Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : What if plastic disappeared tomorrow?

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

What if plastic disappeared tomorrow? 🧠

Let’s play a game.

Poof! All plastic is gone. No flexible films. No PET. No polymers. Just… a pre-1940s world again.

Feels better, right?

Let’s see.

👕 Clothing:

Say goodbye to your gym leggings, windbreakers, and sneakers.

You’re back in cotton, wool, and linen. Lovely, but heavy, itchy, and slow to dry.

💻 Technology:

Your phone? Gone.

Laptop? Also gone.

Most cables, keys, insulation, screens, and circuit parts are plastic.

Without them, we’re basically back to telegrams.

🍅 Food packaging:

No resealable cheese packs. No sterile salad films.

Your “plastic-free” dream turns into food-waste reality.

Pre-plastic Europe lost up to 40% of perishable food before it reached consumers (FAO, 2022).

💉 Medicine:

No sterile syringes, no IV bags, no sealed pouches for instruments.

Hospitals would look more like 19th-century surgery theatres. Reusable everything, infection risk everywhere.

🚗 Transportation:

Without lightweight plastics, car weight and CO₂ emissions jump.

Forget electric vehicles. Batteries need polymer separators and connectors.

We’d be back to horses and carriages. (Hope you like the smell.)

So, what century would we land in without plastic?

Probably somewhere between 1890 and “good luck shipping fresh strawberries.”

Plastic isn’t the problem.

It’s one of the greatest inventions of modern society. We just need to manage it better. It keeps our food safe, our medicine sterile, our devices light, and our world connected.

We don’t need a world without plastic.

We need a world that’s smart enough to use it wisely.

Would you trade your phone, sneakers, car, safe food and hospital visits… for a world without plastic?

source .Miretta Soini

Concordia expands its sustainable biomanufacturing capacity with new CFI investment

The funding strengthens the university’s integrated facilities, supporting faster development of greener chemicals, medicines and sustainable bioproducts

Concordia has expanded its sustainable biomanufacturing capacities with upgrades to its Genome Foundry and Bioprocessing facilities, thanks to a $5 million Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Innovation Fund investment — funded 40% by the CFI, with matching funds from Quebec’s Ministry of Higher Education (MES).

The enhancements position Concordia as one of Canada’s leading centres for synthetic biology and bioprocessing. They also strengthen the university’s capacity to develop bio-based products from start to finish — from designing microbial and mammalian cells to testing and refining new medicines and chemicals traditionally sourced from non-sustainable processes.

“These upgraded facilities will allow researchers and partners to move faster, test more ideas and scale promising technologies into real-world applications.

Practical benefits for Canadians

Concordia’s biomanufacturing facilities help create greener chemicals, bioplastics, sustainable biofuels, plant-friendly microbes, alternative proteins and new medicines. They also support efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, turn waste into valuable materials and develop affordable, sustainable foods and therapeutics.

By giving small- and medium-sized enterprises, academic partners and government collaborators access to this advanced infrastructure, the expanded facilities will also strengthen national research capacity. This access shortens the path from discovery to market and supports high-skilled jobs.

Researchers at Concordia are now able to bring promising innovations from concept to pilot under one roof. These capabilities help reduce reliance on petrochemicals, limit waste and create scalable technologies that can benefit Canadians and global markets alike.

Strengthening national research infrastructure

Founded in 2016 with a CFI grant, the Genome Foundry has evolved from Canada’s first automated DNA design and assembly facility into a national hub for synthetic biology.

In 2018-2019, the Foundry expanded into mammalian cell engineering through a collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada, which included a foundational investment of $2.4 million through the Cell and Gene Therapy Challenge program to set up the high throughput mammalian genome foundry.

Between 2020 and 2022, bioprocessing capacity was added to link strain engineering the process of modifying microbes like bacteria, yeast and fungi to produce useful products or perform new functions with fermentation and purification.

source : Concordia University

Industrial Automation Specialist Expands into United States with the Opening of Loop Technology US Inc.

As 2025 draws to a close, it is with tremendous excitement that we announce the opening of Loop Technology US Inc., as we expand across continents and into North America. Loop Technology US Inc. is headquartered in Seattle, Washington and is strategically positioned to provide the US market with access to the entire range of Loop Technology products and services.

Loop Technology Limited was founded in 1998 and, over 27 years, has built up expert capabilities in #machinevision, #motioncontrol and #industrialrobotics, alongside a reputation for quality, integrity and professionalism.  

Alun Reece, CEO of Loop Technology US Inc. stated:

“We have been considering expansion into the United States for several years and now it feels the time is right. I love the American approach to technological development alongside the desire to succeed. I am really looking forward to strengthening existing relationships and building new ones in America.

Our presence now in the North West of the United States of America will facilitate greater access for the US market to our revolutionary automated FibreLINE technology that delivers ultra-high rate composite preforming and a new approach to manufacturing composite structures at a phenomenal rate. Whilst originally designed for building composite aerospace parts, FibreLINE is applicable in several industries including for the manufacture of drones and wind turbines.  

US based customers will now have easier access to our range of laser cleaning systems and services, including LoopCLEAN for automated laser cleaning. We are delighted to be supported by our Missouri based partner in Adapt Laser, to deliver laser cleaning systems in North America.  

RoboMACH is a highly accurate robotic machining system that automates milling, trimming, cutting, drilling operations for aerospace component fabrication, automotive parts manufacturing, the processing of a wide range of architectural and construction components and much more. Additionally, IdentifEYE is a dynamic automated labelling system that uses 3D vision with the capacity to label randomly shaped and positioned packages at up to 2,400 labels per hour. 

#LoopTechnology US Inc. looks forward to further growing into the US robotics and industrial automation ecosystem, which is only set to flourish in 2026 and beyond.

source : Loop Technology

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : From Forever Waste to Circular Fibres

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

We Cracked the Code: From Forever Waste to Circular Fibres

90% fibre recovery. Safety standards exceeded. CO₂ emissions slashed by ~4 tonnes per tonne recycled.

After years of exploring the aramid waste crisis, here's the good news: it doesn't have to be this way.

The General Recycled Solution

We've developed the world's first Garment-to-Fibre-to-Garment technology that transforms end-of-life aramid protective equipment into high-quality recycled fibres.

We take actual retired FR coveralls, worn-out military uniforms, and decommissioned protective garments and give them a second life. We also capture manufacturing cutting scraps, that 10% waste from garment production, creating a comprehensive circular solution.

How We Do It

Precision separation: Our patented process breaks down complex garment construction into high-quality recoverable fibres

Fibre regeneration: Transform recovered aramid garments into new yarns and fabrics using proprietary blend ratios that meet NFPA 2112, NFPA 70E, NFPA 1977, CGSB 155.20, and CSA Z462 standards

Modular processing: 1,000-tonne/year units that integrate with existing facilities

The Results

Performance: Fabrics with recycled aramid content continue to achieve excellent thermal insulation protection results, ASTM F 1930, in both 3 and 4 second manikin burn testing, outperforming virgin aramid fabrics by 62% in 4-second burn tests. (6oz/205gsm fabric)

Environmental impact: Each tonne recycled avoids approximately 4 tonnes of CO₂ emissions compared to virgin production

Proven scale: 1,000-tonne/year modular processing plants, already shipping recycled fibres to manufacturers

Ready to Close the Loop?

If you're managing thousands of tonnes of FR garments annually, whether you're an oil & gas company, utility, or military organization, we can eliminate your disposal costs while creating a circular supply chain.

Let's build a pilot program that proves the economics and environmental benefits in your specific operation.

The aramid waste crisis is real, but the solution is already shipping. Let's make forever fibres work for the planet, not against it!

source : Justin Norton

#aramidrecycling #circulareconomy

Velocity Composites Secures Multi-Year Contract Renewal and Expansion with UK Tier 1 Aerospace manufacturer

Velocity Composites plc, a leading supplier of advanced #composite material kits to the #aerospace and high-performance manufacturing sectors, has secured a landmark contract renewal and expansion with a long-standing Tier One customer.

The newly signed long term agreement extends Velocity’s supply of structural composite material kits for the #AirbusA350 programme, covering the A350-900 and, for the first time, expanding into the A350-1000 variant. The scope also includes additional new material kits across both aircraft types. The contract runs through to 2035 further cementing Velocity’s role as a trusted partner in one of the world’s most significant wide-body aircraft programmes.

Based on current Airbus build rate projections, the contract has an estimated potential value of up to $54 million. Revenue is expected to reach approximately $2.5 million in FY2026, with $1.0 million of that representing new business. This new work will replace contracts with other customers that are naturally concluding, ensuring Velocity’s overall revenue trajectory remains aligned with its existing growth expectations.

All kits will be produced at Velocity’s advanced Burnley facility, where the company has been manufacturing A350-900 kits since 2017. Supply of the expanded packages is scheduled to begin in early 2026 following completion of the standard qualification and transfer process. Velocity already has approvals in place and a proven transfer track record, giving customers confidence in a seamless transition.

Jon Bridges, Chief Executive Officer of #VelocityComposites, commented; “This renewal and expansion represents a major milestone for Velocity. It reflects the strength of our relationship with our customer and the confidence they have in our people, technology, and operational excellence. We are delighted to expand into the A350-1000 for the first time and to be supplying all remaining kitted material for both variants. With build rates expected to rise, this long-term contract secures a substantial revenue stream and positions us to support one of the aerospace industry’s most important programmes.

The announcement reinforces Velocity’s reputation as a strategic partner capable of combining deep technical integration with long-term reliability. As aerospace manufacturers continue to focus on operational efficiency, sustainability, and supply chain resilience, Velocity’s advanced service model offers customers a proven solution to reduce cost, complexity, and risk.

With this agreement, Velocity strengthens its customer partnership and reaffirms its role as a key enabler of the global aerospace industry’s most ambitious programmes.

source :Velocity Composites

Riyadh Air selects Safran’s wheels & electric carbon brakes on its Boeing 787

Safran Landing Systems and Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's newest national airline, have announced today the signing of a long-term agreement for the supply of wheels and advanced electric carbon brakes to equip Riyadh Air’s future fleet of more than 70 Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

A key factor in #RiyadhAir’s selection was the weight advantage of Safran Landing Systems’ solutions. This is a significant lever for optimizing aircraft performance in the high-altitude conditions of King Khaled International Airport. Indeed, brakes must absorb more kinetic energy during landings at high altitude because the air is less dense, which increases the landing speed. Additionally, light brakes enable also to reduce fuel consumption and operating costs.

As part of this agreement, #SafranLandingSystems will also provide its latest #Boeing787 Electrical Brake Tester, support Riyadh Air’s repair capability development, and train repair engineers, supporting long-term airline performance and the growth of Saudi Kingdom’s Aviation Ecosystem.

As the world’s first #electricbrake, the Boeing 787’s brake invented by Safran Landing Systems highly facilitates maintenance operations. “Plug and play”, it also allows real-time assessment of carbon disk wear, increasing fleet availability by reducing maintenance time.

source : Safran Group

Sealed Air to be Acquired by CD&R for $10.3 Billion

Sealed Air Corporation a leading global provider of food and protective packaging solutions, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by funds affiliated with CD&R, a leading private investment firm with deep experience in the industrial and packaging industries, in an all-cash transaction with an enterprise value of $10.3 billion.

Under the terms of the agreement, #SealedAir stockholders will receive $42.15 in cash per share. This represents a premium of 41% to Sealed Air's unaffected stock price as of August 14, 2025 and a premium of 24% to Sealed Air's 90-day VWAP as of November 12, 2025.

"After careful review of strategic alternatives over the past year, the Board is confident that this transaction delivers significant value and is in the best interests of our stockholders and the Company," said Henry R. Keizer, Chairman of the Board of Sealed Air. "Furthermore, this transaction represents a realization of immediate and certain value for Sealed Air stockholders at a substantial premium and enables the Company to execute its long-term strategic vision.

Transaction Details

The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by Sealed Air's Board of Directors, is expected to close in mid-2026, subject to the receipt of stockholder approval, regulatory clearances, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sealed Air can actively solicit additional acquisition proposals from third parties during a "go-shop" period of 30 days from the signing of the agreement, with an additional 15 days to negotiate a definitive agreement with qualifying parties. There can be no assurance that this solicitation process will result in a superior proposal, and Sealed Air does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the solicitation process unless and until it determines such disclosure is appropriate or otherwise required.

Equity financing for the transaction has been committed by investment funds affiliated with CD&R and debt financing for the transaction has been committed by a group led by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BofA Securities, BNP Paribas Securities Corp, Goldman Sachs, UBS Investment Bank and Wells Fargo. Citi, Mizuho and RBC Capital Markets also provided committed financing to CD&R.

source: Sealed Air