Graphene – In the second quarter of 2024, renewable energy in the EU outpaced fossil fuels, generating 52% of electricity compared to fossil fuels’ 24% 01-11-2024
Graphene
Twenty Years of Sustainability Report for RadiciGroup
The RadiciGroup Sustainability Report reaches an important milestone this year: twenty years have in fact passed since the Group published its first Social Report in 2004, qualifying it as one of the pioneering companies in the realisation of voluntary non-financial reporting. The document measures the Group’s achievements and the actions it has taken to reduce its environmental impact, respect social values, and implement good business management practices.
Over the years, the Report has steadily evolved and is now a true sustainability report that considers all ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) aspects, showing how they are also central to the company’s business strategy. Over time, many new topics have been covered, the accuracy of the data has improved and the scope has expanded to include all Group companies: over 30 sites across Asia, the Americas and Europe.
Mr. Angelo Radici Chairman of RadiciGroup
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology allows EVs to store and supply electricity, which could cut the EU’s annual electricity costs by over 5% in 2030, potentially reaching 8% by 2040.
These savings depend on standardized, interoperable V2G systems across the EU, enabling seamless energy exchange between all EVs and charging stations. By 2040, V2G could meet up to 9% of the EU’s energy needs and nearly 18% in Italy, reducing reliance on storage infrastructure by up to 92%. It could also support a 40% increase in solar power integration across the EU. Graphene
Consumers stand to benefit directly: bidirectional charging could reduce EV drivers’ electricity bills by up to 52%, saving around €780 annually. Furthermore, by maintaining optimal charge levels, this technology could extend battery lifespan by up to 9%.
However, achieving these benefits requires EU-wide standards for V2G compatibility. T&E’s Andrea Boraschi stresses that interoperable systems would accelerate V2G adoption, advancing Europe’s climate targets by establishing a robust, distributed storage network without the need for extensive new infrastructure. Graphene
OCSiAl Opens First European Graphene Nanotube Facility
- OCSiAl held an opening ceremony of the world’s sole graphene nanotube production facility and announced its plans for expansion by the end of 2025.
- The facility has a nameplate annual capacity for graphene nanotube synthesis of 60 tonnes, as well as lines dedicated to various nanotube dispersions, R&D, and quality control laboratories.
- With its existing dispersion capacities, OCSiAl can enhance up to 65 GWh worth of lithium-ion batteries—enough for over 1 million electric vehicles. Graphene
OCSiAl, the Luxembourg company and the global leader in graphene nanotube technologies, has opened its first European production facility in Serbia. The new facility is dedicated to producing TUBALL™ nanotubes and nanotube-based products. Leading automotive and battery manufacturers attended the ceremony, confirming the critical role graphene nanotubes play in advancing next-generation battery technologies.
“This facility’s strategic location in Serbia will enhance the supply of advanced nanotube solutions across Europe, Asia, and the US,” said Konstantin Notman, CEO of OCSiAl Group. “It will initially produce 60 tonnes of graphene nanotubes per year; we plan to double this output with a second synthesis unit in the coming year.” Graphene
The Serbia facility employs a modular design that enables rapid scalability, allowing OCSiAl to set up and launch new synthesis units within two years at any location. This cutting-edge technology, protected by patents in 46 countries, was born out of over 15 years of research and development. The 10,000-square-meter, ISO 9001-certified facility includes a graphene nanotube synthesis unit, production lines for dispersions and concentrates, an R&D hub, and quality control labs. The plant has passed rigorous audits from top car battery manufacturers. Graphene
UPM, SELENIS and BORMIOLI PHARMA introduce the world’s first pharmaceutical bottle partially made with wood-based plastics
have partnered to produce the world’s first pharmaceutical bottles made from partially wood-based PET. This bottle takes sustainability in pharma packaging to a whole new level. As the high regulatory and performance requirements for pharma packaging may limit the use of new or recycled materials, this bottle uses standard PET which is made with UPM’s world first wood based BioMEG, UPM BioPuraTM, to take a real step forward in the sustainable transformation of the pharmaceutical sector.
The collaboration is driven by a shared vision to support the pharmaceutical industry’s move towards more sustainable packaging solutions, without compromising on product safety and performance. Graphene
The new pharmaceutical bottles, containing UPM’s carbon negative[1] BioMEG, are made from Selenis’ Selcare’s partial BioPET resins. They have recently been approved for use in accordance with European Pharmacopeia, Version 11.4, Monograph 3.1.15 and will be available worldwide at Bormioli Pharma from Q1 2025.
“Our pioneering collaboration demonstrates that renewable, wood-based biochemicals can deliver the same high quality as fossil-based virgin materials, with significant environmental benefits. Graphene
The 2024 edition of drink technology India, held from October 23-25 at Mumbai’s Bombay Exhibition Centre, concluded successfully alongside PackMach Asia Expo and the World Tea & Coffee Expo
Tetra Pak has introduced a sustainable polylaminate carton for Lactalis, incorporating a barrier layer partially derived from chemically recycled plastic
In the second quarter of 2024, renewable energy in the EU outpaced fossil fuels, generating 52% of electricity compared to fossil fuels’ 24%
The European Commission’s recent Electricity Market Report attributes this shift to an increase in solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy production, boosted by favorable weather and new installations. Solar energy grew by 20% (+14 TWh), offshore wind by 37% (+4 TWh), hydroelectric by 21% (+18 TWh), and onshore wind by 6% (+5 TWh).
Electricity demand remained modest due to reduced industrial activity and warmer-than-average temperatures, leading to a 33% drop in prices compared to 2023 and an 11% drop from the first quarter of 2024. The EU’s average electricity price stood at €60/MWh, with France offering the lowest rates (€31/MWh) and Ireland the highest (€101/MWh). Households saw an 8% cost reduction year-over-year. Graphene
The Gas Market Report reveals a continuing decline in gas consumption, now down by 6% annually. Romania led EU gas production with 2.3 billion cubic meters, followed by the Netherlands and Germany. Imports held steady at 70 billion cubic meters, with 64% via pipelines, primarily from Norway and Russia. Wholesale and retail gas prices fell, averaging €32/MWh and €101/MWh respectively, with Hungary showing the lowest prices and the Netherlands the highest.
