CATL Battery – The European plastics recycling industry faces a severe recession with limited signs of recovery, fueled by declining demand for locally produced recyclates, reduced investment, and a surge in low-quality imports from outside the EU 30-10-2024
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Crude Oil Prices Trend
Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime
Global LDPE Prices Drop in West, Hold Steady in Asia Amid Bleak Demand and Crude Oil Decline
The global Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) market exhibited mixed trends in the past week, with a generally subdued outlook. In Europe and the USA, LDPE prices continued to decline due to weak demand from key sectors like construction, packaging, and automotive, which are grappling with economic challenges. In the Western market, reduced feedstock costs, particularly for Ethylene and Naphtha, also eased pressures on manufacturers, contributing to softer LDPE prices. Meanwhile, the Asian market remained stable, with consistent LDPE prices. CATL Battery
Additionally, falling Crude oil prices, influenced by maintenance shutdowns at Chinese refineries and weaker refining activities, impacted market dynamics. By the week ending October 18, 2024, LDPE Film grade prices in Hamburg, Germany, fell by 2.4%, and in Texas, USA, by 1.6%, while LDPE Adhesive Film grade prices in Shanghai, China, remained unchanged.
This week, LDPE prices in Europe experienced a decline, largely driven by decreasing Ethylene feedstock costs and weak trading activity.
Buyers remained hesitant to make large purchases, anticipating further price reductions, while sellers aimed to reduce their inventories amid shrinking demand from key downstream sectors, signaling a broader market slowdown. CATL Battery
Additionally, lower freight rates from Asia to Europe increased product availability, applying further downward pressure on prices.
The European plastics recycling industry faces a severe recession with limited signs of recovery, fueled by declining demand for locally produced recyclates, reduced investment, and a surge in low-quality imports from outside the EU
These factors have led to the closure of many recycling businesses in 2023, with more expected in 2024 if the situation isn’t urgently addressed. CATL Battery
A major issue is the increase in polymer imports from outside the EU, which often claim recycled content without sufficient verification. Ton Emans, President of Plastics Recyclers Europe, warns that unchecked imports undermine EU-based recycling efforts, as recyclers struggle in a market oversaturated with subpar imports.
To stabilize the industry, Plastics Recyclers Europe advocates for stringent entry restrictions on non-compliant imports, aligning with recommendations in Mario Draghi’s report on EU competitiveness.
Enforcing EU standards and creating a level playing field are essential to ensure a sustainable green transition and protect the industry’s future. CATL Battery
European Institutions are urged to act swiftly to establish a true circular economy for plastic waste. With the new EU leadership in place, now is a critical moment to implement decisive measures. Without immediate intervention, the European plastics recycling sector’s future remains uncertain, risking both EU competitiveness and Europe’s sustainability goals.
On October 24, Indonesia released a fact sheet detailing its ongoing anti-dumping investigation into imported Polypropylene Copolymer products
The Indonesian Anti-Dumping Committee (KADI) initiated this investigation in August, targeting imports from South Korea, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.
The recent report, issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Department of Trade Remedies, highlights KADI’s calculated dumping margins: South Korea (10.57%-82.83%), UAE (29.42%), Malaysia (13.45%-29.01%), Singapore (13.88%-14.6%), and Vietnam (11.4%). CATL Battery
In light of these findings, Vietnam’s Trade Defense Department advises domestic producers and exporters to review the fact sheet and respond to any requests from KADI. Additionally, Vietnamese companies are encouraged to consider requesting consultations with KADI, if needed, by November 6. The Trade Defense Department also recommends maintaining communication and sharing information with the department to ensure timely assistance throughout the investigation process.
The innovative plastic developed by Chinese researchers marks a significant leap in addressing the global plastic pollution crisis
This biodegradable plastic incorporates active bacterial spores that initiate rapid decomposition when exposed to environmental conditions, allowing the material to break down entirely within 30 days. The breakthrough is credited to biologist Chenwang Tang and his team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who utilized PCL (polycaprolactone), a biodegradable polymer, infused with specific bacterial spores discovered in Japan.
The concept behind this “self-eating” plastic is that the spores remain dormant within the material until it begins to degrade naturally. CATL Battery
At that point, they release enzymes that accelerate the decomposition process, which continues until the plastic is fully dissolved. Unlike conventional plastics that persist for centuries and eventually fragment into harmful micro- and nanoplastics, this material biodegrades completely, sidestepping the production of these pollutants. This is a vital advantage, as microplastics have raised serious concerns over their impact on ecosystems, human health, and food safety.
The potential for this technology extends beyond waste reduction, with possible applications in industrial packaging and other disposable products. CATL Battery
However, researchers are cautious: there is a risk that the spores could be activated prematurely under specific conditions or could unintentionally spread in the ecosystem. Despite these concerns, the innovation presents a promising method to reduce plastic pollution and, if refined further, may become a cornerstone in the global effort to protect human health, biodiversity, and ecosystems.
CATL has introduced the Freevoy Super Hybrid, a high-performance battery designed specifically for plug-in hybrids and range extender vehicles in China, where demand for these models is rising
This battery aims to bridge the gap between hybrids and fully electric cars by offering extended range and rapid charging capabilities. CATL Battery
The Freevoy Super Hybrid delivers an impressive range of up to 400 km, though based on the CLTC cycle, this is significantly higher than the typical 50-100 km for plug-in hybrids. Additionally, with a 4C charging capability, it can add up to 280 km in just 10 minutes, effectively reducing charging downtime.
To achieve these advances, CATL optimized battery chemistry and improved its Battery Management System (BMS). The battery’s cathode includes a nanoprotective layer that minimizes unwanted reactions, enhancing lithium-ion transport and efficiency. The BMS improvements provide a 40% increase in charge status accuracy, maximizing energy usage. CATL Battery
The battery also leverages sodium-ion technology for reliable performance in low temperatures, functioning at -40°C and charging at -30°C, with an uninterrupted driving experience at -20°C.
CATL expects the Freevoy Super Hybrid to power 30 models from brands like Geely, Chery, GAC, and VOYAH by 2025. This innovation sets a new standard for plug-in hybrids, blending convenience and efficiency. CATL Battery
A research team led by Peking University has developed a groundbreaking method to store data on DNA through DNA methylation, bypassing the need to synthesize new DNA strands
PETG – 41% of plastic packaging waste recycled in 2022 29-10-2029
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