Car interiors – A new 80% biobased material made from persimmon waste is being developed for car interiors by the Spanish company Antolin and startup Persiskin 16-10-2024
(SHI) Demag has announced job cuts at its German facilities, citing a prolonged market crisis and declining demand for its injection molding machines
Over the past four years, the company has faced a 50% drop in demand, driven by shrinking markets such as Russia. Despite gaining market share and leading in fully electric machines, the company has been unable to offset the overall industry downturn.
Key sectors like automotive, electronics, and construction show no signs of recovery this year or next, according to Chief Sales Officer Anatol Sattel. Sumitomo manufactures injection molding machines in Japan, China, and Germany, and aims to leverage synergy between its headquarters in Japan and its Chinese production to shorten machine delivery times and enhance global availability. Car interiors
Although the company did not specify the number of job cuts or plant closures in Germany, it plans to focus on engineering and automation at its German plants in Wiehe and Schwaig, reducing basic production tasks. Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is part of Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd., based in Tokyo.
Industry forecasts remain grim. The German mechanical engineering association VDMA recently projected a 10-15% decline in plastics and rubber processing machinery sales for the year. Car interiors
A new 80% biobased material made from persimmon waste is being developed for car interiors by the Spanish company Antolin and startup Persiskin
This innovative faux leather, named PersiSkin Auto, offers an eco-friendly alternative to animal leather and synthetic materials. It is being considered for use in door panels, dashboards, consoles, and even seat upholstery.
Persiskin converts persimmon processing waste, which makes up 50% of the harvest, into a customizable material. The result is a product that can be tailored in terms of texture, shine, color, and can also be sewn, laser-engraved, or marked. Car interiors
This makes it a versatile choice for various interior design applications in the automotive industry.
Antolin revealed that some car manufacturers are already showing interest in this sustainable option. Additionally, the company is collaborating with designers from a leading European brand to incorporate PersiSkin Auto throughout the interior of a new vehicle set to be launched in 2028. Validation tests are currently underway, with a potential market debut as early as next year. Car interiors
BASF has expanded its polyamide portfolio with two sustainable product variants: Ultramid® LowPCF and Ultramid® ZeroPCF, featuring reduced and net-zero CO2 footprints
Ultramid® LowPCF is produced using renewable energy and low-emissions steam, while Ultramid® ZeroPCF is the first polyamide 6 in the industry to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Car interiors
BASF offers LowPCF and ZeroPCF variants of Ultramid® B and the precursor caprolactam, along with Ultramid® C in a LowPCF option. The LowPCF products are made using renewable electricity, including from the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm, and biomethane-generated steam. These measures reduce the product carbon footprint (PCF) by at least 30%, helping customers reduce Scope 3.1 emissions in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Car interiors
To reach net-zero emissions, BASF replaces fossil raw materials with certified biomethane and bio-naphtha via the mass balance approach, ensuring ZeroPCF products meet the ISCC PLUS Standard.
Pedro Serra, Head of Sales PA6 Europe at BASF, emphasized that BASF is the first company to offer both LowPCF and ZeroPCF options in the polyamide 6 value chain, addressing growing industry demand for sustainable solutions.
These additions to BASF’s polyamide portfolio support the company’s “Sustainability Roadmap” and its long-term goal of achieving climate neutrality and net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, furthering its commitment to sustainability. Car interiors
Northern Graphite and Rain Carbon Announce Agreement to Jointly Develop Natural Graphite Battery Anode Material
- Northern and RAIN to develop and commercialize advanced natural graphite-based Battery Anode Material with reduced electrode swelling, an extended cycle life and an improved charging speed of lithium-ion battery cells
- New products will improve the performance of natural versus synthetic graphite-based battery anode materials
- Joint Development enables RAIN to further expand and fine-tune its portfolio of LIONCOAT® battery-grade carbon precursor materials and coating technologies Car interiors
- Joint Development supports integrated mine-to-battery graphite solution for critical mineral supply chains in the Western World
Northern Graphite Corporation and Rain Carbon Inc., a leading supplier of carbon precursor and carbon products derived from the upcycling of industrial by-products, are pleased to announce a Joint Development Agreement to develop and commercialize advanced battery anode material used in lithium-Ion batteries for electric vehicles.
Under the terms of the JDA, Northern and RAIN will jointly develop and commercialize natural graphite BAM products designed to extend cycle life, enhance charging speed and reduce electrode swelling in lithium-ion battery cells. This innovation addresses the stability gap between natural and synthetic graphite, enabling increased use of natural graphite in Electric Vehicle (“EV”) battery cells. Car interiors
Pyrolysis: the secret weapon in the fight against plastic waste?
The scourge of plastic pollution has ravaged our natural habitats for decades and the problem shows no signs of slowing down. As we approach the conclusion of the United Nations’ global plastic treaty at the end of this year, now is the time for countries across the globe to take stock of their waste management systems and consider the optimal pathways to advancing circularity through a combination of reduction, re-use and recycling strategies. Car interiors
A variety of factors, from rising global population and a growing demand for consumer goods, continue to fuel plastic production, which is forecast to nearly triple from around 460 million tonnes (Mt) in 2019 to 1,231 Mt in 2060. We are only just beginning to understand the full extent of the damage, with a research report revealing that out of the 16,000 chemicals discovered in common plastic products, 4,000 are hazardous to the environment and human health.
There are many international policies aimed at tackling the plastic problem. As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s comprehensive strategy to tackle plastic pollution in the US, the country aims to phase out single-use plastics in all federal operations by 2035 and eliminate plastic waste from land-based sources by 2040. Car interiors
Across the Atlantic, the UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax charges companies placing plastic into the market that contains less than 30% recycled content. Europe’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive mandates that 50% of plastic packaging waste must be recycled by 2025.
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Titanium Dioxide Market Faces the Burden of High Mortgage Rate and Low Demand
Titanium Dioxide market fundamentals varied during the early October 2024, while the Chinese market has maintained a relatively stable state, prices in the United States have been under pressure. Car interiors
The Chinese Titanium Dioxide market has maintained a relatively stable state in the early part of October, primarily due to a decline in trading activity and overall demand during the National Day holiday. Despite the lack of significant price fluctuations, manufacturers have remained cautious, avoiding any major price changes. This approach has allowed for more flexibility in negotiations and price adjustments, accommodating the needs of both buyers and sellers.
Downstream customers and distributors have been closely monitoring the market, waiting for more favorable pricing or economic conditions before making substantial purchases. As a result, actual orders have remained limited, contributing to the overall stability of the market. Car interiors
The China’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector rose slightly in October, indicating a modest improvement in manufacturing activity.
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