Following President Trump's announcement regarding imports Imposing higher tariffs, the global automotive industry is already preparing for the tough times ahead. The latest developments in Europe may make the situation worse, as the EU has uncovered another major scam in modern automotive history. In the past day, the European Commission has imposed a total fine of 458 million euros (approximately 3.635 billion yuan) on 15 large car manufacturers operating in Europe and the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) for their involvement in "a long-standing End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) recycling monopoly alliance". All these companies admitted to participating in the monopoly alliance and agreed to settle. Mercedes-Benz was also part of the cartel, but the company was granted full immunity as a key whistleblower, saving it from a 35-million-euro ($282-million) fine. Some well-known car manufacturers, including Stellantis (and its subsidiary Opel), Mitsubishi, and Ford, received certain reductions in fines for cooperating with the European Commission. EU Directive on End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) refer to cars that are no longer suitable for road use due to age, wear, or damage. These vehicles are typically dismantled and processed accordingly to achieve goals of recycling, reusing, and properly disposing of them, thereby reducing waste generation and recovering valuable materials such as metals, plastics, and glass. This effort is aimed at better supporting the European Union's decarbonization and recycling objectives. The European Union passed the 2000/53/EC Directive on end-of-life vehicles (the "ELV Directive") in 2000, which began to be implemented in 2002. Every year, millions of cars are scrapped in Europe. If end-of-life vehicles are not managed properly, they can pose a threat to the environment and lead to a significant loss of materials. The introduction of the directive aims to minimize the environmental impact of end-of-life vehicles and improve the environmental performance of all economic operators involved in the vehicle life cycle. The directive contains regulations on the collection, treatment, recycling, and reuse of end-of-life vehicles. The European Union's End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) directive is set to undergo a major revision, with the new ELV directive on the horizon. Since the EU's publication of the "Circular Requirements for Vehicle Design and End-of-Life Vehicle Management" (the "new ELV directive") proposal on July 13, 2023, it has attracted widespread attention from global automotive companies. On January 29, 2025, the European Parliament officially released the draft report on the resolution of the new ELV directive proposal, with the legislative process continuing to advance. The draft mentions the following key amendments: Recycled Plastic Proportion Adjustment:The new ELV directive aims to increase the use of recycled plastics in vehicles. The European Commission initially proposed a 25% recycled plastic ratio for new cars, but the European Parliament considered it to be "reasonable and realistic" and reduced the ratio to 20%. At the same time, the proportion of recycled plastics from scrapped vehicles also dropped from the originally proposed 25% to 15%. Expansion of sources for recycled plastics:The sources of recycled plastics have been expanded in the revised version. To achieve the 20% quota, manufacturers can now use pre-consumer, post-consumer waste plastics, and bio-based plastics in addition to the original sources, making it more flexible to achieve sustainability goals. Redefinition of plastic types:The revised regulations stipulate that only thermoplastic and polyurethane foam plastics are considered as plastics. Since thermoset plastics are difficult to recycle, including them would increase industrial costs. This ensures that only recyclable plastics are counted towards the target, and allows for adjustments to the regulations based on future advancements in recycling technology. Strengthen supervision and evaluation:The European Parliament has called on the European Commission to develop standard methods for calculating and verifying the recycled content within 12 months of the entry into force of the regulation, taking into account advanced technologies such as chemical recycling, and to introduce digital product passports to improve the traceability of recycled plastics. Punishment Reason The monopoly alliance began in May 2002 and lasted until September 2017, spanning 15 years. According to the investigation results of the European Commission, 16 major car manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, which was not fined, reached an anti-competitive agreement with the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) and acted in concert in the field of end-of-life vehicle recycling. Specifically, these automakers have improper collusion in the following two aspects: The "zero processing cost" strategy: They unanimously agreed not to pay vehicle dismantlers for processing end-of-life vehicles, believing that the recycling of end-of-life vehicles is a profitable business and thus no service fees need to be paid. Additionally, these companies shared commercially sensitive information with vehicle dismantlers and coordinated their actions towards the dismantlers. Concealing recycling information: They decided not to publicize the quantity of recyclable parts in scrapped vehicles, the reuse rate, or the use of recycled materials in new cars. The aim is to prevent consumers from considering these environmental factors when purchasing vehicles, thereby reducing the competitive pressure on companies due to environmental requirements. According to the current European Union End of Life Vehicles (ELV) directive - 2000/53/EC, the last owner of a scrapped vehicle has the right to hand it over to dismantlers for free, and car manufacturers are obliged to bear the relevant costs if necessary. In addition, car companies are obliged to inform consumers about the recyclability of the vehicle.

Composites specialist Gurit has sold its PET recycling plant in Italy as previously announced. The site in Carmignano di Brenta was acquired by recycling company Aliplast , a subsidiary of the Hera Group. The purchase price was not disclosed. With five plants across Italy, France, Poland, and Spain, the Hera Group subsidiary reportedly processes more than 100,000 t/y of plastics waste (Photo: Hera Group） The facility in Carmignano di Brenta, located near the northern Italian city of Vicenza, has a capacity of 15,000 t/y of PET recyclate. With this acquisition, Aliplast not only expands its recycling capacity, but also gains additional storage space.Aliplast, which operates sorting and recycling sites in Italy (Borgolavezzaro, Gualdo Cattaneo, Formigine, and Quinto di Treviso), France (La Wantzenau), Poland (Tuszyn), and Spain (Onda), produces over 100,000 t/y of recyclates based on PET, LDPE, and HDPE, as well as polypropylene from post-consumer waste.

The European Union plans to approve tariffs on US imports worth up to $28 billion this Wednesday, as a first countermeasure against US tariffs. The EU's first round of countermeasure tariffs will take effect in two stages, with some taking effect on April 15th and the rest taking effect a month later. As President Trump's tariff storm shakes global markets and economic prospects, EU countries will seek to form a united front in the coming days to determine the first round of countermeasures against U.S. tariffs. According to media reports, the European Union may approve the imposition of tariffs on US imports worth up to $28 billion this Wednesday, which will be the EU's first round of targeted retaliatory tariffs against the United States. This move will mean that the EU joins the ranks of China and Canada in fighting back against the United States. ▌The EU will counterattack the US The European Union's 27 countries are already facing a 25% import tariff on cars, steel, and aluminum products from the United States. Starting from this Wednesday, almost all other goods from the EU will also face a so-called "reciprocal tariff" of 20%. Currently, Trump's tariffs already cover about 70% of the EU's exports to the United States—totaling 532 billion euros (approximately 425.6053 billion yuan) according to last year's data. In the future, the EU's copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and timber may also be subject to tariffs. The European Commission, responsible for coordinating EU trade policy, will present a proposed list of U.S. products subject to increased tariffs to EU member states later on Monday local time. The list will include American meat, grains, wine, timber, and clothing, as well as items such as chewing gum, dental floss, vacuum cleaners, and toilet paper, with a total value of approximately $28 billion. It should be noted that this list is primarily aimed at responding to Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs, rather than addressing broader reciprocal tariffs. Bourbon has received more attention, revealing divisions within the EU. The European Commission has decided to impose a 50% tariff on American bourbon, prompting Trump to threaten retaliatory tariffs of up to 200% on EU alcohol beverages if the EU continues its actions. Major wine-exporting countries in Europe, France and Italy, have expressed concerns about this. Early Monday local time, Luxembourg will host a political meeting of the European Union—the first EU-wide political gathering since Trump announced comprehensive tariffs. Trade ministers from the EU's 27 member states will exchange views on the impact of the tariffs and how best to respond. EU diplomats said that the main purpose of this meeting was to convey a consistent message that the EU hoped to negotiate with Washington, D.C. of the United States on the removal of tariffs, but was ready to take countermeasures if the negotiations failed. ▌Divisions persist within the EU. Currently, among EU member states, there are differing opinions on how to respond to US tariffs. France has stated that the European Union should devise a comprehensive plan that goes far beyond tariffs for retaliation. French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested that European companies should suspend their investments in the United States until "the situation becomes clear". Ireland, which exports almost a third of its produce to the US, has appealed for a "thoughtful and measured" response, while Italy, the third largest EU exporter to the US, has questioned whether the EU should retaliate at all. "It's a difficult balance. Measures can't be too soft, or they won't bring the United States to the negotiating table, but they can't be too hard either, or they might lead to an escalation," said an EU diplomat. ▌The first round of EU countermeasures will be approved this week. So far, the negotiations between the EU and the US have not yielded any results. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said that he had a two-hour "frank" exchange with the US Trade Representative last Friday, and told them that the US tariffs were "destructive and unreasonable." The European Union's first round of counter-tariffs is scheduled for a vote this Wednesday and is expected to be approved with a high probability—unless 15 EU member states representing 65% of the EU's population vote against it, which is highly unlikely to happen. The European Union's first round of retaliatory tariffs will come into effect in two stages, with some taking effect on April 15, and the rest a month later. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will also hold discussions with the top executives of the steel, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries on Monday and Tuesday this week to assess the impact of tariffs and decide on the next steps to take.  

AURELIUS Private Equity Mid-Market Buyout announced the acquisition of Teijin Automotive Technologies North America ('TAT-NA'). TAT-NA is one of the leaders in advanced composite materials technology for the automotive, heavy truck, marine, and recreational vehicle sectors, under its ultimate parent company, Teijin Limited. This acquisition is the first deal advised by AURELIUS' New York investment consulting team just a few months after opening its North American market office. Producing advanced composite materials components for automobiles TAT-NA is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, with approximately 4,500 employees and annual revenues exceeding $1 billion. The company has 14 branches in the United States and Mexico, specializing in the development and production of advanced composite parts for the global automotive and transportation industries. TAT-NA's vertically integrated operational model and market-leading scale provide reliable assets and capabilities to maintain long-term supply relationships with major OEMs in North America.AURELIUS will provide new growth opportunities for the standalone TAT-NA business, whose unique, durable lightweight composite products are independent of the powertrain and thus well-suited to meet the long-term demand for Class A and structural vehicle components."Teijin Automotive Technologies North America has a long history of supplying major players in the North American automotive industry. We are particularly proud of this acquisition, as it is the first deal advised by our recently opened New York office. Our operations consulting team's experts will focus on providing a range of value creation plans across the entire production base network, while driving operational excellence through improved quality and efficiency," said Stephan Mayerhausen, Managing Director of AURELIUS Investment Advisory and head of AURELIUS's New York office."When we look to the future with the resources and support of the AURELIUS team, we are excited about the opportunities," said TAT-NA CEO Chris Twining. "The AURELIUS Operations Consulting team is committed to ensuring we remain at the forefront of the market, and I look forward to working with them to continue developing new material technologies while improving our operations, efficiency, and quality."AURELIUS is advised by Mizuho’s M&A team, Baker McKenzie (legal), EY (financial and tax), AON (insurance), and Ramboll (environmental).

International News Digest:Raw Material News - Shell Completes Sale of Refining and Chemical Assets in SingaporeKorean KG Mobility Teams Up with Chery Automobile to Develop Mid-to-Large-Sized SUVPackaging News - 9 million tons of plastic pressure, Vietnam's 870 trillion beverage market faces green packaging transformation!Exhibition Highlights - The RePlast Eurasia Expo will be held in Turkey in May, gathering pioneering forces in the plastic recycling industry.Equipment News - Swiss Auto Injector Manufacturer Invests $220 Million to Build Factory, Entering the U.S. Auto Injection Equipment MarketMarket News - Brazilian Congress Plans to Draft Legislation to Counter Unilateral Trade ActionsMarket Price News - Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $855/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $920/ton Here is the translated content:The following is an overview of international news:Shell completes sale of Singapore refining and petrochemical assetsOn April 1, Shell announced that it had completed the sale of its Singapore Energy and Chemicals Park to a joint venture formed by Glencore and Indonesian chemical manufacturer PT Chandra Asri Pacific. Specific financial details were not disclosed. Shell announced the transaction on May 8, 2024. The Singapore Energy and Chemicals Park includes refining and chemical assets located on Pulau Bukom and Jurong Island. The assets on Pulau Bukom include a refinery with a capacity of 237,000 barrels per day, which was established in 1961, and an ethylene cracker with an annual capacity of 1.1 million tons.2. BASF Launches New High-Temperature Nylon Product!Recently, BASF has further expanded its Ultramid® Advanced T1000 series products for durable components requiring special thermal management. This product series is developed based on polyamide 6T/6I resins, and the latest additions include optimized products with high hydrolysis resistance (HR) and high purity (EQ, or electronic grade). The newly developed HR and EQ grades exhibit excellent high strength and high rigidity at elevated temperatures, while also demonstrating outstanding creep resistance and good compatibility with coolants. Their overall performance significantly surpasses that of standard polyamide grades and many other PPA products available on the market.3. In May, the RePlast Eurasia Exhibition will land in Turkey, bringing together pioneering forces in the plastic recycling industry.RePlast Eurasia, as Turkey's first and only exhibition focused on the plastic recycling industry, holds a unique position in the industry. From May 8 to 10, 2025, the exhibition will once again gather leading brands and authoritative experts from the global recycling field. The event is jointly organized by Tuyap and the PAGCEV Association, dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge technological innovations in every aspect of the plastic recycling process. During the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to explore hundreds of products and service types, including raw materials, equipment (including advanced waste sorting equipment), recycling technologies, collaboration resources from waste collection and sorting companies, professional design agencies, and consulting services.4. The United States has made a final ruling on the anti-dumping and countervailing duties for epoxy resin, with the dumping margin for Chinese producers/exporters at 354.99%.On March 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued an announcement, making the final ruling on anti-dumping duties for epoxy resins imported from China, India, South Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan, China. Due to the lack of participation in the response from Chinese enterprises, the dumping margin for producers/exporters from China was determined to be 354.99%, while for producers/exporters from India it was 12.69%-15.68%, for those from South Korea it was 5.62%-7.59%, for those from Thailand it was 5.25%, and for those from Taiwan, China it was 10.93%-26.98%.5. Korea's KG Mobility Collaborates with Chery Automobile to Develop Mid-to-Large SUVsOn April 2nd, it was reported that South Korean automaker KG Mobility announced today that it held a joint development signing ceremony for mid-to-large SUV models with Chery Automobile in Wuhu, Anhui yesterday. The two parties will strengthen technical cooperation to promote future development. This signing ceremony follows the strategic partnership and platform licensing agreement signed with Chery in October last year, marking a concrete plan for substantive collaboration. Both sides will jointly develop mid-to-large SUVs for domestic and international markets and enhance cooperation in areas such as autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle E/E architecture (electrical/electronic hardware and software, etc.).6. Plastic Parts manufacturer Pittsfield Plastics installs a 1600-ton injection molding machine to produce PE parts.Injection molder Pittsfield Plastics Engineering (PPE) has announced the installation of a new 1,600-ton Jupiter 14000 injection molding machine from Absolute Haitian Corp. for large-part molding. The press, along with associated robotics and auxiliary equipment, will allow PPE to meet the needs of its latest customer, a manufacturer of septic products and services for the residential and commercial sanitation waste industry.7. Swiss automatic injector manufacturer invests $220 million to build a factory, entering the U.S. automatic injection molding equipment market.SHL Medical, a syringe manufacturer based in Switzerland, officially opened its most advanced new manufacturing plant in North Charleston, South Carolina. SHL Medical stated that the expansion, first announced in summer 2022 with an investment of $220 million, contributed to the local economy and created hundreds of new jobs in the area.8. 9 million tons of plastic pressure, Vietnam's 870 trillion beverage market faces green packaging transformation!The Vietnam Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Association (VBA) highlights that packaging plays a pivotal role in the modern economy by safeguarding products throughout the complex supply chain from production to consumption. It serves as a vital medium for brand communication and is crucial to the efficiency of the entire production and consumption system. Particularly for an economy like Vietnam, which boasts robust exports and strong domestic demand, the healthy development of the packaging industry holds strategic significance. Data from Nguyen Thanh Giang, General Director of Tetra Pak Vietnam, indicates the packaging industry's immense growth potential: Vietnam's food and beverage sector is projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% by 2027, with the market size reaching 872.9 trillion Vietnamese dong. This powerful market momentum not only demands expanded production capacity in the packaging industry but also raises higher expectations for innovation, functionality (such as aseptic preservation), design, and sustainability. Overseas macro market information:【Brazilian Congress Proposes Bill to Counter Unilateral Trade Actions】 On April 1 local time, the Economic Affairs Committee of the Brazilian Senate unanimously passed a proposal titled the "Economic Reciprocity Bill," aimed at authorizing the Brazilian government to take countermeasures when its foreign trade interests are harmed. Since this bill adopts a fast-track mechanism, it will bypass a full Senate vote and be directly submitted to the House of Representatives for deliberation.【Tesla European Sales Plunge】 Tesla electric vehicles have seen a sharp decline in sales in several European markets due to dissatisfaction with CEO Elon Musk and a boycott of his company's products, as well as reduced appeal after being on the market for many years. According to a report by Agence France-Presse on April 1, data from the French automotive manufacturer and sales platform showed that in March, Tesla's sales in France fell by 36.8% year-on-year amidst a slight dip in the overall French electric vehicle market. Swedish data indicated that Tesla's sales in March dropped by 63.9% year-on-year, and by 55.2% in the first quarter. In Denmark, Tesla's sales in the first quarter declined by 56% year-on-year.Goldman Sachs: Downgrades forecast for 10-year Japanese government bond yield by the end of 2025 to reflect U.S. recession risks; yen is the preferred tool to hedge against U.S. recession and tariff risks. Goldman Sachs' research team stated in a report that it has lowered its forecast for the 10-year Japanese government bond yield by the end of 2025 from the previous 1.60% to 1.50% to reflect the increased risk of a U.S. economic recession. Goldman Sachs noted that the rising risk of such an outcome may affect market pricing of the Bank of Japan's continued tightening policy. Goldman Sachs stated: "The downward trend in the stock market and relatively low U.S. economic growth also tilt the risks towards a stronger yen."Goldman Sachs expects the yen to strengthen to the lower end of the 140 zone against the dollar this year, as concerns around US growth and trade tariffs will boost demand for the yen. It believes that if the risk of a US economic recession increases, the yen will be the best hedge for investors.On April 1st local time, the Mexican government issued a statement saying that President Sheinbaum held his first telephone conversation with new Canadian Prime Minister Carney on the same day, during which both sides reached a consensus on the importance of maintaining economic competitiveness in North America. The statement noted that the leaders of the two countries agreed to continue dialogue to promote the process of regional economic integration while respecting the sovereign rights of member states. The Canadian government's statement described the leaders' call as productive, stating that Canada and Mexico are committed to deepening trade relations and jointly building a stronger economy.【Japanese Rice Prices Hit 12th Straight Week of Record Highs, Average Price per Bag Exceeds 200 Yuan】Latest statistics from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries show that the average price of a 5-kilogram bag of regular rice in Japan is 4,197 yen (approximately 204 yuan RMB), which is about twice the price of the same period last year, marking 12 consecutive weeks of record highs. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated on April 1st that if necessary, the government will release more reserve rice into the market to stabilize prices.【Canada to Avoid Tariff Retaliation That Could Affect Domestic Jobs and Drive Up Prices】 Canada will refrain from implementing tariff countermeasures that could impact domestic employment and increase prices, according to two federal trade advisors. The country will not impose retaliatory tariffs on most U.S. food products and other essential goods.Finland has announced that it will completely shut down coal-fired power plants this spring. On April 1, the Finnish government stated that as two energy companies gradually close all coal-fired power plants, Finland will fully stop using coal in energy production this year. The Finnish government indicated that in the future, energy companies will rely on electric boilers, heat pumps, energy storage, biomass energy, and waste heat recovery to produce thermal energy, while the focus of electricity generation will shift to wind, nuclear, hydro, and solar energy.【MOFCOM Extends Anti-Dumping Investigation on Imported Brandy from EU to July 5】 In accordance with the provisions of the "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Anti-Dumping," on January 5, 2024, MOFCOM issued Announcement No. 1 of 2024, deciding to initiate an anti-dumping investigation into imported brandy originating from the EU. On December 25, 2024, MOFCOM issued Announcement No. 59 of 2024, deciding to extend the investigation period to April 5, 2025. Given the complexity of this case, in accordance with Article 26 of the "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Anti-Dumping," MOFCOM has decided to further extend the investigation period to July 5, 2025. Price information:【The central parity rate of the renminbi against the US dollar was下调18 basis points.】Note: It seems there is a missing word in the original Chinese sentence. The correct sentence should be "【人民币兑美元中间价下调18个基点】". The translation provided is the closest accurate representation given the context, but typically it would be phrased as "The central parity rate of the renminbi against the US dollar was下调18 basis points." or more naturally, "The central parity rate of the renminbi against the US dollar was adjusted down by 18 basis points."The central parity rate of the yuan against the US dollar was set at 7.1793, down by 18 basis points. The previous trading day's central parity rate was 7.1775, the official closing rate was 7.2687, and the overnight rate closed at 7.2706.Upstream raw material USD market priceEthylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $855/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $920/ton.Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average price 800 USD/ton; CFR China average price 820 USD/ton, down 5 USD/ton.North Asia frozen cargo CIF price, propane $627-629 per ton; butane $617-619 per ton.The onshore price for South China frozen goods in April is as follows: propane 627-629 USD/ton; butane 617-619 USD/ton.The landed price of frozen goods in the Taiwan region: propane $627-629 per ton; butane $617-619 per ton.【LLDPE U.S. Dollar Market Price】Film: $955/ton (CFR Huangpu);Injection molding: 1010 USD/ton (spot in Dongguan bonded area);【HDPE US Dollar Market Price】Film: $940-950 per ton (CFR Huangpu).Hollow: $890-965/ton (CFR Huangpu)Injection molding: $825/ton (CFR Huangpu).LDPE USD Market PriceFilm: $1120/ton (CFR Huangpu), down $15/ton;Coating: $1360 per ton (CFR Huangpu).PP USD Market PriceAverage concentration: 935-990 USD/ton (spot), down 5 USD/ton;Co-polymer: $995-$1060/ton (CFR Huangpu spot)Film material: 1030-1105 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu);Transparent: $1020-$1050 per ton (CFR Huangpu spot);Tubing: $1,160 per ton (CFR Shanghai).

RePlast Eurasia, as the first and only exhibition in Turkey dedicated to the plastic recycling industry, holds a unique position in the industry. From May 8 to 10, 2025, the exhibition will once again bring together leading brands and authoritative experts from the global recycling sector. Organized jointly by Tuyap and the PAGCEV Association, the event is committed to showcasing cutting-edge technological innovations across all stages of the plastic recycling process. During the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to explore hundreds of product and service categories, including raw materials, equipment (such as advanced waste sorting machinery), recycling technologies, waste collection and sorting enterprise collaborations, professional design bureau services, and consulting firms.Looking back at the first RePlast Eurasia exhibition in 2024, it successfully attracted 8,253 industry experts from 85 countries, garnering significant attention from global industry representatives right from its inception. Building on this strong start, it is expected that over 200 exhibitors from around the world and 10,000 experts will gather in 2025. RePlast Eurasia has established a crucial communication platform for all exhibitors and visitors, allowing them to gain deep insights into the polymer waste recycling process and to build close connections with key industry participants.From the macro perspective of environmental protection and social sustainability, recycling is undoubtedly one of the most effective means. This is precisely the core purpose of the RePlast Eurasia Expo, which aims to showcase the latest developments in the field of waste recycling and environmental protection technologies.This exhibition is not only a crucial business trading platform for the plastics recycling industry but also a key space for professional experience sharing and cutting-edge information exchange. Currently, the preparatory work for the specialized conferences accompanying the exhibition is proceeding methodically, with the conference themes being determined in close alignment with the practical needs and development trends of the recycling industry. Taking the 2024 conference as an example, it focused on key topics such as innovations in recycling technology, analysis of price fluctuation trends, interpretation of environmental policies and sharing of best practice cases, the application prospects of recycled plastics in the automotive industry, and market opportunities in equipment supply.Notably, this year's PAGCEV Recycling Awards will be grandly presented at the RePlast Eurasia Exhibition. The award aims to recognize projects that demonstrate outstanding innovativeness and a high level of environmental protection concepts in the recycling sector.The award categories cover raw material and technology suppliers in the field of plastic recycling, as well as end products made from recycled raw materials. Numerous industry-leading companies will participate in fierce competition across seven categories, which comprehensively cover key innovation directions in the plastic recycling field and fundamental practices in plastic reuse. Through the awarding of these prizes, it not only clearly presents the application potential of modern recycled materials and the current state of design and production of recycled products, but also provides valuable references and inspiration for professionals who are not directly engaged in this industry.

This issue takes you to explore the "paper blister" technology jointly launched by German processing and packaging technology supplier Syntegon and Finnish packaging material manufacturer Huhtamaki. This innovation replaces traditional plastics with renewable paper-based materials, achieving a triple breakthrough in environmental protection, safety, and convenience for pharmaceutical packaging through precision craftsmanship.From lab to pharmacy shelf, how does this paper redefine the medication experience?1 Eco-friendly: Ending "plastic dependency" with a green closed loop. Huhtamaki's patented coating technology seamlessly integrates the barrier layer with the paper base, achieving "tear and recycle," which can be regenerated through curb-side recycling systems without complex sorting. Compared to traditional plastic blisters, paper blisters reduce microplastic pollution by 90% over their lifecycle, providing pharma companies with a quantifiable and traceable low-carbon pathway.2 Protection: The "invisible armor" of pharmaceuticals, as the first FSC™ certified paper-based blister container, meets stringent pharmaceutical packaging safety requirements. The Push Tab Paper coating, made of a thermoformable base material and a covering film with a barrier coating, provides moisture and oxygen barrier properties comparable to traditional blister packaging made of single PVC or aluminum foil. Through Syntegon's high-precision thermoforming technology, the paper-based material can be accurately shaped to create customized holes ranging from 3 to 10 millimeters, tightly enclosing various forms of tablets and capsules.Practical: Say goodbye to "inhuman design." The one-push cover membrane adopts a "light push to open" design, allowing medicine to be accessed with a simple press of a finger, eliminating the pain points of tearing aluminum film or breaking tablets. The surface of the blister supports double-sided high-definition printing, allowing for medication instructions, brand identification, and even braille information to be directly presented, eliminating the need for outer boxes and paper instructions.The "Cross-Border Ambition" of Paper Blister Packaging The magic of paper blisters goes beyond pills. Carmex lip balm uses pre-formed paper trays with hanging holes, eliminating outer boxes while saving 8 tons of plastic. Atlantic Packaging's Paperform solution extends paper blisters to cosmetics, electronic accessories, and more—featuring curved compartments, multi-layer structures, and even transparent window designs, turning packaging into a brand billboard. From pills to daily essentials, paper blister packaging is reshaping packaging logic in the name of sustainability.Syntegon and Huhtamaki are replacing plastic with renewable paper-based materials, reducing microplastic pollution by 90% through "tear and recycle" technology, while providing protective performance comparable to traditional materials. This "paper" revolution is not only a breakthrough in technology but also a collective action towards a greener future globally. The future of packaging may only require the imagination of a single sheet of paper.

International News Digest:Shipping NewsPrice hike! Shipping companies announce April rate adjustments!Raw Material NewsThe prices of PE and PP resins in the United States have declined.Mechanical News-Strong partnership! Baolvete and LNJ lead a new era of bottle-to-bottle food-grade recycled PET.Packaging NewsCalifornia, USA, plans to ban the intentional addition of these substances in food packaging. Here is the translation of the provided Chinese text to English:The above content is an international news summary:1. 2,300 Tons of Treasure Found in 4,600 Tons of Plastic Waste! Italian Town Launches Polyethylene Recycling RevolutionOn April 1, Ecopolietilene and STR jointly announced a landmark achievement in a polyethylene recycling experiment. Over the past three years (2022-2024), the two organizations successfully extracted 2,300 tons of polyethylene products from 4,600 tons of urban plastic waste. This amount is equivalent to converting half of a landfill's 'white pollution' into recyclable 'green gold.' As a specialized institution under the Eco-lighting System Alliance focusing on polyethylene management, Ecopolietilene collaborated with STR, a leading solid waste management entity in the Province of Cuneo, Piedmont region. Through the implementation of targeted sorting and recycling programs, not only did they achieve a 40% increase in polyethylene product identification rates, but they also innovatively transformed the recycled materials into industrial raw materials such as construction films and reclaimed pipes.2. Price Increase! Shipping Companies' April Price Adjustment Notifications Have Arrived!Despite the persistent low levels of freight rates in the spot market, it is noteworthy that several well-known shipping companies have recently decided to go against the trend and have announced new price increases set to take effect in April. This price hike covers multiple important routes, including those to South America, the Mediterranean, and West Africa, with the increase being quite significant. According to the notice, the freight rate for the largest containers will be raised by up to $1,000 each.3. Powerful Collaboration! Polyt and LNJ Lead the New Era of Bottle-to-Bottle Food-Grade Recycled PETRecently, BOLONG and LNJ GREENPET, a subsidiary of Bhilwara Energy Limited in India, signed a contract to provide a food-grade PET bottle recycling and cleaning system for the largest recycled PET resin project in Rajasthan, India. BOLONG will supply its next-generation ES process, delivering high-quality food-grade recycled PET through an energy-efficient, stable, and reliable production method.4、BASF launches biomass-balanced flexible polyurethane foam system for the North American furniture industry.BASF is expanding its product portfolio for the furniture industry with the introduction of biomass-balanced grades of Elastoflex® polyurethane systems. These mass-balanced products, along with several BASF plants, have received REDcert2 certification, including the recently certified facility in Livonia, Michigan, USA. Staci Wegener, Director of Polyurethanes for BASF in North America, stated, "Supporting our customers in achieving their sustainability goals is our top priority. With our new biomass-balanced products, our customers now have access to solutions that replace fossil-based raw materials with renewable alternatives, potentially significantly reducing the product carbon footprint compared to traditional polyurethane foam systems."5. Market Disrupted by Tariffs, Yet Brazil's Plastic Industry Sees Rising InvestmentsBrazil's plastics industry association Abiplast has revealed that despite potential tariff threats that could destabilize trade relations, the Brazilian plastics sector remains optimistic about investment prospects in the coming years, with an anticipated annual investment of 10.5 billion reais (approximately $1.8 billion). During the industry event "Plastivision Brazil," the association highlighted that factory expansion plans, innovations in sustainable packaging technology, the development of new recycling techniques, and the strengthening of reverse logistics will be key drivers of investment growth. However, influenced by multiple factors such as tariff threats from U.S. President Trump and fluctuations in the global market, the Latin American polyester market is entering a period of uncertainty.6. US PE and PP resin prices declineAccording to Resinsights, prices for prime polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) continue to decline, with the lower levels encouraging broader demand. However, the average transaction size remains relatively small as packaging trucks are favored over bulk railcars. Resin sales have shifted more towards the domestic market: European buyers have curtailed imports from the U.S. as they may face a 25% tariff on American resins, and if tariffs are imposed, they could also face the threat of local price increases. Latin American and Asian buyers, recognizing the potential reduction in U.S. resin substitute sales, have become more aggressive by lowering their bids. PP activity has returned to a more moderate pace, with completed transactions falling below the average level from a week ago. PP prices dropped another half-cent, marking the fourth consecutive week of declines."Plastic Film Waste 'Turns the Tables', Coveris Joins Forces with Nextek to Tackle Recycling Challenges" Austrian packaging manufacturer Coveris has partnered with UK-based environmental consultancy Nextek to "upgrade" the mechanical recycling of flexible polyethylene and polypropylene films into high-quality food-grade recycled resins and films. Nextek's COtooCLEAN technology, recently recognized by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), uses carbon dioxide to purify plastic film waste, which is then reprocessed to produce new food-grade films. Overseas macro market information:"Shell completes sale of Singapore Energy and Chemicals Park"Shell has completed the sale of its Energy and Chemicals Park in Singapore to a joint venture between Glencore and Indonesian chemicals maker PT Chandra Asri Pacific, the company said in a statement."Goldman Sachs Raises U.S. Recession Probability, Warns Tariff Policies Heighten Economic Risks"On March 30 local time, Goldman Sachs Group of the United States released a report raising the probability of an economic recession in the U.S. over the next 12 months from the previous 20% to 35%. The report stated that the U.S.'s aggressive tariff policies would increase inflation and unemployment rates, hinder economic growth, and elevate the risk of a recession. Goldman Sachs noted that "a sharp deterioration in household and business confidence, as well as remarks from White House officials indicating a greater willingness to tolerate short-term economic weakness to achieve policy goals," contributed to the upward revision of the recession probability. Following the implementation of President Trump's tariff policies, the U.S. economy would face broad negative impacts, with "the risks posed by tariff policies being greater than many market participants anticipated." Goldman Sachs also predicted that the average U.S. tariff rate would rise by 15 percentage points this year, 5 percentage points higher than previously expected. Higher tariff levels could keep inflation persistently elevated. The firm projected that by the end of this year, the year-on-year increase in the U.S. core CPI would reach 3.5%, significantly higher than the previous forecast of 2.8% and the Federal Reserve's 2% target. By then, the U.S. unemployment rate is expected to climb to 4.5%."U.S. Commerce Secretary urges companies to increase investments, American chip funding at a standstill."知情 sources say that U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has hinted he may reject promised Chips Act funding, as he is pushing companies eligible for federal semiconductor subsidies to significantly expand their investment projects in the U.S. Those familiar with the matter say Lutnick wants companies receiving incentives under the Chips Act to follow the footsteps of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which recently announced it would invest an additional $100 billion at its U.S. facilities. Lutnick’s goal is to secure hundreds of billions of dollars in semiconductor investment commitments without increasing the scale of federal grants."Vietnam Officially Reduces Import Tariffs on Cars, Agricultural Products, and More"Vietnam has announced a reduction in import tariffs on a range of products, including liquefied natural gas and automobiles, with the tariff cuts taking effect on Monday. Vietnam has lowered the tariff rate for certain types of cars from a maximum of 64% to 32%, and the tariff rate for liquefied natural gas from 5% to 2%. The tariff rate for ethanol has been reduced from 10% to 5%. The announcement stated that import tariffs on agricultural products, including fresh apples, frozen chicken, almonds, and cherries, have also been lowered.IMF Chief Says Tariff Uncertainty Could Weigh on Global Economic GrowthOn March 31, Kristalina Georgieva, the President of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), stated in an interview that the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. government's tariff policies poses risks to global economic activity and could hinder global economic growth.Shell: Australia's Natural Gas Reservation Plan May Intensify ShortagesShell warned on Tuesday that a proposed Australian plan to mandate the release of export natural gas into the domestic market could deter investment and exacerbate supply shortages. As the Australian general election on May 3 approaches, energy issues have become a central campaign topic. The conservative Liberal-National coalition has pledged to reduce electricity prices through a gas reservation mechanism and prevent potential shortages on the east coast.Price information:CNY to USD Central Parity RateThe central parity rate of the Chinese yuan against the US dollar is reported at 7.1775, up by 7 basis points; the previous trading day's central parity rate was 7.1782, the official closing price was 7.2516, and the night session closed at 7.2570."Upstream raw material USD market prices"Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $855/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $920/ton.Northeast Asia Propylene: FOB Korea average price $800/ton; CFR China average price $825/ton.North Asia frozen cargo CIF, closed for holidays.In April, the landed prices for refrigerated goods in South China were: propane at $639-$641 per ton; butane at $629-$631 per ton.The landed price of frozen goods in the Taiwan region, market closed.【LLDPE US Dollar Market Price】Film: $955/ton (CFR Huangpu), down $5/ton;Injection molding: $1010/ton (Dongguan Bonded Zone spot).【HDPE US Dollar Market Price】Film: 940-950 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Hollow: $890-$965 per ton (CFR Huangpu);Injection molding: $825/ton (CFR Huangpu), down $5/ton.【LDPE USD Market Price】Film: $1120-1130/ton (CFR Huangpu), down $20/ton.Coating: 1,360 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu). 【PP USD Market Price】Homo-polymer: $935-995/ton (spot), up $5/ton.Copolymer: $995-1060/ton (CFR Huangpu spot).Film material: 1030-1105 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu);Transparent: $1020-1050/ton (CFR Huangpu spot);The pipe material: $1160 per ton (CFR Shanghai).

Austrian packaging manufacturer Coveris has joined forces with British environmental consultancy Nextek to work on upgrading the mechanical recycling of flexible polyethylene and polypropylene films into high-quality food-grade recycled resins and films.The goal of this collaboration is to produce high-quality food-grade recycled resin from polyolefin film waste (photo: Coveris).Nextek's COtooCLEAN technology has recently been recognized by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW). This technology uses carbon dioxide to purify plastic film waste, which is then reprocessed to produce new food-grade film.Currently, Coveris and Nextek are constructing a demonstration plant in the UK. According to the two companies, the plant will apply the COtooCLEAN process on an "industrial scale." In a joint statement, the companies also added that they plan to conduct extensive trials "to gather the data needed to meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate the technology to the industry. The ultimate goal is to globally promote this groundbreaking process, helping to solve one of the most challenging recycling issues."Edward Kosior, Founder and CEO of Nextek, stated: "The COtooCLEAN technology has the potential to revolutionize the plastic film recycling industry. Since receiving the AEPW award, we have progressed from the prototype development phase to the food-grade compliance testing phase. The collaboration with Coveris is a crucial next step. Together, we will demonstrate this technology on a large scale and work towards achieving a circular economy for plastic films."The collaboration with Nextek is Coveris' latest move in developing recyclable film technology. Last November, Coveris announced the addition of two new production lines at its Winsford facility in the UK. The company stated that its recyclable PE films can be used for packaging meat, fish, poultry, cheese, and baked goods.

Nexam Chemical, in collaboration with partners, is advancing the future of high-performance composites through the TAPE-X (Thermoforming Advanced Polymer Unidirectional Tape - TAPE-Extreme) project funded by Innovate UK.The project is dedicated to developing next-generation composite materials capable of replacing metals like titanium in aerospace applications, making aircraft lighter and more fuel-efficient.UD tape has storage stability and ease of processing.The core of the project is the newly developed unidirectional (UD) tape. It aims to combine the storage stability and processability of thermoplastic tapes with the thermomechanical properties of thermosetting materials. Nexam Chemical contributes its unique experience in high-temperature material formulations in the design and synthesis of the matrix materials that serve as the conceptual basis. This innovation paves the way for the cost-effective production of complex geometries, such as pipes and ducts in aircraft engines, with greater precision and minimal waste."TAPE-X is an important step forward in composite material development. By combining ease of processing with excellent thermal and mechanical properties, we are unlocking new possibilities for industries such as aerospace, defense, and others that require extreme performance," said Christer Svanberg, Chief Technology Officer of Nexam Chemical.The major advancements of TAPE-X technologyEnhanced processing window and storage stability: Unlike traditional thermoset materials, the new resin has a wide processing window and excellent stability, eliminating the need for low-temperature storage.Heat resistance: This material is specifically designed to meet the high thermal demands of aerospace applications, capable of withstanding extreme conditions, serving as a lightweight alternative to titanium and other alloys.Enhanced design flexibility: The combination of thermoplastic-like processing and thermoset-level performance enables the creation of complex structures that would otherwise be difficult to manufacture or costly.Vast Industrial Potential: Although the technology was initially focused on civilian aerospace applications, it is expected to be applicable to other aerospace and industrial uses where extremely high heat resistance and structural integrity are crucial.

**Gasgoo News** According to Reuters, on March 31, French automaker Renault Group and Japanese automaker Nissan Motor announced that they have agreed to further revise their 20-year alliance agreement, reducing their cross-shareholding ratios, aiming to help Nissan revitalize its business.Image source: Nissan Motor official websiteReports indicate that the revised terms will lower the minimum cross-shareholding requirement for both parties from the previous 15% to 10%, and Nissan will also cease its contributions to Renault.Electric VehicleThe obligation of investing in Ampere. Previously, Nissan had committed to investing 600 million euros in Ampere.Nissan's newly appointed CEO, Ivan Espinosa, stated in a declaration: "Nissan is committed to maintaining the value and benefits of the alliance's strategic partnership while implementing efficiency-enhancing corrective measures." Renault CEO Luca de Meo said in a statement: "As Nissan's long-term partner in the alliance and its largest shareholder, Renault Group is fully willing to assist Nissan in swiftly turning around its performance."Renault also announced that it will acquire majority ownership of the joint venture in India from Nissan, which means that Nissan will exit the manufacturing business in the Indian market and focus on sales and services. However, Renault will continue to produce cars for Nissan at the joint factory located in Tamil Nadu, India. Industry data shows that the factory has an annual production capacity ofCapacityExceeding 400,000, but the current utilization rate is only about one-third.Renault CFO Duncan Minto said in a conference call that Ampere will still develop and produce an electric model designed by Nissan based on the Renault Twingo, proving that the cooperation between the two sides "remains vibrant." De Meo said that Renault's acquisition of Nissan's 51% stake in their Indian joint venture aims to help the French automaker further expand its overseas markets.Despite the acquisition of a 2 billion euro impact from the stake in Nissan's joint venture business in India, Renault still maintains a target of at least 2 billion euros in free cash flow by 2025.Prediction"Minto表示，此举赋予日产更大灵活性，可以出售资产以充实现金流，”这将有助于日产重组。" Translation: "Minto stated that 'this move gives Nissan greater flexibility to sell assets to boost its cash flow,' which will help Nissan's restructuring."Both parties stated that the revision of the alliance agreement and the termination of Nissan's investment commitment to Ampere need to meet several prerequisites, and it is expected to be completed by the end of May.

Spanish OEM Cupra has launched its first model with a glowing logo at the front of the vehicle, featuring light diffusion and impact resistance.Lancia of Italy was also an early adopter, using PMMA resin in slim light guide plates.The Röhm Acrylite grades combine optical quality, heat deflection, and enhanced impact strength. The car emblem lights upAs a pioneer in this trend, Cupra will launch one of the first series models in Europe with a luminous front logo in the fall of 2024, featuring its new Tavascan model. The Spanish automaker aims to set a striking example for its electric future with innovative lighting design. The Cupra Tavascan is the first all-electric SUV coupe from this young Barcelona-based brand, which originates from SEAT's sporty division.The copper emblem on the hood of the Cupra Tavascan electric SUV comes to life at night, creating a crisp, illuminated outline, thanks to Röhm's light-diffusing Acrylite Softlight. Image courtesy of Cupra.On most models, the Cupra logo is present on the hood. In the Tavascan, the design team placed the bronze emblem on a glossy black background, outlined with a slender contour of Röhm's light-diffusing Acrylite Softlight.During the day, the contour presents a soft white appearance. At night, when the headlights are on, it transforms into a unique brand emblem with a glowing radiance. This effect is achieved by backlighting the stylishly injection-molded emblem with LEDs.The triangular shape of the luminous emblem complements the iconic triangular lighting design of the headlights, which are connected by three horizontal light strips. This striking front-end design of the Cupra Tavascan impressed the judges of the 2024 Red Dot Design Award program, who named it the winner in the product design category: "This electric coupe impresses with its dynamic, emotive design and the unique memorability of its façade," the judges said.Röhm provided the ideal material for this unusual iconic headlight and illuminated emblem: Acrylite Softlight with additional impact resistance. As Francisco Félix Vicent, Project Manager of the SEAT Lighting Department, emphasized: "Any plastic component used in the front end of a vehicle must be very robust and shatter-resistant. This special Acrylite product offers us the ideal combination of properties for this purpose. It has the necessary impact strength as well as the light diffusion we require."Ramon Vilardell, Senior Business Manager of the Rohm Molding Compounds Business Unit, described the special features of Acrylite Softlight: "This product line offers a range of polymethyl methacrylate molding compounds with light-guiding and uniform light-diffusing properties. They are an ideal choice for backlight components. If required, we can also provide additional impact resistance for Acrylite Softlight.""This sturdy type of Acrylite is a next-generation material that opens up many new applications in vehicle front-end design," summarized Vicent, an automotive engineer and lighting expert at SEAT.Acrylite Softlight can be easily and precisely processed in all common injection molding processes. In addition, all Acrylite molding plastics have excellent UV resistance and weather resistance, allowing automotive manufacturers to avoid the need for additional UV coatings.The slender light guide plate is made of acrylic.The second European car manufacturer is also using acrylic to reduce the front-end look. Italy's Lancia, in partnership with Tier I Magna Lighting, has developed and deployed light guides encapsulated in a 50 cm long horizontal LED strip mounted in Acrylite Optical HT. The acrylic molding compound from Röhm has a unique set of properties particularly suited for the long light guides of the company's flagship Ypsilon EV."We have developed Acrylite Optical HT, specifically for applications with long-term operating temperatures that are elevated. This transparent molding compound combines Acrylite’s proven optical properties with a higher heat deflection temperature. This material exhibits resistance to thermal aging and can maintain its optical clarity," explained Rafal Czoków, Senior Business Manager of the Molding Compounds business unit at Röhm."Many traditional materials on the market excel in only one aspect: either they provide the necessary optical parameters but can't withstand prolonged high temperatures, or vice versa. We chose Acrylite Optical HT because it meets both requirements," said Miroslav Havlásek, Lighting Project Manager at Magna Mechatronics, Mirrors Lighting, when explaining the reasons for the company's material choice.In addition, the excellent processability of Acrylite Optical HT allows it to produce ultra-long and ultra-thin parts through injection molding. The material's exceptional optical transparency also ensures excellent light-guiding performance over longer lengths, making it possible to produce light guides over 50 centimeters in length. This feature is increasingly sought after in cutting-edge automotive design.

Toyota is planning to establish its first circular factory in Burnaston, UK, dedicated to recycling end-of-life vehicles. In the first phase, it will process 10,000 cars annually and recycle 300 tons of plastic.Toyota Motor Europe has announced the establishment of the Toyota Circular Plant, which will carefully and systematically process vehicles at the end of their lifecycle to maximize the environmental benefits of recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing. The first operation will be located at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK's Burnaston plant and is set to commence operations in the third quarter of this year, aiming to become a center of excellence for recycling operations in Europe and globally. This initiative will be implemented alongside the main activities of producing Toyota Corolla vehicles at the TMUK Burnaston plant. Toyota Circular Factory is the name of the company's overall recycling initiative, which is building its end-of-life vehicle processing methods around three key areas: reusable parts, remanufacturable goods, and recyclable materials.10,000 vehicles per yearAfter a comprehensive verification process, reusable parts will be returned to the market through retailers or part distributors. The remanufacturing, reuse, or recycling potential of items such as batteries and wheels will be assessed. Finally, Toyota intends to recycle raw materials such as copper, aluminum, steel, and plastics. These recycled materials will then replace as much of the original materials as possible in the production of new vehicles and new parts. “We initially anticipated that our UK plant would recycle around 10,000 cars annually, which would give 120,000 components a new lease of life, recover 300 tons of high-purity plastic, and 8,200 tons of steel – along with other materials,” said Leon van der Merwe, Vice President of Toyota Motor Europe’s Circular Economy. As the next step in the Toyota Circular Factory concept, we plan to introduce similar operations in Europe. We do not limit ourselves to our own facilities; we are eager to collaborate with other organizations that share our passion for the circular economy and commitment to carbon neutrality.”

Is plastic recycling truly environmentally friendly? A recent Swedish study has flipped the script: unsorted "downgraded recycling" is nearly as bad as incineration! Yet, a revolutionary technology has boosted climate benefits by 27%. What's the real truth? How is the world's largest sorting facility rewriting the rules? What upgrades are environmental policies facing? Get the full scoop on the future of plastic recycling in one read!01Research confirmed: The method of plastic recycling determines the fate of the climate. In 2023, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute released a groundbreaking report in collaboration with the Swedish Plastic Recycling company, revealing for the first time through life cycle assessment (LCA) that the environmental benefits of plastic recycling entirely depend on the processing method. The study compared three mainstream disposal solutions:Direct incineration of unsorted plastics generates baseline climate impact.DowncyclingMixed plastics are not sorted and are made into low-value products such as railway sleepers.Only 4% more emissions reduction than incineration, almost equivalent to incineration.Advanced sorting + high-quality recyclingAccurate classification followed by regeneration into high-purity raw materialsEmission reduction benefits skyrocketed by 27%, with effects improving almost 7-fold!'Data proves that indiscriminate collection is just a stopgap measure; precise sorting is the key to破解困局. ' said Research Expert Rickard Jansson outright. Note: It seems there is a phrase "破解困局" which is not fully translated. The complete and accurate translation should be: 'Data proves that indiscriminate collection is just a stopgap measure; precise sorting is the key to破解困局.' said Research Expert Rickard Jansson outright.Or, if we assume "破解困局" means "破解 the dilemma/predicament," it could be: 'Data proves that indiscriminate collection is just a stopgap measure; precise sorting is the key to破解 the dilemma.' said Research Expert Rickard Jansson outright. However, without more context, the exact translation of "破解困局" might vary. The most accurate translation provided here directly follows the original text.02Global largest sorting factory: handles 1000 plastic items per secondSupporting this conclusion is the practical data from Sweden's 'Site Zero' factory—this 60,000 square meter facility has an astonishing processing capacity of 42 tons of plastic per hour, with an annual processing capability of up to 200,000 tons. With its cutting-edge sorting technology, Site Zero can finely separate PP, HDPE, LDPE, PET pallets, PET bottles, PP films, EPS, PS, PVC, PO, metal, and non-plastic waste into as many as 12 different types of plastics and other waste.Sort 1000 pieces of packaging waste per second.Full-category processing: from food packaging to industrial plasticsAI + spectral technology achieves 98% sorting accuracy"Downcycling in the past was due to technical limitations, but now Site Zero has proven: we are fully capable of achieving closed-loop recycling," said Mattias Philipsson, CEO of Swedish Plastic Recycling.03Policy Alert: Current regulations are stifling the circular economy.The research team issued a stern warning: there are fatal flaws in the current policy!Recycling ≠ Environmental Protection: Regulations only encourage recycling volume but ignore resource utilization rates.Incineration Temptation: Low Efficiency in Unsorted Plastic Recycling Indirectly Promotes IncinerationLinear Economy Trap: Inefficient Recycling Perpetuates 'Produce-Discard' Model"We must establish more precise policy tools!" Philipsson urgently呼吁: "If inefficient recycling continues to be subsidized, it locks society into a 'high-emission pseudo-cycle.'"04The Battle of the Future: Reshaping the Recycling System in Three DimensionsThe report points the way for global plastic governance:Technological revolution: Promoting cutting-edge technologies such as optical sorting and chemical recycling.Policy Upgrade: Establish Subsidy Standards Based on Carbon Emission Reduction BenefitsIndustrial Restructuring: Establishing a 'Quality First' Recycled Materials Trading MarketAs demonstrated by Site Zero: when sorting accuracy surpasses the critical point, the carbon footprint per ton of plastic recycling will plummet by over 30%. This is not just a technological breakthrough but also a cognitive revolution in the circular economy.ConclusionThe truth about plastic recycling is alarming: recycling without technical content is merely a smokescreen that delays pollution. As the world's attention focuses on Sweden, this battle over millimeter precision in sorting is actually a key struggle in determining whether humanity can escape the vicious cycle of "more recycling, more pollution." The next time you see a "recyclable" label, remember: true environmental protection begins with the precise sorting that happens in that millisecond inside the trash bin. 

Recently,博斯特 and 库尔兹 have decided to deepen their partnership by jointly showcasing the NOVAFOIL 106 H hot stamping machine at Kurz's demonstration center in Fürth, Germany. By deploying this highly specialized hot stamping equipment at the Kurz demonstration center, both parties expect to use this as an opportunity to promote innovation and development in hot stamping technology, ultimately transforming the landscape of the packaging decoration industry.Bost also, as an industry leader providing substrate treatment, printing, and processing equipment and services for packaging and labeling manufacturers, has decided to further deepen its cooperation with Kurz, a global leader in surface decoration technology. The goal of this collaboration is to fully integrate and leverage the expertise and innovation capabilities of both companies in their respective fields to jointly expand the application areas of hot stamping technology.Through a strong alliance, both parties will work together to promote the in-depth development of hot stamping technology, better meeting the growing market demand for high-end packaging decoration. It is expected that this cooperation will yield remarkable results, benefiting customers and the entire industry. This collaboration will focus on the research and development and testing of cutting-edge technologies. In the initial testing phase, both parties will focus on evaluating various improvement plans oriented towards customer needs and are committed to providing highly customized solutions for customers.As an integral part of the collaboration plan between both parties, an advanced NOVAFOIL 106 H hot stamping machine has been successfully installed at Kurz's demonstration center in Fürth. The NOVAFOIL 106 hot stamping machine, crafted by Bobst, is designed to comprehensively enhance the decorative functions of packaging boxes and is equipped with a newly designed hot stamping platform. This compact hot stamping equipment ingeniously integrates longer dwell time, stable temperature control, and higher hot stamping pressure with Bobst's unique non-paper-contact ACCUREGISTER electronic registration system, ensuring exceptional hot stamping accuracy and decorative quality on paperboards with a maximum format of 1060 millimeters.It is worth mentioning that the NOVAFOIL 106 hot stamping machine can be equipped with a transverse stamping module, enabling more complex and refined decorative effects in a single pass. At Kurz’s demonstration center in Fürth, visitors even have the opportunity to experience and test the newly launched holographic application equipment—NOVAFOIL 106 H. This machine can accommodate up to ten dedicated holographic modules, making it a unique and highly efficient holographic application tool that effectively supports brand protection and anti-counterfeiting efforts.In order to maximize the operational flexibility of the equipment, these modules can be flexibly installed individually on two horizontal rails according to actual production needs, and easily connected to the machinery through a convenient "plug-and-play" system. Each module is equipped with an independent motor and braking system, along with an independent aligning device configured for each film roll, ensuring higher precision in the hot stamping application.Since the equipment can simultaneously run up to ten modules, processors are able to complete highly complex holographic designs in a single pass, thereby maximizing production efficiency and capacity. Mr. Bodo Junge, Product Marketing Director of BOBST's hot stamping division, stated: "We are delighted to collaborate with Kurz to showcase this outstanding equipment at the Kurz Demo Center. This partnership allows us to deepen our relationship, create synergies, and jointly develop exciting innovative technologies." Both companies have high expectations for the market innovation potential brought by this collaboration.

A French entrepreneur has acquired the French branch of Tupperware and plans to relaunch the brand in multiple European countries, including Belgium and Germany.Tupperware, as a iconic manufacturer of plastic food containers, applied for bankruptcy in September 2024 after years of financial difficulties. The American company faces multiple challenges, including intense competition, the rise of meal delivery services, and a trend of consumers reducing plastic use.It has been reported that Tupperware was taken over by creditors at the end of 2024, who formulated a recovery plan to steer the company back on track. The company decided to retain only 8 out of the 67 countries it operates in and revoked its manufacturing and distribution licenses in the European region.April comeback planOn Tuesday, at a press conference in Paris, entrepreneur Cédric Meston announced the acquisition of '100% of Tupperware France', which was previously affiliated with a Belgian company. According to Meston's plan, starting in April, the brand will return to France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Poland.Meston hopes to help the French Tupperware branch emerge from judicial protection by June by submitting a new business plan to the French Commercial Court. As the co-founder of Happyvore, a plant-based meat alternative manufacturer, Meston will take over the business together with entrepreneurs Augustin Rudigoz and Aymeric Porte and collaborate with the current management team.License negotiations are underway.The new owner has set a target of achieving 100 million euros in turnover by the end of 2025 and plans to develop a network of 20,000 independent sales representatives. Meston revealed that he is renegotiating production and distribution licenses for multiple European countries with the US parent company. He stated, 'Approval may come within days.'It is currently unclear whether the Tupperware factory in the city of Aalst, Belgium is included in the restart plan. The factory, which once employed about 220 people, was forced to cease production and sales after losing its production and sales license at the end of 2024, and officially filed for bankruptcy in February 2025.

EREMA expands its ReadyMac plastic recycling system product line by launching the new ReadyMac 500 "heavy-duty" version. With the integration of the EREMA Laserfilter, this versatile and cost-effective recycling machine is now also suitable for processing demanding post-consumer materials.Equipped with a laser filter for severely polluted input streams."Updated ReadyMac has met the market demand targets and even exceeded our expectations, especially considering the current economic environment," said Michael Köhnhofer, Head of the EREMA ReadyMac Business Unit.Building on this success, EREMA is expanding its range of readily available standard recycling machines, which offer an extremely attractive price-performance ratio. The new ReadyMac 500 Heavy Duty (HD) version is equipped with the EREMA Laser Filter, specifically designed for challenging materials. It will be available from April 1, 2025, at a fixed price of 440,000 euros.The new ReadyMac 500 HD equipped with EREMA Laserfilter is very suitable for input streams with more severe contamination. "When processing highly contaminated materials, an efficient filtration system is crucial for achieving the desired melt quality. That is why ReadyMac can now also be equipped with Laserfilter," Köhnhofer explained. The EREMA Laserfilter can reliably remove unwanted impurities from the plastic melt, such as paper, wood, aluminum, or foreign polymers, while continuously cleaning the screen through a scraping system.In addition to the new Laserfilter version, the ReadyMac 500 is still available with the proven SW RTF® screen changer system at a fixed price of 375,000 euros. This gives customers the flexibility to choose the best solution that meets their specific recycling requirements.Throughput is 500 kilograms per hour.With the launch of the ReadyMac 500 HD, EREMA is expanding its range of standardized machines for post-consumer recycling businesses that do not require custom systems. This enables ReadyMac to meet the needs of a broader customer base. With an throughput of 500 kilograms per hour, it also offers an ideal entry point for plastic recycling with excellent性价比. Note: The term "性价比" does not have a direct translation, but in this context, it refers to the cost-effectiveness or value for money. A suitable replacement could be "cost-effectiveness" or "value." Here's the revised version:With the launch of the ReadyMac 500 HD, EREMA is expanding its range of standardized machines for post-consumer recycling businesses that do not require custom systems. This enables ReadyMac to meet the needs of a broader customer base. With an throughput of 500 kilograms per hour, it also offers an ideal entry point for plastic recycling with excellent cost-effectiveness."The ReadyMac 500 is an excellent choice for companies seeking economical solutions without compromising on quality or EREMA’s renowned service," emphasizes Köhnhofer. The standard machines come equipped with EREMA’s proven TVE technology, which includes degassing after filtration. Customers also benefit from EREMA’s comprehensive service, including rapid spare parts supply, a global support team, professional commissioning, and extensive training options.

Helmut Winterling, the current CEO of chemical giant BASF, will assume the role of President of European Operations and Head of Integrated Management starting July 1, 2025. The chemist, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cologne, will succeed Uwe Liebelt. Uwe Liebelt has decided to leave the company to pursue entrepreneurial ventures of his own accord. Helmut Winterling (Photo: BASF)Resume and New Responsibilities at BASFWinterling has been with BASF for over 17 years, including 5 years working in Shanghai. In his new role, he will be responsible for managing the European integrated sites in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Antwerp, Belgium, as well as the Schwarzheide site in Germany. These sites employ approximately 13,700 people. Winterling will report to Katja Scharpwinkel, the site head on the Executive Committee.

Oerlikon HRSflow has launched its new advanced nozzle tip, the EYEgate HRS. This product is specifically designed for the MULTIflow HRS multi-cavity series, aiming to provide optimal gate quality and extended service life. Additionally, this nozzle tip is suitable for a variety of applications and can significantly enhance performance.The main features of EYEgate HRS:Compact size: Diameter of 3.0 to 3.5 mm, enabling precise injection point positioning.Advanced Needle Guidance System: Offers permanent needle-gate alignment and enhances the durability of the end ring.Wide applicability: Suitable for products weighing up to 20 grams.Strong compatibility: Suitable for Sp and Tp nozzle series.Optimized internal flow channel design: A streamlined tip inner contour improves color change performance, ensures continuous material flow, and avoids stagnation points.Diverse applications: suitable for fields such as beauty, personal care, beverages, household products, and medical applications.Material Compatibility: Compatible with a variety of materials, including PC, PMMA, PP, PE, ABS, MABS, ASA, SMMA, SAN, thermoplastic elastomers, and most sustainable resins.EYEgate HRS integrates the gate into the end ring, with its unique geometry helping to simplify the processing of the gate area and reduce the time required for mold manufacturing. This will enable mold manufacturers to benefit from a more efficient manufacturing process.Additionally, the EYEgate HRS features easy maintenance. When the gate wears out, the end ring can be replaced effortlessly without the need to reprocess the cavity insert, thereby reducing maintenance and production downtime and ultimately enhancing user productivity and operational efficiency.Science Popularization: End rings are key components used in the rotor of electric motors, typically found in squirrel-cage asynchronous motors or induction motors. Their main function is to connect the ends of the conductor bars in the rotor slots, forming a closed current loop. This design helps to induce current during the operation of the motor, thereby generating electromagnetic force that allows the motor to function properly.

In the tuna purse seine fishery, artificial Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs) are deployed, which attract and aggregate large numbers of fish, significantly increasing the catch volume of tuna purse seine fishing. However, this also brings about some ecological environmental issues.Recently, two Spanish ocean technology companies, Zunibal and AZTI, have taken a step in reducing marine plastic pollution by developing fully artificial fish aggregating devices (FADs).With the support of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission and the European fleet, these two companies have conducted months of testing in semi-controlled environments and open waters, and have now deployed over 220 compostable FADs in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.They claim it is the first industrially produced FAD made entirely from materials certified to biodegrade in the marine environment, meeting standards set by international fisheries regulators.The new FAD platform is made from bio-based polybutylene succinate (PBS), a biodegradable polymer derived from renewable sources such as sugarcane, cassava, and corn. This material is certified by the Japan BioPlastics Association (JBPA) under the ISO 19679 standard, ensuring it decomposes in marine environments without leaving harmful residues. Established in 1989, the JBPA has played a pivotal role in setting global benchmarks for biodegradable and bio-based plastics, shaping policies and practices in the evolving field of sustainable materials.If the device sinks to the bottom, the natural microorganisms in the sediment and seawater will initiate the biodegradation process, breaking down the material into carbon dioxide and water, with no harmful residues throughout the process. In addition to its environmental advantages, the new formulation also brings practical improvements: it is lighter, stronger, and more durable than previous products, achieving performance upgrades while reducing material usage. Verified through sea trials, the optimized structure can better withstand the physical impacts of deep-sea deployments, effectively extending its service life. This material fully complies with the definition of biodegradable fish aggregation devices set by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and meets international marine biodegradation standards."This new type of certification material significantly reduces the impact of tropical tuna fishing on the ecosystem, effectively addressing regulatory and environmental challenges posed by the industry and regional fisheries management organizations," said Iker Zudaire, an expert at AZTI. As trials in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans near completion, AZTI will begin analyzing the data and subsequently test the device's application potential in the deep waters of the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, Zunibal will introduce the new material to the industry and initiate fishing efficiency tests to evaluate its impact on tuna operations. This move highlights Zunibal's commitment to leveraging technological innovation to help distant-water fleets transition to sustainable operating models that align with global marine conservation goals."Now we can proudly say that we offer the first 100% biodegradable industrialized fish aggregating device suitable for the marine environment," emphasized Álvaro Núñez of Zunibal. "This milestone is the result of collaboration between the fishing sector and applied research institutions."