H.E. Saad Sherida Al-kaabi Receives the Energy Intelligence “Energy Executive of the Year” Award
His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, received the 2022 “Energy Executive of the Year” award, which was presented to him by Energy Intelligence – the world’s leading energy information company.
His Excellency Minister Al-Kaabi was elected earlier in the year by the leaders of the world’s top energy companies on the Energy Intelligence Top 100 rankings, making him the 26th winner of this prestigious award.
Receiving the award at a special ceremony held on the sidelines of the annual Energy Intelligence Forum in London, His Excellency Minister Al-Kaabi paid special tribute to the leadership of His Highness the Amir, saying: “I want to seize this opportunity to offer ample thanks and gratitude to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, for his unlimited support to the energy sector and to me personally.”
H.E. Minister Al-Kaabi also paid tribute to the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, the Deputy Amir, Chairman of the Board of QatarEnergy, and to his continuous guidance and support.
His Excellency said “This is an honor that I share with generations of Qataris and expatriates from all over the world, who challenged the elements and the hardships of this industry, and who worked with dedication and commitment, day and night, putting QatarEnergy and the State of Qatar firmly on the global energy map. This includes all our partners and every single member of every component of the widest spectrum of Qatar’s Energy Sector.”
In concluding his acceptance speech, His Excellency thanked Energy Intelligence as well as the industry leaders on the Energy Intelligence Top 100 list, who nominated him for their trust and confidence.
The selection process for the Energy Executive of the Year award – formerly known as the Petroleum Executive of the Year award – is administered by Energy Intelligence. The group gathers nominations from the heads of the world’s 100 largest oil and gas companies and stakeholders, as determined by the annual Energy Intelligence Top 100 rankings. Winners are chosen by a vote of the selection committee, comprised of previous award winners and senior industry executives.
BASF and Yara to Evaluate Low-Carbon Blue Ammonia Project at U.S. Gulf Coast
BASF and Yara Clean Ammonia are collaborating on a joint study to develop and construct a world-scale low-carbon blue ammonia production facility with carbon capture in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. The companies are looking into the feasibility of a plant with a total capacity of 1.2 to 1.4 million tons p.a. to serve the growing global demand for low-carbon ammonia.
“Yara and BASF have successfully collaborated in the past and we are pleased to explore a new clean ammonia project together. In line with Yara Clean Ammonia’s strategy, we are working systematically to develop asset-backed supply to decarbonize agriculture as well as serving new clean ammonia segments such as shipping fuel, power production and ammonia as a hydrogen carrier,” said Magnus Krogh Ankarstrand, President of Yara Clean Ammonia.
Approximately 95 percent of the carbon dioxide (CO2) generated from the production process is aimed to be captured and permanently stored in the ground. This would allow Yara to serve its customers with clean ammonia with a significantly reduced product carbon footprint. For BASF, the new plant would act as backward integration to serve the company’s demand for low-carbon ammonia and would lower the carbon footprint of its ammonia-based products.
“This project underlines BASF’s commitment to drive the sustainable transformation of the chemical industry. Our existing Verbund sites in the region with integrated material flows and advanced infrastructure would be ideally suited for the integration of a new world-scale ammonia facility that has the potential to significantly improve the carbon footprint of both our own operations and the various industries we serve,” said Dr. Ramkumar Dhruva, President Monomers Division, BASF.
BASF and Yara are long-standing collaboration partners and successfully operating a joint world-scale ammonia plant at BASF’s site in Freeport, Texas. The companies plan to complete the feasibility study on the low-carbon blue ammonia production facility by end of 2023.
The product characteristics of blue ammonia are identical to conventionally produced ammonia. Since the CO2 generated in the production process is captured and not released to the atmosphere, blue ammonia plays a significant role in the transition to alternative, less carbon-intensive products. BASF aims to reduce its absolute CO2 emissions by 25 percent by 2030 compared to 2018 and achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Yara has a strong track record in greenhouse gas abatement. Since becoming a listed company in 2004, Yara has almost halved its emissions and will reduce a further 30 percent by 2030. Yara aims to become climate-neutral and grow a nature-positive food future.
CO2BioClean: Turning CO₂ into Biodegradable Plastics
Interview with David Newman, Communications Manager at CO2BioClean
CO2BioClean is using an innovative process to produce biodegradable plastics and polymers from CO₂ as a circularly sourced feedstock. What is driving them is their vision for a sustainable future and the potential of their technology to contribute towards global efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions and the use of fossil fuels in the production of plastics.
David Newman.
In an interview with K-MAG, David Newman shares his insights on the potential of biodegradable plastics and polymers produced using CO₂. He discusses the advantages of these materials, their applications, and the company’s vision for the future of bioplastics.
What is the story behind the founding of CO2Bioclean and what is the startup’s big, overarching goal?
David Newman: Dr. Fabiana Fantinel and Dr. Alessandro Carfagnini, the two founders of the company, have collaborated on various research topics over the last eight years, with a focus on producing biodegradable plastics or polymers using circularly sourced feedstocks, particularly PHA. Their collective work led them to discover that carbon dioxide could be used as a resource to make PHA. Given that CO₂ is an unwanted emission in many industrial processes, the idea emerged that using it for the production of biopolymers was a win-win scenario: reducing unwanted CO₂ emissions and creating biodegradable polymers and plastics that can be used in various applications.
How does the production of biopolymers from CO₂ work?
Newman: The company has a number of patents that define the technological process. Without going into too much detail, the use of CO₂ is (in its simplest form) another carbon source. All chemicals are made from carbon. This process substitutes one type of carbon (oil, gas) with another (CO₂). As our website says “the CO₂ conversion process is based on high yield bacterial fermentation. The finishing is integrated with the conversion step, specific for end use e.g., compound or fibres.” So essentially, we use bacteria, or microbes to ferment the CO₂ into polymers.
For example, a biogas plant could be a place where one of CO2BioClean’s plants could be installed.
What are the advantages of biopolymers made from CO₂ compared to conventional plastics and other bioplastics?
Newman: The overriding advantage is that we use a gas which would otherwise have been emitted into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Therefore, we avoid this emission and reduce the use of fossil sources, such as oil and gas, which are currently used to produce most plastics globally. The de-fossilization of the chemical industry is a significant challenge that CO2Bioclean hopes to contribute to resolving.
How does this affect production costs in comparison?
Newman: Naturally, the traditional plastics industry has huge scale and decades of experience to mature processes and to become highly efficient. It will take time before innovative materials can compete on the same scale. Nevertheless, we believe that given the cost of emitting CO₂ from industrial processes, we have a financial basis to generate materials cost-effectively and compete with traditional plastics in some applications. The final costs will depend upon volumes, applications, and existing marketplaces. It’s important to note that in cases where biodegradability is required (for example, a teabag), the competition is not against traditional, non-biodegradable plastics, but against other bioplastics.
How do you estimate the market potential for biopolymers from CO₂ now and in the future?
Newman: We and our investors believe the potential marketplace to be enormous. Just substituting 2% of traditional plastics globally would create a marketplace of around 8 million tons. Current production of biodegradable plastics globally is little more than 1 million tons so you can see the potential growth there is and the demand grows every day.
Which products is the bioplastic suitable for?
Newman: Given that PHA has intrinsic biodegradability, it is particularly useful in applications where this quality is an advantage. For example, think of bags for collecting food waste, teabags, and coffee pads. PHA can also be used in fishing gear that is often lost at sea, medical applications where the plastic can biodegrade harmlessly within our bodies, and even in products used in the cosmetics industry. The significant advantage of these polymers is that they can return to the soil and biodegrade naturally without causing harm to the environment.
Another possibility for this approach could be a steel mill.
What are your next goals?
Newman: This year, we have made significant progress in building our state-of-the-art R&D platform near Frankfurt. To achieve this, we require the right people to work with us, as well as an intricate process of procurement and project management. It’s an exciting time for us.
How would you describe your vision for the future of bioplastics?
Newman: In March, President Biden announced his ambition for 90% of American plastics to be bioplastics within 20 years, which indicates the scale of the revolutionary change underway. China also has similar ambitions to grow its bioplastics industry. However, Europe is still lagging behind and needs to embrace this new industry more enthusiastically. We hope to demonstrate with our process that it can be done efficiently using carbon dioxide as a feedstock and contribute towards both climate and material goals that are fit for a climate-neutral Europe in 2050.
While the production may sound abstract, the potential applications are quite tangible. For example, bioplastics could be used regularly at the breakfast table in the form of tea bags or coffee pads.
Ingemar Bühler: “We Are Convinced That the UN Plastics Agreement Can Contribute to the Transformation of the Entire Plastics System”
General Manager, PlasticsEurope Germany eV
Member States of the United Nations want to end plastic pollution by 2040. Plastics Europe welcomes UNEA Resolution 5/14 “End plastic pollution: towards an international legally binding instrument” and supports the overarching goal of strengthening the circular economy. Among other things, the association advocates the introduction of binding recycling quotas for plastics.
Mr. Bühler, what measures do you think are necessary to combat the problem of plastic waste in the environment?
Ingemar Bühler: This requires a holistic approach that promotes both sustainable production and the closed cycle of plastics.
Non-fossil, circular raw materials can make a significant contribution to zero emissions in the plastics industry. This includes the extraction of carbon from recycled plastic waste and the separation of carbon from biomass and other carbonaceous raw materials (CCU). In order to promote the diversification of raw material sources and the increase in recycling rates, large-scale investments should now be made in these technologies.
Circular design is also essential to ending plastic waste pollution. The global plastics agreement should focus on the following core areas: reusable systems, sustainable use of plastic applications and design for recycling and circularity.
Waste management systems are the foundation of a sustainable circular economy. We support the establishment of such systems, which include the collection, sorting and recycling of all waste.
How do you see recycling rates?
Bühler: We firmly believe that setting recycling quotas is an effective measure to encourage investment in expanding the infrastructure for the targeted collection and recycling of plastics. Binding recycling quotas would help increase the demand for recycled materials in various sectors such as packaging, consumer goods and the automotive sector. At the same time, it gives the industry the necessary planning security for extensive investments in the circular economy in order to achieve the ambitious goal of the agreement.
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What do you suggest regarding bioplastics?
Bühler: For the transition to a climate-neutral circular economy, it is important to differentiate between bio-based plastics and biodegradable or compostable plastic applications in the agreement. We therefore support the introduction of global standards such as ISO 17088 for compostable plastics and ISO 16620 for bio-based plastics.
The biodegradability of plastics depends both on the properties of the plastic and on external environmental influences. It is therefore important to make a clear distinction in the agreement between certified compostable plastics that support the recycling of organic waste and ecologically biodegradable plastic applications. This distinction and clear labeling are crucial to avoid misunderstandings and confusion. Under no circumstances should biodegradability in the environment lead to an increase in waste generation or be used as an excuse to dispose of plastic waste in the environment.
Microplastics represent a major challenge in preventing plastic pollution. How can this challenge be addressed?
Bühler: We work closely with scientists to gain a better understanding of the formation of microplastics and their impact on the environment and health. At the same time, we are also engaging with policymakers and regulators to develop new measures to curb the release of microplastics.
A significant example of this is the Brigid5 project, an independent five-year research project involving renowned microplastics experts from around the world. This project is part of the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) MARII6 initiative, which focuses on industry-supported research on the impact of microplastics. The Global Plastics Agreement should continue to support such research initiatives.
Plastics Europe Germany.
What is your position as Plastics Europe on the UN plastic agreement?
Bühler: Combating environmental pollution from plastic waste is a key challenge of our time. We therefore welcome the goals of the UN agreement and are determined to decouple the plastics industry from the consumption of fossil resources. In order for plastics to continue to be used sensibly in the future, they must be recycled and kept in the cycle for as long as possible. However, harmonized criteria must be developed for this, which take into account the respective national and local circumstances as well as the political framework.
We are convinced that an international agreement that serves as a guide for global standardization and involves all stakeholders involved can make a significant contribution to the transformation of the entire plastics system.
Tianjin Tiaisi Plastic Products Co., Ltd. was established in December 1994, mainly producing research and development, production, manufacturing, and sales of vehicle interior and exterior injection molding, blow molding products, and ambient lighting. Our main customers include Toyota, Hongqi, Fengyue, AsChem, Fuwei Dongyang ( Volkswagen), Beijing Mercedes Benz, etc. There are three branches in Tianjin, Changchun, and Chengdu. The annual production capacity of Changchun TiAiSi will reach 6 million plastic products.
In 2020, BOLE officially launched a cooperation with TIAISI. With the introduction of BOLE injection molding machines into TIAISI ‘s factory, TIAISI has made significant improvements in product quality, production efficiency, and energy consumption costs.
“BOLE provide high quality machines so that we can produce higher quality product!” TIAISI said, “That’s why us keep choosing BOLE.”
At present, there are 44 BOLE Hydraulic injection molding machines in the factory of TIAISI,and 6 sets full electrical machines below 500 tons, the other two platen machines above 850 tons. Large two platen machines mainly produce vehicle interior and exterior decorations, while small and medium-sized full electric machines mainly produce automotive lighting accessories. The injection weight repeatability accuracy of Bole machine is 3 ‰, and the product qualification rate is 99%, with a comprehensive production efficiency of 93.5%. Bole provides mature product processes and reliable injection molding machines to solve customers’ worries.
As a leading manufacturer of high-quality modular, standardised components as well as individually planned hot runner systems, HASCO offers innovative and economical solutions for designers, mouldmakers and injection moulders from a single source. The participants of the BeNeLux event were able to see this for themselves.
An interesting programme awaited our Belgian and Dutch customers during the event. In addition to exciting CAD topics, the influence of additives in polymers was also on the agenda.
The guests were enthusiastic about the extraordinary ambience of the event. The journey through the world of standards was carried out within the framework of a boat trip, rounded off by a guided sightseeing tour.
At the informal conclusion of the event, the participants used their time for networking. The HASCO team with Gwen Budé, Area Sales Manager BeNeLux and Roy Matulessy, Technical Sales Engineer Netherlands, and the guests, all agreed: “We are all in the same boat and together we will find suitable solutions for the future.”
New HASCO Screw Plugs Made of Brass and Stainless Steel (HT)
Screw plugs are usually used to securely close temperature control bores in injection molding tools.
Reliable thread sealing
The new HASCO screw plugs Z9410/… with collar are available in a brass version with a special FKM O-ring and in a high-temperature version made of stainless steel. The O-ring, which in the HT version consists of a high-temperature-resistant FKM material, ensures reliable sealing of the temperature control bores even without an additional thread seal.
Production losses due to leaks are significantly minimized
Both screw plugs are suitable for process-reliable temperature control of injection molds with hot or cold water or heat transfer oil. The low compression set enables optimal use, with production downtimes due to leaks being significantly minimized. They are easy to assemble and disassemble.
While the screw plug Z 9410/… made of quality brass material 2.0401 can be used for temperatures up to 120°C with water and oil, the operating temperatures for the HT version made of quality stainless steel 1.4305 with special high-temperature O-rings are included up to 180°C for water and 220°C for oil. They ensure reliable tightness even with large temperature differences.
HASCO’s HT screw plugs are ideal for applications in medical and clean room technology.
High Corrosion Resistance – HASCO Sealing Plugs Made of Stainless Steel
When constructing the temperature control system of an injection mold, sealing plugs are used both for deflecting the temperature control medium and for sealing the bores to the outside.
Ideal for use in medical and clean room technology
The new HASCO sealing plugs Z9425/…/VA made of stainless steel are particularly suitable for use in clean rooms, for example in medical technology. They enable process-reliable temperature control of injection molding tools when using hot or cold water and when using tempering oil. The sealing plugs are temperature-resistant up to 180°C and have very good corrosion resistance. Internal pressures in the temperature control system of up to 10 bar can be achieved without any problems.
Easy assembly with Torx screw
The high quality stainless steel 1.4305 guarantees reliable and durable temperature control applications. Thanks to the Torx geometry of the fastening screw, the plugs are easy to install, and the required torques are safely transmitted without damaging the inner profile. While the assembly of horizontally running temperature control bores is easy to do, the sealing plug for vertical bores can be slightly oversized by screwing in the Torx screw before assembly in order to exploit the friction with the bore wall. This enables controlled positioning even under vertical installation conditions.
HASCO – Investing in the Future to Guarantee Maximum Speed of Delivery
As a leading international manufacturer and supplier of modular standard mould units and accessories for tool and mouldmaking, HASCO has always endeavoured to deliver its precision products within the shortest possible time.
Investment in a modern fully automated small-parts warehouse
At its Lüdenscheid/Germany site, HASCO has now invested in a highly modern, fully automated small-parts warehouse in order to be in a position to process and deliver customer orders faster and more efficiently.
The new innovative autostore system has a capacity of 24,000 boxes, each with a maximum weight of 35 kg. Twenty robots occupy the order picking workplaces and enable around 720 picks an hour. With employees trained specifically for this new logistics concept, HASCO can in future respond even better to the ever more demanding market requirements.
Maximum speed of delivery worldwide
This investment enables highly flexible, even more effective and fully automated order processing. It is a further step in the continuous expansion of innovative logistic processes.
With more than 100,000 products, HASCO is the full-service provider for mouldmaking and reliably supplies its customers worldwide with everything from a single source.
NETZSCH CEO Felix Kleinert Hands over the Baton to Andreas Denker
Felix Kleinert retires and Andreas Denker takes over as successor
After almost a quarter of a century as Managing Director of the Waldkraibug-based company NETZSCH Pumpen & Systeme GmbH, Felix Kleinert is taking his well-deserved retirement. Kleinert’s time at NETZSCH will also come to an end at the end of the current fiscal year 2023 on June 30, 2023. He hands over the scepter to his successor Mr. Andreas Denker.
Andreas Denker took up his position on April 1 of this year as part of a transition phase together with the outgoing CEO. He describes his start as brilliant and is looking forward to the tasks ahead of him. His more than 20 years of management experience with internationally operating companies will stand him in good stead.
Felix Kleinert started his career as CEO at NETZSCH Pumps & Systems in 1999 and can now look back on a fulfilling and good professional life. He developed the company into a global player in the pump industry and is now taking his well-earned retirement.
