“Smart Nanocomposites” For Wearable Electronics, Vehicles, And Buildings: Thermoelectric Generators With Graphene Nanotubes

• Small, lightweight, stretchable, cost-efficient thermoelectric devices signify a breakthrough in sustainable energy development and waste heat recovery.
• Next-gen flexible energy harvesting systems will owe their efficiency to the integration of graphene nanotubes. They offer easy processability, stable thermoelectric performance, flexibility, and robust mechanical properties.
• Nanocomposites have high market potential in manufacturing generators for medical and smart wearables, vehicles sensors, and efficient building management.

Around half of the world’s useful energy is wasted as heat due to the limited efficiency of energy conversion devices. For example, one-third of a vehicle’s energy dissipates as waste heat in exhaust gases. At the same time, vehicles contain more and more electronic devices requiring electrical energy. As another example, lightweight wearable sensors for health and environmental monitoring are also becoming increasingly demanding. The potential to convert waste heat or solar energy into useful electrical power has emerged as an opportunity for more sustainable energy management. Convenient thermoelectric generators (TEGs) currently have only low effectiveness and a relatively large size and weight. Based on expensive or corrosion-vulnerable materials, they are rigid and often contain toxic elements.

Recently developed, easy-to-process, self-supporting and flexible nonwoven nanocomposite sheets demonstrate excellent thermoelectric properties combined with good mechanical robustness. A recent paper in ACS Applied Nano Materials described how researches combined a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with TUBALLTM graphene nanotubes to fabricate a nanocomposite material capable of harvesting electrical energy from sources of waste heat.

Thanks to their high aspect ratio and specific surface area, graphene nanotubes provide TPU with electrical conductivity, making it possible to achieve high thermoelectrical performance while maintaining or improving mechanical properties. “Stiffness, strength, and tensile toughness were improved by 7, 25, and 250 times compared to buckypapers, respectively. Nanocomposite sheet shows low electrical resistivity of 7.5*10-3 Ohm×cm, high Young’s modulus of 1.8 GPa, failure strength of 80 MPa, and elongation at break of 41%,” said Dr. Beate Krause, Group Leader, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V.

Graphene nanotubes, being a fundamentally new material, provide an opportunity to replace current TEG materials with more environmentally friendly ones. The sensors powered by such thermoelectric generators could act as a “smart skin” for vehicles and buildings, providing sensoring capabilities to monitor performance and prevent potential issues before they lead to breakdowns, ensuring optimal operational efficiency. In aircraft, no-wire nanocomposites could serve as stand-alone sensors for monitoring deicing systems, eliminating the need for an extensive network of electrical cables. The high flexibility, strength, and reliability of graphene nanotube-enabled thermoelectric materials also extend their applications into the realm of smart wearable and medical devices.

www.ipfdd.de

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Borealis Among First To Successfully Complete Operation Clean Sweep Certification

• Borealis is among the first plastics producers to achieve the Operation Clean Sweep Certification.
• Third party external audits were successfully completed in two locations in Belgium.
• European Industry stewardship certification program brings entire plastics value chain together to achieve zero pellet loss.

Borealis announces that two of its key sites in Belgium, Kallo and Antwerp, have been certified by Operation Clean Sweep, an international initiative aimed at preventing pellet loss. After extensive third-party audits according to the Operation Clean Sweep Standard in December 2023, both locations achieved the Operation Clean Sweep Certificate, a unified and equitable certification scheme for pellet handlers across the entire value chain. This recognition comes after contributing to the development of the Operation Clean Sweep Standard via a successful pilot audit in 2021 and underscores the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices. and underscores the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices.

The Operation Clean Sweep Standard is the next evolution of an international program dedicated to preventing the loss of plastic pellets during manufacturing, transportation and final conversion processes. Plastic pellets, also known as nurdles, are small pre-production plastic particles that, if improperly managed, can contribute to water pollution and harm aquatic/marine life. The program provides industry-specific guidelines and best practices to ensure the proper handling and containment of plastic pellets, ultimately minimizing the risk of environmental impact.

As part of its unwavering commitment to Operation Clean Sweep, Borealis has implemented all requirements to fully comply with the Operation Clean Sweep Standard and consequently put in place a comprehensive set of on-site measures aimed at preventing and responding to pellet spills, should they occur. Notable initiatives include the installation of big and small preventive measures to keep pellets in their designated systems as well as retention measures such as screens, pellet separators, and skimmers at various operating sites. These measures are consistent with the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and ensure that plastic pellets are contained within the facilities. Borealis’ proactive approach is designed to test and refine processes to ensure that the company’s operations meet the highest standards of pellet containment and prevent any unintentional release into the environment. Borealis aims to have all of its polyolefin locations Operation Clean Sweep certified by the end of 2024.

“Receiving the Operation Clean Sweep Certificate is a testament to our ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and emphasizes our purpose of re-inventing essentials for sustainable living. By actively participating in initiatives such as Operation Clean Sweep, Borealis continues to research and implement innovative solutions to reduce its environmental footprint across all its operations. The Operation Clean Sweep Certificate serves as a benchmark for our ongoing efforts to build a prosperous and sustainable future for all,” says Thomas Gangl, Borealis CEO.

www.borealisgroup.com

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Mondi Hosts First-Of-Its-Kind Round Table To Tackle Used Paper Bags From Construction

• On 16 November 2023, a group of industry leaders came together to a round table in Spain to talk about how to boost the circularity of paper bags in the construction industry.
• The project aimed at finding solutions how to scale up the collection, sorting and recycling of used paper bags, and reduce waste.
• The round table followed a pilot project in which Mondi has already been collaborating with partners in the construction industry in Spain to increase the circularity of used paper bags.
• New circularity approach provides template for more collaborators and industry leaders to join or replicate across Europe.

16 January 2024 –Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has brought together industry leaders in an expert round table to discuss how to improve the circularity of used paper bags in the construction industry. The event, which was held on 16 November 2023 in Madrid, looked at how to build systems that will prevent the disposal of used paper bags, working towards implementing a process of efficient collection, sorting, and recycling that can be managed on an industrial scale.

The partners attending were representatives from different parts of the value chain, namely Mondi, Envalora, Neinor Homes, OHLA, Arpada, Macotran, RCD Asociacion, S. Solís, Uder, Alier, Saint-Gobain and CoCircular. These like-minded industry leaders share a vision of boosting the circularity of paper bags used in the construction industry and see collaboration and stakeholder dialogue as a critical activity to achieve this.

The event follows a successful pilot project driven by Mondi, which set up a collection and recycling system for used paper bags in Spain. The project was initiated because paper bags used in the construction industry are currently not recycled at scale, resulting in valuable fibres being lost. In this pilot, different construction companies and specialised collectors for construction and demolition waste teamed up to manage the collection of used paper bags at construction sites, transportation, and the reprocessing of the used paper bags. This pilot provides a proof of concept to increase the circularity of used paper bags.

Carlos Martinez Ezquerra, Circular Economy Manager Flexible Packaging at Mondi says: “Improving the circularity of used paper bags in this industry is vital and our successful Spanish pilot project shows that it can become reality – but Mondi cannot do it alone. We need committed partners at every stage of the value chain to collaborate closely and create a successful model that can close the loop.

“This initiative – the first of its kind in Spain – is clear illustration of our commitment to working with industry partners across the value chain to increase recycling rates for used paper bags – and helps us set up an approach that can be scaled throughout Europe and across other industries.”

www.mondigroup.com

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FIRST CORPORATION SRL SELECTS SUSTAINABLE LURAN S ECO MATERIAL FROM INEOS STYROLUTION

INEOS Styrolution, the global leader in styrenics, today announced that EdilPlast SRL, part of First Corporation group, has chosen the company’s sustainable styrenics solutions for their latest generation of building products. First Corporation group, leader since 1966 in the production of plastic products for buildings, offers a wide range of solutions, from the ground to the roof, entirely made in Italy and distributed throughout the world. EdilPlast SRL, with the goal of constant innovation and development, has selected INEOS Styrolution’s Luran S ECO materials for Cover Innovation, a new roofing sheet solution.

Luran S is an ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) polymer that offers superior long-term performance when exposed to UV light and heat. Its low maintenance and high weather resistance make Luran S the best material for a wide range of outdoor applications. Mixing with PVC or covering over PVC makes it perfect for applications such as roof tiles, gutters or drain down pipes. Luran S ECO is INEOS Styrolution’s first sustainable ASA solution with up to 39% lower carbon footprint. The use of these materials will allow EdilPlast to use bio-attributed raw materials from 30% to 50%.

Giulio Mantelli, President of First Corporation Group and creator of Cover Innovation, states: “INEOS Styrolution has allowed us to reduce our ecological footprint by using sustainable materials in our production. Indeed, the new material has proven to be an optimal solution for products exposed to atmospheric agents. Cover Innovation products are a tangible result of First Corporation Group’s R&D to make 100% eco-sustainable and recyclable products.” Olivia Vigano, Key Account Manager at INEOS Styrolution, adds: “I am very excited that INEOS Styrolution is able to offer sustainable material that helps EdilPlast SRL reduce its own carbon footprint as well as that of the companies involved in the distribution process.”

www.ineos-styrolution.com

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MICROMETAL IS AWARDED ISO 13485 MEDICAL DEVICES ACCREDITATION

Micrometal GmbH, a pioneer in the development of the photo chemical etching (PCE) process, is delighted to confirm that it has once again been awarded with the ISO 13485 accreditation, crucial in the company’s mission to bring its next-generation precision metal fabrication technology to all relevant sectors of industry micrometal’s years working in the medical device sector has demonstrated the imperative for flawless precision metal parts and components due to the critical nature of these devices. Even the slightest imperfections can lead to malfunctions, compromised patient safety, and regulatory non-compliance. Therefore, ensuring perfection is vital to maintain the reliability and efficacy of medical devices, supporting accurate diagnoses, treatments, and patient outcomes. micrometal’s PCE process stands out as an ideal technology for achieving this level of precision. Its intricacy allows for the production of highly detailed and complex parts with minimal material stress, preserving the integrity of the metal and eliminating the risk of burrs or distortions. Additionally, the process offers exceptional repeatability and tight tolerances, guaranteeing consistent quality across large-scale production. This makes PCE exceptionally well-suited for crafting intricate, burr-free, and dimensionally accurate parts that adhere to the stringent requirements of the medical device sector.

Jochen Kern, Head of Sales and Marketing at micrometal says, “ISO 13485 accreditation is of paramount importance for a subcontract precision metal part manufacturer like micrometal, as it signifies our compliance with rigorous quality management standards specific to the medical device industry. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to producing components via our next generation PCE process that adhere to the highest levels of quality, safety, and traceability, critical for medical devices where precision, reliability, and consistency are non-negotiable. ISO 13485 not only enhances our credibility and marketability within the healthcare sector, but also ensures seamless collaboration with medical device companies by aligning their processes with industry best practices, ultimately contributing to the delivery of safe and effective medical products.”

ISO 13485 is a quality management standard specifically tailored for the medical device industry, and was developed to address the unique regulatory and safety demands of this sector. Medical devices directly impact human health and safety, necessitating a comprehensive framework that ensures consistent adherence to stringent quality controls. ISO 13485 was conceived to provide a standardized approach to quality management, encompassing design, development, production, and post-market activities, while considering the critical aspects of risk management, process validation, and traceability thatare paramount in healthcare applications. By establishing a clear and harmonized set of guidelines, ISO 13485 facilitates compliance with global regulatory requirements, streamlines communication across the supply chain, and instills confidence in the safety and reliability of medical devices.

Kern continues, “From our perspective at micrometal, ISO 13485 certification underscores a profound dedication to the medical device sector and signifies a superior level of service. By meeting the stringent requirements of this industry-specific quality management standard, we have demonstrated our unwavering commitment to delivering products and services of the highest quality, precision, and reliability. ISO 13485 not only ensures compliance with rigorous regulatory standards but also showcases a proactive approach to risk management, process optimization, and continuous improvement. This commitment enhances trust among medical device manufacturers and end-users, affirming our capability to contribute to the development and production of safe and effective medical devices, thereby solidifying our position as a valued partner in the healthcare ecosystem.”

www.micrometal.de

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Team Sonnenwagen On The Home Stretch To More Sustainable Mobility

•  Victory in qualifying, start from pole position.
•  In the leading group during the race.
•  A total of 38 teams competed in the world’s toughest solar car race.
•  More than 3,000 kilometers through the Australian outback.

For the third time in a row, Team Sonnenwagen took on the challenge of participating in the world’s toughest solar car race across the Australian outback – the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. From October 22 to 29, the students from RWTH Aachen University and Aachen University of Applied Sciences did well with their self-developed vehicle “Covestro Adelie”: Despite challenging climatic conditions, they were able to maintain an average speed of around 80 kilometers per hour on the more than 3,000-kilometer route from Darwin to Adelaide. In a strong competitive environment, they positioned themselves among the top five cars, but in the harshness of the race, an accident finally occurred, which fortunately was mild, but forced the team to abandon the race.

“For me, Team Sonnenwagen had already won even before the race! Team Sonnenwagen had captured the hearts and minds and the collective enthusiasm of all Covestro employees around the globe,” says Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer of Covestro. “The team grabbed its rightful first place in qualifying and set its sights on victory from the start from pole position. The Covestro team was integral in its support. Yes, support to the students via innovative material developments but also fully involved throughout the race. And the Aachen-based team did its part: With their efficient car design and sophisticated driving performance, they led from the very front in performance, in design and in resilience, guts and stamina. I’m very proud of the team!”

“Of course, risk always rides along, especially if you want to achieve a top position,” says Simon Zaers from Team Sonnenwagen. “Nevertheless, our intensive development work of around two years really paid off, especially because we also attached importance to a safe design. It played its part in ensuring that no one was injured in the accident. We were also able to gain a lot of valuable experience for the construction of our next solar runabout, with which we would like to participate in the World Solar Challenge 2025. Together with the other teams, we continue to pursue our goal of enabling more sustainable mobility with innovative designs – powered only by the power of the sun.”

Covestro shares the enthusiasm of the Aachen team and has been supporting it as a main sponsor for around five years. The company is convinced that high-performance plastics are the key to climate-neutral and circular mobility in the future, and is working with customers and partners to develop material innovations and new recycling technologies to achieve this.

Covestro also believes that the 50-strong Sonnenwagen team is on the right track in terms of cooperation: from development and design to the race itself, nine departments worked closely together to optimize aerodynamics and electrical engineering, the chassis, the powertrain and, not least, the driving strategy. The result after more than 200,000 hours of calculations for the outer shape and around 10,000 workshop hours for the body is impressive – and weighs a lot: the structure of the Adelie weighs in at 16 percent less than its predecessor, and the chassis even weighs a fifth less. These improvements are also due to materials from Covestro.

“After the race is before the race,” sums up Lina Schwering, 1st Chairwoman of Team Sonnenwagen. “We will also learn from this competition and continue to optimize our design with a partially new team, just as the other teams are doing. There are very many parameters on whose interaction the race will be decided, and consistency and the will to consistently learn from experience will ultimately lead to the goal. However, this race has also shown us that in the end it also depends on a certain quantum of luck.”

www.covestro.com.

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Tube 2024: The sawing and cutting industry shows off its innovations

From small drinking water pipes in the home, to large gas pipelines on the ocean floor: tubes must be cut to size for all applications. For this reason, the sawing and cutting industry will also be a focal point at Tube 2024 – the industry gathering at Messe Düsseldorf from 15 to 19 April 2024. Thanks to the latest technologies, the processes of sawing and cutting are becoming more and more fast and precise. This allows material and energy to be saved, contributing to the sustainability of the industry. At the same time, job security is increasing, making the sector more attractive to skilled workers.

Increasing digitalisation is also helping to strengthen the image as innovative automation solutions are relieving employees of physically heavy and repetitive tasks. Major changes are also being seen among clients, mainly thanks to the transformation of the energy sector. According to Holger Ade, head of economic and energy policy at Wirtschaftsverband Stahl- und Metallverarbeitung e.V., those currently coming out on top on the customer side include, for example, suppliers of components for wind turbines and for power and water networks. E-mobility is also gaining in importance, which is also having a positive impact on the machining sector, notes the company Schwarze-Robitec.

An industry on the move
Where does the sawing and cutting industry stand at the moment? What are the latest trends? Where are future challenges lurking? Where are opportunities hiding? These are all questions that will be answered at the upcoming Tube in April 2024. Machine and tool manufacturers and suppliers to the sawing and cutting industry will present their innovations and seek dialogue with customers, partners and suppliers. The users come from all different industries. In addition to the representatives from the pipe industry, metal and steel processors are just as much a part of it as the specialists in mechanical engineering. The chemical, pharmaceutical and automotive industries are also keeping a close eye on sawing and cutting technology.

All this will ensure that Tube, from 15 to 19 April 2024 at the Düsseldorf exhibition space, will once again be an unmissable event. This is the case for the tube bending machine manufacturer, Schwarze-Robitec: “For us, Tube has been the most important trade show and industry meeting for decades.”

https://www.tube-tradefair.com/ 

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Nano Dimension to Showcase System and Material Developments Regarding Its Fabrica Micro-AM Product Lines at Formnext, a Industry Leading Confernece in Frankfurt, Germany

Nano Dimension Ltd. (Nasdaq: NNDM) (“Nano Dimension” or the “Company”), a leading supplier of Additively Manufactured Electronics and multi-dimensional polymer, metal & ceramic Additive Manufacturing 3D printers, today announced it will be showing several new product developments regarding its Fabrica Micro-Additive Manufacturing (“Micro-AM”) solutions at Formnext (7-10 November, Frankfurt). These developments include new systems for increased customer use-cases and additional materials, including proprietary and 3 rd party. In addition, the company will be showcasing some recent customer prints demonstrating the use of its Micro-AM platforms in new application areas.

Until recently, Nano Dimension’s Micro-AM product line was centered around a single system. Nano Dimension has recently expanded its offering to include the Tera 250, the Tera 25, the Giga 250, and the Giga 25. The key difference between the Tera and Giga machines is essentially the build volume, with the smaller Giga machines being aimed at prototyping applications and the larger Tera machines aimed at higher volume production. Both the Tera 250 and the Tera 25 have a build volume of 50 x 50 x 100 mm, while the Giga 250 has a build volume of 6 x 9 x 45 mm and the Giga 25 a build volume of 12 x 18 x 45 mm. Both the Tera and Giga machines are capable of micron-level resolution that is valued by OEMs, micro-manufacturers, and research and development centers.

The Giga 25 and Tera 25 machines exhibit optical resolution of 8 microns, tolerance accuracy of 5 microns, and achieve 0.9 micron surface roughness (Ra), and the Giga 250 and Tera 250 exhibit optical resolution of 2 microns, tolerance accuracy of 2 microns, and achieve 0.4 micron surface roughness (Ra). The range of build volumes, optical resolution, tolerance, and surface roughness capabilities offered through the Giga and Tera machines caters for a full range of customer prototyping and production requirements. The economics and timeliness of Nano Dimension’s Fabrica micro-AM platforms are compelling. In the realm of production, its platforms have the capacity to manufacture functional miniature components with remarkable precision, enhance product performance, reduce assembly complexity, and unlock new realms of innovation.

Nano Dimension’s in-house developed materials for its Fabrica Micro AM solutions exhibit varying degrees of thermal resistance and specialized properties such as transparency and biocompatibility. The company has recently released and will be showing at Formnext its new range of materials: its P-900 and P-910 from its “Performance” range, its D-810 and D- 820 from its “Durable” range, and its T-700 from its “Transparent” range. The “Performance” series is designed to withstand high temperatures, perfect for miniaturized parts in high-performance applications such as electronics or injection molding. The “Durable” series of materials boasts versatile mechanical properties offering both rigid and semi-rigid options for demanding applications. These materials are ideal for serial production, such as consumer smart devices.

The “Transparent” material range are PMMA-like, and are perfectly suited for production of parts that require varying levels of translucency such as optical elements, microfluidic chips, and medical devices. Nano Dimension’s material in its “Medical” series is specifically produced for applications that requires biocompatibility. Under development and soon to be launched are a set of additional materials in each of the above categories. Nano Dimension has also recently announced an open system material policy for its Fabrica Micro AM solutions. The company will certify third party materials and provide guidance for customers using their own or third party materials to ensure usability. This newly announced open system policy means users of its machines can take advantage of a very broad material range to fulfil an array of applications across a multitude of sectors. Details of this and all materials will be available on booth D19 in Hall 11 at Formnext.

www.nano-di.com/technologies/am-micro-3d-printing 

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Dimensionics Density Champions Automated Validation Technology For Am Production Applications At Formnext 2023

Encouraging the momentum that is building around the necessity to validate parts made via additive manufacturing (AM), Dimensionics Density is showcasing its automated density determination solution at Formnext 2023 7-10 November in Hall 11 Stand C61. The technology has been recommended by Fraunhofer IAPT in an independent study for applications where a statement on the density has to be made quickly or frequently, making it a perfect fit for volume production scenarios. In addition, the company’s solution was applauded for simplifying machine approvals, and thus reducing the costs of AM quality assurance. Philipp Pruesse, Head of Sales at Dimensionics Density, says “With Formnext 2023 just around the corner, we feel as if we are presenting a technology at the show which is absolutely in the sweet spot when it comes to demand from users of AM for production. From time to time, various aspects of the AM process chain come under scrutiny, and at the moment the focus is on technologies that validate the quality of parts made via AM. Now an accepted production technology, ‘near enough’ when it comes to quality is no longer good enough.

Today, in busy high volume production settings, users have to be able to validate the quality of AM parts quickly, accurately, and cost-effectively. It is here that we have focused our attention, and we invite attendees to come and see our automatic density determination technology up close and personal at the show.” The company’s technology resides at the interface between the need for supremely accurate AM part validation technologies, and the need for automation in the AM process chain. Pruesse continues, “In the dynamic and growing area of AM, automation is the key for scalability, consistency, and economic viability. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, as we all know, AM allows for intricate designs and bespoke creations, but this can also introduce complexities that demand precise, repeatable actions. Automation seamlessly bridges the gap between intricate design freedom and volume production, ensuring that each part adheres to stringent quality standards while reducing human error. As we envision a future where AM plays a central role in global production, integrating automation becomes imperative. Not only will it bolster production rates and reduce costs, but it will also be a catalyst in unlocking the full potential of AM, fostering an era of manufacturing that is more adaptive, efficient, and innovative than ever before. We are proud to be at the vanguard of this manufacturing revolution.”

Dimensionics Density’s density determination process uses the time-worn Archimedes principle but in combination with modern automation technology, therefore squeezing every last bit of accuracy out of this method. The samples to be measured are placed in a special component carrier, which is provided with openings on the underside. These component carriers are transported through the system by an axis robot and lowered centrally and precisely onto the scales. On the scales themselves is a lift-out rack with pins that lifts the component over the openings in the component carrier and thus lifts the component out of the carrier. The automated handling eliminates human influence on the measurement, as the parts are always placed identically onto the scales.

The scales are designed to be insulated from vibration. In addition, all ambient conditions such as temperature, air pressure, and water temperature, are recorded via climate sensors, and their influence on the measurement result is taken into account directly in the evaluation algorithm when determining the density. Dimensionics Density will be displaying a working machine at Formnext, and invites attendees to come armed with details of real parts and applications which the company will review and feedback on post-show to indicate the usefulness of its technology for AM production scenarios.

www.dimensionics-density.com/additive

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Clariant Inaugurates Daya Bay Exolit OP Flame Retardant Plant

− CHF 60 million investment in new high performance halogen-free flame retardant facility completed on time in the first stage of an overall CHF 100 million investment
− Will support rapidly growing demands from China- and Asian-based component manufacturers for innovative & sustainable fire protection in E-mobility, E&E, transportation, 5G communications, infrastructure, and appliances
− Establishes flame retardant production & local teams with technical expertise close to customers’ operations.

Clariant, a sustainability focused specialty chemical company, today marks another milestone in its China Strategy with the official opening of its new state-of-the-art production facility for halogen- free flame retardants in Daya Bay, Huizhou. The CHF 60 million investment into the plant’s first production line will provide local customers with access to innovative and sustainable Exolit OP flame retardants and related technical expertise to support the significant growth of engineering plastics applications in E-mobility and electrical & electronic segments. A second line is under construction and expected to be onstream during 2024, representing a further CHF 40 million investment.

“With this world-class manufacturing plant, we strengthen our leading position and global competence in innovative and sustainable fire safety solutions. We have the proximity to better service customers in China and across the Asia Pacific region behind the innovative components, devices and systems advancing technological developments in e-mobility, infrastructure, 5G communications, energy delivery and more. Local production means we can improve cooperation and design tailored solutions to their developing needs as well as significantly reduce delivery lead times,” comments Angela Cackovich, President of BU Adsorbents & Additives, and Clariant EMEA Region.

The new plant will produce Clariant’s global range of patent-protected organophosphorus flame retardants and supplements the capacity of Clariant’s two Exolit OP plants in Knapsack, Germany. The team at the One Clariant Campus in Shanghai will support customers in the joint development and in-application testing of flame retarded solutions. Angela Cackovich continues: “Brands and equipment manufacturers are switching to non- halogenated flame retardants to address the challenges of increasing safety, sustainability and technical performance requirements in E-mobility and Electronics. For engineering plastics, our Exolit OP solutions can help fulfil needs for application safety improvements and the reliability of maintaining mechanical, electrical and fire retardancy performance properties over a product life cycle and after recycling.

Importantly, they also offer environmental and health profiles verified by third parties. By collaborating across value chains we can capture unmet needs as applications become more demanding, innovate faster together, and ensure the optimum solution to meet evolving regulatory and physical property as well as processing requirements.” Despite the challenges posed by delays in equipment delivery, travel restrictions, and unpredictable supply chain interruptions, the teams from Clariant China and Europe, local authorities in the chemical park, and external partners pulled together to ensure the project was accomplished within 18 months, on schedule and on budget. All 1.2 million man hours worked since construction began were accident free.

The new flame retardant plant is operated by a 100-strong team of local employees and is located within the Huizhou Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone (Daya Bay Chem Park) in Guangdong Province. Clariant’s Daya Bay site utilizes green electricity, enabling a significant reduction in Scope 2 (CO2) emissions, and is also home to its Care Chemicals Ethoxylation plant, which is currently undergoing a CHF 80 million expansion.

www.clariant.com

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