DuPont Achieves 100 Percent Renewable Electricity Across its European Union Operations

DuPont (NYSE: DD) today announced 100 percent of its grid electricity is from renewable sources across its entire European Union (EU) operations, through the use of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). This milestone underscores the company's commitment to achieving its renewable energy goal and acting on climate stewardship as part of its 2030 Sustainability Goals, as well as marking a key step towards DuPont’s commitment of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“At DuPont, we are guided by a core value of protecting the planet, aligning our sustainability goals to meet the expectations of our customers, value chain partners and the communities in which we operate,” said Alexa Dembek, Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer at DuPont. “Converting our European Union manufacturing sites to 100 percent renewable electricity is a significant step in our journey to further reduce our emissions, lower the carbon footprint of our products and put us on a clear path toward decarbonization in our operations by 2050.

In 2021, DuPont joined RE100, a global environmental initiative led by the Climate Group in partnership with CDP, which brings together companies committed to shifting the electricity used globally in its operations to 100 percent renewable energy.

The transition to 100 percent renewable electricity in the EU has included the installation of on-site solar panels and the purchase of bundled and unbundled RECs. DuPont currently operates 13 manufacturing sites in the EU.

source : Dupont

 

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀.

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀. 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗹𝘆, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆.

I keep noticing that radiation is often underestimated as a risk factor for plastics – until mechanical properties start to change and no one can quite explain why.

The process itself is well understood – but it’s not visible.

Depending on the environment, part geometry and radiation dose, polymer structures begin to degrade or cross-link. This can lead to embrittlement, loss of elasticity or even gas release.

With oxygen present, oxidative degradation is the most common outcome.

Without oxygen, degradation and cross-linking compete – and which one dominates depends on the details.

These changes don’t happen overnight. They happen gradually.

And that’s exactly what makes them so dangerous – because they often go unnoticed until the damage is done.

Anyone using plastics in radiation-exposed environments needs to be aware of these mechanisms.

Material selection alone isn’t enough. It’s about long-term behavior, boundary conditions – and the ability to design with foresight.

I firmly believe that those who take aging into account create real safety – not just in the material, but across the entire system.

source: Alexander Baart

#polymers #radiation #materialscience

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Sustainable carbon fibers based on algae

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Sustainable carbon fibers based on algae

Carbon fibers are essential in aviation, wind energy, and lightweight construction. However, since they are based on petroleum, their production has been very harmful to the environment. A research consortium led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has now succeeded in developing a production process for carbon fibers from renewable raw materials.

Project coordinator Prof. Thomas Brück, head of the TUM Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology, emphasises: “With the joint #GreenCarbon project, we have taken a major step towards sustainable industrial carbon fiber production.” In addition to TUM, the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, the company #SGL Carbon, and the aerospace group Airbus are also involved in the consortium, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR). 

Novel production process for carbon fibers

Carbon fibers are lightweight, yet extremely stable and resistant. In the form of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, they are used in a wide variety of applications: in aircraft and vehicles, wind turbines, but also in sports equipment, such as bicycles, tennis rackets, and skis. These lightweight materials are made from acrylonitrile, a raw material that has traditionally been obtained mainly from petroleum-based propylene.

Researchers at the Werner Siemens Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology at the TUM School of Natural Sciences investigated the extraction of oils from photosynthetically active microalgae. “Through photosynthesis, microalgae bind the greenhouse gas CO2, among other things in the form of algae oils,” explains Prof. Thomas Brück. Glycerine was then extracted from these valuable oils using chemical processes.  

#Fraunhofer researchers have succeeded in developing a process that can be used to catalytically convert biogenic #glycerol into #acrylonitrile, the key raw material for carbon fiber production. This process has been developed on a laboratory scale at the Straubing branch of Fraunhofer IGB to such an extent that it is now ready for the next scaling step, industrial application. “We have thus created the conditions for the production of sustainable carbon fibers that have the same high-performance properties as conventionally manufactured carbon fibers,” says Dr. Arne Roth, department head at Fraunhofer IGB. 

The production of sustainable carbon fibers was the responsibility of industrial partner SGL Carbon, a global leader specialized in the development and manufacture of carbon-based solutions. The company produced 50k heavy-tow #carbonfibers, which consist of bundles of 50,000 individual #filaments and are mechanically very stable, in accordance with recognized industry standards. These were used to manufacture carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, known as composite laminates.

The European aerospace group #Airbus was also involved in the GreenCarbon project as an associate partner. Airbus uses carbon fiber #composites as high-performance materials for manufacturing components for aircrafts and helicopters, and investigates processes that enable more sustainable production of these materials from renewable raw materials.

Airbus therefore conducted a technology screening and conducted a life-cycle assessment of the various technology options, in particular. Inspired by the good results, Airbus is working on demonstrating the technology for flying vehicles. For instance, the maiden flight of a research helicopter made from carbon fibers from renewable sources took place in 2024, proving the suitability of these technologies for aviation applications.

Further research and development needed

Building on the promising results of the GreenCarbon project, the partners now want to optimize the technology and bring it into widespread industrial use. According to the researchers, the new manufacturing process can in principle also be used for the sustainable production of acrylic acid, a building block for many polymers that are still produced from fossil raw materials today.

“Our GreenCarbon value chain thus offers new potential for the raw materials transition in the chemical industry, especially in the production of carbon-based high-performance materials,” says Brück. The consortium hopes to receive renewed funding for the follow-up project from the BMFTR.

source: Technical University of Munich

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : U.S. Coast Guard MBI releases report on Titan submersible

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

U.S. Coast Guard MBI releases report on Titan submersible

The two-year investigation into the June 2023 tragedy that took five lives has been published, citing key findings, contributing factors to the casualty and a recommended regulatory framework to avoid future oversight.

The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation (MBI, Washington, D.C., U.S.) has released its Report of Investigation (ROI) on the loss of the Titan submersible, which imploded during a June 2023 dive to the Titanic, killing five people. The Titan was a 22-foot manned #submersible with an 8-foot long carbon fiber composite pressure hull glued to titanium end sections.

The more than 300-page ROI outlines key findings and contributing factors in the casualty and includes 17 safety recommendations aimed at strengthening oversight of submersible operations, improving coordination among federal agencies and closing gaps in international maritime policy. 

“This marine casualty and the loss of five lives was preventable,” says Jason Neubauer, Titan MBI chair. “The 2-year investigation has identified multiple contributing factors that led to this tragedy, providing valuable lessons learned to prevent a future occurrence. There is a need for stronger oversight and clear options for operators who are exploring new concepts outside of the existing regulatory framework. I am optimistic the ROI’s findings and recommendations will help improve awareness of the risks and the importance of proper oversight while still providing a pathway for innovation.

The board determined the primary contributing factors were OceanGate’s inadequate design, certification, maintenance and inspection process for the Titan. Other factors cited in the report include a toxic workplace culture at OceanGate, an inadequate domestic and international regulatory framework for submersible operations and vessels of novel design, and an ineffective whistleblower process under the Seaman’s Protection Act. 

The board also found #OceanGate failed to properly investigate and address known hull anomalies following its 2022 Titanic expedition. Investigators determined the Titan’s real-time monitoring system generated data that should have been analyzed and acted on during the 2022 Titanic expedition. However, OceanGate did not take any action related to the data, conduct any preventative maintenance or properly store the Titan during the extended off season before its 2023 #Titanicexpedition. 

MBI recommendations include restricting the #Oceanographic Research Vessel designations for submersibles; expanding federal and international requirements to all submersibles conducting scientific or commercial dives; and requiring Coast Guard documentation for all U.S. submersibles. The board also recommended adding Coast Guard personnel capacity at Coast Guard headquarters to support new construction oversight and field inspections involving submersibles and vessels of novel design. 

Further recommendations include requiring operators to submit dive and emergency response plans to the local Coast Guard officer in charge, marine inspection; evaluating the Coast Guard’s subsea search and rescue capabilities; and working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to define passenger submersibles and expand international safety requirements for submersibles operating on the high seas. The board also called for a new Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Coast Guard agreement to clarify whistleblower investigative protocols and improve interagency coordination. 

The Marine Board’s report is now under review by the Commandant of the Coast Guard. Upon completion of the review, the Commandant will issue a Final Action Memorandum confirming the U.S. Coast Guard’s position on the recommendations and any actions to be pursued.  

Report: https://media.defense.gov/2025/Aug/05/2003773004/-1/-1/0/SUBMERSIBLE%20TITAN%20MBI%20REPORT%20(04AUG2025).PDF

source: Composites World

#composites #oceangate

Indorama calculates reaching 150 billion bottles recycled

The global producer and recycler of PET plastic says its efforts have helped 150 billion PET bottles enter the recycling stream

Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd., which operates production and recycling facilities around the world, says it has recycled more than 150 billion postconsumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles since 2011.

Thailand-based Indorama says the number is a "significant milestone" and underscores its long-term commitment to circular economy practices and its sustained investment in global recycling infrastructure.

With more than 20 recycling facilities in 11 countries, some entailing partnerships, #IndoramaVentures says those plants collectively recycle or reprocess 789 bottles every second, turning PET into high-quality recycled PET (#rPET) resins and other circular materials. The rPET is consumed by various industries globally.

Indorama reached its first major milestone of 50 billion bottles recycled in March 2020 and doubled that figure to 100 billion bottles in 2023.

Now, the firm says it has reached the 150 billion mark, adding that milestone “reflects both growing global demand for recycled content and the company’s strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships and innovation to scale up recycling at speed.

“#Recycling 150 billion PET bottles is more than a milestone—it reflects the power of people, purpose and technology driving scalable, sustainable impact,” says Yash Lohia, Indorama executive president and chairman of its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Council.

“We’re grateful to our consumers, customers and partners who make this progress possible,” Lohia adds. “This achievement reinforces the value of long-term thinking, strategic investment, and collaboration as we lead the shift toward a #circulareconomy.

Beyond what Indorama calls positive benefits of recycling and reusing PET, the activity also helped avoid an estimated 3.8 million tons of #CO₂emissions over the #PETbottle product life cycle and diverted 2.8 million tons of discarded plastic from #landfills and the environment, the firm calculates.

Indorama says the achievement is rooted in its integrated and scalable approach to circularity and anchored in three core pillars: education, collection, and innovation.

Through its recycling education initiative, the Waste Hero program, #Indorama says it has taught close to 1 million people in schools and communities worldwide about plastic recycling, “empowering individuals to make informed choices and driving long-term behavioral change in recycling.

Partnering with a network of collection organizations helps ensure Indorama of a consistent supply of high-quality postconsumer PET, “supporting the integrity of circular supply chains.

source : Indorama Ventures /Recycling Today

Cookware Care Seasoning Wipes Honored at WOW

100% viscose material offers a convenient, mess-free solution for maintaining cast iron and carbon steel pans

The 2025 World of Wipes Innovation Award® was presented to #CookwareCareSeasoning Wipes, 100% #viscosewipes that offer a convenient, mess-free solution for maintaining cast iron and carbon steel cookware. Infused with non-petrochemical oils and beeswax through a proprietary waterless process, the wipes simplify seasoning while expanding #nonwoven applications beyond traditional uses.

Co-founder Jordan Burkey leads innovation at Cookware Care, which is redefining how users care for cast iron and carbon steel cookware. Seasoning Wipes are the industry’s first fully oil-based wipe offering a simple, convenient and mess-free solution using only natural oils and beeswax. This patented product simplifies traditional cookware maintenance while expanding the role of nonwoven technology into the culinary world. By introducing nonwovens beyond hygiene and cleaning applications, Seasoning Wipes has ceated an entirely new category in the wipe market, positioning nonwoven materials as a transformative solution for cookware care.

“Walking into WOW 2025 as a brand-new company, we didn’t know what to expect. From the moment we arrived, the encouragement, curiosity, and warmth of the industry made us feel truly welcome,” said Cookware Care co-founders Jordan and Blaire Burdey. “Connecting with so many knowledgeable and inspiring individuals made winning the World of Wipes Innovation Award® even more meaningful. This recognition validates two years of passion, late nights, and unwavering belief in our vision, and it motivates us to continue growing and getting Seasoning Wipes™ into more hands. We are deeply grateful to INDA and to everyone who showed us such genuine support.

Fellow finalists Dude Products’ Dude Odor Destroyer XL Flushable Deodorant Wipes and Magnera’s Sontara® EC Green Cotton were also celebrated for their innovation and market potential. Nominations for the 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Awards will open August 7, 2025.

source : Nonwovens Industry