved a silver rating in the Ecovadis sustainability assessment, placing it among the top 15% of companies evaluated globally over the past year. This recognition highlights Netstal’s commitment to improving environmental impact, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Sustainability

“We are proud of our silver medal, reflecting the strong emphasis we place on sustainability in our vision and corporate policies,” said Renzo Davatz, CEO of Netstal Group. He emphasized the company’s dedication to environmental and climate protection as well as safeguarding human rights.

Netstal has made significant strides, reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 emissions by 17% and cutting water consumption compared to previous assessments. The company also optimized the tracking of Scope 3 emissions from downstream processes. “Understanding the CO2 emissions of our injection molding machines used by customers is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency and further reducing Scope 3 emissions,” noted Michael Rocholl, Head of Quality and Process Management. Sustainability

The Ecovadis ranking offers measurable insights into Netstal’s sustainability for both internal and external stakeholders. Rocholl added, “Ecovadis’s annual review deepens our understanding of our ESG framework and guides future focus areas. We have outlined additional measures to ensure even greater sustainability.”

Ecovadis is a globally recognized organization, providing trusted corporate sustainability ratings for over 130,000 companies worldwide.

Hydrogen – A team of researchers in Korea has made a significant breakthrough in microbial plastic production, presenting a novel way to create biodegradable plastics with enhanced properties 31-08-2024

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