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Metal Pigments Create Mirror Effect: Altana Innovation Award Honors Pioneering Technology

Petra Löwer (Germany)

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August 19, 2023

Metal Pigments Create Mirror Effect: Altana Innovation Award Honors Pioneering Technology

New potential for automotive suppliers, the printing industry, and manufacturers of consumer electronics and household appliances
Interdisciplinary team develops effect pigments with almost real chrome look
Carbon footprint reduced by more than ten percent compared to existing products

Every year, the ALTANA Innovation Award honors the global specialty chemicals group’s most promising new developments. This year, a team from ALTANA’s ECKART division came out on top. The award went to the new METALURE C series developed in the U.S. and Germany.

Chrome or a chrome look? In the future, it will become more difficult to tell the difference because ECKART’s award-winning product series creates novel chrome looks and offers a choice of light and dark silver metallic shades. The effect pigments create a veritable mirror effect. Plus, the light-dark shades of the surfaces are comparable to those of products that have been coated with a metallic layer and thus serve as a substitute for metallization processes containing chrome VI.

The METALURE C series relies on a concentration of ultra-thin vacuum-metallized pigments (VMP). The advantage for customers: The products are easy to process and can therefore be used in different printing and coating systems. In addition, the newly developed products improve the ecological balance. Compared to products already available on the market, the carbon footprint is slashed by over ten percent.

The pigments are used in particular in coatings for consumer electronics, household appliances, and for the interior and exterior trim of vehicles. They are also used in the printing industry.

“The innovative effect pigments are a trendsetting development, as they set new standards in terms of sustainability and quality. The fact that the development centered on customer benefits is clearly reflected by the mounting demand in the market. The interdisciplinary winning team has impressively demonstrated what distinguishes ALTANA – innovative strength and customer focus,” says Dr. Petra Severit, ALTANA’S Chief Technology Officer.

The Innovation Award, with which ALTANA recognizes outstanding research achievements on the part of its employees, was presented this year for the eleventh time. In addition to innovative prowess, criteria such as creativity, economic efficiency, and sustainability are also taken into account in the assessment.

www.altana.com

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Renew Ranks Among Top Renewable Power & Utility Companies Globally for ESG, Says Sustainalytics

Petra Löwer (Germany)

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August 19, 2023

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Renew Ranks Among Top Renewable Power & Utility Companies Globally for ESG, Says Sustainalytics

ReNew Energy Global Plc (“ReNew”; Nasdaq: RNW, RNWWW) has been ranked among the top seven renewable power companies in the world and among the top 10 global utility firms by Morningstar Sustainalytics. Sustainalytics’ ESG Risk Ratings measure a company’s exposure to industry-specific material Environmental, Social, and Governance risks.

After a thorough and rigorous assessment across various ESG-centric parameters, ReNew has been listed as a ‘low risk’ company with a rating of 11.6, signifying its low ESG risk exposure and sustainability. The company has been ranked seventh among 93 renewable power companies and tenth among 698 utilities globally.

“Our low ESG Risk Rating by Morningstar Sustainalytics is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable practices, ethical business operations and superior governance,” said Sumant Sinha, Chairman and CEO of ReNew.

“ReNew will continue to roll out a host of ESG initiatives to decarbonize its operations, reduce water consumption, further diversity and inclusion in the workplace and at the same time remain dedicated to helping communities become climate resilient,” he added.

ReNew is working towards energy efficiency improvements across offices and sites. It is focused on clean energy procurement for operations, electrification of fossil-fuel-based equipment, encouraging suppliers for setting emission reduction targets, evaluating low carbon raw materials and exploring green logistics for transportation.

Further, the company has pledged to meet a broader range of ESG goals including water positivity, zero waste to landfill and has benefited more than 650,000 people through our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives like Lighting Lives, Young Climate Leadership Programme, among others.

“ReNew’s ESG Ratings echoes our commitment to creating long-term value for our stakeholders,” said Vaishali Nigam Sinha, ReNew’s Chairperson Sustainability. “At ReNew, sustainability is an integral part of our business strategy and we continuously strive to improve our practices in line with global best practices. As a company, we are committed to becoming Net Zero by 2040 using Science Based Targets initiatives, and joining hands with partners in climate action,” she said.

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Automated Piping Isometrics: M4 ISO FX 7.2 Improves Accuracy and Saves Time

Petra Löwer (Germany)

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August 18, 2023

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Automated Piping Isometrics: M4 ISO FX 7.2 Improves Accuracy and Saves Time

New version of piping isometrics software simplifies the creation of piping isometrics and optimizes design and production.

With M4 ISO FX 7.2, software developer CAD Schroer presents the next version of the globally popular solution for the automated generation of piping isometric drawings, and adds a number of new features and improvements.

Optimized piping isometrics for even better results

With M4 ISO FX, users can benefit from improved piping isometrics because isometrics can be generated from PCF files produced by all common 3D piping systems. Version 7.2 also optimizes the generation and display of piping isometrics for even more accurate and precise production. The generated isometrics provide an improved overview of the pipework, fittings and components, resulting in more efficient assembly and installation.

Automated generation of bills of materials and bending tables

One of the outstanding features of M4 ISO FX 7.2 is the fully automated generation of parts lists and pipe bend tables. With just one click, users can automatically obtain a wealth of detailed information about the piping isometrics, including the quantity of parts and materials required, together with welding and pipe bend tables. This feature saves valuable time and reduces the risk of errors. “With the new version of M4 ISO FX, we are setting a new standard in the creation of piping isometrics,” says Bill Wilkins, Account Manager at CAD Schroer. “Every day, our customers benefit from the automated generation of accurate piping isometrics. As a result, they can make their design and production processes more efficient, saving both time and money.”

The ultimate solution for piping isometrics

The latest version of M4 ISO FX is now available and offers users an optimized solution for the efficient creation of large-scale piping isometrics. M4 ISO FX is an ideal solution for both small businesses and large engineering companies. The software supports a wide range of industrial sectors such as chemical, oil and gas, energy, food and beverage, and the pharmaceutical industry. Interested parties can download M4 ISO FX 7.2 from CAD Schroers website and apply for a free trial. In addition to its range of services, CAD Schroer offers consultations to discuss individual requirements. Their experienced team also provides training and workshops to help users realize the full potential of M4 ISO FX 7.2. The new features make M4 ISO FX 7.2 an effective solution for the automated generation of accurate piping isometric drawings and detailed bills of materials.

www.cad-schroer.com

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Packaging Specialist ALPLA Launches New ALPLArecycling Brand

Petra Löwer (Germany)

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August 18, 2023

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Packaging Specialist ALPLA Launches New ALPLArecycling Brand

Investment in the circular economy – production capacity doubled since 2021

The globally active ALPLA Group has been investing in building up its own recycling capacities since 2005. The plastic packaging company now operates 13 plants, including four joint ventures with regional partners, and aims to be processing at least 25 per cent post-consumer material (PCR) by 2025. After investing millions in new sites in South Africa, Romania and Thailand as well as in a site expansion in Poland, ALPLA is now consolidating all of its activities under the new brand ALPLArecycling.

Dietmar Marin, Managing Director Recycling Division at ALPLA.

ALPLA is focusing on mechanical recycling and has invested more than 50 million euros a year in the global expansion of its activities since 2021. Thanks to new plants, the expansion of existing facilities, joint ventures and strategic acquisitions, the annual installed and projected output capacity has since doubled to 350,000 tonnes of PCR material. Together with the construction of a new facility in South Africa as recently announced and the site expansion in Poland, the annual capacity amounts to 266,000 tonnes of rPET (recycled PET) and 84,000 tonnes of rHDPE (recycled HDPE).

Around 1.100 ALPLA employees work on recycling. In addition to the production of high-quality rPET and rHDPE at 13 plants, including four joint ventures with regional partners, the company focuses on the development of sustainable packaging solutions with a high proportion of recycled materials, optimum recyclability and low weight. The growing importance of the recycling sector, strong expansion and increasing demand have now led to the establishment of the ALPLArecycling brand together with its own website. There, you will find comprehensive information about recycling at ALPLA, the products available and the locations of the recycling plants and joint ventures at a glance.

‘Every year, we are producing more high-quality, affordable and sustainable packaging from used packaging. With our own production, development and material optimisation, we ensure quality and quantity, while also strengthening regional and national recycling loops,’ emphasises ALPLA CEO Philipp Lehner. Recycling plastics reduces carbon consumption by up to 90 per cent, reduces waste and creates value and jobs at the sites.

‘Our many years of expertise and access to our own materials give our customers a competitive advantage. The new brand is a clear commitment to recycling and to our expansion plans in growth markets,’ explains Dietmar Marin, Managing Director of the Recycling division at ALPLA. In the coming years, the company will intensify its activities in areas such as southern Africa, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. ‘Interest in sustainable packaging is growing all over the world. We are present as pioneers in all the regions of the world and are already a strong partner for future solutions,’ says Marin.

Packaging and recycling specialist ALPLA processes used PET bottles as well as used HDPE packaging.

Recycling target: 25 per cent PCR material by 2025
ALPLA currently processes 20 per cent PCR material and aims to increase this to at least 25 per cent by 2025. In addition, all packaging solutions are to be fully recyclable by then. The company has been part of the New Plastics Economy, an initiative of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, since 2018. ‘We firmly believe in plastic as a recyclable material and in the success of closed bottle-to-bottle loops. With our commitment, we want to create infrastructure in as many countries as possible, raise awareness and thus generate added value for the environment, economy and society,’ says Günther Lehner, Chairman of the Company Advisory Board.

www.alplarecycling.com

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Cummins India Limited wins ‘Excellence in Environment Management’ award at CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2022

Petra Löwer (Germany)

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August 18, 2023

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Cummins India Limited wins ‘Excellence in Environment Management’ award at CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2022

Cummins India Limited (CIL) received Excellence in Environment Management award for the Manufacturing Sector at the prestigious CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2022. The award recognizes CIL’s innovative approaches and exemplary results in employing policy and practice to reduce company’ environmental impact.

Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India presented the award to Shirish Bhide, Operations Leader – Power Systems Supply Chain, Cummins India; and Rajendra Kulkarni, Plant Head – Kothrud Engine Plant, Cummins India at the award ceremony held on May 10, 2023, in Delhi in the presence of eminent business and industry leaders, subject matter experts, and policymakers.

On receiving the award, Shubhankar Chatterji, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Cummins India said, “The CII-ITC Sustainability Awards is the cynosure of all sustainability awards. Cummins India is honored to receive the coveted Excellence in Environment Management award. This award is a celebration of our progress toward our PLANET 2050 and Destination Zero aspirations to reduce our carbon footprint and address climate change through sustainability initiatives focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, volatile organic compound emissions, water consumption and waste of all kinds across Cummins India facilities. I also dedicate this award to all our employees who embrace our commitment to environmental stewardship to build a more prosperous and sustainable future.”

Seema Arora, Deputy Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said, “Excellence in sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement in processes and results. The impetus lies on organizations’ commitment towards sustainability goals and ways in they create an impact on environment with countless lives and communities. We congratulate Cummins India, recognizing their efforts for exemplifying sustainability-led development and growth with their various initiatives.”

Cummins India has a mature Environment Management System and related operational controls, with all manufacturing sites being ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified. Environment risks are identified through a structured aspect impact assessment and these risks are managed well through risk hierarchy controls. Robust systems are placed for internal environment impact management which includes evolved procedures like, pollution prevention, storm water management, fluid management, water management, wastewater management and waste management.

Employees are a driving force and share equal responsibility to advance the sustainability initiatives at Cummins India. Cummins has a PLANET 2050 influencer program, which encourages employees to participate in environment projects. A dedicated Environment Champion Training is also in place to create environment leaders from within the organization. Every year, environment month is celebrated in the month of June to build awareness around a safer, greener, and cleaner environment. Environment campaigns are regularly organized, and deployment of best practices are monitored very closely. All this is reviewed by the senior leadership through monthly reviews and capital mapping.

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Directed by Jum Nakao, Color Trend 2024 Highlights Color Trends in Plastics for Housewares, Construction and Packaging

Anagha Salvi

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August 18, 2023

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Directed by Jum Nakao, Color Trend 2024 Highlights Color Trends in Plastics for Housewares, Construction and Packaging

The International Color Trends Guide will be presented during the 3rd World Plastic Connection Summit, at Blue Tree Premium Alphaville, in São Paulo, on August 21-24, 2023

Think Plastic Brazil (Brazilian Converted Plastics Export and Internationalization Program), created by INP (Brazilian Plastics Institute) in partnership with ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), will be holding the 3rd World Plastic Connection Summit, Brazil’s main event with an international focus on the Converted Plastics sector and the largest connection platform in the Americas for the industry in this sector. The Summit will be held in a hybrid format (in person and online), at Blue Tree Premium Alphaville (Alameda Madeira, 398 – Alphaville, Barueri, SP), on August 21-24, 2023, with simultaneous broadcasting in Portuguese, Spanish, and English.

One of the main highlights of the Summit will be the launch of the International Color Trend Guide (Color Trend 2024), created to serve industry professionals in Brazil and worldwide, which this year has the creative direction of the renowned artist and product designer, Jum Nakao, who shares the authorship of the project with Beatriz Abreu.

Recognized as one of Brazil’s most talented designers, Jum Nakao designs furniture, clothes, and spaces; directs films, events, and spectacles; and holds lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and shows, across Brazil and abroad. He is a featured name in the most important publications on Fashion and Design in the world, and his work is part of international collections of Museums of Art and Fashion.

His studio, created in 1997, produced works for major national and international brands such as Nike, TV Globo, and Zoomp. With striking aesthetics and provocative concepts, Jum seeks to bring a unique and innovative approach that questions the ephemerality of trends and the superficiality of the art and fashion industry. His plays and performances are a powerful artistic expression that challenges and instigates the public to rethink their own relationship with consumption and raise awareness of sustainability.

Nakao’s most iconic work, A Costura do Invisível (“Sowing the Invisible”), presented during the São Paulo Fashion Week in 2004, gained worldwide recognition by presenting a collection of clothes made of paper that were ripped live during a fashion show, revealing the ephemeral, imperfect beauty of the creative process.

Ahead of the Color Trend 2024 project, he aimed to promote Brazil among Color and Design Trendsetters. By taking advantage of the differentiators of luminosity and the state of mind of the Brazilians, Jum developed ideas that could be applied throughout the converted plastics industry starting next year.

“Plastic has the role of coloring and lighting up the world – and Brazil is the place where people most use light and colors as a reference. This is very much in our favor, and it is in this sense that I intend to add and collaborate with this project,” noted Jum Nakao.

The methodology for preparing the guide involved the market for converted plastics. Interviews were carried out with Brazilian companies that participate in the Think Plastic Brazil program, including Masterbatch manufacturers (which develop the pigments that will be used in the manufacture of the converted plastic), such as the project’s supporters Colorfix and Engeflex.

According to Carlos Moreira, Strategy and Project Planning Manager at Think Plastic Brazil, Color Trend is a great showcase for the Brazilian converted plastics industry. “Each edition draws more and more attention from the international public. We believe that, based on that, we can consolidate Brazil’s position as a color trendsetter for the world. Our unique lifestyle, which combines a rich ecosystem with a unique cultural diversity, places our country in a prominent position on the world design scene,” he said.

The World Plastic Connection Summit is one of the main actions of the sectoral project for the verticals supported by the Think Plastic Brazil program: Agrobusiness, Toys and Childcare, Construction, Packaging, Supplies (including the Masterbatch – the material responsible for dyeing converted plastic products), and Housewares. This year, its central theme is Innovation, Design and Sustainability as global differentiators in the Brazilian converted plastics sector. The event agenda will consist of the following:

Hybrid International Seminar: The international technical seminar, held in a hybrid format (face-to-face and online lectures and access). It will feature an exclusive selection of the most important global professionals to meet the information demands of the entire Converted Plastics chain and will be held on August 21-22. The Seminar’s schedule also includes panels on corporate leadership and design, in addition to the launch of the International Color Trends Guide (Color Trend 2024) and the International Yearbook (Yearbook 2023), with data from the international industry and information from member companies of the Program.

International Award: With the aim of acknowledging and publicizing companies that invest in internationalization processes, in addition to honoring relevant actions by member companies of the Program, the main innovation of this year’s award will be the opening of registration to companies not associated with Think Plastic Brazil.

Color Trend – International Color Trend 2024: An in-depth global study of color trends in the converted plastics market, reflecting Brazilian culture and presenting new possibilities for production and product development to Brazilian companies. The color survey was coordinated by renowned artist, creative director and product designer Jum Nakao.

International Yearbook: The third edition of the yearbook in three languages (Portuguese, English, and Spanish) has been reformatted, with even more information and highlighting the 146 Brazilian member companies of Think Plastic Brazil, in addition to presenting international sectoral information for 2023. The International Yearbook will be available in an online format and will have a few copies available in print format.

Buyers Project International Show: The face-to-face event will be serving all verticals of the Converted Plastics sector, with negotiation roundtables and a large area for networking, in addition to a selected mailing list of international buyers with exclusive access to participants.

Image Promotion: At this event, held alongside the Buyers Project, member companies of the Think Plastic Brazil Program are able to welcome buyers and guest journalists.

Technical Visits: International buyers and guest journalists will participate in technical visits to the plants of the member companies of the Think Plastic Brazil program.

Internationalization Consulting Clinics: It will bring together representatives from ApexBrasil, law firms and business consultants, who will address various topics of interest to Think Plastic Brazil members.

www.thinkplasticbrazil.com

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Toyochem Develops Highly Flexible EMI Shielding Films for Smart Devices

Petra Löwer (Germany)

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August 18, 2023

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Toyochem Develops Highly Flexible EMI Shielding Films for Smart Devices

A lightweight, ultra-thin and effective alternative to metal shielding cans

Toyochem Co., Ltd., the polymer and coatings division of Japan’s Toyo Ink Group, has rolled out the new LIOTELAN line of highly flexible conductive and insulating sheet films for the protection of electrical and electronic equipment. The new sheet films exhibit high water-resistance and are highly flexible with a high elongation of 500 percent. LIOTELAN shielding films can be hot-press molded on to the electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise source on the printed circuit board (PCB), thus forming a lightweight multi-layer shield with a more compact format than a metal shielding can. The gives component engineers increased design freedom to create electronic devices of lower profiles and lighter weights – and without compromising shielding effectiveness. Potential applications are wearable devices, wireless communications and other smart devices.

Traditionally, metals are commonly adapted as EMI shields due to their shielding effectiveness. Looking to replace shielding metals, Toyochem engineers in Japan applied its own functional filler dispersion technology in the development of highly conductive fillers to improve EMI shielding performance. This development, and the application of Toyochem’s polymer sheet conversion technology, led to the creation of filler films that could be converted into flexible LIOTELAN sheet films with high shielding effect, water-resistance and mechanical durability.

Moreover, LIOTELAN sheets films are capable of fabricating multi-layer EMI shields by the hot-pressing method. “An insulating sheet layer can be hot-press molded directly over electronic components attached to the substrate. A conductive layer is formed over the insulating layer using the same method. With LIOTELAN shielding films, device engineers can easily and speedily create lightweight, durable and effective EMI shields, without the need for soldering or a bulky can cover,” explains Hidenobu Kobayashi, technical manager at Toyochem. “This new innovative product enables the formation of ultra-thin shielding laminates of high flexibility, conductivity and insulation properties required by next-generation PCBs. In line with rising demand for components of lighter weight, lower profiles, and more durable and flexible materials, we expect to see the trend towards metals being replaced by polymer composites to continue.”

The new LIOTELAN line of EMI shielding sheet films will be making its global debut at the Toyochem booth #1016 at the International Microwave Symposium in San Diego, California, from June 11–16, 2023. Toyochem will also feature its LIOELM TSS 500 series for next-generation high-speed communication devices among other high-performance materials designed to solve problems related to electromagnetic radiation and thermal conductivity.

www.toyo-chem.com

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World’s Most Remote Robot Automates Amazon Reforestation Project

Petra Löwer (Germany)

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August 18, 2023

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World’s Most Remote Robot Automates Amazon Reforestation Project

Pilot project between ABB Robotics and non-profit organization Junglekeepers demonstrates potential of robotics and Cloud technology in reversing deforestation
Using solar power, YuMi automates seed planting, making reforestation in the Amazon faster, more efficient and scalable
Project made possible by RobotStudio Cloud technology: ABB experts simulate, refine and deploy robotic programming in real-time from 12,000 kms away in Sweden

A pilot project between ABB Robotics and US non-profit organization Junglekeepers is demonstrating the role Cloud technology can play in making reforestation faster, more efficient and scalable.

ABB Robotics is supporting Junglekeepers in their mission to protect 55,000 acres of Amazon rainforest and reverse deforestation. In a first-of-its-kind demonstration, ABB’s cobot YuMi is automating planting tasks in a jungle laboratory, speeding the process and allowing Junglekeepers’ volunteers to focus their valuable time and resources on more impactful work.

Through ABB RobotStudio Cloud technology, ABB experts simulate, refine and deploy the programming required for YuMi’s tasks in the jungle from 12,000 kms (7,460 miles) away Västerås, Sweden – enabling the world’s most remote robot.

“ABB’s collaboration with Junglekeepers demonstrates how robotics and Cloud technology can play a central role in fighting deforestation as one of the major contributors to climate change”, said Sami Atiya, President of ABB Robotics and Discrete Automation. “Our pilot program with the world’s most remote robot is helping automate highly repetitive tasks, freeing up rangers to undertake more important work out in the rainforest and helping them to conserve the land they live on.”

In a jungle lab, located in a remote region of the Peruvian Amazon, a YuMi cobot has been installed to automate essential tasks in the seed planting process, usually an entirely manual effort. The cobot digs a hole in the soil, drops the seed in, compacts the soil on top and marks it with a color-coded tag. YuMi enables Junglekeepers to replant an area the size of two soccer fields every day in zones requiring reforestation.

At the same time, by automating this task, Junglekeepers’ volunteers are able to focus their valuable time and resources on more impactful work, such as patrolling the area to deter illegal loggers, educating locals on the preservation of the rainforest and planting mature saplings.

Creating a fully remote and autonomous cobot installation also overcomes the difficulty of finding people willing to stay and work in the distant jungle location. After its initial installation, YuMi can carry out its tasks autonomously, with only trouble shooting as needed.

“As of right now, we have lost 20 percent of the total area of Amazon rainforest; without using technology today, conservation will be at a standstill,” said Moshin Kazmi, Co-Founder of Junglekeepers. “Having Yumi at our base is a great way to expose our rangers to new ways of doing things. It accelerates and expands our operations and advances our mission.”

The destruction of the Amazon rainforest through human activities such as logging and burning to clear land for agriculture are contributing to the devastating effects of climate change. It is estimated that more than 870,000 km² of the Amazon rainforest have been cleared since 1985, an area larger than France, United Kingdom and Belgium combined.1 With tens of billions of trees already being gone, the region is warming fast.

“The Amazon is in danger. That’s why we need technology, science and local knowledge to work together in order to save it. Otherwise, we will be too late. The rainforest can be saved, but we must bring together all these elements to make a difference,” said Dennis del Castillo Torres, Director of Forest Management Research at the Peruvian Amazon Research Institute. “It is very important to have a combination of high technology and conservation. There are many technologies that we can use to preserve the forest, and this robot can help a lot to reforest faster, but we have to be very selective. We have to use it in areas of high deforestation to speed up the process of replanting.”

The pilot project is supported by ABB’s RobotStudio Cloud technology, enabling teams all over the world to collaborate in real time. This remote new way of programming enables new levels of flexibility and instant refinement, resulting in greater efficiency and resilience, and no loss of planting time. With more than 25 years of offline programming experience, RobotStudio offers best-in-class digital technology, enabling 99 percent accuracy between simulation and reality. This allows users to reduce time for testing robotic solutions by 50 percent and takes production downtimes to zero.

ABB Robotics’ pilot project in the Amazon furthers its objective to contribute to sustainable transformation through intelligent robotics and automation solutions, supporting businesses to increase productivity, reduce waste and maximize efficiency. In 2022, ABB Robotics collaborated with the Parley Global Cleanup network, a non-profit organization collecting marine plastic waste, to create personalized designer items such as recycled furniture, using 3D additive printing. In accordance with the wishes of Junglekeepers, the pilot scheme in the rainforest with RobotStudio Cloud and YuMi will last for approximately six weeks (across May and June 2023). Following the conclusion of the pilot program, ABB will explore opportunities to assist Junglekeepers on a more extended basis as well as exploring further opportunities for its robotic solutions and cloud technologies to play a central role in driving sustainable transformation.

www.abb.com

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Karim Rashid Comes to Brazil to Talk About Innovation and Design at the 3rd World Plastic Connection Summit

Anagha Salvi

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August 18, 2023

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Karim Rashid Comes to Brazil to Talk About Innovation and Design at the 3rd World Plastic Connection Summit

Renowned American designer is a confirmed presence at the 3rd World Plastic Connection Summit, which will take place at the Blue Tree Premium Alphaville, in São Paulo, on August 21-24, 2023

Think Plastic Brazil (Brazilian Converted Plastics Export and Internationalization Program), created by INP (Brazilian Plastics Institute) in partnership with ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), will be holding the 3rd World Plastic Connection Summit, Brazil’s main event with an international focus on the Converted Plastics sector and the largest connection platform in the Americas for the industry in this sector. The Summit will be held in a hybrid format (in person and online), at Blue Tree Premium Alphaville (Alameda Madeira, 398 – Alphaville, Barueri, SP), on August 21-24, 2023, with simultaneous broadcasting in Portuguese, Spanish, and English.

One highlight of this Summit will be the closing keynote speech by internationally renowned interior and product designer Karim Rashid. In his speech, Rashid will reflect on the impact of innovation and design on the future of companies and their willingness to address deep and fundamental questions of human life in their products.

Rashid has a unique and bold style that makes him one of the most influential and prolific figures in contemporary design. His creations are vibrant, full of color and organic shapes that transcend traditional design boundaries.

Another striking feature of his projects are the smooth lines and elegant curves, combined with the use of innovative and technological materials. His portfolio includes a wide range of products, from furniture and lighting to household items and fashion accessories. Each piece created by Rashid seeks to provide a unique sensorial experience, where form and function merge in harmony.

Throughout his career, Rashid has received over 300 international awards and recognitions for his visionary work. With over 4,000 projects in its portfolio and activities in over 40 countries, his creations are present in major museum collections, such as the MoMA in New York and Centre Pompidou in Paris. Additionally, he has collaborated with major international brands such as Alessi, Samsung, and Veuve Clicquot.

Furthermore, Karim Rashid has left his mark on architectural projects around the world. He is responsible for a number of iconic creations, such as hotels, restaurants, and business spaces. His innovative and contemporary approach is evident in every detail, from the choice of materials to the spatial layout, creating environments that are true works of art.

All of these creations reflect Rashid’s vision of a world where design permeates every aspect of everyday life – an idea that continues to inspire and transform the world of design.

“I am looking forward to being back in São Paulo, this amazing city. With this event, Brazil shows that it is an important player in the transformed plastics sector. I love this country and watching how much they invest in technologies for converted plastics. I look forward to attending this seminar”, says Karim Rashid.

“The presence of Karim Rashid will be a great moment of inspiration and exchange of knowledge for everyone attending the World Plastic Connection Summit and reaffirms the intention, not only of this event but also of our project, to position Brazil as a world leader in innovation and design in converted plastics,” said Carlos Moreira, Strategy and Project Planning Manager of Think Plastic Brazil.

Karim Rashid’s participation is supported by Colorfix and Vasart.