PCR PET – Geely is preparing to launch a hybrid car with an impressive 2,000 km range, though the specific models for this powertrain remain undisclosed, according to CarNewsChina 03-10-2024
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Celanese Ahead of the Curve on Recycled Plastics for Auto Sector
Materials supplier outlines how it can help automakers comply with EU mandates to incorporate 25% recycled content.
At a Glance
- Mass-balance approach delivers drop-in solutions
- Strict control of recycled inputs are key in segregated approach
- Impending EU legislation drives growth
European Union (EU) legislation mandating certain levels of plastic recyclate content in automobiles is leading to accelerated initiatives by automakers to develop materials and infrastructure to ensure supply availability come the early 2030s, when 25% recycled content will be signed into law. In a recent webinar, materials supplier Celanese outlined its approach to delivering on solutions to assist in the realization of recycled content targets. PCR PET
“More than six million cars reach end of life [annually in Europe], and there’s a lot of plastic content in those cars,” noted Oliver Kuisle, sustainability leader EU at Celanese. Further, the materials supplier estimates that 20 to 40% of automotive shredder residue (ASR) is plastic and is ultimately landfilled or incinerated. Kuisle also noted that impending EU legislation will be applied to all cars sold in Europe, not just those manufactured there.
Grade segregation
Celanese’s portfolio of recycled content engineering plastics currently includes:
- Zytel PA ECO-R polyamide derived from post-industrial recycled (PIR) PA fibers and ocean plastics;PCR PET
- Santoprene TPC ECO-R containing post-consumer recycled (PCR) PP;
- Rynite PET and Celanex PBT/PET ECO-R grades incorporating PCR PET.
Most grades on offer from Celanese are supplied using the segregated approach, meaning a Celanex PBT/PET blend with minimum 25% recycled content, for example, actually contains that ratio of PCR PET. Rynite PET grades with up to 100% PCR PET content are offered, with a product carbon footprint (PCF) reduction of up to 59%. PCR PET
Vioneo to pioneer fossil-free plastics production
- Vioneo aims to be the world’s first large-scale producer of fossil-free plastics based on green methanol
- The initial plant will be in Antwerp, Belgium, Europe’s largest integrated chemicals cluster
- The plant will produce c. 300.000 tonnes of fossil-free plastics, cutting at least 1.5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually, marking a major advance in defossilising the €5 trillion global chemicals and materials sector
- The first production complex represents a €1.5 billion investment with final investment decision (FID) possible in 2025 PCR PET
- The initiative has the potential to revitalise the European chemicals sector and position Europe as a leader in defossilising the industry
Vioneo BE (“Vioneo”) aims to establish large-scale fossil-free plastics production. The company is founded by A.P. Moller Holding and will focus on developing large-scale fossil-free chemicals and plastics production to support the sustainability transition of the European chemicals industry.
The plastics industry faces significant environmental challenges, due to the dependence on fossil feedstock in production and lack of end-of-life recycling, with only 9-15% being recycled. Plastics account for around 6% of global oil demand with production and end-of-life disposal of plastics contributing 5% of global GHG emissions, which is projected to rise to 15% by 2050 if not addressed.
Given the essential role of plastics across various sectors, from medical equipment to food packaging, developing and commercialising fossil-free plastics production methods is crucial to meet the 2050 net zero targets. PCR PET
Jan Secher, Chair of Vioneo: “Vioneo wants to drive the transition of the plastics industry by demonstrating that plastics can be made economically at scale without fossil raw materials. The initiative offers a major opportunity for Europe to lead in defossilising the €5 trillion global chemicals and materials sector, securing Europe a leading position in the transition, in a sector that today suffers from lack of investment and innovation, as well as higher comparable costs”.
Geely is preparing to launch a hybrid car with an impressive 2,000 km range, though the specific models for this powertrain remain undisclosed, according to CarNewsChina
At the World New Energy Vehicle Conference, Geely’s general manager, Gan Jiayue, announced plans to introduce a highly efficient powertrain within a year.
The new system, called Thor PHEV, boasts a 46% thermal efficiency for its petrol engine and a fuel consumption rate of less than three liters per 100 km. PCR PET
It offers a combined range of over 2,000 km, based on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) protocol.
The first vehicle to feature this engine will be a 4.74-meter Galaxy SUV, powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine and a lithium-iron-phosphate battery.
Geely’s electrified vehicle sales have nearly doubled in 2024 compared to the same period last year. The Galaxy sub-brand alone has surpassed 200,000 cumulative sales, with strong growth continuing. The introduction of innovative batteries is expected to further enhance the company’s electric vehicle market presence. PCR PET
Dow has introduced REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastics Resins for cable jackets, supporting global sustainability efforts in the wire and cable industry
These resins integrate post-consumer recycled (PCR) content without sacrificing performance, enabling customers to meet their environmental goals. The new product line continues Dow’s commitment to circularity, aiming to recycle three million metric tons of plastic waste annually by 2030. By incorporating PCR materials, this initiative helps divert plastic waste from landfills and natural ecosystems. PCR PET
Edit Berczi, Dow’s global wire and cable marketing manager, highlighted the company’s dedication to sustainability, emphasizing the benefits of this innovative solution for power and telecommunications customers. Dow’s extensive expertise and advanced technologies are helping to transform the use of PCR in wire and cable products, providing high-quality, reliable options globally.
Dow is a leading materials science company, known for its innovation and sustainability efforts. With operations in 31 countries and 35,900 employees, the company achieved $45 billion in sales in 2023. PCR PET
Dow continues to drive progress in industries such as packaging, infrastructure, and mobility while striving for a sustainable future.
LG Chem develops material capable of suppressing thermal runaway in batteries
LG Chem has announced that its Platform Technology R&D team has developed a temperature-responsive Safety Reinforced Layer (SRL), a material which is described as capable of surpressing thermal runaway. The material was analyzed in collaboration with researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in South Korea, while the safety verification was conducted in partnership with LG Energy Solution.
Thermal runaway has plagued the lithium-ion battery industry since its inception. While measures to mitigate safety risks have been advanced along the way, reaching a very high point today, “thermal events” – which generate gas and can potentially escalate to full combustion – have not been rooted out for good. PCR PET
Now, South Korea’s LG Chem claims to have found a solution to this long-standing issue. The conglomerate announced on Tuesday that its Platform Technology R&D team has developed a temperature-responsive Safety Reinforced Layer (SRL), a material which it describes as capable of suppressing thermal runaway.
It revealed that SRL is a composite material that changes its electrical resistance based on temperature, acting as a “fuse” that blocks the flow of electricity in the early stages of overheating.PCR PET
Everyday Plastic: ‘End claims that soft plastics are recyclable’
An investigation into the recycling of soft plastics by Everyday Plastic and the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has led to calls for Sainsbury’s and Tesco to publicly support the Global Plastics Treaty and end claims around the recyclability of soft plastics.
Soft plastics include items such as crisp packets, supermarket shopping bags, the film that covers fruit and vegetables and bread bags. PCR PET
The investigation saw 40 Apple AirTag trackers put into bundles of soft plastics and placed in the collection points at Sainsbury’s and Tesco stores across England.
The investigation found that none of the trackers were “closed-loop recycled”.
70% of the soft plastics that reached a known final waste facility destination were burnt, and the remaining 30% were “downcycled” into lower value products (such as bin bags, carrier bags and composite timber boards).PCR PET
80% of the downcycling happened abroad – mostly in Türkiye.
Everyday Plastic has said that research shows that people often produce more waste when they think it will be recycled. The report concluded that Sainsbury’s and Tesco might be inadvertently encouraging an increased use of soft plastics by offering instore “recycling”.
It noted that UK infrastructure only has the capacity to recycle just over one-quarter of soft plastic placed on the market and that only a small amount of this capacity will likely be allocated for post-consumer plastic film (i.e. soft plastic packaging).
The campaign said it fears recycling targets likely be missed and delayed, all while data shows an increased level of soft plastic packaging on UK shelves. PCR PET
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