Technology
November 11, 2021
Evonik Foam Recycling Program
Evonik develops new chemical recycling process for polyurethane foam
By Mary Page Bailey | November 11, 2021
Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany) announced that it has developsx an efficient chemical recycling process for converting flexible polyurethane (PU) foams back to the original polyol raw material. Evonik’s new hydrolysis recycling process has the potential to achieve circularity in the flexible PU foam industry.
As the next phase of the development, Evonik will scale-up trials of its new process, which has been further strengthened by its partnership with The Vita Group, a leading provider of value-added and differentiated flexible PU foam products. The Vita Group has trialled the recycled polyols from Evonik’s hydrolysis process in several of its flexible foam applications.
According to the latest report from EUROPUR (European association of flexible polyurethane foam blocks manufacturers), some 40 million mattresses are discarded each year in Europe alone, with the majority ending up as landfill creating the equivalent of 600 kilotons of waste: including more than
300 kilotons of PU foam. With the potential to recycle the main component materials used in flexible PU foams and PU foam-based mattresses, Evonik’s process offers significantly higher use levels of the recycled polyol compared with existing commercialized technologies.
Evonik’s solution will contribute to the global flexible PU industry’s sustainability expectations of reducing waste and increasing the use of renewable raw materials in the production of its products. This enables Evonik to expand its position as a leading solutions provider for the PU industry and supports the entire Evonik Group’s objectives of establishing a fully functioning circular economy.
“It’s only by recycling products back to their raw materials and reusing them over and over again that we will enable a fully circular economy,” said Ralph Marquardt, Head of Evonik’s polyurethane additives business. “Our new hydrolysis process delivers recyclates of a quality and performance similar to that of virgin raw materials. Thus, innovative foam producers like our partner The Vita Group can meet their own sustainability targets, while continuing to deliver high-quality PU products.”
“The Vita Group is renowned for our long-history of innovation in sustainability and investing in circular economy products. We recycle and rebond over 30,000 tons of trim each year, as part of our dynamic sustainability agenda,” said Ian W. Robb, Group CEO for The Vita Group. “Sustainability and innovation are central principles of every aspect of our business. We see it as our responsibility to be at the vanguard of the development of eco-friendly technology within our industry. This hugely exciting partnership represents a key milestone on our journey to achieving the circular economy we are all striving for, and we look forward to working closely together with Evonik.”
November 11, 2021
Evonik Foam Recycling Program
Evonik develops new chemical recycling process for polyurethane foam
By Mary Page Bailey | November 11, 2021
Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany) announced that it has developsx an efficient chemical recycling process for converting flexible polyurethane (PU) foams back to the original polyol raw material. Evonik’s new hydrolysis recycling process has the potential to achieve circularity in the flexible PU foam industry.
As the next phase of the development, Evonik will scale-up trials of its new process, which has been further strengthened by its partnership with The Vita Group, a leading provider of value-added and differentiated flexible PU foam products. The Vita Group has trialled the recycled polyols from Evonik’s hydrolysis process in several of its flexible foam applications.
According to the latest report from EUROPUR (European association of flexible polyurethane foam blocks manufacturers), some 40 million mattresses are discarded each year in Europe alone, with the majority ending up as landfill creating the equivalent of 600 kilotons of waste: including more than
300 kilotons of PU foam. With the potential to recycle the main component materials used in flexible PU foams and PU foam-based mattresses, Evonik’s process offers significantly higher use levels of the recycled polyol compared with existing commercialized technologies.
Evonik’s solution will contribute to the global flexible PU industry’s sustainability expectations of reducing waste and increasing the use of renewable raw materials in the production of its products. This enables Evonik to expand its position as a leading solutions provider for the PU industry and supports the entire Evonik Group’s objectives of establishing a fully functioning circular economy.
“It’s only by recycling products back to their raw materials and reusing them over and over again that we will enable a fully circular economy,” said Ralph Marquardt, Head of Evonik’s polyurethane additives business. “Our new hydrolysis process delivers recyclates of a quality and performance similar to that of virgin raw materials. Thus, innovative foam producers like our partner The Vita Group can meet their own sustainability targets, while continuing to deliver high-quality PU products.”
“The Vita Group is renowned for our long-history of innovation in sustainability and investing in circular economy products. We recycle and rebond over 30,000 tons of trim each year, as part of our dynamic sustainability agenda,” said Ian W. Robb, Group CEO for The Vita Group. “Sustainability and innovation are central principles of every aspect of our business. We see it as our responsibility to be at the vanguard of the development of eco-friendly technology within our industry. This hugely exciting partnership represents a key milestone on our journey to achieving the circular economy we are all striving for, and we look forward to working closely together with Evonik.”
October 22, 2021
Wanhua Updates
Wanhua Chemical deploys new high-end chemical materials
Echemi 2021-10-22
01 Strategic cooperation with Hikvision
On October 13, Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd. and Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd. signed a strategic cooperation agreement at the global headquarters of Wanhua Chemical Group in Yantai.
Based on their respective deep accumulations in the industrial and technological fields, the two parties have reached strategic cooperation in the following two aspects:
Research and development of new high-end chemical materials
Wanhua Chemical will continue to cooperate with Hikvision on the structural material upgrade of hardware products.
02 Chemical safety production control
Hikvision regards chemical companies as providing AI-based production assistance, safety control and perception solutions, and using technological integration and innovation to help Wanhua Chemical’s digital and intelligent transformation.
Under the dual carbon goal, China’s chemical industry is in the process of replenishing and strengthening the chain. As a new chemical material company operating globally, Wanhua Chemical can rely on continuous innovation of core technology, industrialized equipment and efficient operation mode to promote the research and development and mass production of new high-end chemical materials, and help the development of high-tech products in structural materials. upgrade.
Green development and artificial intelligence have become important engines for the high-quality development of the chemical industry. The chemical industry is accelerating digitalization and continuously promoting innovation. The Internet of Things + AI has become an important bridge to realize digital transformation. As a builder of full-stack spectrum IoT capabilities and a partner in enterprise digital transformation, Hikvision can help users in the chemical industry realize scene IoT and intelligent perception, reduce the risk of enterprise accidents, and improve the company’s daily security and production safety early warning capabilities .
The cooperation agreement signed by the two parties this time can be said to be very strategic.
02 Jointly with Hillhouse to invest in Shanghai Leju
On October 12, Shanghai Leju Technology Co., Ltd. announced the completion of its B round of over 100 million yuan financing. This round of financing was jointly invested by Wanhua Chemical and Hillhouse Ventures. Leju had previously received Series A financing from Sinopec and Shangnan Group. It is understood that the funds raised by Le Orange in this round of financing will be mainly used for system algorithm research and development, packaging material technology investment and reverse logistics system construction.
Leju was established in 2018 and positioned as a supply chain infrastructure service company based on smart packaging and smart logistics. Leo Orange has products such as Yelopack Le Orange Yunguo, Yelotour Le Orange Yuntu, Yelolife Le Orange Newborn, and Yeloant Le Orange Carbon Ant. Its packaging products are recycled in accordance with national standards, aiming to promote the recycling of plastic products. Protect the natural environment to the limit and save resources.
In the context of the “first year of carbon neutrality” in 2021, Leju provides solutions to help customers achieve carbon neutrality goals and propose effective solutions from the three aspects of intelligence, renewable raw materials, and carbon reduction.
I believe that Wanhua Chemical’s investment in Leju will also help us realize our mission of chemistry and a better life.
03 Expansion of 250,000 tons/year TDI project
On September 23, the Fuzhou Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment announced the environmental impact assessment document for Wanhua Chemical (Fujian) Co., Ltd.’s expansion of the 250,000 tons/year TDI project (replacement of the existing 100,000 tons and approved 150,000 tons of TDI capacity).
Introduction to the basic situation of the project
1. Project name: Wanhua Chemical (Fujian) Co., Ltd. expands 250,000 tons/year TDI project;
2. Construction unit: Wanhua Chemical (Fujian) Co., Ltd.;
3. Construction nature: reconstruction;
4. Project construction site: Jiangyin Gangcheng Economic Zone, Fuzhou;
5. Project investment: The total investment of the project is 1927.3779 million yuan;
6. Floor area: The total land area is 62,313 square meters;
7. Estimated construction period: 2 years.
Introduction to the use of TDI
Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is the basic raw material of polyurethane, which is mainly used to produce flexible polyurethane foam (soft foam, sponge), polyurethane elastomer, coating, adhesive, sealant and elastic polyether. Among them, flexible polyurethane foam, as the traditional consumption field of TDI, is widely used in furniture mattresses, carpets, internal components of vehicles, trains and airplanes, toys, etc., accounting for more than 70% of the total TDI consumption. Different raw materials used and changes in formula can be made into soft, semi-rigid polyurethane foam and other varieties.
In less than a month, Wanhua Chemical can be said to be constantly moving in different fields. Regardless of whether it is cooperation, investment or expansion, I believe Wanhua Chemical is a comprehensive consideration of integrating its own development into the development trend of the times.
October 22, 2021
Wanhua Updates
Wanhua Chemical deploys new high-end chemical materials
Echemi 2021-10-22
01 Strategic cooperation with Hikvision
On October 13, Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd. and Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd. signed a strategic cooperation agreement at the global headquarters of Wanhua Chemical Group in Yantai.
Based on their respective deep accumulations in the industrial and technological fields, the two parties have reached strategic cooperation in the following two aspects:
Research and development of new high-end chemical materials
Wanhua Chemical will continue to cooperate with Hikvision on the structural material upgrade of hardware products.
02 Chemical safety production control
Hikvision regards chemical companies as providing AI-based production assistance, safety control and perception solutions, and using technological integration and innovation to help Wanhua Chemical’s digital and intelligent transformation.
Under the dual carbon goal, China’s chemical industry is in the process of replenishing and strengthening the chain. As a new chemical material company operating globally, Wanhua Chemical can rely on continuous innovation of core technology, industrialized equipment and efficient operation mode to promote the research and development and mass production of new high-end chemical materials, and help the development of high-tech products in structural materials. upgrade.
Green development and artificial intelligence have become important engines for the high-quality development of the chemical industry. The chemical industry is accelerating digitalization and continuously promoting innovation. The Internet of Things + AI has become an important bridge to realize digital transformation. As a builder of full-stack spectrum IoT capabilities and a partner in enterprise digital transformation, Hikvision can help users in the chemical industry realize scene IoT and intelligent perception, reduce the risk of enterprise accidents, and improve the company’s daily security and production safety early warning capabilities .
The cooperation agreement signed by the two parties this time can be said to be very strategic.
02 Jointly with Hillhouse to invest in Shanghai Leju
On October 12, Shanghai Leju Technology Co., Ltd. announced the completion of its B round of over 100 million yuan financing. This round of financing was jointly invested by Wanhua Chemical and Hillhouse Ventures. Leju had previously received Series A financing from Sinopec and Shangnan Group. It is understood that the funds raised by Le Orange in this round of financing will be mainly used for system algorithm research and development, packaging material technology investment and reverse logistics system construction.
Leju was established in 2018 and positioned as a supply chain infrastructure service company based on smart packaging and smart logistics. Leo Orange has products such as Yelopack Le Orange Yunguo, Yelotour Le Orange Yuntu, Yelolife Le Orange Newborn, and Yeloant Le Orange Carbon Ant. Its packaging products are recycled in accordance with national standards, aiming to promote the recycling of plastic products. Protect the natural environment to the limit and save resources.
In the context of the “first year of carbon neutrality” in 2021, Leju provides solutions to help customers achieve carbon neutrality goals and propose effective solutions from the three aspects of intelligence, renewable raw materials, and carbon reduction.
I believe that Wanhua Chemical’s investment in Leju will also help us realize our mission of chemistry and a better life.
03 Expansion of 250,000 tons/year TDI project
On September 23, the Fuzhou Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment announced the environmental impact assessment document for Wanhua Chemical (Fujian) Co., Ltd.’s expansion of the 250,000 tons/year TDI project (replacement of the existing 100,000 tons and approved 150,000 tons of TDI capacity).
Introduction to the basic situation of the project
1. Project name: Wanhua Chemical (Fujian) Co., Ltd. expands 250,000 tons/year TDI project;
2. Construction unit: Wanhua Chemical (Fujian) Co., Ltd.;
3. Construction nature: reconstruction;
4. Project construction site: Jiangyin Gangcheng Economic Zone, Fuzhou;
5. Project investment: The total investment of the project is 1927.3779 million yuan;
6. Floor area: The total land area is 62,313 square meters;
7. Estimated construction period: 2 years.
Introduction to the use of TDI
Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is the basic raw material of polyurethane, which is mainly used to produce flexible polyurethane foam (soft foam, sponge), polyurethane elastomer, coating, adhesive, sealant and elastic polyether. Among them, flexible polyurethane foam, as the traditional consumption field of TDI, is widely used in furniture mattresses, carpets, internal components of vehicles, trains and airplanes, toys, etc., accounting for more than 70% of the total TDI consumption. Different raw materials used and changes in formula can be made into soft, semi-rigid polyurethane foam and other varieties.
In less than a month, Wanhua Chemical can be said to be constantly moving in different fields. Regardless of whether it is cooperation, investment or expansion, I believe Wanhua Chemical is a comprehensive consideration of integrating its own development into the development trend of the times.
September 27, 2021
Online Advice
Strategies to Help Protect Your Digital Footprint
You can’t erase your digital footprint, but you can take steps to safeguard it.
You’ve likely heard of the term “digital footprint,” but you may not fully understand what that means or how to optimize your online presence for greater privacy and security. In our increasingly digital world, it’s important to be knowledgeable about these matters, so let’s review the basics.
What’s a Digital Footprint?
A digital footprint is an accumulation of all your activities online. Think about the routine things you do each day—crafting a social media post, making a purchase, activating an account, registering for a newsletter, checking the weather, completing a survey or sharing an article.
All these actions leave a digital trail, which can include your IP address as well as any personal details of your life that you’ve shared online. (An IP address is a unique series of numbers that’s assigned to each internet-connected device. It may reveal the city, area code or ZIP code from where you’re connecting, but not your name, mailing address or phone number.) This data can be tracked and analyzed by marketers, credit card issuers, advertisers, law enforcement agencies and other organizations to learn about your habits and create a customized profile.
In short, your digital footprint is similar to the footprints you leave when walking on a fresh blanket of snow. Others will be able to see where you’ve been. And while snow footprints will eventually fade away, digital footprints can be permanent.
Digital Footprints: The Good and Bad
Digital footprints can actually be beneficial. They can enhance the time you spend online by providing a more personalized, convenient experience—such as remembering your last food order or enabling you to receive targeted, exclusive offers that align with your interests.
You can even help create a “positive” footprint of yourself for others you might want to impress online—such as your boss, future employers or college admissions officers—by shaping your image through the messages, photos and other information you provide on social media or other online platforms.
But your digital footprint can also lead to a variety of negatives, such as unwanted solicitations, decreased privacy and identity theft. Cybercriminals can use your footprint to unleash more targeted, effective social engineering schemes, such as phishing attacks, and other scams against you.
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Safeguarding Your Digital Footprint
Fortunately, you can limit the potentially damaging impacts of your digital footprint by taking the following measures:
Search for yourself: Doing an online search about yourself may seem a bit vain. But it’s a good way to see the type of information that’s readily available about you. Try this with multiple search engines and explore the first several pages of results.
Be prepared to be surprised, though, by what you uncover. It can be alarming. If you find sensitive data you don’t want revealed—or if you come across information that’s incorrect, misleading or inappropriate—contact the site administrator to request removal of the material.
Set alerts: After performing your search, consider setting up alerts to more easily keep track of your online mentions in the future. With an alert, you’ll receive a notification whenever your name appears online.
To help eliminate results from other individuals with your same name, you can add keywords to your search that are associated with you (such as your hometown).
Use tighter privacy settings: Service providers for social media, e-commerce, email, search engines, web browsers, online conferencing and more often give their users the ability to manage the privacy settings for their accounts.
Using more restrictive settings can reduce your digital footprint and give you greater peace of mind. The National Cybersecurity Alliance provides direct links to manage privacy settings for many popular sites.
Just be aware, though, that increasing your security may interfere with some of the usability of the site or lead to other drawbacks. For example, deleting your search history can make it more inconvenient when doing future searches. Or blocking pop-up ads may prevent you from seeing ads or offers you’d normally welcome. Although the benefit of greater privacy is often worth these trade-offs, you should understand the implications of your actions before making any changes.
Also, when managing your privacy settings, take a couple of minutes to review the company’s privacy policy. It’s important to understand how an organization collects, stores, protects and utilizes your personal data. If you feel a policy is too intrusive, it’s best to just move along. Your privacy and security are too valuable.
Be cautious with social media: Even if you adopt stronger privacy settings, you still should be judicious about what you choose to reveal about yourself online. For example, use caution when responding to social media surveys as they can reveal personal information.
Or, you might want to proudly post a picture of your new grandchild on a social media account. But remember that anything you share online can be re-shared by friends, family members and colleagues without your consent.
And once that happens, it’s out of your control who will end up seeing your information.
Restrict mobile app permissions: Whenever you grant a mobile app access to your photos, location, camera, contacts and other information, it makes your data available to the app owner. So, be selective before giving an app permission to all the types of information it requests. Keep in mind that many apps will still work even if all permissions aren’t granted.
Limit your online accounts: Having a lot of online accounts leads to a bigger footprint. However, you can quickly reduce your footprint by deleting or deactivating accounts you no longer need. For example, is it necessary to have several email accounts? And what about that account you opened three years ago with an online retailer that you haven’t used since?
Be selective about opening new accounts, too. If you have the choice of checking out as a guest with a retailer instead of creating an account, it’s better to use that option unless you plan to be a frequent customer.
Use a password manager: A password manager is a software tool that securely creates, encrypts and stores unique, complex passwords for you. And since you should have a different password for each account, this saves you from the headache of remembering all those passwords.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (sometimes called Two-Factor Authentication) as well for any accounts where it’s offered.
Think before linking accounts: Some service providers allow you to register with their business by using an account you have with another company. For instance, maybe they’ll invite you to sign in through your Facebook or Google account.
Doing so grants these other organizations access to even more information about your online activities, which means you’ll need to decide if the convenience is worth the potential added exposure.
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