BLOGS
Navigating Environmental Strategy for the Materials Sector in 2024 and Beyond
Date posted: 2024
Developing an environmentally conscious strategy does not come without challenges. For environmental strategy to be sustainable, it must offset decarbonization with viable product lifespan, and mechanical properties that meet the needs of the application and be financially viable. Such an undertaking requires supply chain collaboration, transparency, and innovation.
PFAS use in the US can no longer be ignored: Why foam and adhesive manufacturers must look forwards
Date posted: 2024
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of approximately 15,000 long-lasting chemicals. The scientific community deems some of them as posing certain, and in specific cases, substantial risks to both human health and the environment. Some of their components can take up to a millennium to degrade, hence the name “forever chemicals”. Their degradation in the environment is a slow process because PFAS molecules are characterized by a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms, a very strong bond.
Carole Nakhle, Chief Executive Officer at Crystol Energy discusses projections for the United States oil market
Date posted: 2024
The story of the oil industry in the US is simply fascinating and reflects what the private sector can do in a competitive market structure. Many have underestimated that important aspect and have repeatedly predicted the demise of the shale industry, for instance, only to be disappointed over and over again. Unless we see an adverse change in legislation and government policy with an immediate impact on the sector, which is unlikely, we expect the industry to remain in good shape. Although oil production growth may decelerate this year, the US oil industry will continue to flourish and impact markets not only in the US but also globally.
Next Generation Foam Materials
Date posted: 2023
Growing applications of foam are supporting the development of not only established materials but are also boosting innovations in more novel foams. The evolving landscape of application requirements as well as shifting corporate and governmental priorities, such as sustainability, are allowing for exciting headway to be made in the development of next generation foam materials.
Embedding Sustainability Throughout the Foam Industry
Date posted: 2023
The topic of sustainability is one which comes up over and over again, and with good reason. With government initiatives and legislation paving the way in some areas, commercial organizations must also align with ensuring a sustainable approach to their business activities.
Lightening the Load: Balancing Weight Reduction with Structural Durability
Date posted: 2022
Lightweighting in the mobility sector is driven by the demand for environmentally conscious, cost-effective and increasingly high-performing products. The lighter a vehicle is the less energy it requires to get from point A to point B. Not only can lightweighting save the consumer money by reducing energy usage, but it can also help to reduce a vehicle’s carbon emissions and, consequently, its environmental impact.
What are the Origins of Just-In-Time Manufacturing?
Date posted: 2022
Recent supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by the pandemic, may leave you wondering about the viability of just-in-time manufacturing. The model relies on a lean operation with limited inventory and has been the dominant manufacturing method for the past 50 years. But where does the technique come from and why has it remained so popular for so long?
Post Webinar Roundup: Exploring Opportunities for the European and United States Foam and Adhesives Supply Chains in China’s Domestic Markets
Date posted: 2021
On Tuesday 24 August 2021, experts from Milcut, JSP, Erlenbach Machines, Kurtz Ersa and Zotefoams came together in a live webinar to discuss opportunities for the European and United States foam and adhesives supply chains in China’s domestic markets. Foam Expo China will launch in December 2022, and to mark the occasion we are exploring the valuable contributions made by the experts earlier this year.
Aligning Material Development Goals with the 2030 Emission Reduction Target
Date posted: 2021
Manufacturing in the United States is soon to face an adjustment to the greenhouse gas emissions targets as set by the Biden administration. Ahead of the climate summit of 40 of the world’s leaders, Biden has pledged to halve US greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. In our latest blog, discover what this means for the foam and adhesives supply chains and the impact the new regulations will have on the future of material development.