BASF, San Fang and Nichetech collaborate to advance circular economy in footwear industry with new TPU films

BASF, San Fang Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd. (San Fang), and Nichetech Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. (Nichetech) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop sustainable solutions for the footwear industry, with a focus on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) products and a shared ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The first milestone of this collaboration will be the introduction of Global Recycled Standard (GRS)-certified TPU films, combining high performance with environmental responsibility. The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an internationally recognized certification that verifies the use of recycled materials in products. It provides a robust framework for tracking recycled content throughout the entire supply chain, ensuring transparency and integrity.

These films will enable footwear brands to incorporate recycled materials without compromising quality or durability. Building on this foundation, the partners will expand the portfolio with additional GRS-certified products that meet international recycling standards, delivering innovative solutions for brands and consumers worldwide.

The strategic alliance leverages each partner’s expertise. BASF is one of the world’s leading chemical companies and has extensive know-how in sustainable and high-performance materials and applications. Founded in 1973, San Fang develops key raw materials and application technologies and actively promotes environmentally friendly products for a circular economy such as recycled polyester polyols. Nichetech specializes in high-performance flexible films and possesses advanced manufacturing capabilities and a strong footwear market knowledge.

“We are proud to collaborate with BASF and Nichetech to pioneer innovative sustainable solutions for the footwear industry that meet global standards and deliver real value to brands and consumers in Taiwan and beyond,” said Chih Yi, Lin*, President, San Fang.

Leveraging on San Fang’s expertise in recycled polyester polyols, Nichetech brings deep knowledge in TPU film applications and a dedication to driving industry-wide change.

“Our expertise in TPU film applications allows us to set a new benchmark for sustainable materials in the footwear industry,” said Chih Yi, Lin*, President, Nichetech.

BASF complements these strengths with advanced TPU technology and global reach, enabling large-scale adoption of recycled materials.

source : BASF

Graphene-driven 300mm FabONE marks Europe’s big chip bet

 A new fully automated 300mm semiconductor pilot line is being developed in Aachen, Germany, where Black Semiconductor has selected Critical Manufacturing to support operations at its FabONE facility. The collaboration is intended to advance graphene based chip interconnect technology toward mass production readiness, representing one of Europe’s most ambitious initiatives in next generation #semiconductor development.

FabONE takes shape as a fully automated greenfield fab

FabONE is being built as a fully automated frontend manufacturing facility. Black Semiconductor selected Critical Manufacturing following a competitive Request for Proposal process, citing the company’s extensive background in advanced semiconductor automation. Its established frameworks were considered essential for managing the operational demands of a next generation fab and for supporting future scaling requirements.

“FabONE represents a significant step for our technology enablement and for the European semiconductor ecosystem,” said Samivel Krishnamoorthy, Senior Director of Fab Automation and Integration. “We knew that we needed a Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) partner with deep experience in fully automated frontend environments. We hope this platform gives us the foundation to do exactly that now and in the future.

Advanced MES, automation and AI

The project incorporates the complete Critical Manufacturing MES suite, equipment integration through Connect IoT, connections to Black Semiconductor’s AMHS and ERP systems, and an AI enabled data platform. FabONE is designed to operate with minimal operator involvement, enabling the company to assess process stability, confirm manufacturability and advance toward eventual high volume production.

A major milestone for European semiconductor competitiveness

For Critical Manufacturing, the collaboration represents a notable milestone in Europe, demonstrating its capability to support advanced 300mm semiconductor frontend production.

“This project is important not only because of its scale, but because of what Black Semiconductor is trying to unlock,” said Tom Bednarz, Managing Director at Critical Manufacturing, Germany. #Graphene based chip interconnects represent a bold step for the industry. It is precisely the kind of challenge our MES was designed for.”

As Europe expands its semiconductor ecosystem, the partnership positions both organizations to grow together as FabONE moves from pilot line operations toward future volume manufacturing.

source : Advanced Carbons Council

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : How injection speed affects both part quality and mold longevity

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

How injection speed affects both part quality and mold longevity

Injection speed is often set based on what works for cycle time, but its impact goes much deeper. The speed at which the melt enters the mold can influence part quality, surface finish, and even the long-term health of your tooling.

Here is why this one setting deserves more attention:

1. Flow front control

A properly managed injection speed ensures uniform flow front advancement, which helps prevent flow marks, jetting, and weld line weaknesses. Too fast, and you risk trapped air and burn marks. Too slow, and you may not fill complex geometries.

2. Shear rate and heat buildup

Higher speeds increase shear in the gate and runner, which raises melt temperature. This can help with flow but also increases the chance of material degradation if not monitored closely.

3. Cavity pressure stability

Consistent injection speed leads to a more predictable cavity pressure profile, improving repeatability and reducing flash or short shots.

4. Tooling wear and erosion

Running high speeds on filled materials like glass-reinforced nylon can gradually wear down the gate or cavity edges, especially without proper gate design and surface treatments.

Injection speed is not just about cycle time. It is one of the few parameters that directly connects process control to both part function and tool life.

If you are seeing cosmetic defects, early tool wear, or weight variation, reviewing injection speed might be a smart place to start. Happy to walk through it if needed.

source : Roman Malisek

#InjectionMolding #MoldingOptimization

Invention of precast pipe in Canada in the year 1920

It has capacity to take load of 21300kg , but as testing mechanism was not developed , they tested like this. To give confidence on strength of pipe . The inventor sat inside the pipe

Public load test in Canada, 1920

The test:

The inventor conducted a public demonstration to showcase the strength of the new precast concrete pipe.

The setup:

The pipe was placed on the ground, and a massive weight was built up by stacking heavy sandbags and having several men sit on top.

The result:

The pipe, capable of withstanding up to 23 tons of pressure, held firm without breaking. The inventor sat inside the pipe throughout the test to show his complete confidence in its durability.

The impact:

This demonstration was a pivotal moment that helped establish precast concrete pipes as a reliable and strong material for modern water and sewage systems.

source: Dr.Abdelhakim Ismail Amer

One Among You : Mind Awakening

One Among You

Beloved soul, if you find yourself in depression, your spirit dwells in the shadows of yesterday. If anxiety grips your heart, your consciousness wanders in the illusions of tomorrow. But if you rest in divine peace, you have experienced an awakening to the sacred present moment—the eternal now where the Divine resides.

Remember, dear one, if you live seeking the approval of the world, you shall remain a prisoner of their judgments. Break free with indomitable will and honor the truth that lives within your sacred soul.

The spiritual journey of a thousand miles begins with one faithful step... Surrender to grace and simply try...

Water, blessed and gentle, flows with divine softness. Yet through patience and faith, it penetrates even the mightiest mountains and the sacred earth beneath. This reveals eternal wisdom: gentleness, rooted in compassion and Spirit, overcomes and conquers all hardness...

With the Divine, nothing is impossible in this earthly existence... Success is destined when you align your will with universal truth...

Your body is a temple—your greatest earthly treasure... Cherish and protect this sacred vessel... Cultivate gratitude for all you possess. Find joy in the divine abundance already bestowed upon you, exactly as it is. When you reach enlightenment and realize that your sacred soul lacks nothing, the entire universe reveals itself as your own divine inheritance.

Knowing others is worldly intelligence; knowing your true Self is enlightenment. Mastering others is temporal strength; mastering your own consciousness through indomitable will is spiritual power.

Cease wandering from your sacred purpose, and destiny shall embrace you. Stop seeking externally, and your inner awakening will illuminate the path. Stop fleeing from your calling, and the universe will bear witness to your light. If you resist the path of transformation, you may manifest the very destiny you fear.

To walk this earthly plane doesn't mean remaining stagnant—it means moving with divine grace, compassion, and tranquility. When you speak, you merely echo what your ego knows. But when you listen with your spirit, you open yourself to divine revelation and sacred wisdom.

The mind, when aligned with Spirit and indomitable will, becomes the foundation of infinite strength. Purify your consciousness, and your entire existence transforms into bliss. Before you become a healer of souls, first heal the wounds within your own sacred soul with compassion...

The Divine never hurries, yet all of Creation unfolds in perfect, sacred timing. Meet ignorance with the light of spiritual wisdom and compassion. New blessings often arrive disguised as painful closures—these are portals to deeper awakening. Trust the journey, beloved...

Victory is assured when your sacred soul embraces its divine truth through enlightenment and indomitable will...

Sunday's THOUGHTFUL Post : 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

Sunday's THOUGHTFUL Post

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

After years building e-commerce and consumer products (including a long, formative stretch at Rediff), one thing has stayed consistent: shoppers don’t think in filters or perfect keywords, they think about the small details that shape what they want. And most websites still struggle with that.

With mPrompto, we’re moving beyond relying only on search, sort and filter, which often lead to keyword-specific search, overwhelming listings and clumsy filters. We are adding natural interactions that help shoppers find exactly what they want.

And in a world where brands are spending more than ever to drive paid traffic to their websites, the real challenge is making those visits count by increasing interaction time and guiding shoppers to the right choices.

While exploring the problem, we looked at how some of the leading backpack brands around the world help you choose a laptop bag. Many had filters that were either oversimplified or overly complex, but rarely mapped with how people actually decide. Because when you help a friend pick a backpack, you don’t just ask “Black or Blue?” You try to understand:

- Does she travel by air often?

- What level of weather protection does she need?

- Slim profile or high-capacity look?

These are the questions real buyers actually think about but rarely get answers to, and they’re exactly the kinds of prompts mPrompto surfaces at the right moments.

Over the last 18 months, working with early partners helped us refine this approach and strengthen the foundation for what we call prompt-led shopping, meaning interactions that feel closer to how people naturally evaluate choices.

Under the hood, mPrompto uses machine learning to understand what shoppers mean, and through our proprietary technology we are able to surface intelligent prompts to better understand shopper intent and bring them the most relevant options, without using an annoying chatbot interface or hallucinating LLM answers.

Today, Ketan Kasabe and I are excited to share two milestones close to every bootstrapped founder’s heart: our first customer success story and our first round of funding.

𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Gardenia, a popular beauty and personal care brand, saw increased website engagement after deploying mPrompto, resulting in 50% more add-to-carts, and a 2X rise in conversions.

This funding round matters because our early backers committed after seeing the product live, not after reading a deck.

If we can help shoppers find what they actually want (even when half the catalogue looks like the same backpack), we’re prompting shoppers in the right direction.

Godspeed !!

source : Sumit Rajwade