BASF Produces Products Based on Chemically Recycled Plastic Waste

In a novel move, BASF has manufactured products composed of chemically reused plastic waste, and has become a worldwide pioneer across the industry.

Dr. Martin Brudermüller, CTO and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, said that companies, consumers and institutions must use plastics responsibly, if the world wants to set itself free from existing waste problem. He added that with chemical recycling, the company wants to reduce the amount of plastic waste significantly.

Brudermüller said that the company’s ChemCycling project uses waste derived from plastic as a resource, in order to create value for the society, economy and the environment. He added that the company has also collaborated with partners across the value chain to create an efficient working circular model.

The German chemical company and the biggest chemical producer in the world, BASF is closely associating with its partners and customers, ranging from waste management firms to packaging producers and technology providers, to form a powerful circular value chain.

At the first stage of the production chain, BASF feeds oil obtained from plastic waste through an oiling process into the Production Verbund. The company received this feedstock for the pilot products from one of its partners Recenso GmbH, Germany. Syngas, which is also composed of plastic waste, can also be used as a substitute in the process.

In October, BASF fed the first batch of this oil into the steam cracker at its Ludwigshafen site. The steam cracker begins the Verbund production, breaking down the raw material at about 850°C temperature.

Ethylene and propylene are the main outputs of this process, and these general chemicals are used in the Verbund to produce different chemical products. The company spokesperson said that following the mass balance approach, the recycled raw material share can mathematically be assigned to the final certified product. In fact, customers can choose the allotted amount of recycled material.

The chemical producer is already producing preliminary products like components of a refrigerator, insulation panels, and mozzarella packaging with 10 customers from different industries. BASF-supplied ChemCycling products exhibit the exactly same properties as products composed of fossil resources, thus they meet high quality and hygiene standards, which are seeing high demand especially in food packaging industry.

Nissan Inaugurates First of its Kind Global Digital Hub in Kerala

Nissan has opened its first Global Digital Hub to boost the development of software and information technology. The Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer has inaugurated its first Global Digital Hub in Kerala’s IT hub, Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram, India.

It will be the first of its kind facility, along with many other upcoming technology development centers coming in different parts of Asia, North America, Latin America and Europe.

Nissan’s Corporate Vice President and CIO Tony Thomas, said that they are quite excited to achieve this important milestone in its journey towards growth of Nissan Digital.

Thomas added that the Hub in India is going to play a vital role in driving Nissan’s worldwide digital transformation, especially when they already have some of the best technology talent driving outcomes to deliver their global customers in a better way.

This Global Digital Hub along with the technology centers setting up across the world are going to trigger the digital transformation in the manufacturer’s business by incorporating digital technology with the pivotal services and operations. For now, the Thiruvananthapuram located facility will allow the manufacturer to offer application portfolio management, optimized user experiences, cyber security, better product development competences, and connectivity with the evolution of automotive industry, owing to the increasing dependency on connected, autonomous and electric vehicle technology.

Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, the Honorable Chief Minister of Kerala has inaugurated the facility in the presence of Shri K.J. Alphons, who is the Minister of State for Tourism; Japanese Ambassador to India- His Excellency Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu; Mr. Tony Thomas, and MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shri Shashi Tharoor.

The Kerala chief minister said that Nissan’s entry to Thiruvananthapuram will mark the beginning of a new era for the IT sector in Kerala. Vijayan also mentioned that the state officials will try their level best to prove Kerala efficient enough to become second home for Nissan after Japan.

Headquartered in Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Nissan sells its cars under the brand names Nissan, Infiniti, and Datsun with in-house performance tuning products regarded as Nismo. It is the biggest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer in the world, and registered worldwide sales of over 320,000 all-electric vehicles as of April this year.

Kenya Medical Supplies Authority to Dispatch Medical Supplies

With the University Health Coverage Launch, Kenya Medical Supplies Authority dispatched a medical supplies consignment to four pilot countries. University Health Coverage is expected to be launched in Kisumu and rolled out in the other three countries including Isiolo, Nyeri and Machakos. The CEO of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, Jonah Mwangi told the press that the orders that were delivered included critical care items, public health chemicals, point-of-care clinical diagnostic devices, orthopedic implants, basic medical equipment, dental consumables, and lien.

Kenya Medical Supplies Authority has been dedicated towards delivering renal and dialysis consumables, non-communicable disease commodities through access programs, digital films and radiology products, CT scan and MRI products, along with expanded oncology products.

The agency in the University Health Coverage program has been entrusted to ensure quality medical products to be provided at fair prices, delivery of supplies and medicine in good time according to the requirements of health facilities, and sufficiency in vital health medicines and supplies’ stock.

Know Why Pilot Countries were Chosen

Rashid Aman, the Health Ministry CAS was present and stated that Kisumu was chosen as a pilot country for the programme as it has registered a high predominance of communicable disease burden. Similarly, Isiolo has a scanty population along with a high rate of maternal mortality, Nyeri a recognized a leader in communicable disease burden, while soaring incidences of road accidents are witnessed in Machakos.

The University Health Coverage program would focus on a primary health care approach and would include maternal and child health services, antenatal and postnatal care services, enhancing immunization services, family planning, prevention of diseases such that are vector borne or water borne, HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and improving the nutrition of conceiving women and carried out these activities throughout the initial five years of the child’s life.

New Research Revelations

The need for effective medical devices and medical supplies has been an increasing requirement across the world. According to a new research conducted by Future Market Insights, the point-of-care devices such as point-of-care cholesterol monitoring devices are increasingly utilized especially in the home care setting. Moreover, with the increasing emergence of technology, the point-of-care devices are expected to be integrated with advanced technologies. With the supply of medical devices and effective clinical care, such programs are expected to boost the capabilities of healthcare.

To know more about the effectiveness of point-of-care cholesterol monitoring device, and gain insights regarding the market scenario, click here.

FDA Approves New Orphan Drug for Frontotemporal Dementia

Orphan Drug Designation to Foster Rising Consumption of Drug

Orphan drugs are developed specifically for the treatment of rare medical conditions that are known as orphan diseases. Approvals of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) play a crucial role in the implementation of drugs for treatment. The new and first-of-its-kind protein aggregation inhibitor LMTX developed by TauRx has reached Phase 3 clinical development for neurodegenerative disease treatment. Backed by the company’s three decades of research, this drug was granted an approval by FDA getting an Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for treating frontotemporal dementia.

Protein aggregation is widely considered to be a driver in dementia development, owing to which, protein aggregation inhibitors are used for undoing the process. This approach helps in potentially reducing the speed at which underlying disease pathology spreads, consequently helping preserve the function, cognition and quality of patient’s life. An active substance in LMTX is reflected to be active against TDP-43 protein aggregation apart from primarily focusing on tau protein.

Addressing Rare Neurodegenerative Conditions

Professor Claude Wischik, Excutive Chairman of TauRx along with Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at the University of Aberdeen stated that the FDA Orphan Drug Designation of the drug acts as a favorable step for clinical researchers, care teams, and patients, reinforcing their persistent research for disease-modifying treatment for the in-adequately addressed category of rare neurodegenerative conditions. LMTX has also been granted the Orphans Designation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2010.

FDA approvals of the ODD status are provided only to those medicines that are developed for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of rare disorders. ODD is recognized to offer incentives for sponsors for the development of products intended for rare diseases.

Research Unveils Promising Future for Orphan Drugs

Similarly, other orphan drugs are undergoing key developments that are boosting the capabilities of the clinical and medical science for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of rare orphan diseases. A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, Entera Bio recently announced the completion of the part 1 of Phase 2 clinical trials of Natpara, an injectable orphan drug developed for treating the rare endocrine disease, hypoparathyroidism. A recent market study presented by Future Market Insights reveals the developments in treatment of hypoparathyroidism. The senior team of analysts state that favorable government schemes related to orphan drug, tax incentives for qualified clinical trials, along with regulatory approvals are some major factors that could translate in promising earnings for companies. Such support combined by the process of gaining regulatory approvals is expected to paint a favorable picture with respect to treatment of rare diseases.

Key insights and opportunities in the hypoparathyroidism treatment market could be availed here.

Automotive Shock Absorbers: A Key Component in Next-generation Automobiles

Car Makers to Compete at Dakar with New Versions

Automotive shock absorbers are amongst the key components of any automotive vehicle. Major automotive companies are continually developing automobiles that are designed for next-generation requirements. Nissan has developed the new version of their Navara for competing in the Dakar 2019. The purpose built pickup truck is well-equipped with new and improved components. With a suspension of double-wishbone or live-axle setup, equipped with Reiger shock absorbers, the T1 Navara also has a massive fuel tank and a raised ride height. This truck is built by the custom off-road car and truck builder, Red-Lined Motoring Adventure is ready to compete in Dakar 2019, an annual rally raid organized by Amaury Sport Organization.

New Entries Focus on Improved Component Offerings

New automotive editions are being integrated with advanced components, thereby improving the output and performance of automotive vehicles and contributing to the increasing profits for manufacturers. Nexon Kraz special edition, by TATA motors has been launched in Nepal. This new edition of the vehicle showcases key features and specifications of its predecessor, with an appealing color scheme that is expected to attract the customers. Amongst they features owned by the SUV, shock absorbers are a key component.

Ideal Shock Absorbers for SUVS

Monotube shock absorbers offer rapid damping reaction and immediate response to changing road conditions, with the help of a continuous pressure exerted by gas on the oil, making them an ideal alternative for SUV rear axles. Such advanced shock absorbers boost the performance and durability of vehicles helping them attract customers that demand similar attributes from automotive vehicles. Monotube shock absorbers are also well suitable for luxury sedans and sport cars.

Automotive gas charged shock absorbers are gaining major demand owing to their advanced attributes. The research study on automotive gas charged shock absorbers market presented by Future Market Insights (FMI) highlights the significance of automotive gas charged shock absorbers. According to the senior analysts at FMI, the technologically advanced variants of automotive gas charged shock absorbers are expected to be preferred increasingly, owing to the design that prevents any occurrence of cavitation and aeration. The automotive shock absorbers improve the capabilities of automotive vehicles, making them more robust and effective in terms of effective stability and strength on roads, thereby boosting their demand in future.

More valuable insights and a glimpse of growth opportunities of the automotive gas charged shock absorbers could be obtained here.

Medical Technology Company – HeartFlow Starts the PRECISE Clinical Randomized Trial

HeartFlow, Inc. announced its initiation of the Prospective Randomized Trial of the Optimal Evaluation of Cardiac Symptoms and Revascularization (PRECISE) clinical trial. The enrollment of the first patient of the trial was implemented by the cardio vascular specialists at the Imperial Health based in Lake Charles, Los Angeles.

This particular clinical trial has been designed to differentiate between the results arising from traditional methodology of the diagnosis and evaluation of patient status who display constant chest pain, during the application of stress tests or the use of cardiac catheterization, with that of the new new Precision Evaluation Strategy that makes use of testing procedures, based on risk. The new process also makes use of computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans.

PRECISE to Improve Cardiac Artery Disease Treatments

The trial will attempt to evaluate the successful improvement in accuracy, cost, efficiency, and outcomes brought about by the new approach while treating patients who are suspected of having coronary artery disease (CAD). This clinical trial aims to enroll more than two thousand patients from numerous relevant centers around the globe.

In the current trial, patients will enrolled in a random manner, either for traditional medical care or treatment under Precision Evaluation Strategy. The Precision Evaluation Strategy will make use of a PROMISE Risk Score to assess and place patients in low risk or high risk groups. Patients of the low risk group will be given treatments comprising medicines and lifestyle changes. On the other hand, patients of the high risk group will be put through CTA processes. In cases where more data is required, a HeartFlow FFRct analysis will be implemented.

As per a recent study by Future market insights, the modern angio suites market gives health care professionals with comprehensive and actionable data, and can assist modern physicians to make accurate diagnosis of patients who might have CAD, owing to better vertical and horizontal integration.

The process is based upon scientific research and the PRECISE clinical trial is one of the latest instances where angio suites are bringing the absolute best in extracting useful clinical research for both healthcare professionals and patients.

HeartFlow Analysis Uses AI to Simplify Results

The analysis by HeartFlow is customizable and non-invasive, in nature. It uses artificial intelligence for improved images extracted from CTA scans to generate digital 3D models of the patient’s arteries. The processes also utilizes new algorithms that comply with numerous calculations to assess adverse impacts on the heart with an online interfaces to help decide on the best treatments.

Currently, health care professionals globally, have made use of this process, successfully for around 25,000 patients to diagnose or prevent heart disease accurately.

To find more key insights on the changing dynamics of the angio suites market, click on the link here.

Walmart to Acquire Art.com for Expanding Its Home Décor Business

Retail giant Walmart has plans to buy Art.com for expanding its home décor business. The deal is expected to reach closure by 2019. The main agenda behind this acquisition is to cater to the growing demands of millennials, especially those inclined towards online shopping. With the availability of over 2 Million designs in Art.com, Walmart in planning to expand its home décor business, as the former is considered as one among the largest online retailers of wall décor and art across the globe. Reportedly, Art.com has been generating more than $300 Million in sales every year. Artist Rising, one among the three sister sites of Art.com helps end users in selling their work by means of various channels. This in turn is likely to benefit revenue sales of Walmart’s wall décor business.

Since the recent past, Walmart has been pushing itself in acquiring e-commerce corporations such as Moosejaw, ModCloth, Eloquii, Bonobos, Bare Necessities, and Jet.com. Apart from this, the retail giant has also introduced a feature known as ArtView to enable shoppers to choose the artwork that would be suitable for their walls, by means of augmented reality. Walmart is planning to sell its products from Art.com on websites such as Hayneedle.com, Jet.com, and Walmart.com. Marc Lore, head of the U.S. e-commerce wing of Walmart recently stated that the company further plans to own approximately 40 digitally native brands in the forthcoming years.

A recent study by Future Market Insights on the wall decor market indicates that constant changes especially in the interiors of retail shops are expected to fuel the growth of the wall décor market at a notable pace. In addition, significant growth in internet penetration across the globe is expected to open up lucrative opportunities for key players in the wall décor market for promoting their offerings to target consumers in a more efficient manner.

To know more about the emerging opportunities and trends in the wall décor market, click here.

Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation Signature Outlet to Experience New Signage

The NSLC (Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation) is preparing to highlight its new signature stores in SYDNEY RIVER with new signage. Recently, a new tender has been issued for integrating innovative signs for the interiors and exteriors of the SYDNEY RIVER store along with the Bridgewater and Joseph Howe stores in the mainland. The deadline for this tender is 20th December, 2018. The new signs are a part of the renovation plan for New Year in signature retail stores. The new sign will be witnessed as ‘NSLC Signature’ on each renovated store of the company. Currently, NSLC holds only one signature store in Portland Street, Dartmouth. After completion of the renovation process, the company will have four signature stores.

Construction Material Testing Leaders Expand Facilities and Operations Worldwide

Underwriters Laboratories Expands Testing Facilities to Toronto

Underwriters Laboratories is broadening its services for the building sciences sector by opening a new facility in Toronto. The company is offering improved building science and building envelope testing services for construction companies in Canada.

Underwriters Laboratories is a leader in the Canadian construction science and building envelope sector, delivering testing services for building envelope, building forensics, field testing, along with building envelope commissioning for architects, building owners, and material manufacturers in the construction industry in the region.

The Toronto testing facility will feature fenestration and mockup sets for testing window wall, wall assemblies, and curtain walls. The mockup lab is located is equipped with 50 cranes and to test up to a height of 12 meters. It is also equipped with the latest Controls S.p.A. ultrasonic pulse velocity tester for material testing purposes.

The UL mockup lab is among the largest indoor testing facilities in the region. In addition to the lab at Toronto, UL also has testing facilities in Montréal and Chicago.

Tri State Materials Lab to Expand Testing Facility in Berlin

In a similar move, England based Tri State Materials Lab is shifting its facilities to Berlin, Germany, owing to a rapid increase in construction in this region, and the need for a spacious and centralized location. This move is expected to be advantageous for testing concrete with the use of advanced testing methods such as ultrasonic pulse velocity tests that require quick concrete curing before making casts.

As per a recent study by Future Market Insights on the ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market, the demand for ultrasonic pulse velocity testing devices is showing steady rise, owing to increased use in detecting cracks, voids, and strength measurement through a non-destructive procedure, in the fields of material science, infrastructure and construction, and the measurement of elasticity.

The Tri State Materials lab also tests for integrity of steel and welding, fireproofing materials, and soil among others. The firm uses highly specialized methods such as ground penetrating radar for identification of underground electric wiring or piping, and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests for material strength and integrity.

The boom in business will provide the Tri State Materials lab with additional business opportunities during the slowdown in winters that might result in the hiring of more workers and field inspectors in this period. The new facility will also have a unique layout that will reduce noise during the application of concrete shattering tests.

Rapeseed Oil to Significantly Impact Biodiversity, Finds Research

According to a new research by Durham University Scientists, increasing bioenergy crop production of rapeseed and palm oil could be highly detrimental for biodiversity mainly due to climatic changes. UK species such as red squirrels and hedgehogs are potentially experiencing increasing death rates. Hedgehogs can decline by nearly 44%, red squirrels by 46% along with common starlings by 15%. Combination of large-scale increase of bioenergy crops and climatic changes together hold strong potential to threaten nearly 36% of habitats across the entire vertebrate species, inclusive of the ones that are currently subject to the substantial conservation work.

Bioenergy crops are considered as low-carbon alternatives to the fossil fuels; however, they could have a significant impact on the biodiversity to an extent similar as climatic changes. Bioenergy is considered a key element for mitigation of climate change; however, findings help in increasing awareness regarding the potential impact of bioenergy crops such as rapeseed and palm on biodiversity.

A recent study by Future Market Insights on the rapeseed oil market indicates that increasing negative impact of rapeseed on human and wildlife is possibly leading to modest growth of the global market and this trend is expected to continue into the next decade as well.

To gain more insights on notable impacts in the rapeseed oil market, click here.

Farmers Planning to Minimize Rapeseed Production

Rapeseed oil lacks sustainability. In order to maximize profitability and yield, farmers are increasing the usage of rapeseed oil in high applications of nitrogen fertilizers, out of which, most are washed off in rivers and groundwater by heavy rains. In addition, rapeseed is extremely vulnerable to a large number of diseases and pests that are usually treated by means of insecticides and fungicides. Several British farmers have been reporting significant losses in business due to rapeseed oil production.

Considering the above conditions, farmers are taking immense efforts in maximizing their incomes from wheat production by minimizing production of rapeseed to one year instead of five. Another reason for decline in rapeseed production is the ban on the usage of neonicotinoid insecticides, owing to their detrimental impact on pollinating insects as well as other wildlife. Conclusively, with limited production of rapeseed, levels of pest damage and disease can be decreased.

It has been observed that the value of rapeseed oil increases as it goes through the supply chain and turns out to be the packaged oil in supermarket shelves. With growing awareness regarding the advantages of cold-pressed rapeseed oil, companies such as Cotswold Gold are increasing the supply and availability of these products, which in turn helps them expand their customer base as well as gain a larger presence across the globe in the rapeseed oil market.

New Wastewater Treatment Plans Thriving in China

The need for wastewater treatment has been proliferating in major countries across the globe, where large liquid or wastewater treatment projects are being taken up. Similar activity was witnessed in China, where the SGX Mainboard-listed and HKEX Mainboard-listed water treatment and environmental protection company, SIIC Environment Holdings was awarded a contract for the wastewater treatment project in Bayan County, Heilongjiang Province, and Xinglong Town, the People’s Republic of China. The investment value of the entire project is about 54.6 Million Yuan.

The project is awarded by Bayan Water Authority with a 30 year service concession arrangement for the project, where the initial year would be dedicated for building and construction, while the remaining 29 years would be allocated for operations and maintenance. The planned Grade 1A project is built on approximately 31,985 meters of land, having a building floor area of nearly 1806 square meters. This project would have a sludge moisture content of less than 60 percent and would initiate operations with a present 10000 tons per day design capacity that could be ramped up to 40000 tons per day in future.

With the project awarded to SIIC Environment, it has incorporated Bayan County Longjiang Environmental Protection Co., Ltd, an indirect completely owned subsidiary with a capital amount of nearly 16.38 million Yuan. The purpose of this incorporation is to fulfill the project’s obligations, thereby contributing to the performance of the group that continues to move forward positively.

Applicability of Floating Covers in Wastewater Treatment

The wastewater treatment projects taken up widely in emerging countries utilize various materials and chemicals. Amongst the most prominently used are the floating covers or the geosynthetic covers that are placed over water bodies for preventing contamination and minimizing the emission of volatile organic chemicals. This process enhances the way wastewater treatment is carried out, boosting the overall process of resolving water issues.

Recent Research Traces the Potential of Floating Covers

The waste water treatment segment has registered the greatest revenue in the floating covers market, as stated by a recent market report by Future Market Insights. Moreover, the research study also analyzes the application of floating covers in other segments that are expected to boost the demand for the product. This has further triggered various developments in the floating covers market. An in-depth evaluation of the current and future global scenario of the floating covers market can help gain better understanding of the market. To know more, click here.