Netherlands offers subsidies to switch to recycled, bio content

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) is offering subsidies for converters and compounders looking to incorporate recycled content or #biobased polymers into their products.

The Subsidy for the Switch to Plastics Processors 2025 (SOPV) still has €10.63 million in budget to assign, out of a total of €13 million. Applications end on Oct. 2, 2025. The ROV is encouraging companies to apply now as the scheme is ‘unlikely’ to reopen in 2026.

The SOPV is aimed at compounders who add additives (such as dyes or plasticisers) or fillers (such as fiberglass) to polymers to achieve desired properties; and at converters who process #polymers or compounds into plastic semi-finished and finished products.

The subsidy is for conducting one or more production tests involving the incorporation of (more) circular plastics into one or more products. Processors can receive the subsidy up to two times, for different production tests. Applicants must carry out the production tests in the Netherlands, at a local Dutch production unit.

The SOPV covers 75% of the production test(s) costs, capped at €25,000 per application. The recycled material used in production tests must come from post-consumer recyclates. That material may originate from outside the Netherlands. The final product must be marketed in the Netherlands or intended for export.

To qualify for the subsidy, processors must use a ‘much higher’ proportion of recycled or bio-based content than they currently use. The percentage can vary depending on the type of product.

Production tests for elastomers, thermosets, composite materials like rubber, and textile fibres are not eligible for subsidy. #TheNetherlands also has other funding calls for innovative projects in plastics recycling and biopolymers. They include €80 million for projects aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and promoting a circular economy, and €35.5 million to fund #plasticsrecycling innovation.

source: Sustainable Plastics

Recon builds 40,000 tonnes chemical recycling plant in China

Recon Technology has finished building a 40,000 tonnes pyrolysis plant in Shandong, China.

The China-based oil and gas company said it attached the highest structural feature to the plant’s main manufacturing unit. 

The project has now entered the equipment installation and commissioning phase, with production expected to begin in December 2025.

In 2023, Recon announces plans to move into the plastics chemical recycling business. According to the company, data has shown that the market space for chemical recycling of waste plastics is huge, with an annual new market potential estimated at tens of billions of dollars and a market potential of hundreds of billion dollars.

Recon has invested over $15 million in the Shandong project to date.

The plant will include six pyrolysis units, two distillation units, and corresponding environmental protection facilities. The project is expected to produce 30,000 tons of plastic pyrolysis oil and 6,000 tons of carbon residue annually, generating an estimated $30 million in annual returns. It will use waste plastic film as the main feedstock.

The plant will deploy a dual-process approach combining catalytic pyrolysis and catalytic reforming. Catalytic reforming will increase the olefin content of the pyrolysis oil, substantially enhancing its value and competitiveness in the market, Recon said in a statement.

Recon’s process uses a horizontal screw-type three-stage continuous reactor. This is supposed to address the technical challenge of coking in standard furnaces. When plastic turns into coke and sticks to the walls of the furnace, the required temperature for pyrolysis may not be reached, resulting in reduced production and safety issues. 

Recon is currently in offtake agreement discussions with several multinational chemical giants and leading domestic chemical companies. The company has signed purchase intent and strategic cooperation agreements to jointly explore the applications of its pyrolysis oil.

“We are delighted to announce the successful completion of the main structures of the Shandong project, which marks an important milestone in its construction,” said Yin Shenping, CEO of Recon. “During 2025, our primary objective is to ensure the project's smooth commissioning and stable production of products that meet stringent standards. We will spare no effort to transform the Shandong Recon plant into a globally leading benchmark facility for the stable and continuous production of plastic chemical recycling. The plastic pyrolysis oil produced here will serve as high-quality, sustainable chemical feedstock for large-scale chemical plants and consumer goods companies both domestically and internationally. We are also striving to meet international certification requirements such as ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification),” Yin added.

source: Recon / Sustainable Plastics

Graphene-based biosensor to support new lung cancer screening test

HydroGraph, a Canadian producer of ultra-pure graphene, has entered into a partnership with Hawkeye Bio and #EaseHealthcare to advance the development of a new blood test for the early detection of lung cancer.

The diagnostic, called the Lung Enzyme Activity Profile (LEAP), is designed as a non-invasive and radiation-free method to detect early-stage lung cancer across all subtypes. Clinical trials have shown a 99.8 percent negative predictive value, highlighting its potential to rule out the disease in high-risk groups, including older smokers, firefighters, military personnel, and first responders.

HydroGraph’s #graphene production technology enables the creation of ultra-pure material that serves as the foundation for #HawkeyeBio’s nanoscale #biosensor. This biosensor measures enzymatic activity associated with inflammatory disease, a biomarker linked to the early development of lung cancer.

“This partnership underscores the medical potential of high-purity graphene,” said Kjirstin Breure, president and CEO of #HydroGraph. “Our ability to deliver graphene at scale supports groundbreaking diagnostics like Hawkeye’s biosensors and Ease’s LEAP test, ultimately saving lives through earlier detection and intervention.”

#Lungcancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The American Cancer Society projects approximately 227,000 new cases and nearly 125,000 deaths in the United States in 2025. Despite these figures, participation in recommended annual low-dose CT screening remains low, with only 2 to 6 percent of at-risk individuals undergoing scans.

The collaboration is intended to increase adherence to screening guidelines and expand access to affordable testing in primary care. Longer-term plans include extending the platform to address additional cancers and diseases.

source : Advanced Carbons Council

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Europe, UK, Australia see record high plastic waste exports to Asia

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share 

Europe, UK, Australia see record high plastic waste exports to Asia

Exports of plastic waste to countries outside the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a group of mostly rich countries, has hit records highs in 2023, according to trade data collected by Plastic Waste Trade Watch.

European Union plastic waste exports to Asia increased 45% from 2022. Total EU exports to non-OECD countries rose to 750 million kg in 2023 from 517 million kg in 2022. This is the highest level of plastic waste exports to Asia since China implemented the National Sword in 2018, the association revealed.

The announcement comes shortly after the European Parliament voted in favour of banning plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries, a measure likely to enter into force by 2027.

EU exports to all countries increased to 1.32 billion kg in 2023 from 1.04 billion kg in 2022 with 57% going to non-OECD countries.

Turkey continued to be the continent’s top destination for #plasticwaste, although exports decreased to 316 million kg in 2023 from 346 million kg in 2022. The top destinations in non-OECD countries were Malaysia, with an increase of 283 million kg in 2023 from 184 million kg in 2022, and Vietnam, with an increase from 148 million kg in 2023 from 100 million kg in 2022.

In terms of monthly exports, the highest exports to non-OECD countries were recorded in November 2023 by the Netherlands (22 million kg), followed by Spain in September (13.8 million kg), and Germany in December (13 million kg).

United Kingdom plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries increased to 77 million kg in 2023, up from 47 million kg in 2022. Exports to Turkey increased 60% from 2022, to 141 million kg.

Australia’s plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries increased 13% from 2022, to 64 million kg.

Japan continued to flood other parts of Asia with plastic waste, exporting 55.5 million kg in November 2023 to non-OECD countries.

In the United States, plastic waste exports slightly decreased from 2022. The US exported 268 million kg to non-OECD countries in 2023 compared to 275 million kg in 2022. It exported 76 million kg to Mexico in 2023, down from 86 million kg in 2022. This February, two environmental groups claimed that California ships contaminated waste plastics to Mexico.

source : sustainable plastics

Lummus Technology announced Vioneo has selected its Novolen®

polypropylene (PP) technology for a new grassroots plant in

#Antwerp, Belgium. The plant will be part of Vioneo’s complex that, once complete, will be the world’s first industrial scale fossilfree plastics production complex. The complex, based on green methanol as feedstock, will also be highly electrified using renewableelectricity and use renewable

hydrogen as key components to its operations.

The first-of-its-kind plant will have a capacity of 200 kta and will use 100pc segregated green #propylene and #ethylene as feedstock to produce a wide range of #PP grades. With high-purity feedstock and proven technology, PP will serve as a direct drop-in replacement for fossil-based alternatives. The plastics produced will be fully traceable and #CO2negative, allowing customers to reduce their #Scope3 #emissions.

Earlier this year, Vioneo and Honeywell announced that Honeywell’s advanced (methanol-to-olefin MTO) technology will be used by Vioneo to produce greenolefins for the complex. The technology will enable Vioneo to use green methanol, containing only biogenic #carbondioxide, in place of coal and crude oil in its plastic production processes. This can avoid the high carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel-derived plastic, while still supporting the production of propylene and ethylene.

Titled Fossil-Free Plastics: Driving Clean Industrial Leadership in Europe, Systemiq Ltd.'s report highlights that, even in ambitious scenarios,recycling and #reuse strategies would likely meet up to 50pc of #plastics demand by 2050. To meet the remaining demand #sustainably, Europe must accelerate

sustainable production pathways – including green-MTO – to produce fossil-free virginplastics at scale.

Vioneo intends to establish its complex with support from Vopak Belgium and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Expected to begin commercial operations in 2028, the first plant will be able to produce 300 kta of plastics, cutting at least 1.5mn t of #CO2emissions annually. The venture is owned by A.P. Moller Holding, who brings an established and large-scale feedstock network to the project.

To find out more about the development of European petrochemical industry, do not miss to join Euro Petroleum Consultants' IDW Conference, taking place in Istanbul, from 16th to 17th of September 2025 - https://lnkd.in/d33ZCAuu

Among attendees are BASF, Dow, Egyptian Refining Company (ERC), GREEN Chemicals®, MOL Group, National Oil Corporation, OMV, OQ, ORLEN Lietuva, Petkim, Petrobras, SARLUX, Slovnaft, SOCAR Türkiye, Tüpraş, Applied Computing, Axens, Chematek SpA, Chevron Lummus Global (CLG), Eastman, Emerson, ExxonMobil, Fluor Corporation, Roland Berger, Sulzer, TECNIMONT, Tecnicas Reunidas, Topsoe, TUBACEX, WIKA Group, Wood Mackenzie.

More news

- https://lnkd.in/dtPkm68M

source : Argus Media

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Rheology in Polymers: The Science That Shapes Processes and Products

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Rheology in Polymers: The Science That Shapes Processes and Products

Rheology is the science that studies the flow and deformation of matter, and when applied to polymers, it becomes an essential tool for the manufacturing industry. To understand the rheological behavior of a polymer material is to understand how it will behave during the extrusion, injection, blowing, calendering, and compression molding processes.

Unlike Newtonian liquids, polymers exhibit non-Newtonian behavior, i.e., their viscosity varies with the shear rate. This means that by increasing processing speed, yield strength can decrease — a phenomenon known as shear thinning. This characteristic is strategic to optimize processes, reduce energy consumption and ensure adequate surface finishing.

In addition, viscoelastic properties — a combination of viscous (fluid) and elastic (solid) behavior directly influence the performance in molds, dimensional stability and mechanical properties of the final products. Assays such as melt flow index (MFI), capillary rheometry, and oscillatory provide critical data for quality control and formulation adjustment.

To improve more on this subject, the book "Introduction to Polymer Viscoelasticity" – John D. Ferry can collaborate. This book addresses in a clear and didactic way the principles of rheology applied to polymers, focusing on practical applications in processing, rheological tests and viscoelastic behavior.

source: Israel Barbosa dos Santos Barreto

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Toxic Plastics & Microplastics ---> Unseen Lifesavers

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Toxic Plastics & Microplastics: The Silent Killers... or the Unseen Lifesavers?

🧬 If plastics and microplastics are supposed to be killing us, then why has human lifespan increased by 60% since 1945❓

⏪Let’s rewind a bit. In 1945, the global average life expectancy was around 46 years.

⏩ Fast forward to 2025, and that number will hit 73.5 years. What changed? Yes, advances in healthcare and nutrition—but also plastics.

From Bakelite in 1907 to today’s medical innovations. In the 1940's packaging revolutions, and life-saving materials, plastics took off became central to our extended, healthier lives.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁❓

🔹𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Plastics are found in everything from syringes and IV bags to prosthetics and heart valves—saving lives and overcoming injuries that were once fatal.

🔹𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 & 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Plastics made it possible to store food safely, extend its shelf life, and get it to people around the globe efficiently.

🔹𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗛𝘆𝗴𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗲: From plastic water bottles to disposable hygiene products, plastics have been instrumental in promoting sanitation, preventing disease, and improving health worldwide.

🔹𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲: Their flexibility and durability have made healthcare more affordable, accessible, and effective for all.

We have 50 years worth of peer reviewed studies. FDA has confirmed that plastics are non-toxic and have been rigorously tested for safety—especially in food and medical applications.

Far from being a convenience, plastics have been an essential enabler of the modern, long, and healthy life we often take for granted.

Yes, we can do better with waste management, but for now, if you can’t recycle it—bury it. I’d rather bury plastics than bury people.

If you're longing for a world without plastics, you’re on your own. I’m not interested in returning to 1938.

What are your thoughts on plastics' role in your life? Let’s discuss!

source: Daniel O'Kelly