Repsol, Signode launch polypropylene high tenacity strap with 30% recycled content

Repsol and Signode have developed a ready-to-use strap for high tenacity applications made of a polypropylene (PP) compound with 30% recycled content, said Sustainableplastics.

The Spanish petrochemical and the U.S.-based transit-packaging provider claim the solution is a market first.

The compound is part of Repsol’s Reciclex portfolio. It is manufactured using mechanically recycled post-consumer domestic plastic waste, reportedly improving the product’s carbon footprint by 9%. Earlier this year, Repsol invested €26 million in the installation of a new Reciclex production line at its Puertollano Industrial Complex in Spain.

“Incorporating recycled material into this polypropylene formulation to manufacture strapping has posed a challenge for both companies due to the high consistency and toughness required for the final application,” Repsol said in a statement. Nevertheless, the partners claim that new high tenacity strap has properties similar to those made with virgin raw materials.

The strap is used in logistics and industrial packaging to unite the load and guarantee its safety and integrity during transport. Signode hopes the replacement of virgin with recycled content will help its clients fulfil their sustainability goals.

The new product, alongside Repsol’s Reciclex portfolio, is in line with recent European and Spanish regulations, which are aimed at achieving a recycled content target of 30% for plastic packaging by 2030.

We remind, Repsol has licensed Honeywell Ecofining technology to produce renewable fuels from feedstocks such as used cooking oil and waste animal fat at Repsol’s facility in Puertollano, Spain. Repsol is designing this plant to convert approximately 240 thousand metric tons per annum (KMTA) of waste feeds/feedstocks to renewable diesel and other products.

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Fluor Corporation announced that it has been awarded a contract for front-end engineering and design (FEED) and procurement services by Cormorant Clean Energy, LLC -- a subsidiary of 8 Rivers Capital, LLC -- for the construction of a low-carbon blue ammonia production facility, said the company.

The contract will be recognized in the third quarter of 2023. Once constructed, the facility will be the first commercial-scale application of 8 Rivers' 8RH2 ultra-low-carbon hydrogen production technology. The hydrogen produced will be converted into ammonia that can be easily stored and transported until it is 'cracked' back into hydrogen after reaching its end user. The facility's ammonia will be considered 'blue' because more than 99% of the carbon dioxide generated will be captured as part of the process.

"Breakthrough hydrogen technologies are critical to addressing the global demand for ultra-low-carbon hydrogen and the production of hydrogen derivatives such as ammonia, methanol and sustainable aviation fuels," said Jim Breuer, group president of Fluor's Energy Solutions business segment. "We thank 8 Rivers and Cormorant Clean Energy for trusting Fluor to help reach their decarbonization goals."

Fluor will be responsible for FEED services of the entire facility including process units; utilities and offsites; buildings and roads. The project includes multiple licensed technology units which Fluor will develop deliverables for using process design packages from the licensors.

We remind, Fluor Corporation announced that its Advanced Technologies & Life Sciences business was selected by Agilent Technologies, Inc., to expand its oligonucleotide therapeutics manufacturing facility in Frederick, Colorado, just north of Denver. Fluor is supporting engineering and procurement as part of the project. The total project value is USD725 million.

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Rohm’s MMA with Sustainable Raw MaterialRohm launches resource-saving alternative to their long-established methyl methacrylate (MMA), said Specialchem.

For MERACRYL® proTerra MMA, 30 percent fossil raw materials are substituted by sustainable raw materials from circular, recycled or biogenic sources, certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification ISCC PLUS.

The product’s carbon footprint is reduced by 25 percent. Rohm guarantees the same specifications, quality and reliable processes.

“As European producer we are thrilled to provide a sustainable solution to our customers to support their sustainability goals,” said Hans-Detlef Luginsland, senior vice president, Bulk Monomers.”

Sustainability is an integral part of Rohm’s global business strategy. By the year 2050, Rohm aims to become climate-neutral by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions.

A first milestone on this path is the ‘Track 2030’ initiative with the goal of significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions, resulting from the production or sale of Rohm products. The company has set itself an ambitious goal with the target of 30 percent per ton compared to 2020.

Rohm’s proTerra brand suffix is the quality seal for sustainable products and services that were made from sustainable raw materials, make a significant contribution to promote the circular economy and that save resources, such as raw materials, energy or water.

We remind, Roehm announced the opening of its flagship Innovation Center. This “Center of Excellence” is equipped with a state-of-the-art materials development laboratory, featuring advanced processing capabilities for material compounding, injection molding, and extrusion.

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Chemicals company Dow has launched two new ionomers grades using renewable and circular feedstocks for perfume and cosmetic packaging applications, said Sustainableplastics.

The Surlyn Ren grade is produced from bio-waste such as used cooling oil, while Surlyn Cir grade contains chemically recycled plastic waste. Both grades are ISCC Plus certified according to the mass balance scheme. Dow claims the recycled and bio grades continue to deliver the properties that give the unique look, feel, and performance that the Surlyn line, based on fossil feedstocks, is known for.

LVMH Beauty, a division of luxury conglomerate LVMH, will be the first user of the new grades following the brand’s announced collaboration with Dow earlier this year. Dow has started to supply the new sustainable Surlyn ionomer grades, which will be integrated into several of the multinational’s applications.

“Surlyn Ren and Surlyn Cir are a major step forward in creating sustainable packaging for the cosmetic industry,” said Daniella Souza Miranda, global business director for Circular & Renewable Solutions at Dow. “These products will not only support LVMH towards their sustainability goals but will also contribute to Dow’s bold ambition to transform waste and deliver 3 million metric tons per year of circular and renewable solutions by 2030,” she added.

We remind, Dow, Inc. (Midland, Mich.) and LanzaTech Global, Inc. (Chicago, Ill.) have partnered to commercialize a biobased surfactant for the homecare market. The surfactant will leverage LanzaTech’s biorecycling technology, which employs proprietary bacteria to consume carbon-rich pollution from industrial facilities, such as steelmaking plants, and convert it into chemicals, including ethanol. This ethanol can be converted into ethylene oxide, and subsequently used to produce surfactants.

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A massive fire broke out at a plastic waste site in the Croatian city of Osijek, Reuters said.

The city’s Civil Protection Directorate said that the fire erupted in the early hours of Wednesday, prompting firefighters to extract 1,500 liters of sodium lye and 1,000 liters of hydrochloride from the site.

A total of 74 firefighters and 33 fire engines are involved in the fire extinguishing operation and citizens have been warned against the harmful effects of the gases produced by the burning plastic.

Osijek Mayor Ivan Radic told the local media that the fire continues to rage and that they expect the extinguishing efforts to continue until the evening hours.

Due to the strong wind, the smoke reached the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Two firefighters were slightly injured by the fire.

We remind, at least 37 people, including two pregnant women, were burned to death after a blast at an illegal oil refinery in southern Nigeria. Illegal refining is common in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria as impoverished locals tap pipelines to make fuel to sell for a profit. The practice, which can be as basic as boiling crude oil in drums to extract fuel, is often deadly.

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