Global Climate News

The Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) participated in a workshop on market access for bio-based products, providing feedback on barriers such as high costs and non-harmonised standards. RCI advocates for regulatory simplification, stronger use of domestic biomass, and innovative tracking tools. They also participated in the Cefic event “The Carbon Managers” and the European Bioplastics Conference, discussing the future of bioplastics and sustainable biomass availability. RCI members will host a session at Bio360 on renewable carbon strategies and bio-based solutions.

Paptic, a company focused on sustainable packaging, has developed a recyclable and reusable material made from renewable wood fibers as an alternative to plastic packaging for hygiene products. This addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in the hygiene sector and aligns with the European Union’s circular economy goals. The material combines the benefits of paper, plastic, and textiles.

Global bio-based polymer capacity is projected to grow 13% CAGR (2024-2029), driven by investments in China, Europe, the Middle East, and the US. The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is creating demand for industrial compostable plastics. Companies like NatureWorks, Futerro, and Emirates Biotech are expanding PLA production capacities. The European Union’s Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR) is creating demand for soil-biodegradable products.

German researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV have developed sustainable packaging from peatland plants. The project, supported by multiple German ministries, uses paludicultures (cultivated peatland plants) with low lignin content, reducing the need for chemicals in paper production. Processes achieved temperatures below 100°C, up to 45 percent lower than conventional methods. The resulting packaging is suitable for the non-food sector.

German scientists from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics (ITWM) launched the RAMUS project to investigate tire abrasion in electrified vehicles. The project, funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport with EUR 199,738, aims to develop a forecast model for tire abrasion, considering factors like vehicle weight and driving behavior. The research will help meet new Euro 7 tire abrasion limits.

Researchers at Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science have advanced the understanding of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer in lithium metal batteries. Their research, using dynamic nuclear polarization, identified the chemical structure of the SEI layer and its impact on dendrite growth and ion transfer efficiency, potentially leading to safer and more efficient next-generation batteries.

Paptic, a company developing sustainable packaging solutions, highlights the use of recyclable wood-fibre based materials in feminine hygiene products. The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) emphasizes the importance of designing recyclable packaging and aims to increase recycling rates of fibre-based packaging to 90% by 2030 through the 4evergreen alliance. Paptic's material combines paper, plastic, and textile benefits, reducing plastic waste and supporting a circular economy.

US-based MIT chemical engineer Zachary Smith is developing highly efficient filters to replace energy-intensive gas, liquid, and ion separation processes. His company, Osmoses, aims to reduce energy consumption by up to 90 percent in industrial processes by using room temperature membranes.

Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) and the Junior Chamber International (JCI) signed a memorandum of understanding to reduce cigarette butt litter. The initiative will involve public awareness campaigns, encouraging businesses to install cigarette butt collection facilities, and promoting environmental responsibility. The goal is to improve public spaces and align with UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 14.

Finnish company Paptic offers a sustainable, fiber-based alternative to plastic packaging for menstrual pads, aligning with CEPI's promotion of renewable resources and improved packaging recyclability. The material combines the benefits of paper, plastic, and textiles, offering a soft, recyclable, and durable solution.

South Korea-based TopMaterial, a company specializing in secondary battery materials and equipment, has developed advanced quality assessment methods for battery coating products, including peel and wet adhesion tests. They are also expanding into LFP cathode materials and related businesses.

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have made progress in understanding lithium dendrite threads in lithium metal batteries. They found that batteries with 40% ceramic in their electrolyte had the longest lifespan, while performance decreased above or below this ratio. The study used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to observe dendrite development in real time.

Researchers have developed GelCam, a camera system that captures time-lapse images of particles settling in a sediment trap, enabling observation of time-varying particle flux over shorter durations. The system was deployed nine times during EXPORTS campaigns in 2018 and 2021 in the North Pacific and Atlantic oceans, revealing diel variation in fecal pellet flux and allowing investigation of covariance among different particle types over short timescales. This enhances the ability to resolve sinking events that may be missed with traditional methods.

Japan-based Green Science Alliance has developed a sustainable method to produce Metal Organic Framework (MOF) from waste PET bottles. The company used terephthalic acid from recycled PET and a solid-state synthesis procedure to reduce production costs. This sustainable MOF will be used in rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, and CO2 capture.

Finland-based Nordic Bioproducts Group (NBG) partnered with C.Q. Massó to increase the availability of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) for European cosmetics manufacturers. This collaboration aims to enhance supply chain reliability, promote sustainable beauty formulations, and offer safer alternatives to harmful ingredients like talc and titanium dioxide. NBG's Lappeenranta facility produces up to 10,000 tons of MCC annually with a focus on environmental sustainability.

Researchers are developing various bio-based methods to degrade PFAS, including silk-based membranes (MIT), fungi (Texas A&M), and PFAS-eating microbes (Northern University, Princeton). These methods aim for sustainable and low-cost solutions to remediate PFAS contamination in soil and water, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical treatments.

Researchers at UC Davis and Stanford University found that building materials like concrete and plastic can store billions of tons of CO2. They calculated that if 10% of the world’s concrete aggregate production were carbonateable, it could absorb a gigaton of CO2. The study suggests that storing CO2 in buildings, combined with decarbonization efforts, could help achieve emission reduction goals. The research was supported by a National Science Foundation grant.

Norwegian Verdane, a private equity manager, established the Idun fund in 2021, focusing on sustainable investments aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Nordea provided an NOK 800 million credit facility. One portfolio company, Topro, manufactures mobility products sustainably, using hydropower and renewable energy sources. Verdane's investment supports Topro’s sustainability efforts.

Finland-based Neste introduced co-processed renewable Neste RE feedstock for polymers and chemicals. This new feedstock, produced by co-processing renewable raw materials with fossil crude oil, has a smaller carbon footprint than conventional fossil feedstock. Neste aims to reduce fossil raw material use in the chemicals industry and transform its Porvoo refinery into a renewable and circular solutions hub.

"Finland-based Neste Corporation has introduced a new renewable feedstock, Neste RE, produced through co-processing of renewable raw materials with fossil oil in its Porvoo refinery. This expands Neste's range of sustainable raw materials for the polymers and chemicals industry, reducing CO2 footprint compared to traditional fossil solutions. Neste aims to reduce fossil resource use in the chemical industry and transform its Porvoo refinery into a hub for renewable and circular solutions."