CATL battery – Plastic demand could reduce by up to 30% in an accelerated energy transition scenario 03-09.2024
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Versalis, in partnership with Bridgestone EMEA and BB&G Group, is advancing the chemical recycling of end-of-life tires (ELT) to create a sustainable, circular supply chain
The collaboration focuses on converting used tires into pyrolysis oil, a renewable alternative to fossil materials, for producing high-quality elastomers for new tires.
Bridgestone will leverage its expertise in tire production, BB&G Group will handle the thermomechanical pyrolysis of ELTs, and Versalis will contribute its chemical processing capabilities. BB&G, having developed two pilot plants and recently commissioned its first commercial-scale Tyre Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) plant in Fatima, Portugal, will supply Versalis with the pyrolysis oil. CATL battery
This oil will then be used to produce circular elastomers, with Bridgestone set to manufacture its first batch of tires using this sustainable material by early 2025.
Versalis plans to integrate the pyrolysis oil into its production processes, enhancing its Balance-branded products, which utilize biocircular materials under ISCC Plus certification. This initiative aligns with Versalis’s circularity strategy, aiming to reduce carbon footprints and drive innovation in the tire industry. Adriano Alfani, CEO of Versalis, emphasized that this partnership will deliver maximum value to customers and promote sustainable mobility, highlighting the company’s commitment to advancing circularity within the tire sector. CATL battery
China’s CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has denied claims that its products pose a security threat to the U.S.
The company asserts that its batteries, which are exported to the U.S., are passive and lack communication capabilities, making them unable to be remotely accessed or controlled. Therefore, they pose no national security risk.
The statement, released on August 29 through China’s state-run Global Times, refutes accusations from some U.S. lawmakers, specifically Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Representative John Mlinar. CATL battery
They had urged the U.S. Department of Defense to blacklist CATL, citing concerns over the company’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party and its potential impact on America’s energy security.
CATL countered these claims by highlighting that its batteries have supported millions of Americans during power outages and extreme weather events. The company emphasized that it does not compete directly with U.S. firms and collaborates closely with American partners to produce reliable and affordable products. CATL battery
A senior researcher from the Center for China and Globalization criticized the security concerns as a product of a “cold war mentality” among some U.S. politicians. The researcher warned that such baseless accusations could harm Sino-U.S. trade relations and negatively impact the well-being of ordinary Americans.
Plastic demand could reduce by up to 30% in an accelerated energy transition scenario
As chemical producers face increasing pressure to decarbonize, technology investment could see plastic demand loss supported through elimination, substitution, and reuse/refill mechanisms.
Wood Mackenzie’s recent insight, Chemicals demand in a 1.5 °C scenario, provides an integrated view of various energy transition scenarios across each segment, commodity, technology, and market. CATL battery
The report explores three potential outcomes for the energy and resources sector: the base case, pledges, and a Net Zero 2050 scenario.
Total polymer demand to grow by 2050
In Wood Mackenzie’s base case, total plastic demand (virgin + recycled) is estimated to grow to around 880 Mt by 2050, driven by single-use packaging and consumer products.
However, in the accelerated energy transition (AET) 1.5 °C scenario, total plastic demand shows a 30% reduction by 2050. Virgin production alone would decrease by 35% compared to the base case. CATL battery
Mechanisms to reduce polymer demand
Virgin polymer demand could be reduced through mechanical recycling, which requires proper waste management and sorting technologies. Chemical recycling and bio-based packaging using feedstocks can similarly reduce polymer production.
Total plastic demand reduction impact
Implementing these mechanisms could reduce total plastic demand by up to 260 Mt by 2050 compared to the base case outlook. CATL battery
Epson Partners with HKRITA to Innovate Fiber Recycling with Dry Fiber Technology
Epson has partnered with The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) to develop advanced fiber recycling technology using Epson’s proprietary Dry Fiber Technology. This collaboration aims to address the global demand for recycled fibers, particularly in response to the increasing focus on sustainability and the reduction of petroleum-based synthetic fibers. CATL battery
Traditional textile recycling methods, like garnett machines, struggle to separate fibers from tightly woven and elastic fabrics, which are common in items like dress shirts, bed sheets, and functional clothing. Epson’s Dry Fiber Technology offers a solution by enabling the effective defibration of these challenging materials.
The joint development with HKRITA will accelerate the recycling of textiles that are difficult to process, such as factory waste, unsold inventory, and unwanted apparel.
By advancing this technology, Epson aims to increase the availability of recycled fibers in the market. CATL battery
Epson’s Dry Fiber Technology, originally developed for recycling paper and other fibrous materials, is a cornerstone of the company’s environmental strategy. Beyond textiles, Epson is also innovating in the production of recycled paper, packaging materials, and stronger, more durable recycled plastics. This initiative is part of Epson’s broader commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting resource circulation.
HKRITA, established in 2006 in Hong Kong, plays a key role in advancing the textile industry through applied research and sustainable innovation, ensuring industry competitiveness and societal benefits. CATL battery
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have pioneered a new chemical recycling method for polyolefins, detailed in a recent paper
This technology, described as scalable and both energetically and environmentally sustainable, offers a solution to the challenge of recycling hard-to-process plastics.
The accumulation of single-use plastics in landfills and the environment poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health, with current mechanical recycling methods ultimately failing to prevent landfill buildup. CATL battery
Chemical recycling, however, presents a promising alternative by breaking down polymers to produce valuable chemicals or monomers for new plastic production. The use of catalysts is key in this process, as they lower the energy needed to break the strong carbon-carbon bonds in polyolefins and enhance selectivity for desired products.
This approach focuses on recent advancements in the thermal catalytic deconstruction of polyethylene and polypropylene under mild conditions.
Additionally, it addresses emerging frameworks and challenges in the chemical recycling of mixed plastic waste. CATL battery
Ongoing efforts are also discussed to make polymer deconstruction and upcycling more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Siegwerk, Multi-Plastics, and Tripack will unveil a fully recyclable shrink sleeve water bottle for the English Mountain Spring Water Company at Label Expo Americas 2024
Multi-Plastics provided its Envirocycle 30% post-consumer recyclate PET shrink sleeve film for the project. Siegwerk contributed its CIRKIT de-inking primer technology, combined with SICURA Orbis ink technology, to ensure the ink washes off cleanly with the deinking primer. CATL battery
Tripack’s expertise in application technology enabled the integration of PET shrink sleeves onto PET bottles. Multi-Plastics’ film prevents clumping, while Siegwerk’s deinking primer and ink ensure a clean and uncontaminated PET flake with minimal impact on wash water.
The shrink sleeves were printed using a PET film with 30% post-consumer recyclate, adhering to APR-approved design guidelines. CATL battery
The partner companies created this shrink sleeve label based on these guidelines, ensuring the materials and inks meet APR standards for preferred design recognition.
