Sustainability

Results (192)

• 25.07.2023

  Clean Industrial Deal: Plastics as the Cornerstone of European Industry

  Europe's Plastics Industry Urges Clear Measures for a Competitive Circular Economy Plastics Europe emphasises the importance of the Clean Industrial Deal and calls for targeted measures to strengthen the competitiveness of the plastics industry and drive the transition to a sustainable circular economy. Copyright: keremberk – stock-adobe-com 06.03.2025 The European plastics industry plays a crucial role in achieving climate goals and transitioning to a sustainable circular economy. Plastics Europe welcomes the European Commission's Clean Industrial Deal but sees an urgent need for action to safeguard the sector's competitiveness. Plastics: A Driver of Industry and Innovation Plastics are indispensable for numerous key industries, including: Automotive industry : Lightweight materials for low-emission vehicles Renewable energy : Efficient materials for wind turbines and solar panels Healthcare : High-quality plastics for medical technology and pharmaceuticals Construction and housing : Durable and sustainable materials Despite this essential contribution, the Clean Industrial Deal lacks measures to strengthen the competitiveness of the plastics industry, according to Virginia Janssens, Managing Director of Plastics Europe: ' European plastics manufacturing is vital to the future of the EU's industrial base and broader strategic autonomy. Without urgent action, Europe will become increasingly dependent on imports of plastic resins and finished goods from regions with often less stringent environmental standards.' Urgent Action Needed for a Resilient Plastics Economy The industry faces major challenges: High energy costs : Competitive disadvantages compared to non-European manufacturers Investment climate : Longer innovation cycles require clear political frameworks Recycling and circular economy : Market demand for recyclates must be actively promoted Janssens stresses that time is running out to meet the goals set in the EU Green Deal and the Plastics Transition Roadmap : ' Europe has an opportunity to establish the world's first circular and net zero plastics system. Sadly, there is a real danger that the competitiveness benefits the Clean Industrial Deal delivers will be realised far too late.' Germany as a Strategic Hub for Plastics Innovation Dr. Christine Bunte, Chief Executive Officer of PlasticsEurope Deutschland e.V., highlights the need for political action at the national level: Plastics are the enablers of the climate transition in the areas of health, nutrition, energy, construction, housing and mobility. This federal government must get to work quickly and demonstrate successes without delay. Dr Christine Bunte, Chief Executive Officer Plastics Europe Deutschland e. V. Future Prospects and Industry Demands To ensure the long-term competitiveness of the plastics industry, Plastics Europe calls for: An EU-wide action plan for the plastics sector , connecting industry, policymakers, and research institutions Support for investments in circular economy and recycling technologies Lower energy costs and reduced bureaucracy to strengthen innovation and maintain production sites Without these measures, Europe risks losing its leadership in plastics manufacturing We call for the Commission to ensure that plastics are considered in all sectoral initiatives, innovation funding, and measures to ensure EU supplies of key materials. Virginia Janssens, Managing Director Plastics Europe Background: Facts and Figures on the Plastics Industry 1.5 million jobs in 51,700 companies across the EU Revenue of 365 billion euros in 2023 Decline in EU plastics production by 8.3% in 2023 Europe’s share of the global plastics market: 12% (2006: 28%) The Plastics Transition Roadmap outlines pathways to achieve 65% non-fossil raw materials in plastics production and net-zero emissions by 2050. Source Plastics Europe More about climate protection

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• 25.07.2023

  Saving energy in plastics production: Polytives wins 2nd place in the Lothar Späth Award 2023

  Copyright: Susann Nürnberger 05.01.2024 Polytives GmbH, a plastics technology company spun off from the University of Jena in 2020, was awarded second place in the prestigious Lothar Späth Award on 16 November. The prize honours cooperation partnerships between companies and research institutions and is endowed with a total of 100,000 euros – the Jena team receives 30,000 euros. The award recognises the cooperation partnership between the working group of Prof Dr Felix Schacher from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry at the University of Jena and the co-founders of Polytives, Oliver Eckardt and Viktoria Rothleitner. The award recognises both the practical research results that lead to practical applications and, indirectly, the university's support services for start-ups. The roots of Polytives lie in Prof Schacher's working group, in which Oliver Eckardt carried out research on branched polymers as part of his dissertation. "The collaboration with the University of Jena was crucial for the development of our start-up," emphasises Eckardt, the current Managing Director of Polytives. "The university not only offered us the space for innovative research, but also provided extensive support through the K1 start-up service in the pre-foundation phase." The aim of Polytives is to contribute to energy optimisation in plastics production through innovative solutions and to bridge the gap between basic research and industrial application. The company's first product is a so-called additive that can control the properties of plastics. The innovative approach of adding additives to plastics not only achieves energy savings in the manufacturing process, but also improves mechanical properties. The additive has been proven to be applicable in at least eleven different polymer systems, which indicates a wide range of possible applications. Source Friedrich Schiller University Jena More around Climate Protection

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• 25.07.2023

  Plastic Tax: The Plastics Industry between Environmental Protection and Economic Efficiency

  FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About the Plastic Tax in the EU Exclusively for K-Mag The EU plastic tax not only has consequences for the plastics industry, but also raises a lot of questions. Copyright: tanaonte – stock.adobe.com 14.02.2024 This article was updated on March 9, 2026. In response to the growing environmental impact, the EU has introduced the so-called plastic tax – a step that has far-reaching consequences for the plastics industry and raises many questions. Our FAQ offers you a detailed overview of the new tax regulation. Learn everything important about the objectives, effects, and critical voices from the industry regarding the plastic tax. 1. What is the plastic tax and why is it being introduced? The plastic tax is a levy on the use of plastic packaging and plastic products. EU member states pay a budget contribution of €0.80 per kilogram of non-recycled plastic packaging waste. (Each country is responsible for financing this contribution.) The EU plastic levy was introduced to achieve several environmental goals: Reducing plastic waste: The plastic tax is intended to incentivise businesses to use less single-use plastics and switch to alternative, more environmentally friendly packaging options. This should help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the environment and pollutes ecosystems. Promoting the Circular Economy: By introducing a plastic tax, companies should be encouraged to use more recyclable materials and increase the proportion of recycled plastics in their products. This supports the development of a Circular Economy in which plastics are reused and recycled instead of being treated as disposable products. Generate revenue for environmental protection measures: Revenues from the plastic tax can be used to fund programmes to clean up the environment, promote recycling infrastructure or fund research and innovation in plastic reduction. Raising awareness and changing behaviour: The introduction of a plastic tax can also help to raise consumer awareness of the environmental impact of plastics and encourage them to adopt more environmentally friendly consumer behaviour. Higher prices for plastic products should motivate consumers to choose more sustainable alternatives or use less plastic. Overall, the introduction of the plastic tax aims to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste, promote the Circular Economy and accelerate the transition to more sustainable production and consumption practices. A new, stricter EU regulation on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR) entered into force on February 11, 2025, and will apply from August 11, 2026. Its aim is to reduce packaging waste, decrease the use of primary raw materials, and promote the transition to a circular economy. Key objectives include: Making all packaging in the EU economically recyclable by 2030. Increasing the use of recycled plastic in packaging. Reducing the use of virgin materials and making the sector climate-neutral by 2050. The regulation covers the entire life cycle of packaging, from design to waste management. Among other measures, it includes restrictions on certain single-use plastics, a requirement for takeout businesses to allow customers to bring their own containers without an additional charge, and limits on problematic substances such as PFAS. 2. When does the plastic tax apply? The plastic tax was adopted across the EU on January 1, 2021. A revised regulation on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR) entered into force in early 2025 and will apply from August 2026. It tightens and harmonizes the rules on extended producer responsibility (EPR). The EU itself does not levy a direct tax. Instead, it introduced a budget contribution for member states based on the amount of non-recycled plastic packaging waste. Each country finances this contribution through national plastic taxes, specific fees, or general government budgets. Spain has imposed a tax on non-reusable plastic packaging since January 1, 2023. The United Kingdom has applied a Plastic Packaging Tax since April 1, 2022, targeting packaging that contains less than 30 percent recycled material. Italy plans to introduce a comparable tax starting July 1, 2026. Belgium, France, and the Netherlands regulate plastic responsibility through existing – and in some cases expanded – EPR and waste management contribution systems. In Germany, the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG) was adopted, requiring manufacturers to cover waste management costs for certain single-use plastic products. The fund and levy system has been gradually taking effect since January 1, 2024. Denmark has long taxed plastic bags, disposable tableware, certain beverage packaging, and PVC products through excise taxes, and since January 1, 2025, it has supplemented these measures with EPR. Romania has levied packaging contributions and an environmental tax on certain plastic bags since 2006. 3. How is the amount of plastic tax calculated? The amount of plastic tax is usually calculated on the basis of the plastic weight or plastic content of a product. As a rule, the more plastic a product contains, the higher the tax levied on it. Each EU member state pays a fee of €0.80 for every kilogramme of non-recycled plastic packaging waste. 4. Which products are affected by the plastic tax? The exact products affected by the plastic tax in different countries can vary. In general, however, these taxes focus on plastic packaging and single-use products that are difficult or impossible to recycle. 5. Are there exemptions or reductions in the plastic tax for certain products or industries? Compostable plastic and recycled plastic material are exempt from the tax in some countries, such as Italy. Yes, in some countries there may be exemptions or reductions in the plastic tax for certain products or industries. These exemptions and reductions may vary depending on the country's objectives and priorities. Here are some examples: Small businesses: Some countries may grant exemptions to small businesses to reduce their financial burden. This can be particularly important to ensure that the tax does not place a disproportionate burden on small businesses. Biodegradable plastics: In some cases, biodegradable plastics will be exempt from the plastic tax or subject to lower tax rates. This is to encourage the use of more environmentally friendly alternatives. Recycling facilities: Countries can create incentives to support companies that invest in recycling facilities. These companies could receive tax breaks or exemptions to promote the Circular Economy. Food packaging: In some cases, certain types of food packaging that are made of plastic can be exempted from the tax to avoid undue burden on the food industry. Export of plastic products: Some countries may grant exemptions for plastic products destined for export in order to maintain competitiveness in international markets. It is important to note that these exemptions and reductions vary from country to country and are determined by the respective legislators. The exact provisions may change over time as plastic tax policies evolve and countries respond to changing environmental impacts and economic concerns. 6. How could the plastic tax affect consumer prices? The introduction of the plastic tax could indirectly lead to higher consumer prices. If companies have to pay a tax on non-recycled plastic, these additional costs could be passed on to consumers. This could manifest itself in the form of higher prices for products with plastic packaging, which may influence general consumption and consumer choice. 7. How should the revenue from the plastic tax be used? The revenue from the plastic tax should be used for the following purposes: Full reinvestment in the expansion and further development of the Circular Economy: this includes the expansion and promotion of recycling processes and technologies, including chemical recycling as a supplement to mechanical recycling. Flanking technology-open incentives for higher recycling rates: In order to increase the use of recycled materials in new products, incentives should be created that are open to technology and thus support different recycling methods and technologies. Promotion of recyclable and sustainable products: Particular attention is paid to products that contribute to the goal of a climate-neutral Circular Economy. This includes plastic packaging that consists of a defined minimum proportion of recycled materials, reusable packaging, plastics made from renewable raw materials that are certified as sustainable, and plastics that are produced using hydrogen and CO2 with low greenhouse gas emissions (carbon capture and utilisation, CCU). Conservation of fossil resources through chemical recycling: Instead of incinerating packaging that does not meet the strict requirements of food law, new recycling solutions that conserve fossil resources are to be found through chemical recycling. These measures should help to strengthen the Circular Economy, increase recycling rates and ultimately reduce the environmental impact of plastic packaging. The revenue will be channelled directly into the European Union's budget and should help to promote recycling and environmental protection. 8. How does the plastic tax differ from other environmental levies or taxes? It is specifically targeted at non-recycled plastic packaging and aims to promote the Circular Economy and recycling efforts within the EU. Focus on plastic: The plastic tax is specifically targeted at plastic products, whereas other environmental taxes are often broader in scope and can cover different environmental aspects. Levy basis: The plastic tax is based on the amount of plastic put into circulation and is often calculated per kilogramme of plastic. In other environmental levies, the calculation basis can be different, such as energy consumption or emissions. Purpose: The plastic tax aims to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic and promote recycling, while other environmental taxes may have different purposes, such as reducing CO2 emissions or promoting renewable energy. Sector-specific: The plastic tax primarily affects companies that manufacture or circulate plastic products, while other environmental taxes can cover different sectors. Implementation: the plastic tax requires specific mechanisms to collect and calculate the tax, while other environmental taxes can use different systems and instruments. Overall, the plastic tax is a targeted measure to reduce the consumption of plastic and promote recycling, while other environmental taxes can address broader environmental issues. 9. What long-term effects could the plastic tax have on the plastics industry and the environment? It could potentially lead to a reduction in plastic consumption, encourage innovation in recycling and reduce the environmental impact of plastic. Reduction of single-use plastic: The plastic tax could help to reduce the use of single-use plastic as companies are incentivised to switch to alternative materials or reusable packaging. This could help to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste in the long term, especially in the oceans. Promote recycling: The plastic tax can incentivise companies to invest in better recycling technologies and increase the use of recycled plastics. This could help to reduce the need for new plastic and promote the Circular Economy. Innovation in the plastics industry: The need to minimise the plastic tax could stimulate innovation in the plastics industry. This could lead to the development of more environmentally friendly plastics that are more easily degradable or recyclable. Adaptation of the plastics industry: Companies in the plastics industry could develop long-term strategies to minimise the impact of the plastics tax. This could include measures such as efficiency improvements, product diversification or the integration of recycling processes. Potential challenges: The plastics industry could face challenges in the short to medium term, especially if tax rates are high. This could lead to price increases for plastic products and affect the industry's competitiveness. Environmental impact: In the long term, the environmental impact could be positive as the plastic tax helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste. This could reduce pollution and protect ecosystems. It is important to note that the long-term impact of the plastic tax depends on various factors, including the level of tax rates, implementation and industry responses. A balanced approach to reducing plastic waste and promoting the Circular Economy is likely to have positive long-term outcomes for both industry and the environment. 10. What criticism is there of the plastic tax? Criticism of the plastic tax from industry organisations focuses on several main points: Passing on the costs to consumers: the Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen (IK) and other industry representatives criticise that the plastic tax would lead to higher product prices for consumers, as companies would pass on the costs at the checkout. Misguided ecological steering effect: There are concerns that the plastic levy could encourage a shift towards less recyclable packaging materials, such as paper-plastic composites, which would damage the Circular Economy. Industry representatives argue that Germany needs stronger financial incentives to encourage good recyclable packaging rather than penalising poorly recyclable materials. Discrimination against plastic and negative effects on recycling: PlasticsEurope criticises the fact that a tax that only applies to plastic packaging represents discrimination against plastic and does not necessarily solve the waste problem or strengthen climate protection. Ingemar Bühler, Managing Director of PlasticsEurope Germany, emphasises that alternative packaging materials, such as coated fibre composites, are often more difficult to recycle than plastic packaging, which already has a high recycling rate in Germany. He argues that a packaging levy should take into account the recyclability of all materials and that higher prices should not be passed on to consumers. Misleading justification and allocation of responsibility: The criticism also includes the German government's presentation of the EU plastic levy. The IK criticises that the justification for the levy is misleading, as it suggests that companies have to pay the EU levy directly. Instead, it is a calculation method for the Member States' contribution to the EU, which does not have to be borne directly by the companies. Burden on SMEs and fear of migration: The Verband Technische Kunststoff-Produkte (TecPart) expresses concerns that the plastic tax will place a particular burden on medium-sized plastics processors, who are already struggling with high energy prices, excessive EU regulations and high labour costs. There are concerns that the additional burden of the plastic tax could prompt companies to relocate their production to countries with lower costs. These points of criticism illustrate the complex challenges associated with the introduction of a plastic tax, particularly in terms of economic efficiency, ecological steering effect and the fair distribution of the financial burden. 11. What measures can companies take to minimise the impact of the plastic tax? Companies can take various measures to minimise the impact of the plastic tax. These include: Investing in technologies to improve the recyclability of their products Switching to recycled or bio-based plastics Reducing the use of plastic in products and packaging Developing innovative, sustainable packaging solutions By taking these measures, companies can not only minimise the plastic tax, but also increase their contribution to environmental protection and position themselves as pioneers in sustainable production. 12. How can companies prepare for the introduction of the plastic tax? Companies can prepare for the introduction of the plastic tax by taking various measures: Analyse plastic consumption: companies should review their current plastic consumption and identify which products and packaging will be affected by the plastic tax. This will allow them to understand the extent of the impact. Evaluate alternatives: Companies can consider alternative materials that are not affected by the tax. These include recycled plastics, biodegradable materials or packaging with a lower plastic content. Cost analysis: A thorough cost analysis is important to estimate the financial impact of the plastic tax. Companies should calculate the additional costs that the tax will incur and assess the impact on their profit margins. Optimisation of packaging: companies can revise their packaging solutions to reduce plastic consumption. This can be achieved through lighter packaging, more compact design or the use of recycled materials. Compliance and reporting: companies must ensure that they fulfil the requirements of the plastic tax by correctly calculating plastic consumption and submitting the required tax declarations. Stakeholder Communication: Communicating with suppliers, dealers, and customers is crucial. Companies should inform their stakeholders about changes regarding packaging and pricing to avoid potential misunderstandings. Eco-friendly Initiatives: The introduction of the plastic tax offers companies an opportunity to reduce their environmental impact. This can include promoting recycling programs, developing eco-friendly packaging solutions, and integrating sustainability goals into the corporate strategy. Risk Management: Companies should develop strategies to minimize risks if the plastic tax impacts their profits. This may involve diversifying suppliers, adjusting prices, and exploring new markets. Industry-specific Advice: Depending on the industry, specific preparations may be necessary. Companies should seek industry-specific advice to identify the best actions. Monitoring Legislation: Companies should closely follow legislative developments regarding the plastic tax, as regulations may change. It's important to note that preparations can vary depending on company size, industry, and individual circumstances. Therefore, careful analysis and planning are crucial to minimize the impact of the plastic tax and promote long-term sustainability goals. Elena Blume (Editorial team K-Mag) More around Climate Protection

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• 25.07.2023

  Repsol strengthens its alliance with Pontegadea through a 618 MW renewable portfolio

  Copyright: perutskyy 22.12.2023 Repsol has formed a new alliance with Pontegadea, one of the world's leading private investment groups, incorporating it as a partner, with a 49% stake, in a portfolio of 618 MW of renewable assets for €363 million. The transaction values the total portfolio at €740 million. This agreement, the third time Pontegadea takes a stake in Repsol's renewable assets, consolidates the alliance between the two companies and reinforces Repsol's strategy of bringing in partners or investors in businesses to accelerate the achievement of objectives and maximize the return on the group's operations. This portfolio of assets is made up of twelve wind farms located in Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel (the region of Aragon), and Valladolid (Castile and Leon), with a total installed capacity of 398 MW, as well as two PV solar plants, located in Albacete (Castile-La Mancha) and Cadiz (Andalusia), with 220 MW. In addition, the portfolio includes projects with hybridization potential, which would add an additional 279.2 MW. Together, the power generated by these assets will avoid the emission of around 714,450 tons of CO 2 into the atmosphere each year. Pontegadea has previously partnered with Repsol, taking minority stakes (49%), in two other renewable assets: the Delta wind farms (Zaragoza, Aragon), in November 2021, for €245 million, and the Kappa photovoltaic complex (Manzanares, Castile-La Mancha) in July 2022, for €27 million. In addition to Pontegadea, Repsol has incorporated The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG) in the Valdesolar photovoltaic complex (Badajoz) and has forged an alliance with Credit Agricole Assurances and EIP in the company's renewable generation business to boost its growth. Repsol has a global renewable energy portfolio of 2,300 MW in operation, 3,000 MW under construction, and a portfolio of projects at different stages of development in Spain, the United States, Chile, and Italy. It aims to reach 6,000 MW of installed renewable generation by 2025 and 20,000 MW by 2030. Source Repsol More around Circular Economy

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• 25.07.2023

  LyondellBasell helps to close the loop on Polypropylene by joining NEXTLOOPP initiative

  Copyright: AtlasComposer 08.08.2022 NEXTLOOPP, launched in October 2020, aims at creating circular food-grade recycled polypropylene (FGrPP) from post-consumer packaging. LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB), one of the largest plastic and chemical companies in the world, has recently joined the initiative that brings more than 40 major industry players together. "To unlock the full value of plastics, critical gaps must be addressed so these valuable resources can be circulated back into the economy after use. The development of innovative, new solutions and the increase of recycling rates is key to addressing plastic waste and climate change," says Richard Roudeix, Senior Vice President Olefins & Polyolefins EMEAI at LyondellBasell. "In the area of post-consumer polypropylene for food packaging, we are eager to join and support the research of the NEXTLOOPP project, together with other industry players, to help find new solutions." Polypropylene is the most widely used plastic in food packaging. NEXTLOOPP is able to close the loop on polypropylene (PP) by using a combination of cutting-edge technologies, developed by Nextek Ltd. It does this by separating food-grade PP from the rest, and by decontaminating the polymer to ensure compliance with food-grade standards in the UK, EU and the U.S. Following outstanding results of its innovative tracer-based sorting trials, Nextek Ltd recently started production trials of food-grade compliant recycled PP, making over 60 different products from NEXTLOOPP's four grades of PPristine food compliant and INRT rPP grade resins. Professor Edward Kosior, founder and CEO of Nextek Ltd and NEXTLOOPP said, "We are delighted to welcome LyondellBasell to our project. As we continue to build momentum, LyondellBasell’s expertise on delivering technologies that advance solutions to our world’s biggest challenges will be key." Source LyondellBasell More around Circular Economy

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• 25.07.2023

  Sustainable cellulose start-up Naturbeads is poised to scale up

  Spin-out company aiming to replace harmful plastic microbeads receives £1.3M investment Source: NomadSoul1 03.08.2022 Naturbeads, a company set up by University of Bath researchers that aims to replace plastic microbeads with sustainable alternatives, is set to scale up its work after receiving £1.3M (€1.5M) in a recent funding round. The investment from Italian Venture Capital fund Progress Tech Transfer, Eos Advisory and Proionic GmbH will allow Naturbeads to grow its work from pilot to demo plant scale and to expand the range of applications of its technology. Naturbeads has developed a range of innovative and renewable biodegradable cellulose-based products that can be used in cosmetics, paints, coatings, additives for the oil and gas industry packaging and composites. Following research carried out at Bath’s Centre for Sustainable and Circular Technologies (CSCT), the company was founded by Professor Davide Mattia from CSCT and the University's Department of Chemical Engineering, the late Prof Janet Scott, formerly of CSCT and the Dept of Chemistry, and CEO Dr Giovanna Laudisio, an alumna of Bath's School of Management. Prof Davide Mattia said: "We are delighted to have received this investment, which will allow us to accelerate our work in providing a sustainable alternative to persistent microplastic beads. An estimated 30,000 tonnes end up in the world’s oceans each year, showing the clear need for technologies such as ours to be adopted quickly." Giovanna Laudisio added: "Raising funds for a hard tech start-up like Naturbeads is challenging but we are pleased that with this investment we are bringing on board two institutional investors like EOS and Progress Tech Transfer and a company like Proionic. I am confident that with their support we will be able to accelerate the commercialization of our technology and prevent hundreds of thousands of tons of microplastics from reaching the environment". Through a new collaboration with its subsidiary Naturbeads Italia and Professor Antonio Proto at the University of Salerno, the firm will explore the application of its technology in the tyre industry to reduce its contribution to microplastic pollution. Alberto Calvo, partner of Progress Tech Transfer®, said: "We immediately understood the enormous potential of the technology developed by Naturbeads, which fits perfectly into our mission as early-stage, sustainability-driven investors. The company offers exciting prospects on global markets in a large number of industrial sectors which are desperately seeking for pragmatic solutions addressing the elimination of micro-plastics from their products, and Naturbeads is already positioned as a global technology leader in this arena." Andrew McNeill, Managing Partner of Eos Advisory, said: "Microbead plastic water pollution is a significant and hidden environment hazard that the world is only just starting to wake up to. As countries and industries restrict and ban their use, the market for biodegradable replacements is vast. What has really impressed Eos about Naturbeads is the people involved, the protections in place and the potential of this technology. This investment will support the scaling of Naturbeads production and route to market." Bernhard Ludwig, Executive Director of Proionic, said: "We are happy not only to supply the necessary solvent for the process but to further contribute to the development of what we consider a game-changing technology." Naturbeads has previously been funded by the University of Bath Impact Acceleration Account, Sky Ocean ventures, Innovate UK and the EPSRC. Quelle University of Bath More around Circular Economy

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• 25.07.2023

  BASF and NEVEON cooperate on mattress recycling

  Source: PantherMedia / AndreyPopov 24.03.2022 BASF and foam specialist NEVEON are working together to further develop the recycling of mattresses. The aim is to establish a closed product loop for mattresses. Currently, discarded mattresses are mainly thermally recycled or disposed of in landfills. BASF and NEVEON want to change this and return mattress foams to the product life cycle. As early as this year, the two companies plan to obtain the first pilot quantities of recycled mattress foams made from collected used mattresses. The next step will then be to transfer the recycling to a larger scale in subsequent years. BASF is developing a wet chemical recycling process for used mattresses made of flexible polyurethane. Initial small-scale trials have been very promising. The original polyols can be recovered from the used mattress foams and used again to produce high-quality flexible foam blocks. The quality of these flexible foam blocks made from recycled polyurethane are equivalent to those made from conventional materials from fossil raw material sources. Thus, high-quality new mattresses can be produced from alternative polyurethane. "For the recycling of mattresses, cooperation between all stages along the value chain is crucial. Together with NEVEON, we want to build a partner network and close the loop step by step," explains Dr. Sven Crone, responsible for the European business for isocyanates & precursors at BASF. NEVEON CEO Oliver Bruns adds: "The future bears the name circular economy. We as an industry need to drive the transformation to a circular system where products at the end of their life cycle are not waste, but valuable raw material and feedstock for new products. I am therefore pleased to make an important contribution here together with BASF and other partners." One building block towards a closed cycle - which already starts with the product and eco-design of mattresses - is the systematic collection and return of old mattresses. To simplify this, NEVEON is launching REMATTRESS, a mattress take-back pilot, in Berlin in mid-February. This is to be extended in the coming months successively to further states of the Federal Republic. On the online reservation platform citizens of Berlin can book immediately fast and comfortably by mouse-click the collection of their old mattresses. This is fetched after date agreement, dismantled professionally, and made available for reprocessing. This makes an important contribution to the circular economy, as the recycled materials can be used to manufacture new foam products. Source REMATTRESS More around Recycling

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• 25.07.2023

  Breakthrough in separating plastic waste

  Machines can distinguish 12 different types of plastic thereby separate plastics according to their chemical composition Source: Unsplash 21.02.2022 In contrast to common perceptions, plastic is in no way near one material. Rather, it is a combination of many materials (polymers) with different chemical compounds and additives such as pigments or fibres, depending on its use. It is very difficult to tell the difference between different types of plastics, and this is what makes it difficult to separate and recycle them. In collaboration with Vestforbrænding, Dansk Affaldsminimering Aps, and PLASTIX, researchers from the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering at Aarhus University have now developed a new camera technology that can see the difference between 12 different types of plastics (PE, PP, PET, PS, PVC, PVDF, POM, PEEK, ABS, PMMA, PC, and PA12). Together, these constitute the vast majority of household plastic types. The technology makes it possible to separate plastics based on a purer chemical composition than is possible today, and this opens up for completely new opportunities to recycle plastics. The technology has been tested at pilot scale and is planned to be implemented at PLASTIX and Dansk Affaldsminimering Aps in spring 2022. "With this technology, we can now see the difference between all types of consumer plastics and several high-performance plastics. We can even see the difference between plastics that consist of the same chemical building blocks, but which are structured slightly differently. We use a hyperspectral camera in the infrared area, and machine learning to analyse and categorise the type of plastic directly on the conveyor belt. The plastic can then be separated into different types. It's a breakthrough that will have a huge impact on all plastics separation," says Associate Professor Mogens Hinge, who is heading the project at Aarhus University. Plastics are currently separated using near-infrared technology (NIR) or via density tests (floats/sinks in water). These methods can separate certain plastic fractions (for example PE, PP, and PET), but not with the same accuracy as the new technology, and therefore not with the chemical purity in the composition, and this is vital to be able to increase the recycling rate of waste plastic. "The technology we’ve developed in collaboration with the university is nothing short of a breakthrough for our ability to recycle plastics. We look forward to installing the technology in our processing hall and starting in earnest on the long journey towards 100% utilisation of waste plastic," says Hans Axel Kristensen, CEO of PLASTIX. Plastic must be at least 96% pure by polymer type to be recycled in conventional industry. This means that the plastic has to be separated to an almost pure product in terms of chemical composition. Using the new technology, we are now a big step along the way, says Associate Professor Mogens Hinge, who stresses that the technology is continuously being developed and that data indicates it may be possible to differentiate even further between polymer types and additives before long. The hyper-spectral camera technology has been developed in cross-disciplinary collaboration, including BSc and MSc engineering students and researchers at the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering at Aarhus University, as well as experts from the participating companies. Source Aarhus University More around Recycling

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• 25.07.2023

  Fraunhofer, SABIC, and Procter & Gamble join forces in closed-loop recycling pilot project

  In an innovative circular economy pilot project, Fraunhofer, SABIC and Procter & Gamble have demonstrated the feasibility of closing the loop on facemasks to help reduce plastic waste. Photo: SABIC / Fraunhofer 12.07.2021 The Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE and its Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT have developed an advanced recycling process for used plastics. The pilot project with SABIC and Procter & Gamble serves to demonstrate the feasibility of closed-loop recycling for single-use facemasks. Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, SABIC and Procter & Gamble (P&G) today announced their collaboration in an innovative circular economy pilot project which aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of closed-loop recycling of single-use facemasks. Due to COVID-19, use of billions of disposable facemasks is raising environmental concerns especially when they are thoughtlessly discarded in public spaces, including - parks, open-air venues and beaches. Apart from the challenge of dealing with such huge volumes of essential personal healthcare items in a sustainable way, simply throwing the used masks away for disposal on landfill sites or in incineration plants represents a loss of valuable feedstock for new material. "Recognizing the challenge, we set out to explore how used facemasks could potentially be returned into the value chain of new facemask production," says Dr. Peter Dziezok, Director R&D Open Innovation at P&G. "But creating a true circular solution from both a sustainable and an economically feasible perspective takes partners. Therefore, we teamed up with Fraunhofer CCPE and Fraunhofer UMSICHT’s expert scientists and SABIC’s T&I specialists to investigate potential solutions." Exhibitors and products around recycling: Size reduction equipment (crushers, shredders, grinders) Screening machines, classifiers, dedusting systems for plastic pellets Extrusion lines for compounding Recycling plants Compounds/Recyclates As part of the pilot, P&G collected used facemasks worn by employees or given to visitors at its manufacturing and research sites in Germany. Although those masks are always disposed of responsibly, there was no ideal route in place to recycle them efficiently. To help demonstrate a potential step change in this scenario, special collection bins were set up, and the collected used masks were sent to Fraunhofer for further processing in a dedicated research pyrolysis plant. "A single-use medical product such as a face mask has high hygiene requirements, both in terms of disposal and production. Mechanical recycling, would have not done the job" explains Dr. Alexander Hofmann, Head of Department Recycling Management at Fraunhofer UMSICHT. "In our solution, therefore, the masks were first automatically shredded and then thermochemically converted to pyrolysis oil. Pyrolysis breaks the plastic down into molecular fragments under pressure and heat, which will also destroy any residual pollutants or pathogens, such as the Coronavirus. In this way it is possible to produce feedstock for new plastics in virgin quality that can also meet the requirements for medical products" adds Hofmann, who is also Head of Research Department "Advanced Recycling" at Fraunhofer CCPE. The pyrolysis oil was then sent to SABIC to be used as feedstock for the production of new PP resin. The resins were produced using the widely recognized principle of mass balance to combine the alternative feedstock with fossil-based feedstock in the production process. Mass balance is considered a crucial bridge between today’s linear economy and the more sustainable circular economy of the future. "The high-quality circular PP polymer obtained in this pilot clearly demonstrates that closed-loop recycling is achievable through active collaboration of players from across the value chain," emphasizes Mark Vester, Global Circular Economy Leader at SABIC. "The circular material is part of our TRUCIRCLE™ portfolio, aimed at preventing valuable used plastic from becoming waste and at mitigating the depletion of fossil resources." Finally, to close the loop, the PP polymer was supplied to P&G, where it was processed into non-woven fibers material. "This pilot project has helped us to assess if the close loop approach could work for hygienic and medical grade plastics." says Hansjörg Reick, P&G Senior Director Open Innovation. "Of course, further work is needed but the results so far have been very encouraging". The entire closed loop pilot project from facemask collection to production was developed and implemented within only seven months. The transferability of advanced recycling to other feedstocks and chemical products is being further researched at Fraunhofer CCPE. Source Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft More around Circular Economy

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• 25.07.2023

  New biodegradable polyurethane foams are developed from wheat straw

  Symbolic image: Kai Pilger on Unsplash 01.04.2021 Every year around 734 million tons of wheat straw are produced worldwide, a large amount of waste, which is cheap and has had no well-defined use until now. Recently, the RNM-271 Chemical Engineering and FQM-383 NANOVAL Organic Chemistry research groups at the University of Córdoba have been able to give a new use to this agricultural excess material, by using it as the foundation in order to manufacture polyurethane foams. Also known as foam rubber , this plastic material, often manufactured from petroleum by-products, is extremely versatile within the industry and has multiple uses in the construction and automobile sectors as a sealant as well as a thermal and acoustic insulator . The new paper, published on the cover of Polymers , and on which Chile's Advanced Polymers Research Center (CIPA) also participated, has found a new purpose for this wheat waste. After this waste is liquefied, polyols are obtained. These polyols are one of the key compounds that play a role in the chemical reaction that makes polyurethane foams. To date, castor oil has been one of the main candidates in the race to obtain sustainable polyurethane foam that does not require petroleum. The issue, as explained by one of the main authors of the paper, Esther Rincón, is that this vegetable oil "does not offer complete hardness and dryness once exposed to air", one of the keys to proper rubber foam formation. For this reason, the new research proposed substituting 50% of this castor oil for wheat straw, with results that offer up very similar characteristics to those generated by traditional manufacturing processes that use non-renewable compounds: "We were able to obtain very desirable parameters in the manufacturing of foam, converting 96% of the wheat used with an almost maximum performance", explains Esther Rincón. In addition, as pointed out by the researcher, they obtained higher levels of biodegradability than those reached by the products currently on the market, meaning that this material takes less time to decompose. While these new polyurethane foams could have infinite applications and even be manufactured with other kinds of biomass, the research group, in the second stage of their study, will use them in plant nurseries to help with plant growth. "Instead of watering the plant, and with the aim of dealing with drought problems and preventing overwatering, we would inject the water into the foam so that the plant can consume it as needed", explains the researcher. Reference Luis Serrano et al.; "Bio-Degradable Polyurethane Foams Produced by Liquefied Polyol from Wheat Straw Biomass"; Polymers; 2020 Source Universidad de Córdoba More around Circular Economy

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• 25.07.2023

  Upcycling spongy plastic foams from shoes, mattresses and insulation

  Polyurethane foams are notoriously difficult to recycle and end up in landfills or in lower value products, such as synthetic carpets. Image: Northwestern University 12.05.2020 Researchers have developed a new method for upcycling polyurethane foams, the spongy material found in mattresses, insulation, furniture cushions and shoes. This process, developed by researchers at Northwestern University and the University of Minnesota, first involves mixing postconsumer polyurethane foam waste with a catalyst solution that allows the foam to become malleable. Next, the method uses a "twin-screw" extrusion process that both removes air from the foam to create a new material in the shape of a hard, durable plastic or soft, flexible film as well as remolds the material. This allows foam waste to be processed into higher quality rubbers and hard plastics for use in shoe cushioning, watch wristbands, hard durable wheels (for shopping carts and skateboards) and in automotive applications, such as bumpers. " Polyurethane foam waste has historically been landfilled and burned or downcycled for use in carpeting," said Northwestern's William Dichtel, who co-led the research. "Our latest work effectively removes air from polyurethane foams and remolds them into any shape. This could pave the way for industry to begin recycling polyurethane foam waste for many relevant applications." Dichtel is the Robert L. Letsinger Professor of Chemistry in Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. He co-led the research with Christopher Ellison, an associate professor of chemical engineering and materials science at the University of Minnesota. Often made from toxic building blocks, polyurethane foam is a stubborn material that frequently ends up at the bottom of landfills. While other types of plastics can be melted down and recycled, polyurethane foam's chemical bonds are so strong that it does not melt – even in extreme heat. At best, people can shred it into synthetic fibers, which can then be downcycled into carpet and brushes. Other upcycling efforts have compressed the foam to remove its air, but this resulted in cracked or unevenly blended materials. Dichtel and Ellison's approach uses two intermeshing, co-rotating screws to simultaneously mix and remold the foam. This improved mixing and air removal. More about plastic-recycling: Raw material recycling in view Referenz Sheppard et al., Reprocessing Postconsumer Polyurethane Foam Using Carbamate Exchange Catalysis and Twin-Screw Extrusion, ACS Central Science (2020), https://doi.org/10.1021/acscentsci.0c00083 More around Recycling

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• 25.07.2023

  Circularity and Digitalization: The Next Material Frontier for CMF Designers

  Chris Lefteri interviews Thomas Franken, Director of the K Tradefair Exclusively for K-Mag Copyright: Lefteri Thomas Franken Chris Lefteri: Hi Thomas, thanks for being here. How are the preparations going for the K Show? Thomas Franken: Preparations for K are in full swing, as you can imagine. We have already started to prepare some of our halls where our big exhibitors are placed, especially with the big machines. We are using the entire exhibition center here at Messe Dusseldörf which translates to roughly 180,000 square meters net exhibition space, which is the equivalent of 25 football pitches. That’s sometimes easier to get an idea how big the show is! Chris Lefteri: That's incredible. And you're starting to build the K Show three months before, more or less? Thomas Franken: Yes, because we have the big machines in some of the bigger halls like hall numbers 17, 16 and 15, we always have to install extra air conditioning, so for that reason we start roughly three months in advance. Copyright: Lefteri Chris Lefteri: The K Show happens every three years which is a good amount of time for you to be able to overview the big changes in the industry. What do you see as the current and future trends, for example, within sustainability or technology, AI that you think are going to become more significant? Thomas Franken: The most important topic currently is the circular economy, which has been evident in the last two or even three editions of the show. And digitalization is part of the circular economy because we always know from the industry that you cannot do the circular economy without digital and AI solutions. I’m also very interested in the reputation of plastics from a sustainability point of view and the responsibility our industry holds in terms of taking care of our people. I’m also very interested in the shortage of skilled workers. We have always been interested in exploring how to attract young talent to the industry, but it has never been the highest priority. For the 2025 edition however it is becoming one of the hot topics. This will be mirrored in our program as for the first time we have a lot of things to attract young talents to the industry. This is something that is quite new and not seen in the previous editions. Chris Lefteri: You mention digitalization, sustainability and circularity. Is there an example of something that you want to highlight as a subject? Thomas Franken: For sure, we have a lot of exhibitors, especially from the recycling sector, coming up with new solutions, like tracking materials, sorting materials, etc. Here AI is one of the key enablers to make the circular economy for plastics happen. I think it's very important to see plastic waste as a resource in the future and not just material for landfill . So, the question then becomes how to really sort the waste. I think the industry has been collecting data for a while and it’s now able to really make use of this data with AI. The digitalization is really the enabler to make the circular economy happen. Some of the exhibitors have already announced that they will have some new solutions for especially these kinds of things, let's say, using AI solutions in technology to make circular economy happen. Chris Lefteri: Recycling must be one of the big areas in terms of exhibitors that has been growing? Thomas Franken: Yes. That's the case. As you can see from the layout of the exhibition, we have three different colours and almost two-thirds of the exhibition is in blue, which is technology. We have tried to place all exhibitors coming up with recycling solutions in halls 9 and 10, creating a clear segmentation. This is for sure a growing part of the show and also a growing part in the industry - more and more exhibitors are coming up with new solutions and innovations. Copyright: Lefteri Chris Lefteri: Yes, for me, processing innovation is one of the most interesting areas. When I'm walking around scouting for exhibitors to visit for my design tour, you have to really look quite precisely to find some material innovation. Obviously, in the previous years, there's always been the new materials, let's say new waste streams that are being used as fillers. In previous years, there's always been the new materials, let's say new waste streams that are being used as fillers. But also the exhibitors that have really got my interest were those with the processing innovation and I think this year recycling is going to be the area that I'm going to focus on. It's the big raw material suppliers that have, let's say, new grades of circular materials or bio-based materials, but I think these are quite well known. The recyclers however are less media-interesting and they are harder to find. Thomas Franken: You're right there. And I think even the recyclate’s are somehow a new type of new material and will be used more and more in the future with different kinds of application. Yet it is hard I think how to have a clear standard or quality of these recyclate’s because you don't always know where they're coming from. It is different to if you use natural resources such as oil for example. This is becoming one of the tough questions in the industry – it is the industry’s job to keep the quality and also find more and more applications, where you can use them. Chris Lefteri: I notice the K Show has the slogan The Power of Plastics. So why did you choose that? Thomas Franken: Yes, as you know, for each edition of the K Show we have key themes, chosen as interesting topics and discussion points in the industry. For K 25 however we wanted to frame these three hot topics for the first time with the slogan. The three hot topics are Circular Economy, Digitalization and Caring about People and for that reason we created the slogan, The Power of Plastics. It’s meant to underline, or sum up the important role of plastics in shaping the future and where the industry is heading to. Chris Lefteri: For me, The Power of Plastics is about understanding the value, the opportunity and the scale that plastics have. It's very easy to be drawn into catchy stories about, let's say, unusual waste streams but actually, the biggest opportunity is through plastics. Let’s say, for example, one single plastic is used to make an entire product? This has much more opportunity for impact because I can recycle it and it's a stream of material that already exists. Yet, plastics is something that people almost don't see as being the opportunity to solve the problem. And what I love about the K Show is, it is finding these very, very niche suppliers who do something really quite incredible that for me as a designer, I interpret in my own way and say, “Oh, but you could use it for this instead!” And they've never thought about it like that. Thomas Franken: You're right. I think people always see plastic as a problem. But without plastics, you cannot really answer the questions in the future. Plastics will play an important role in answering and finding solutions for the challenging times we might have in the future. There are so many real solutions with plastics, if you think about reducing CO2 emissions with lighter vehicles, or using less energy. For instance, packaging is one of the biggest applications for plastics, but plastic packaging is also helping to reduce food waste, which is a positive thing that needs to put more to the public. This is The Power of Plastics tries to underline. Plastic is also helping to solve these questions and matters in future and the easiest answer people find at the moment is to say, “Well, plastic is a problem, and we have to avoid plastic,” but plastics will play an important and essential role in the future. Without plastic, it's not possible to. Chris Lefteri: Yes. But like you said, it's these secondary benefits of plastic, like packaging that keeps food for longer, that people forget to look at and see the opportunities and the benefits. What I would like to see, what I hope to see, is what kind of new materials are coming through, like technology that can analyse traditional plastics to formulate bio-based compounds based on existing technologies, using AI. And I think this is where I'm really keen to look this year, to see where that level of technology is going to impact and how, for example, AI is used, for example, in modeling technology to create surface effects or surface functionality, for example, stay clean or water resistance or something like antibacterial. I mean where AI isn't just about the chemicals, but about the surface and creating textures that have some added functionality. For example, the lotus effect as a natural texture. So that's for me where I'll be looking. I'm trying to really look past the, I wouldn't say greenwashing, but “Hey, come on, you've got to back this up!” You've got to show me something a little bit more because I'm going to be quite particular in making sure that they deliver if they say something. I also believe it isn't just about problem solving and functionality, it's also about aesthetic and the story of materials, this is where the opportunity lies as a CMF designer. I go to the Milan Furniture Fair in April every year, because this is where we see the trends. This is where we see the aesthetics. If I then go to the K Show, I can put these two things together. I'd say that’s the power of the K Show actually. Thomas Franken: Yes, I also think the material producers and the processors, and the kind of products they're showing, are really interesting for CMF designers. Chris Lefteri: How should people best prepare when visiting the K show? The only thing I personally can say in terms of preparation is to just keep a bottle of water in your bag and wear the most comfortable shoes you have because I don't want to stop. I mean, really, when I go, I don't stop. I don’t stop for breaks because there's no time for me and I'm very determined, I'm very much on a mission. For me, it's not just a casual thing. I really want to soak up as much as possible and by the end of it, I'm absolutely, absolutely exhausted. That brings to me the question of the Matchmaking tool to make the visit efficient, which seems like the perfect tool to help with this? Thomas Franken: Yes, what makes trade show so special is that you want to see as much as possible in the short timeframe people often have. I think you can get some general orientation with our exhibitor database and the mapping. We offer a lot of services on our homepage and also in the apps you can browse our exhibitors so that you can find out the exhibitors you want to visit and then ask the system to make the best tour. Chris Lefteri: That’s great! So you have a tool that allows me to find the most efficient route between the exhibitors? I didn't know that that existed. Is that on the app or is that on a website? Thomas Franken: It's on both. If you log in as a visitor for the show you can just browse the exhibitor database, choose all the exhibitors you would like to visit and then you can also see where they are placed and then – it’s like on Google Maps – you can plan a route for visiting all the destinations you would like to see. We also have our new matchmaking tool where you can get in contact with our exhibitors. The main aim of this system is to bring together our visitors on one side and exhibitors on the other side, even in advance before the show starts. You can say, “Well, I'm interested in different parts of the industry and I would like to find innovations for a specific topic.” And then the system will give you suggestions and recommendations of some exhibitors. If something is really interesting for you, you can even get in contact with the company before the show starts. Chris Lefteri: Yeah, fantastic, fantastic. Thomas Franken: This is also available in the app because for sure you don’t want to bring your laptop with you everywhere. If you already arranged meetings with some of the exhibitors, you can directly see it in your app because it's linked to your profile. Chris Lefteri: Yes, when I'm giving talks about resources that designers can go to in order to understand and research materials, even if it's in Asia, where they're not likely to travel to Düsseldorf, I highlight the opportunities that the website has in terms of finding resources and inspiration so you don't necessarily have to go there because there's also a lot of information that's on the website. It's a very rich tool. Here's another question for you. What are you personally looking forward to? Thomas Franken: There are many things I'm really looking forward to, because as you can imagine, if you're preparing a massive show like K, more than two years in advance, everything is in preparation for the final opening moment. This is the most important and exciting point for me, especially on the first day when we're opening the gates and you see that people from all over the world are coming together, it really is an incredible atmosphere. Everyone is really motivated and curious to discover what's new in the industry. Chris Lefteri: Yes, I think you touched on something, which is the feeling that it has. And on the opening day, like you said, literally people are flooding into the halls. That’s something that I should have asked at the beginning: what's your general feeling from the plastics industry? We talked about technologies and advancements and trends, but you have a very unique position because you're talking to many exhibitors visiting different countries. So, in capturing the mood of the plastics industry, what do you think the mood is? Thomas Franken: Especially right now, economically speaking, the situation is more challenging than maybe in the past. But something really special in the industry, is that everyone is really optimistic about the future. Everyone wants to be a part of shaping and setting the course for the future for our industry. Copyright: Lefteri Chris Lefteri: There must be new types of business models that are developed, let's say, as a result? One, for example, that I worked with, was a company who evaluate the circularity potential of a compound, and they give you a scorecard, like a traffic light. Apart from the recyclers, are there new types of companies that you see have been set up? New types of exhibitors? Thomas Franken: We see that there are a lot of exhibitors coming up with digital solutions for the industry. And maybe also, as you just mentioned, with evaluating these new materials and the recycling part. Especially if I look into the Start-Up Pavilion, you see that the young and dynamic companies are always coming up with new solutions from the digitalization part and also the circular economy. Chris Lefteri: Yes. So again, like you said at the beginning, this connection between the digital and the circular, this is where there is opportunity for new things. Thomas Franken: Is there anything you're really looking forward to? Chris Lefteri: I love German food, I love a beer and a good traditional German meal, which is something I always look forward to! In terms of the K Show, it is this moment of unexpected discovery. Of seeing opportunities that the exhibitor doesn't always see, but through my lens as a designer, as a material CMF designer, I can interpret. Yes, and also being able to get a sense of where the industry is, where plastics is going in the future. So, my last question for you, which is something that I've asked everybody that I have interviewed: what's your strongest memory of a material from childhood, and why? Thomas Franken: I think it's quite funny. I’m thinking of a material like foam or something like that. Something you can really change the shape of, but then it comes back to its original shape. I always thought that was interesting because wood for instance, you can cut it down, but it stays as it is. Foam on the other hand you can really change but then it always goes back to its original form. It was something I remember that was quite special for me when I was three or four years old. Chris Lefteri: Was it a toy? Thomas Franken: I think it was maybe bath sponge, it was in the shape of a boat or something and you could play with it, you could squeeze it, you know, you could put the water in it, but then it always came back to the original design or form. Somehow, I remember that I really liked these kinds of things. Chris Lefteri: Good. Good. Then that's it. Thank you for our conversation. Really looking forward to the K Show! Thomas Franken: Same. Thank you! Author: Chris Lefteri | K-Mag Chris Lefteri is a materials expert, author and industrial designer. Since 2006, he has been advising companies worldwide at the interface of materials innovation, CMF and design strategy. His books and lectures shape the global discourse on the conscious use of materials in design and industry. In K-Mag, he writes about the role of materials as drivers of sustainable product innovation. More around Sustainability

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