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- Sustainable Materials
The Sustainable Materials Stage -
- Reducing Manufacturing Emissions
The Greener Manufacturing StageIn this session, attendees will learn about an ecosystem of Ohio companies, research institutions and non-profit partners utilizing a cluster framework to raise awareness, marshal resources, innovate technologies, and connect solutions that increase manufacturers' competitiveness and resilience. With the emergence of digital transformation and sustainable production as critical components to manufacturing success, this region long known as the industrial heartland of America is transforming itself into a sustainable materials hub and circular manufacturing engine, positioning companies for greater productivity and profitability while also reducing their impact on the environment. Come learn why the White House, National Science Foundation, and many others are investing more than $2.5 billion into the region, as well as how your company may be able to tap into the innovation opportunities emerging as you consider your partnerships in North America. -
- Sustainable Chemicals
The Sustainable Chemicals StageThe European Union's proposed Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) heralds a new era of sustainability, with rigorous mandates for recycled material content, eco-design, and transparency across product lifecycles. Central to achieving these ambitious goals is the development and implementation of advanced recycling technologies. This presentation introduces the chemical recycling process as a key solution to the challenges posed by the ESPR. Chemical recycling technologies can be developed to convert plastic waste into high-quality chemical products, including aliphatic solvents, white oils, and paraffin waxes. These innovative processes may not only mitigate the issue of plastic waste but also generate valuable, sustainable materials for various industries. By transforming end-of-life plastics into high-purity chemical products, these technologies can support the circular economy, reduce dependency on virgin resources, and minimize environmental pollution. The presentation will cover the following key points:
1. Overview of the ESPR: An in-depth look at the regulation's objectives, scope, and specific requirements for recycled content and chemical safety.
2. Plastic-to-products Technology: Detailed explanation of the chemical recycling plastic-to-products process, highlighting its efficiency, scalability, and environmental benefits. Clariter technology is to be presented as an example.
3. Alignment with ESPR Goals: How the plastic-to-products approach aligns with the ESPR's vision of sustainable product design, waste reduction, and resource efficiency.
4. Benefits to Industry and Consumers: The advantages of incorporating recycled chemical products into manufacturing processes, include regulatory compliance, enhanced sustainability, and improved product quality.
5. Future Prospects and Collaboration Opportunities: Exploring potential collaborations with manufacturers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance circular economy initiatives and drive innovation in recycling technologies. By leveraging innovative chemical recycling technologies, industries can meet the stringent requirements of the ESPR while contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future. This presentation aims to inspire and inform stakeholders about the transformative potential of advanced recycling solutions in fostering a greener economy.
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- Sustainable Materials
The Sustainable Materials StageNature, including biodiversity and water, has become a focal point in sustainable management today. Following the focus on carbon, leading companies are now exploring how their business operations and supply chains impact and depend on natural resources. Frameworks such as the Taskforce for Nature-related Disclosure (TNFD) and Science-Based Targets for Nature (SBTN) have been developed to guide companies through the complexities of managing their environmental impact. Anthesis is at the forefront of supporting early adopters of TNFD and pilot companies implementing SBTN. Many of these companies identify packaging as a critical area impacting water use, water pollution, and biodiversity. In this presentation, we will share our approach to addressing these challenges, providing insights and strategies for companies eager to enhance their sustainability efforts and navigate the intricate landscape of nature-related issues. Join us to learn how to effectively integrate nature-focused frameworks into your business practices and drive positive environmental outcomes.
In this context, this session will explore: ' Basic Nature topics ' The TNFD and SBTN frameworks ' First pilot projects and how the industry can get involved
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- Sustainable Chemicals
The Sustainable Chemicals StageTransitioning from a fossil- to renewable-based global economy requires a major shift in the way we think about every aspect of life. Central to this transformation is the careful design of chemicals that prioritize both performance and sustainability. Emphasizing a product's value proposition will be linked to its functional benefits and sustainability metrics rather than sheer chemical volume. There are already many examples of green chemistry developments, demonstrating that change is on the way. This presentation showcases diverse industry examples to underscore the growing influence of green chemistry across sectors, signaling a path towards a sustainable future. Specifically, we highlight fermentation chemicals as a strategic avenue in green chemistry. These chemicals, derived from biomass via microbial fermentation processes involving organisms like bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and microalgae, offer sustainable building blocks for innovative products spanning various applications. Investing in these technologies is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge amidst evolving market demands. -
- Reducing Manufacturing Emissions
The Greener Manufacturing StageMost manufacturing companies have set long-term corporate targets to reach net zero. Process heat, however, poses significant challenges for decarbonisation, particularly when dealing with high temperatures and steam. Differences in grid decarbonisation, fuel options, technologies, and policies across countries further exacerbate the challenge. This session will examine how global manufacturers can navigate the challenge of heat decarbonisation to create credible investment plans that drive long-term emission reduction. In this presentation, we will share real-life examples from large, multi-national companies around the world that have started this journey and we have helped deliver impact and realise sustainable performance. -
- Reducing Manufacturing Emissions
The Greener Manufacturing StageWe will review case studies from consumer product companies that have taken bold steps to work with their contract manufacturers to reduce carbon emissions including food manufacturing and household supplies. These lessons have broad application for many companies that are trying to tackle their Scope 3 emissions while ensuring regulatory compliance for supply chain reporting. -
- Sustainable Chemicals
The Sustainable Chemicals StageThe new production plant of CropEnergies will be the first of its kind in Europe. It will use sustainable ethanol and renewable energy sources to produce renewable ethyl acetate. Ethyl acetate is widely used in the production of flexible packaging and coatings, paints, and adhesives as well as in the food, beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Currently, ethyl acetate is mainly produced from fossil raw materials. Let's discover one way of biobased chemical production!' -
- Reducing Manufacturing Emissions
The Greener Manufacturing StageThe Carbon Trust, a leading sustainability consultancy with over 20 years of experience, will guide you through the process of calculating, verifying, and communicating the carbon footprint of your chemical products and will be sharing key examples of innovation from the industry! -
- Sustainable Chemicals
The Sustainable Chemicals StageThe presentation will assess four key lessons from current biobased chemical developers, looking into the why of the themes and industry examples on how it's working currently. The lessons will highlight the importance of the themes going forward to succeed in the biobased chemicals industry. The themes chosen are the establishment of value chains, sustainable production methods, funding and development opportunities, and renewable and sustainable feedstocks. The examples that will be highlighted will dive deep into how they are successful right now and how they will impact the industry going forward. -
- Sustainable Chemicals
The Sustainable Chemicals StagePili has pioneered an innovative fermentation process for producing high-purity biobased aromatic intermediates, eliminating the need for traditional naphtha-based sources. This method converts biomass into aniline derivatives with over 95% purity, providing a sustainable alternative for the synthesis of dyes, pigments, and a range of other chemicals including phenols, benzoic acids, anilines, and salicylates. Guillaume Boissonnat-Wu, Pili's Scientific and Industrial Director, will present this significant advancement and explore the benefits of biobased aromatics compared to conventional methods. -
- Sustainable Materials
The Sustainable Materials Stage1. Microplastics & Marine Biodegradability:
- Understanding the environmental impact of microplastics.
- Innovations in PHA to enhance marine biodegradability.
- Case studies and research findings on PHA degradation in marine environments
2. Recycling:
- Current state of PHA recycling technologies.
- Challenges and solutions in integrating PHA into existing recycling streams.
- The role of policy and industry standards in promoting PHA recycling.
3. Renewable Carbon / Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):
- The importance of renewable carbon sources in the production of PHA.
- Comprehensive life cycle assessments of PHA versus conventional plastics.
- Strategies to improve the sustainability metrics of PHA production and usage.
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- Sustainable Chemicals
The Sustainable Chemicals StageThe need for sustainable carbon creation is apparent. One of the most promising and high-impact solutions to reduce carbon footprint worldwide is on its way! Recell converts residual cellulosic feedstock into high-quality DE95 glucose as a building block for the green chemistry. By doing so it creates an alternative and truly sustainable stream supportive to the materials transition. This game-changing solution not only paves the way for new green resources, it also answers the need for a high-impact profile in achieving Science Based Targets (SBTi). Recell's CEO Erik Pijlman will present the immense potential of these innovative resources and will address how they answer the need for green chemical resources. In addition, he will highlight the construction outlook of the flagship factory that will take Recell into the next phase towards large-scale production of renewable carbon. -
- Sustainable Materials
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- Sustainable Materials
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- Sustainable Materials
The Sustainable Materials Stage
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- Sustainable Chemicals
The Sustainable Chemicals StagePyrolysis, liquefaction and gasification are promising technologies to recycle plastics that are unsuitable for mechanical recycling. Yet, today more than 90% of the global plastic waste is being incinerated, landfilled or simply discarded into the environment. Today's chemical recycling goal is turning plastic waste into suitable feed for refinery processes at economy of scale, using existing integrated refinery assets, remove contaminants and ensure feed stability in terms of volume and composition. The main product of liquefaction and pyrolysis is an oil that contains too high levels of contaminants and needs upgrading before it can be applied in existing refinery processes. This can be done via adsorption, hydrogenation and chemical conversion techniques. Besides, liquefaction and pyrolysis produce significant amounts of CO2 that should be captured and re-converted into base chemicals. Main challenges are to develop the right adsorbents and catalysts including durable catalysts solutions that go beyond the catalyst itself. Gasification of plastics does not only produce CO and H2, known as syngas, but also CO2 and a suite of contaminants, like Cl and N containing gases. H2, CO and CO2 can be re-converted into valuable chemicals e.g. by Fischer Tropsch, an old process, but with new developments and insights. Development of suitable sorbents and catalyst solutions requires a lot of down scaled R&D screening tests. Catalyst vendors, oil majors, chemical recycling companies, plastic manufacturers, institutes and R&D centers are currently working on this. Avantium aims to accelerate that research by offering R&D systems, expertise and services that use multiple parallel reactors that can operate 24/7 under very well defined and reproducible process conditions including automatic sampling enabling both online and offline product analyses. Together with leading industry and institutes Avantium developed applications and R&D solutions of which a few examples, including test results shall be given. -
- Sustainable Materials
The Sustainable Materials StageIncrease the awareness of the availability and benefits of cellulose based biomaterials. The interest in nano-cellulose based biomaterials has increased significantly over the past decade, and further magnified recently as this material is now commercially available. The presentation will summarize recent activities of Performance BioFilaments toward the use of nanocellulose based materials to improve the properties of other materials such as concrete and mortars, glass fibre nonwovens, and industrial fluids. Several case studies will be presented where nanofibrillated cellulose has demonstrated significant improvements in performance, sustainability, and offering opportunities for de-carbonization. Furthermore, the regulatory and safety aspects of introducing a new biomaterial will also be discussed. -
- Sustainable Chemicals
The Sustainable Chemicals StageAn interdisciplinary team of Fraunhofer researchers has developed an innovative synthesis process for the production of fine chemicals. While conventional processes use a sequence of different reactors and stirred tanks, the new process produces the end product in a continuous synthesis cascade, in the best case within a single reactor. The process leads to significantly more efficient process management and more sustainable production thanks to shorter changeover times and lower energy requirements. These benefits have a direct impact on the CO2 emissions of the synthesis process and its costs. During the workshop, the developments will be presented and the requirements for a transfer to real production will be discussed. -
- Reducing Manufacturing Emissions
The Greener Manufacturing StageThe environmental impact of chemicals and plastics depends mainly on the supply of raw materials and chemical intermediates used in their production. To mitigate these impacts, chemical producers can build more sustainable supply chains through strategic purchasing decisions. However, this requires detailed information about the environmental impact of the production routes used by the various suppliers in the market, which is often unavailable. In this presentation, we introduce teh Carbon Minds database, a product carbon footprint and life cycle inventory database designed to systematically support the identification of environmental impact reduction opportunities through purchasing decisions. Unlike other databases, the Carbon Minds database maps the production of high-volume chemicals and plastics at the plant and supplier level across over 190 production regions worldwide. This higher level of granularity highlights differences in environmental impacts between countries, technologies, and individual suppliers. Using a case study of the climate impact of polypropylene production, we show that the carbon footprint of polypropylene supply can be reduced by up to 68% through choice of production regions and by up to 90% by choosing particular suppliers. Such insights can guide purchasing decisions, enabling substantial improvements in Scope 3 emissions to achieve climate targets. -
- Sustainable Materials
The Sustainable Materials StageAccording to Green Deal, the EU has taken an ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 50% by 2030, whilst Germany set a yet more aggressive goal of reducing GHG emissions by 65%. This has been supported by set of new regulations, such as The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which introduces mandatory sustainability reporting for all enterprises, and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), aimed to stop carbon leakage and put a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon intensive goods that are entering the EU. Complete supply chains, regardless of the location of participants, will therefore need to adapt their activities quickly to these regulations, starting from the initial conceptualization and design of a product till the end of its life. On the other hand, materials with their production and processing represent a major contributor to GHG emissions, with the increase by 120% from 5 billion metric tons CO2-equivalent (GtCO2e) in 1995 to 11Gt in 2015, raising their share of the global total from 15 to 23%, with forecasted further increase. In most cases, materials are by far the biggest contributor to the products carbon footprint, at least until the product has been produced. Consequently, the importance of accurate and optimal material selection in the early phases of product design and CAE simulations can never be overstated. Besides classical engineering considerations such as mechanical performance and cost, new aspects need to include carbon footprint and environmental impact, as well as lightweight optimization, compliance with regulations and optimizing sourcing and supply chain, in order to optimize related emissions. This paper presents recent developments designed to help engineers in the CAE simulation field to cope with these challenges. -
- Reducing Manufacturing Emissions
The Greener Manufacturing StageSetting goals needs factual data ahead. Calculation models alone are not sufficient anymore: measurement is key. ? The impact of conducting site measurements on the daily processes can be near neglectable when safely using UAV's. ? Site emission measurement compliant with EN17628:2022 is a clear guideline for reporting. -
- Sustainable Materials
The Sustainable Materials StageThe Fibrenamics Association, Institute of Innovation in Fibrous and Composite Materials, from the University of Minho, is an interface centre for generating, enhancing, and transferring advanced knowledge in fibrous and composite materials, operating under the motto 'From Science to People'. Our mission is to design and implement integrated and customised research and technological development solutions in plastic composite and fibrous materials (synthetic and natural), contributing to the differentiation and competitiveness of the companies with which collaborations have been established. In polymer composites, the transformation, recovery and incorporation of industrial waste such as slate, lignin, cork, fishing nets, wood, pineapple leaves, solid urban waste slags, coffee grounds and textile waste have been explored. In fibrous polymer composites, the use of materials of natural origin, which are recyclable or biodegradable, has been adopted to promote sustainability and the concept of circular economy. To this end, the use of natural fibres such as jute, flax, hemp, coconut, banana and sisal, plastics of natural origin, recyclable or biodegradable, such as PLA, PHA, PBAT, TPS, PHB, etc. has contributed. In addition to this sustainable component, using these materials has enabled the development of functionalised composite solutions with antimicrobial characteristics, UV protection, barrier effect, humidity control, self-cleaning, anti-static, etc. These polymer composites have been applied in areas such as the automotive sector, construction, the food packaging sector, the textile industry, the biomedical industry, etc. Fibrenamics' outlook for the future is to deepen its knowledge and skills in the areas described above but also to explore new opportunities such as the valorisation of agroforestry, marine and industrial waste of natural origin for the extraction, through physical and chemical processes, of new materials such as fibres, monomers, polymers and nanomaterials. Another area to be explored is the development of new biopolymers, through the extrusion process to produce masterbatches, from resources of natural origin, such as food waste, which have highly versatile properties and applications, always focusing on sustainability and biodegradability. Finally, the upcycling of recycled polymers, through repolymerization in a reactive extrusion process with chain extenders, to apply them in more demanding areas, is an area where Fibrenamics is currently working. -
- Reducing Manufacturing Emissions
The Greener Manufacturing StageThe manufacturing industry faces unprecedented challenges to evolve to net zero. Innovation holds the key to success, but some innovations are too expensive to put into production. Leading companies are trying new manufacturing processes to get a competitive edge, but without detailed cost and carbon footprint analysis of these new processes, time will be lost experimenting. In this presentation, we will explore the major challenges facing manufacturers from design to sourcing and reducing the environmental impact from production, along with the strategies, tools and techniques to reach net zero. -
- Sustainable Materials
The Sustainable Materials Stage