Toray Develops Nanotech-Based Odor-Quelling Textile
Nano Film, Meeting the COVID-19 Protective Mask Demands, While Saving Our Planet
A flexible color-changing film inspired by chameleon skin
Oligo(3-methoxythiophene)s as Water-Soluble Dyes for Highly Lustrous Gold- and Bronze-like Metal-Effect Coatings and Printings
World’s first successful practical test use of Toray’s 100 % VOC-Free Waterless EB Offset Printing Technology in Europe
Toray Carbon Fiber and Thermoplastic Pellet Advances Poised to Enhance Molded Product Cost Performances
Toray Boosting Torayfan Polypropylene Film Production Capacity at Tsuchiura Plant to Meet Growing Demand for Automotive Capacitors
Toray and Five European Subsidiaries Exhibiting Carbon Fiber Composites Together for First Time at JEC World 2020
Toray Creates True Spherical Polyamide Particles that Could Revolutionize 3D Printing
Toray debuts a PET-recycled version of its Primeflex stretch fabric series
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Toray Creates Revolutionary PPS Film for 5G Circuit Boards
Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has created a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) film that maintains the outstanding dielectric characteristics—or low dielectric losses of electrical energy—flame retardancy, and chemical robustness of that polymer while remaining thermally resistant at 40°C higher than conventional counterparts. The new film resists deformation and is dimensionally stable near its melting point. PPS is a super engineering plastic that also offers excellent electrical insulation. It is crystalline, with a melting point of 280°C. Employing the new film in flexible printed circuits offering 5G and other fast data rates would offer two key benefits. First, the film would cut the transmission losses of communication devices at high frequencies. Second, it would help stabilize high-speed communication across the temperature and humidity spectrums. Flexible printed circuits are film-like wiring boards in which electrical circuits are formed on base materials from bonding thin, soft insulating base films with copper foil or other conductive metals. Toray has already completed the technology for the new film on a pilot basis, and looks to have a mass production setup in place during fiscal 2020 that would help swiftly popularize devices in the fast-expanding 5G arena. 5G is commanding attention as an advanced platform for delivering outstanding speed capacity, multi-connectivity, and low latency. It harnesses frequency bands below 6 GHz and above 20 GHz. Development efforts have seen the emergence of practical liquid crystal polymer (LCP) films as flexible printed circuit substrate materials needed for 5G. The dielectric properties of such films reduce transmission losses in high-frequency bands. These films also offer thermal resistance when soldering circuit boards. The expense and processing issues of LCP films fueled the exploration of other materials that could overcome those shortcomings. Generally PPS film offers superior flame retardancy and chemical resistance while matching or exceeding the dielectric properties of LCP film, and is far less vulnerable to temperature and humidity extremes. On the downside, PPS film deforms easily at high temperatures and provides insufficient resistance to heat when soldering circuit boards. These considerations drove Toray to blaze a new trail in film design. It was in the course of that effort that it developed a proprietary technology that controls the crystal structure of PPS films. It thereby maintained the outstanding properties of PPS polymer while dramatically increasing thermal resistance. Testing to 250°C confirmed that Toray’s new PPS film does not deform. Increasing thermal resistance should make it possible to employ existing processing facilities of circuit boards. Toray attained a low coefficient of thermal expansion in the thickness direction of 98 ppm/°C by employing technology it has amassed over many years to control the orientation of film molecular chains. The diverse applications that leveraging those features, including 5G transmission cables and antennas, should enable the design of smaller, multi-layered circuit boards. By taking advantage of the high thermal dimensional stability and cost-competitiveness of TORELINA, its biaxially-oriented PPS film, Toray looks to secure the adoption of its new film in the FPC market, particularly for smartphones, and thereafter cultivate diverse applications, including for vehicular usage and base stations. In so doing, the company will create new value in keeping with its corporate philosophy of contributing to society through innovative ideas, technologies, and products.
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Toray Innovates Seawater Reverse Osmosis Membranes to the World’s Highest Level of Water Production Performance
Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has created a seawater desalinating reverse osmosis (RO) membrane that makes it possible to produce 70% more clean drinking water than conventional offerings. It is thus the world’s most energy-effective seawater RO membrane. RO is a water production technology using semipermeable membrane. By applying pressure higher than osmotic pressure of feed water, RO membranes can exclude sodium, calcium, and other metal ions, chloride, sulfate, and other anions, and such low-molecular organic compounds as agrochemicals. Toray’s advanced membrane afford users higher throughput water production without consuming more energy, cutting process costs. Toray puts forward this membrane on market in three years, expanding RO technique in desalination plants. Toray announced this new membrane technology at the International Desalination Association’s World Congress in Dubai 2019 in October. Providing clean water and sanitation for all people is one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This is a major challenge in a world facing ever greater water shortages and water pollution. Technological advances with RO membrane-based water treatment has lowered water production costs. The adoption of this technology to help solve water issues has progressed around the globe, particularly among desalination plants in the Middle East. The world is on the cusp of deploying huge plants with daily production of many thousands to millions of metric tons of water. Hopes are rising for technologies that can deliver excellent water quality and production rate while constraining energy consumption. The issue with conventional RO membranes, however, is that they pose a tradeoff, with water quality declining as water production rate rises, prompting a need to develop new technology. To date, the company utilized the top-class nanomaterial analysis capabilities of Toray Research Center as part of its research and technology development program to undertake ultrafine-structural analysis of RO membranes with nanometer-sized (a billionth of a meter) separation functional layers. The company accordingly identified the relationships between protuberance structures and water production rate and between pore structures and water quality. This effort culminated in Toray developing a new precision interfacial polymerization technology for forming a separation functional layer, simultaneously controlling the surface area and thickness of the protuberance structure and pore diameter. This has made it possible to selectively and efficiently produce pure water from seawater, thus maintaining quality while boosting water production. Our new membrane technology aims for a solution to restore the environment and to resolve water shortage, allowing everyone enjoy access to clean water. Toray pursues this vision by leveraging its research and technological development of innovative technologies and advanced materials.
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Toray Creates World’s First Porous Carbon Fiber with Continuous Pore Structure New material could benefit environment by enhancing performance
Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has created the world’s first porous carbon fiber with a nanosized continuous pore structure. Using this fiber as a support layer could lighten advanced membranes used in greenhouse gas separation and hydrogen production and make them more compact, thereby enhancing performance. The company will keep pushing ahead with R&D for this new material to foster carbon recycling, collaborating with other entities in developing applications to sustainably tap hydrogen energy and shrink environmental footprints. Absorption- and adsorption-based facilities conventionally separate carbon dioxide, biogas, hydrogen, and other gases. The issue with such setups, however, is that they are large and consume a lot of energy, resulting in heavy carbon dioxide emissions. Gas separation methods employing membranes have thus attracted considerable attention. But despite ongoing research, no membranes have yet combined satisfactory gas separation performance and durability. Toray’s new material is chemically stable because it comprises carbon, and offers outstanding gas permeability. The material employs thin, flexible fibers, so when it is used to support gas membranes a module can house many of them. Modules can thus be compact and light. Such support makes it possible to combine a range of gas separation layers. Toray looks to contribute to the swift commercialization of advanced separation membranes that are vital to materializing eco-friendly natural gas and biogas purification and hydrogen production. Toray innovated its new material by combining its outstanding polymer technology with its market share-leading carbon fiber technologies and water treatment and other separation membrane technologies. Harnessing its polymer technology enabled the company to create a porous carbon fiber with uniformly continuous pores and carbon. It is possible to set nano- through micro-level pore sizes for porous structures. Another possibility is to create a hollow fiber-shaped porous carbon fiber in the center of a fiber. Prospective applications leveraging the excellent adsorption of Toray’s new material include electrode materials and catalyst carriers (base substances for fixing other substances) in high-performance batteries. Toray will open its R&D Innovation Center for the Future in December this year. The new facility will serve as a global headquarters for strategic innovations by engaging with academic institutions and key partners from diverse fields. The company will collaborate with several partners in efforts leveraging its new material in a drive to commercialize more advanced gas separation membranes. Under the Toray Group Sustainability Vision, the company looks to keep developing technologies that help materialize low-carbon economies by 2050 by contributing to resolutions of environmental, resources, and energy issues.
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Toray Starts Manufacturing Resin Compounds in India
Toray Industries, Inc., today announced that Toray Industries (India) Private Limited began manufacturing polyamide (PA) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) at a new facility in September. These resins offer outstanding toughness and resistance to heat and chemicals. Key applications include components for automotive and electrical and electronic. This first Indian plastic compounding unit of a Japanese manufacturer should reach its full operating capacity of around 5,000 metric tons in the near future. The Indian economy is set to expand at around 6% annually from 2019 through 2030. Demand should grow for engineering plastics as rising incomes drive demand for luxury and high-value-added goods, among them automobiles and appliances. Toray set up the new facility to swiftly capitalize on this potential and build its business in India by stabilizing supplies and cutting lead times, optimizing inventories and delivery, and bolstering local development. Toray also looks to produce polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) at the Indian facility and set up a technical center there to serve a rising local need for high-performance products and materials. Identifying Indian requirements in product development will equip Toray to cater more responsively to increasingly complex customer requirements amid tightening environmental regulations. One basic strategy of Project AP-G 2019, Toray's medium-term management program, is to expand and advance its global business. The company accordingly plans to position the Sri City plant of Toray Industries (India) as a base for serving the Indian, Southeast Asian, and other markets around the world. Profile of Toray Industries (India) Private Limited 1. Date established: January 2014 2. Headquarters: Gurgaon, Haryana, near New Delhi 3. Capitalization: 10,543 million Indian rupees 4. Shareholders: Toray Industries, Inc., and Toray International, Inc. 5. CEO: Shigekazu Suenaga 6. Businesses: Researching the Indian market, supporting the Toray Group's expansion in and entry into India, and manufacturing resin compounds
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HUBER+SUHNER leading the way in Fiber Connectivity at ECOC 2019
HUBER+SUHNER, leading manufacturer of components and system solutions for electrical and optical connectivity, will debut its LISA Double Access solution for the first time at ECOC 2019, as part of its extensive Fiber Connectivity portfolio. The high-density and modular cross-connect fiber management system solution from HUBER+SUHNER provides a maximum of 3600 ports per rack making it crucial to the support of high-density applications and critical to future-proofing the industry. With no room for downtime in the data center, the reliable and highly efficient solution provides a separation of incoming and outgoing optical connectivity, which can be managed with ultimate ease and maximum efficiency. “We realise that the LISA Double Access has long been the technology of choice and is an important aspect of network design for our customers,” said Eduardo Lopes, Head of Product Management Fiber Management Systems (FMS) at HUBER+SUHNER.“ As pioneers in cost-effective cross-connect connectivity solutions, we are convinced that the use of a comprehensive, but simply structured fiber optic management system is crucial for the successful operation of a data center due to the vulnerability of fiber optic cabling.” Alongside the LISA Double Access will be the IANOS® fiber management system, which provides flexibility for managing high volumes of cables and data rates. Providing an ideal foundation for supporting data rates from 1G to 400G and beyond, this innovative system offers operators a flexible approach to the future with its pay-as-you-go approach. Also joining HUBER+SUHNER’s line-up at ECOC 2019, is its novel Wavelength Division Multiplexer Coupling Module (WCM) for chip on-board low-cost transceivers assemblies. Featuring between two and eight lambdas based on TFF filters and CUBO’s direct beam bouncing polymer optical bench technology, the WCM provides ultra-low loss performance to couple and (de)mux two-to-eight laser diodes or photo detectors from a PCB board into a fiber receptacle. It enables transceiver or optical board manufacturers to assemble the non-hermetic optical bench in a very low-cost passive way directly on top of the photo detectors or lasers integrated in their PCB board. Adding to the extensive Fiber Connectivity range already presented, HUBER+SUHNER Cube Optics (CUBO) will also debut its new 400G PAM4 Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly (ROSA) at the event. Designed for use in 400GBase-FR transceivers, the four-channel demultiplexer – which contains four integrated photo detectors with linear transimpedance amplifiers – operates at 56GBaud lane speed and features an optical LC receptacle input and electrical flex foil output. The high sensitivity of -4.6dBm eliminates the need to use additional expensive and power-hungry DSP chips in the transceiver, while still meeting IEEE specifications. Focusing on its vertical integration, HUBER+SUHNER will exhibit its acclaimed Fiber Connectivity portfolio in Dublin. Designed with extensive knowledge and expertise in fiber optical connectivity, attendees are invited to see a whole host of market-leading solutions including its LC, SC and E2000 connectors, alongside cables, pig-tails, patch-cords and cable systems. “As fiber becomes increasingly important in delivering the next-generation applications and services that customers have come to expect, the industry will be looking at future-proofed solutions to keep up with the unprecedented demand,” added Mirjad Keka, Market Manager at HUBER+SUHNER. “With its prestigious reputation for all things fiber, ECOC is the perfect place for us to showcase our range of leading Fiber Connectivity solutions that are shaping the industry today and getting them ready for the exponential demands yet to come.” Additionally, visitors to the stand can interact with the innovative HUBER+SUHNER Polatis portfolio, which will present award-winning all-optical switches for software-defined provisioning, protection, monitoring and testing. This year, Polatis will include a live demonstration of the new integrated battery-backed optical cross-connects for reliable fiber-layer automation of edge datacentre networks, as well as SDN integration of optical switch network elements of up to 384x384 fiber ports with leading orchestrator platforms. Finally, at booth 230 the IBM Research team and Polatis will show how POWER™ and OpenCAPI ecosystems, combined with the latest optical networking technology, allow creation of on-demand disaggregated platforms for future Cloud Data Centers. Visitors can find HUBER+SUHNER at stand 25, 23-25 September, at ECOC 2019 Exhibition at the Royal Dublin Showground, Dublin, Ireland.
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Swedish Steel Prize 2019 is now open for entry
The Swedish Steel Prize is an award for ideas and products that have an impact on future steel solutions, and it attracts competitors from across the world. It will be awarded on November 14th, 2019 in Stockholm, Sweden as part of the Swedish Steel Prize 2019 event. Applications are now being accepted. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Swedish Steel Prize. Over the past two decades, the award has inspired creative engineers, designers and inventors to utilize the endless potential of steel to change our world for the better. The Swedish Steel Prize is open to any individual, company or institution and is awarded to the method or product that best displays how the properties of the chosen grade of steel has contributed to a significant innovation. All entries are assessed by an independent jury. Together they review each entry based on its level of innovation, creativity, sustainability, performance and competitiveness. Out of the box thinking as well as entries addressing the environment, digital solutions and new trends in the economy are especially encouraged. “The Swedish Steel Prize is a celebration of innovation and good engineering. We are looking for solutions that really push the limits of steel – alone or in a combination with another material – and with a sustainable or digital twist that can help make the world a better place,” explains Eva Petursson, Chair of the Swedish Steel Prize jury and head of SSAB’s research and innovation. The winner of the Swedish Steel Prize receives a diploma, a statuette by the sculptor Jörg Jeschke and intense media exposure. In conjunction with the Swedish Steel Prize event, SSAB will also make a SEK 100,000 donation to charity. The prize ceremony takes place at the end of a fascinating and renowned event where participants from across the world meet to learn about new steel technologies, be inspired, network with peers and celebrate innovation.
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Toray Develops New PPS Resin with World’s Highest Flexibility Level
Toray Industries, Inc. (head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Akihiro Nikkaku; hereinafter referred to as “Toray”) announced today that it succeeded in developing a new polyphenylene sulfide (hereinafter referred to as “PPS”) resin with the world’s highest flexibility level while maintaining its superior heat resistance and chemical resistance. The company plans to start proposing applications of the new resin primarily for automobiles in April this year and will pursue expansion of its application into various industrial material fields. PPS resin is a super engineering plastic with well-balanced superior heat resistance and chemical resistance properties, and its sales are growing at an annual pace of about 7%. It is widely used primarily in automobile applications, which requires heat resistance, light weight and high strength to replace metals, and PPS resin containing elastomer is used in applications that require flexibility such as washers and automobile piping. However, there was a limit to adding flexibility to PPS resin while maintaining heat resistance and chemical resistance and the development of PPS resin with high flexibility had been a challenge over many years. Toray succeeded in the development of the novel PPS resin, with the world’s highest flexibility level of 1,200 MPa or less in elastic modulus, by optimizing the polymer structure using its innovative material design based on a technology database accumulated in research and development over many years and the alloy precise control technology based on its proprietary nanoalloy® technology. Mechanical strength of the new PPS resin does not deteriorate even after 1,000 hours of treatment at 170℃ and it has also been confirmed to have high resistance to acids and vehicle coolants, which is required in actual operating environment. The company also has been driving forward verification of processability with an eye on deployment in automobile piping application and optimization of resin property. The newly developed PPS resin is expected to enable the use of resin for automobile piping, which has not been possible until now, reduction in the number of parts used and simplification of process. Toray has already begun recommending the material for automobile piping and is preparing for a production system for the resin towards full-scale promotion of the material. In the Toray Group Sustainability Vision announced in July 2018, Toray declared offering of essential solutions through provision of innovative technologies and advanced materials to balance the challenges of development and sustainability faced by the world. The new PPS resin material was developed by evolving the two core technologies of polymer chemistry and nanotechnology it has been nurturing since its inception in 1926. Toray will widely propose the resin as a material that realizes “a net zero emissions world, where greenhouse gas emissions are completely offset by absorption,” which the Toray Group aims for, through energy saving from weight reduction.
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Dachser focuses on lithium-ion technology
By 2022, logistics provider Dachser plans to replace all of its roughly 6,000 ground conveyors in Europe with vehicles powered by energy-saving lithium-ion batteries. Compared to conventional lead-acid batteries, the lithium-ion variety lasts three times longer and boasts significantly shorter charging times. This increases the flexibility of using vehicles equipped with these batteries, and does away with the need for special rooms set aside for battery charging. The resulting freed-up space in transit terminals can be used for cargo handling. “When you factor in the savings in avoided maintenance and damage costs, since the batteries no longer have to be taken out of the vehicle every day for charging, then having a lithium-ion fleet has already paid for itself today,” explains André Bilz, Team Leader Fleet Management Terminal Equipment at Dachser. The switch is also good news for environmental sustainability. For one thing, the conventional batteries, which have to be replaced after about 1,200 charging cycles, contain lead, a toxic heavy metal. For another, the lithium-ion batteries conserve energy and thus save some 1,600 kilograms of CO2 per vehicle per year. Multiply that by 6,000 ground conveyors and you get 9.6 million kilograms of CO2 annually. “Dachser invests continuously in cutting-edge logistics facilities and equipment, which ultimately enhances the quality of its services,” explains Michael Schilling, Dachser’s COO Road Logistics. “This modernization project is an excellent example of how profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand, which in turn produces benefits for our customers.” By 2022, Dachser wants to convert all its Road Logistics locations in Europe to this new technology. The switch will be made step by step; locations will not operate both technologies together. Lithium-ion technology has already been successfully introduced in the Radeburg and Erlensee (Food Logistics) branches, and will now be followed by construction and expansion of facilities, for example in Freiburg and Munich, the plans for which will include the necessary electrical infrastructure from the outset. In looking at the many suppliers of ground conveyors, once again Dachser aims to work with the leading manufacturers. And as for battery technology, charging infrastructure, and energy management software, the logistics provider has selected Triathlon to be its preferred supplier. This switch to lithium-ion technology is by no means the end of the project: “Together with our partners, we will be driving forward the development of ground conveyor technology. Our aim is to increase the vehicles’ usability by making them smaller, more maneuverable, and more lightweight,” Bilz says.
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Chemetall will present best practices on Improving Productivity of the Anodizing Processes at ALUMINIUM 2018 World Trade Fair & Conference
Chemetall, the Surface Treatment global business unit of the Coatings division of BASF, will be exhibiting and presenting at the 12th World Trade Fair & Conference, known as ALUMINIUM 2018, at the Messe Düsseldorf, Germany. Mr. Oliver Katschmareck, Global Product Manager for Anodizing and Conversion Coating, will be featured at the conference’s “Aluminium - Material for the Future” where his presentation, “Improving Productivity of the Anodizing Process” will cover ideas for improvement within the anodizing process through case study results from customer experiences globally. The session will take place on October 10, at 9:50 AM, Congress Center Ost, Messe Düsseldorf. - Improving Productivity of the Anodizing Process with Chemetall Aluminum pretreatment and anodizing with Chemetall products generate desired surfaces. Excellent adhesion and corrosion protection performance are achieved with Chemetall’s approved products and customized processes. A comprehensive and established product portfolio with relevant quality approvals from organizations such as Qualicoat, GSB International, AAMA is available for all aluminum finishing applications. The Gardobond® and Oxsilan® product lines combine eco-friendly properties (chrome-free, heavy-metal-free) with process advantages including multi-metal applications, energy and water savings. Highlights include: Gardobond X 4707, chrome-free, zirconium and titanium based pretreatment process for aluminum substrates, enhances corrosion protection and maximizes adhesion. Gardoclean® Eco-friendly cleaners, include effective borate and phosphate-free degreasers for aluminium. The Gardoclean® line provides energy savings opportunities, long service life, easy bath control, and more benefits for your processes. New Generation of additives for alkaline long-life etch - Chemetall’s new etching technology for aluminum produces a very matt, fine-grained, and uniform surface finish with reduced metal removal and optical appearance close to that of acidic etched surfaces. Gardo® Etch additives also help reduce NaOH-consumption. Gardo® Seal - Additives for sealing of anodized aluminum. This metal-free technology provides an extended service life of processing bathes with excellent quality sealing process, measured by the weight loss test according to DIN EN ISO 3210. Special formulations for colored surfaces are also available. To further discuss the benefits of Chemetall’s comprehensive portfolio and solutions for aluminium finishing and anodizing processes, the Chemetall team is available to meet in-person, and offer a complimentary 3-day ticket for your visit at the ALUMINIUM 2018 Trade Fair. The ALUMINIUM 2018 Trade Fair take place from October 9th to October 11th, 2018, and is accompanied by the ALUMINIUM 2018 Conference, highlighting latest aluminum industry topics through varied lectures and forum discussions. Chemetall offers global know-how and has the ability to work in close partnership with customers to meet their manufacturing needs. For more information about our participation at Aluminium 2018 or questions about our complimentary 3-day tickets, please contact: kasumi.almeida@partners.basf.com Chemetall’s anodizing experts will highlight proven innovative technologies at booth 12G12.
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Less waste and energy usage result of Olofsfors switch to SSAB steel
ins Olofsfors, a Swedish manufacturer of steel products for the forestry and construction industries, has reduced its material usage, optimized its production process and developed a lighter, more fuel-efficient product. How? By moving its production in house and switching to SSAB Boron 27 steel. “We have transitioned from using pre-manufactured parts to buying steel that we press and manufacture in house,” explains Maria Ragnarsson, Olofsfors’ Head of Purchasing and Logistics. “Now that we control our production process, we’re generating less waste and making a more sustainable product.” In 2008, Olofsfors opted to bring the production process for its ECO-Tracks for forestry machines in house. In the search for a supplier to provide the steel for the side supports on the tracks, it chose SSAB Boron 27 steel. “Quality is one of our top priorities,” says Ragnarsson. “If we want to produce the right quality, the material we use has to meet the required quality standards. “We chose steel from SSAB because it maintains a high, consistent level of quality and because SSAB is a sustainably minded company that is also a relatively local supplier to us here in northern Sweden,” she continues. In addition to optimizing fuel consumption as a result of the lightweight properties of SSAB’s steel, the switch to SSAB Boron 27 has resulted in less material use, less waste and improved sustainability for Olofsfors. “The material waste percentage from cut steel can be as high as 50 percent, but, with SSAB’s steel, we’ve reduced that number significantly. Our material use is down too. We make some 400,000 side supports a year and, for each one, we’re saving between half a kilo and a kilo of steel. So we’re heating less steel and wasting less steel,” says Olofsfors’ Strategic Product Developer, Mats Frangén. “SSAB is committed to reducing its long-term climate impact and that’s something we value when choosing our suppliers. With SSAB, we use and transport less material, all of which has a positive impact on our carbon emissions,” concludes Maria Ragnarsson.
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Aluminium China 2018 marks new industry chapter following positive performance indicators
This year’s Aluminium China exhibition and conference in July will provide a platform for China’s rapidly changing and expanding aluminium industry and showcase new state-of-the-art processes and products. Since the launch of the ‘Made in China 2025’ strategy more than two years ago, China has made great strides towards becoming the world’s leading manufacturing hub. And it is against this backdrop that the Chinese aluminium industry is shifting its focus from speed to high- quality growth and gearing up for technological advances, driven by demand from global industries such as aerospace, automotive, building and construction, transportation and consumer durables. The success of this strategy is demonstrated by Chinese company Nanshan Aluminum that has started manufacturing high-end aluminum materials for Boeing and Airbus. Aluminium China 2018 will focus on global innovation and put the spotlight on aerospace and automotive materials and new processing technologies, along with innovative, smart and green manufacturing trends, helping to open up a new chapter in the aluminium industry. With overcapacity easing and strong environmental protection measures put in place in 2017, domestic and international aluminium prices have risen sharply, causing demand for new facilities and the need to recover capacity, which currently lies idle. In 2017, China’s electrolytic aluminium output was 36.5 million tons, representing an increase of 12.2%; while downstream processed output, including aluminium sheets, extrusion, foils, wires, powders and casts, was 38.2 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 8.5%. At the same time, aluminium consumption has continued to rise, thanks to new emerging markets. According to Reed Exhibitions China, the organiser of Aluminium China, this year’s event will feature a larger exhibition area than in 2017 and the number of trade visitors is expected to surpass 20,000. International visitors will come mainly from Southeast Asia, with Thailand providing the largest contingent. Reed is working with the Thai government, industry associations and other bodies to invite industry spokespeople to join discussions on industrial policy, in-depth analysis of the aluminium processing and consumption market, as well as putting the spotlight on topics such as the impact of new tariffs imposed on aluminium imported to the US. Aluminium China 2018 will play its part in boosting industry growth as the event continues to attract more and more industry leaders. Confirmed exhibitors include leading local giants such as CHALCO, Zhongwang, Weiqiao, Nanshan, Conglin, Nannan, Zhongfu, Nanping, Lufeng, Mingtai, Mingde, Fenglu, Yunhai, Yuhang, and Hesheng. International players like UACJ, Constellium, Danieli, Pyrotek, Tenova, Fronius, AP&T and Panasonic will also be there. The event takes place in the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) from the July 11 to 13, 2018. Collocated with Aluminium China this year will be Lightweight Asia 2018. This event will feature advanced lightweight auto materials for whole vehicles and automotive parts and combine a one-stop procurement platform for lightweight auto solutions with insights into advanced processing technologies.
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Alcantara S.p.A Press Conference on Entry into Korea
On the morning of October 27th, Alcantara S.p.A held a press conference at the K Museum of Contemporary Art in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The event was organized to announce the official launch of Italian material brand Alcantara S.p.A in the Korean market, and was attended by CEO of Alcantara S.p.A, Andrea Boragno. Andrea Boragno, CEO of Alcantara S.p.A, said, "Alcantara continues to explore the unlimited possibilities that Alcantara materials and brands have through collaborations with global brands that want constant innovation." Also, "I hope that Korean companies that are leading the global market in various industries from high-tech to modern lifestyle, such as automobiles, tech devices, fashion and interior, will be able to maximize brand value and create new growth engines through Alcantara." ▲ CEO Andrea Boragno said, "I hope that Korean companies will be able to maximize brand value and create new growth engines through Alcantara." Alcantara S.p.A was founded in 1972 by Italian ENU Group and Toray Group to commercialize the patented Alcantara material invented by Okamoto Miyoshi, a researcher of the Japanese Toray Group in 1970. Alcantara is a silk-like material that only Alcantara S.p.A can produce. It is lightweight and durable. Especially, it can be processed into various colors and thicknesses through customization, and it has flame retardant, antibacterial and waterproof function. Alcantara has also been introduced as an optimal material for consumers looking for a modern lifestyle because it is easy to clean and use. Because of these advantages, Alcantara is already widely used in various fields with its high usability. First, because of its luxurious touch and fire-resistant characteristics, it is used as interior materials for automobiles in cars around the world such as Ferrari, Maserati, Bentley and Lamborghini. In addition to being able to customize as designer wants, also has comfort and practicality, so it is collaborating with fashion brands such as Chanel, Swarovski, and interior companies such as Torre, Renoir Rosé, Leo Lux and Capellini. In addition, it is used in a variety of applications such as headphones and speakers of Sennheiser and Onkyo and high-end consumer devices like Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet, so it is getting good response from consumers. Especially recently, Samsung Electronics has also used Alcantara material in cases of Galaxy S8, S8+ and Galaxy Note 8, which are flagship smartphones. ▲ Lamborghini's supercar, which uses Alcantara as its interior material, was on display. ▲ Alcantara is widely used in home interiors. ▲ Samsung Electronics also used Alcantara for the case of its flagship smart phone. Alcantara has announced plans to expand its presence in Asia's material markets through its entry into Korea. To do this, it plans to increase its application areas by actively seeking cooperation with Korean and Asian companies in various industries in the future. In addition, the company plans to invest more than 300 million euros in 5 years from now to prepare for the expansion of demand. Alcantara S.p.A, on the other hand, has met the carbon neutrality standard of TÜV SÜD, which is an international certification organization since 2009, based on environmentally friendly mind. In 2011, Alcantara S.p.A went one step further from carbon neutral in the production process, achieving carbon neutrality throughout the entire process of distribution, consumption and disposal. In this regard, CEO Andrea Boragno said, "Alcantara is a future-oriented, environment-friendly material that has received carbon neutral certification since 2009 as a non-animal raw material. Therefore, we expect that Alcantara will meet the needs of trendy and stickle Korean consumers who are interested in environmental protection."
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LyondellBasell to Build the World's Largest PO/TBA Plant in Texas
LyondellBasell announced the final investment decision to build the world's largest propylene oxide (PO) and tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) plant in the Houston area. The project is estimated to cost approximately $2.4 billion, representing the single-largest capital investment in the company's history. At the peak of construction, the project is expected to create up to 2,500 jobs and approximately 160 permanent positions when operational. LyondellBasell has made the final investment decision to build the world’s largest PO/TBA plant at its Channelview Complex in Texas. The $2.4 billion project is the company’s single largest capital investment to date and upon completion will produce an anticipated 1 billion pounds of propylene oxide and 2.2 billion pounds of tertiary butyl alcohol annually. LyondellBasell has made the final investment decision to build the world’s largest PO/TBA plant at its Channelview Complex in Texas. The $2.4 billion project is the company’s single largest capital investment to date and upon completion will produce an anticipated 1 billion pounds of propylene oxide and 2.2 billion pounds of tertiary butyl alcohol annually. Once in operation, the plant will produce an anticipated 1 billion pounds (470,000 metric tons) of PO and 2.2 billion pounds (1 million metric tons) of TBA annually. PO is used in the manufacture of bedding, furniture, carpeting, coatings, building materials and adhesives, while the TBA will be converted to two ether-based oxyfuels, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE). Both MTBE and ETBE are high-octane gasoline components that help gasoline burn cleaner and reduce emissions from automobiles. LyondellBasell plans to sell the PO and derivative products to both domestic and global customers, while the oxyfuels will be primarily sold into Latin America and Asia. A portion of the TBA will remain in the domestic market in the form of high purity isobutylene which is used in tires and lubricants. The majority of the products will be exported via the Houston Ship Channel. The PO/TBA project will have a split facility design to optimize product balances and realize synergies between LyondellBasell sites. The proposed location for the PO/TBA plant is the LyondellBasell Channelview Complex located in Channelview, Texas. The associated ethers unit, which will convert TBA to oxyfuels, is proposed for the company's Bayport Complex near Pasadena, Texas. The company has completed front-end engineering design work and received the required environmental permits. Site preparation is underway and construction is expected to begin during the second half of 2018. It is anticipated the project will be completed by the middle of 2021. Final site selection is contingent upon final approval of certain economic incentives by the state of Texas. The PO/TBA project is part of LyondellBasell's $5 billion organic growth program taking place on the U.S. Gulf Coast. LyondellBasell recently completed ethylene expansion projects at the company's La Porte, Channelview and Corpus Christi sites in Texas, finalizing a multi-year plan to increase annual ethylene capacity in the U.S. by 2 billion pounds (900,000 metric tons). Additionally, LyondellBasell began construction of a world-scale polyethylene (PE) plant at its La Porte Complex, which utilizes the company's proprietary Hyperzone PE technology and will more than double that site's PE capacity to 2 billion pounds (900,000 metric tons) per year upon completion in 2019.
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Dow Chemical ‘LABSense’ Collaboration Model Press Conference
On the morning of July 6, Dow Chemical held ‘LABSense’ collaboration model press conference at COEX Intercontinental Hotel, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The event is prepared for introducing Dow Chemical’s new collaboration model, ‘LABSense.’ Chad Holzer, Global Business Director of Dow Chemical, Suiniaty Basirun, Business Director of Dow Chemical Asia-Pacific area, and Kwon Hyung-jun, Director of Dow Chemical Korea, attended the event. Chad Holzer said, “LABSense provides brand operators the chance to collaborate with Dow’s ingredient scientists and trend experts, and the value more than that.” And “Of course, as well as shaping the concept of complete product based on Dow’s ingredients and using them at demonstration, it is possible to satisfy demand of the market quickly and effectively by responding to the consistent change of consumer trend.” ▲ Dow Chemical held the press conference introducing ‘LABSense.’ ▲ Chad Holzer said, “Various chances and values will be provided through ‘LABSense’.” According to the announcement, ‘LABSense,’ presented from Dow Chemical’s ‘Home, Institutional, Personal Care Solution Department,’ is a collaboration model for personal care brand operators. It is a program where brand operators from each region can consider and share information together at Dow Chemical so that they can accelerate innovation. This model supports related information such as ingredients, components, or combination to let companies manufacturing personal care products, construct the complete product concept that is the closest to the recent consumer trend. Especially, as it is the collaboration process progressed in terms of labs so that it could be progressed on a small scale, it has the advantages that brand operators would feel less financial and scalar burden, and rapidly respond to the trends. In addition, Dow Chemical explained that, in case of finding out the optimal concept of complete product, it is possible to extend the scale through small scale process. Likewise, Dow Chemical named the concept, created through ‘process making the best product by collaborative companies and Dow Chemical putting their heads together,’ ‘Hero Concepts.’ In case of the products created through this ‘Hero Concepts,’ they are connected with deeper collaborative relationships than the concept of ODM, which is well used in the recent cosmetic industry. Therefore, as well as personal care products like lotion and cleanser could maintain luxurious, it will be easier to respond to the recent trend that pursues multifunctional sustainability. Meanwhile, to inform this policy, Dow Chemical participates ‘In-Cosmetics Korea 2016,’ which is held at COEX over two days until July 7, promotes ‘LABSense,’ and argues cooperative plans with personal care brand operators. Moreover, it introduces various complete product concepts for demonstration of main components for personal care products that satisfy demands of domestic and global consumers. ▲ ‘LABSense’ provides scientifically expert knowledge through collaboration with each lab. ▲ Through knowledge about premium ingredients, it suggests improved portfolio. ▲ It is explained that it can satisfy consumers’ demands and more easily respond to the recent trend. ▲ The products related to ‘Hero Concepts’ are introduced. ▲ Suiniaty Basirun demonstrated one of the ‘Hero Concepts’ products.
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