Thermoplastic composite materials can help reduce the weight of a vehicle by 15 to 30%”, says Morgane Duhec, Valeo Power Division

Valeo is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and to develop solutions for more sustainable mobility. For the mobility industry, optimising resource consumption is a crucial issue at a time when environmental awareness is on the increase and when access to natural resources can be challenged. In all our businesses, composite materials can help offer alternatives to traditional material. For example, Organosheet composite material is a game changer for sustainability in all Valeo’s businesses. We started to implement this material in front structural parts and battery supports as the material enables us to meet the strenuous safety regulations of the automotive industry in terms of shock resistance for example, while limiting the impact on natural resources and the environment.

We are also investigating other parts to contribute to lowering the overall product weight and the carbon footprint of a vehicle.

Electrification of the automotive industry as an opportunity for composite materials:

Electric mobility is a key solution to help reduce the impact of mobility on the environment. Valeo is a major player in electrification and we support carmakers around the world in their transition to electrified vehicles.  

While electric vehicles offer numerous environmental and performance benefits, one of the challenges they face is their increasing weight compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Advanced composite materials offer great opportunities that we are currently exploring. For example, thermoplastic composite materials can help reduce the weight of a vehicle by 15 to 30%, allowing it to maintain and even increase its autonomy.

It is important for Valeo to be present at JEC World 2025. JEC is the opportunity to present our latest innovations. This year, the main highlight is the full battery system assembly displayed on Valeo’s booth, which will show our ability to assemble battery systems and produce top covers and bottom protection plates in thermoplastic as well as cross member reinforcements. Side reinforcements are clearly essential to protect batteries and pass side pole crash tests. Cross members combined with side reinforcements are optimising the cell’s volume inside the battery casing. 

source:jeccomposites.com/Morgane Duhec-Valeo

China's first 50,000-ton highly selective polymerization unit for α-olefins

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Milestone! China's first 50,000-ton highly selective polymerization unit for α-olefins is successfully put into operation!

On February 26, China's first 50,000-ton/year industrial unit for ethylene highly selective polymerization for α-olefins, developed and constructed by Guangdong Zhongjie Jingchuang Chemical Co., Ltd. and the National Key Laboratory of Polyolefin Catalytic Technology and High-Performance Materials of Shanghai Institute of Chemical Industry , successfully started up with one catalyst feed, ran through the entire process under industrial load, and successfully produced ultra-high purity 1-octene and 1-hexene products.

This milestone achievement means that China's core basic raw materials in cutting-edge application fields such as photovoltaic energy have been further guaranteed by independent localization, and is expected to play a significant role in improving the quality and efficiency of downstream high-end polyolefin materials.

Guangdong Zhongjie Jingchuang Chemical Co., Ltd. currently has an annual production of 50,000 tons of α-olefins and 100,000 tons of POE projects.

source:ACMI/Guangdong Zhongjie Jingchuang Chemical

Arkema has decided to increase its PVDF capacity by 15% in North America

 This 15% capacity expansion of Arkema’s PVDF production site in Calvert City, Kentucky, represents an investment of around 20 million US dollars and is aligned with the strategy of the Group to increase its global #PVDF footprint at a pace and with capabilities that match market development. This will support the increasing demand for locally manufactured high-performance resins for lithium-ion batteries as well as the growing semiconductor and cable markets.

#Arkema’s Calvert City plant has a long history in PVDF manufacturing. The 15% capacity expansion will focus on innovative PVDF grades designed to support the manufacture of #electricvehicles (EV) and #energystorage systems with improved sustainability profiles, as well as growth in local manufacturing by customers in other strategic markets. 

Startup is planned for mid-2026, in line with the ramp-up of production at North American gigafactories and significant expansion of local #semiconductor capabilities.

Arkema produces PVDF in all three major regions, with plants in the USA, China, and France, and is a global leader in PVDF supply.

All three sites have recently seen significant investment and capacity increase at a pace and with capabilities that match the evolution of the demand. 

source:Arkema

BRB Introduces Silane for Improved Adhesion and Coupling

BRB International introduces BRB Silanil® 505, a silane with bifunctional properties. Silanes are becoming increasingly complex and versatile in their applications due to their bifunctionality.

BRB Silanil® 505 is an example of this. With two amino groups in its structure, it could serve as an adhesion promoter, and the three ethoxy groups give it coupling agent properties. Due to the ethoxy groups, BRB Silanil® 505 will release ethanol when it autocatalytically hydrolyzes in the presence of moisture.

Enhancing Adhesion to Metal and Glass:

BRB Silanil® 505 can be used in mineral-filled composites to improve mechanical properties and has also proven to be an additive for foundry resins. As an adhesion promoter, due to the presence of two amino groups, it is an additive for improving adhesion to inorganic substrates such as metal or glass.

The bifunctionality is what makes it possible to bind both inorganic and organic polymers by forming a molecular bridge between the two substrates. BRB Silanil® 505 will react as a strong base due to the two amino groups in its structure.

Source: BRB International / polymer-additives.specialchem.com

Hydrogen buses on Indian roads

 India is taking a giant leap towards green mobility with hydrogen-powered buses set to hit the roads!

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has sanctioned five pilot projects featuring 37 hydrogen-powered vehicles—a mix of fuel cell and internal combustion engine buses—along with nine hydrogen refuelling stations.

These zero-emission buses will operate across 10 key routes, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, and Bhubaneswar, covering 300 km on a single refill while emitting only water vapour!

By testing performance under real-world conditions, this project could pave the way for a future where public transport is cleaner, greener, and powered by renewable energy.

Expected to be commissioned in the next 18-24 months, these trials could mark the beginning of hydrogen-based transport in India, reducing fossil fuel dependency and cutting pollution.

source:The Better India

Kaneka Belgium Green Planet Beads Officially Recognized as Microplastic-Free Under Commission Regulation 2023/2055

Kaneka Belgium NV is proud to announce that its Kaneka Biodegradable Polymer Green Planet™ Expanded Beads - type L40N - has been officially excluded from the definition of synthetic polymer microparticles under EU Commission Regulation 2023/2055.

Kaneka Green Planet™ is a 100% biomass-derived biodegradable biopolymer developed by Kaneka, as part of the company’s commitment to providing environmentally friendly solutions that do not rely on petroleum resources. It has shown excellent biodegradability in various environments and decomposes easily in soil and seawater, where it converts into CO2 and water.

Green Planet™ Expanded Beads are the result of integrating Kaneka's long-established Eperan™ particle foam technology with the development of Biodegradable Polymer Green Planet™. This innovative material is used in a wide range of lightweight, shock-absorbing applications, such as cushioning materials for home electric appliances, transportation containers for fresh food, and materials used in the automotive and transport industries. The foam particles can be processed with existing molding equipment, and their characteristics are similar to those of polyolefin foams.

The microplastic-free recognition of Kaneka’s Green Planet™ Expanded Beads follows a comprehensive assessment conducted by Normec OWS, an external verification laboratory. During the verification process, the product's aqueous aerobic biodegradability was evaluated based on CO2 evolution. The results indicated that the material achieves a mineralization level of +60% over a period of 28 days according to OECD test method 301 B. These results confirm that the product fully degrades without leaving any synthetic residues, reinforcing its role as a sustainable alternative in the foam applications industry and contributing to the fight against microplastic pollution.

"We are proud that Kaneka Green Planet™ Expanded Beads L40N have been officially recognized as microplastic-free in line with the highest environmental standards set by EU Regulation 2023/2055. This milestone reflects our dedication to protecting the planet and delivering eco-friendly particle foam solutions without compromising performance and quality. It will enable us to engage further with brand owners, molders, and consumers, and help us work towards a microplastic-free foam industry," said Luc Point, General Manager of Foam & Residential Techs EMEA for Kaneka Belgium.

source: Kaneka

Cesa™ WithStand™ SX Low Haze Antimicrobial Additives Now Available for Clear Plastic Applications

#Avient Corporation, an innovator of materials solutions, today announced the availability of Cesa™ WithStand™ SX Low Haze #Antimicrobial Additives for clear polycarbonate and plexiglass applications. This patent-pending next-generation formula is especially useful for products incorporating recycled resin.

Cesa WithStand SX additives can help preserve visual clarity and aesthetics in finished plastic parts while offering protection against bacterial, mold, and fungal growth. By limiting microbial growth in plastic parts, this additive can reduce unwanted odor, staining, and discoloration, helping the plastic parts maintain a “like new” look for an extended period.

“Our patent-pending formulation solves a long-standing challenge,” said Felipe Reichert, Global Marketing Director for Color, Additives, and Inks at Avient. “Traditional antimicrobials often cause opacity or hazing in #polycarbonate or acrylic. This is especially true in applications using recycled content. Cesa WithStand SX, however, helps maintain clarity and protects against haze.”

Cesa WithStand SX additives can be used in various processes, including extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and thermoforming. It is currently available in the U.S. and Canada.

source:Avient Corporation