Nonwoven – Reduced Stack Height of PET-Series Hot Runner System 01-08-2024

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Reduced Stack Height of PET-Series Hot Runner System

Mold-Masters, a leading developer of hot runners, controllers, auxiliary injection, and co-injection systems, has optimized its PET-Series hot runner system. The stack height is now reduced to 260mm for systems with 72 cavities or fewer, using standard components.

Traditionally, achieving a more compact stack height required a 2-platen design. However, the PET-Series maintains its 3-platen design, preserving the benefits of geometric thermal balancing and reduced plate bowing, which enhance preform quality. Nonwoven

This reduction in stack height allows the system to be used on a wider range of machines, including older models with stack height limitations of 260mm. The minimum nozzle pitch remains unchanged, consistent with regular 3-plate designs.

The PET-Series is optimized for high-performance production of 2-stage PET preforms, enhancing preform quality and productivity. It is compatible with any major brand of PET-preform mold and is available in various industry-standard configurations, with custom options available upon request. Nonwoven

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Kuraray Co., Ltd. is restructuring its nonwoven fabrics business, discontinuing dry-laid nonwoven fabrics and reducing meltblown nonwoven fabrics production

This aligns with Kuraray’s strategy to optimize resources and focus on high-growth areas. The Okayama Plant will cease dry-laid nonwoven fabric production by December 2024, with sales ending by March 2025. Meltblown nonwoven fabric production at Okayama halted in June 2024, consolidating at the Saijo Plant. These changes aim to enhance efficiency and streamline operations. Nonwoven

Kuraray’s medium-term strategy, PASSION 2026, focuses on strengthening core businesses and identifying areas for downsizing or divestment. This approach prioritizes social, environmental, and economic value, aiming for a sophisticated and effective business structure for long-term sustainability and competitive advantage.

With over 52 years in dry-laid nonwoven fabrics and 35 years in meltblown nonwoven fabrics, Kuraray faces challenges from oversupply and declining domestic demand. The company will reduce production capacity and focus on the meltblown nonwoven fabric sector to better align with market demands. Nonwoven

Founded in 1926, Kuraray pioneered synthetic materials, commercializing rayon and achieving a global first in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber with the KURALON™ brand in 1950. This established Kuraray as a leader in the synthetic fiber market and contributed to Japan’s synthetic fiber industry development.

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Solid-State Batteries: QuantumScape Introduces 100 Ah Model

QuantumScape’s solid-state batteries promise to revolutionize sustainable mobility. . After 1,000 charge cycles, the batteries have lost only 5% of their capacity.

QuantumScape’s Solid-State Battery Revolution

QuantumScape, a leader in the battery sector, recently announced a major advancement with its 100 Ah solid-state battery. Nonwoven

The 100 Ah battery from QuantumScape could enhance the range and practicality of electric vehicles, significantly contributing to sustainable mobility. This technology could be a catalyst for wider adoption of electric vehicles, making them a more practical and attractive choice for consumers.

Strategic Collaborations and Initial Tests

QuantumScape has received significant funding from notable investors like Bill Gates and Volkswagen and has formed partnerships with automotive companies like Ford and Hyundai. Nonwoven

Volkswagen’s initial tests are encouraging. The German company has successfully completed the first tests on QuantumScape’s solid-state batteries, yielding very promising results. After 1,000 charge cycles, the batteries have lost only 5% of their capacity, far exceeding the industry standards for traditional lithium-ion batteries.

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 New Bio-Ethanol Plants Established in India

The Indian government has introduced the “Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan-Vatavaran Anukool Fasal Awashesh Nivaran) Yojana” to provide financial support for the development of Second Generation (2G) bioethanol plants across the country. This initiative aims to promote the use of cellulosic and lignocellulosic biomass, utilizing both petrochemical pathways and alternative feedstocks. The program seeks to advance sustainable energy production and minimize environmental impact by encouraging the use of agricultural residues and other renewable resources for bioethanol. Nonwoven

Under the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, six commercial and four demonstration 2G bioethanol plants have been approved. The commercial projects are:

  • Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. in Panipat, Haryana
  • Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. in Bargarh, Odisha
  • Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. in Bathinda, Punjab
  • Numaligarh Refineries Limited in Numaligarh, Assam
  • Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. in Davangere, Karnataka
  • RCPL in Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh  Nonwoven

The demonstration projects include:

  • Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. in Panipat, Haryana
  • Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. in Sagauli, Bihar
  • Lignopura Agrotech Pvt Ltd in Sangli, Maharashtra
  • Godavari Biorefineries Ltd in Sameerwadi, Karnataka

More…

 New Bio-Ethanol Plants Established in India

Europe Approves €1.2 Billion Green Hydrogen Funding for Spain

The European Commission has sanctioned a €1.2 billion state aid scheme to bolster renewable hydrogen production in Spain. This initiative, part of the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF), targets investments in hydrogen production with a minimum capacity of 100 megawatts (MW). Eligible projects may include renewable hydrogen-derived fuels, storage solutions, and renewable electricity production.

Applicants must secure agreements for at least 60% of the hydrogen or fuel to be produced. Nonwoven

Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for competition policy, noted that this scheme will help Spain accelerate its renewable hydrogen capabilities, supporting the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the European Green Deal, while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Spain aims to replace 25% of the 500,000 tonnes of fossil-based hydrogen used annually with green hydrogen.

Additionally, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez unveiled a €2.3 billion plan to advance the country’s clean energy transition, featuring subsidies for green energy industries and renewable hydrogen. Nonwoven

This plan also includes measures to support agriculture, infrastructure, and rural areas in transitioning to green energy.

Europe Approves €1.2 Billion Green Hydrogen Funding for Spain

Ami’s Plastics Recycling World Expo Europe

The Plastics Recycling World Expo Europe will take place at the Brussels Expo in Belgium on September 11-12, 2024. This free event, now in its fourth edition, gathers global industry leaders and experts for two days of learning, inspiration, and networking.

The conference agenda highlights technological innovations, legislative updates, and market trends in plastics recycling. Sessions will cover mechanical recycling machinery advancements, solvent-based recycling innovations, major textiles recycling projects, and new additives improving recyclate quality. Nonwoven

Additionally, there will be a training seminar on the complementary use of mechanical and chemical recycling.

Key panels will address industry challenges and opportunities. Topics include the impact of EPR schemes, the PPWR’s influence on packaging production and recycling, and the proposed ELV regulation’s expansion of recycling efforts. Panels will feature insights from Expra, Euric, Berry Global, Avery Dennison, and Flexible Packaging Europe, discussing legislative, economic, logistical, and technological factors shaping the future of recycling.

Keynote speakers will provide further insights. An in-house expert from Ami will discuss advances in mechanical and chemical recycling on day one, and a public affairs manager from Nestlé will share the company’s recycling strategies on day two. Nonwoven

Co-located with the Compounding World Expo and Plastics Extrusion World Expo, the event features over 170 exhibitors and multiple conference sessions across the three expos.

Ami’s Plastics Recycling World Expo Europe

EV Battery – Samsung Unveils Revolutionary Batteries for Electric Vehicles 31-07-2024

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