Business

AI will help to drive the pace of development in robotics and automation predicts Anders Billesø Beck, VP of innovation and strategy for Universal Robots.

Carrying out a full site survey is a specialist task but a mini-survey or walk-around will quickly and easily identify many actions to reduce energy use. Naturally, the focus will be on using that essential tool called the ’OFF switch’ but this can have remarkable rewards very quickly. 

Hitachi High-Tech developed an AI tool that enabled them to reduce their research on biodegradable additives from 120 days to two days. Researchers have used AI in the development of new materials and additives for the production of plastics. Some companies are looking for alternatives to suit their customers’ needs.

Every site needs a policy statement to set the scene for the site actions and to make the commitment formal. The Sustainability Management Policy should be one of the fundamental site policies alongside policies such as health and safety, quality, environmental, energy, other operational policies, e.g., anti-slavery. 

One of the quickest ways to start to control energy use is to integrate reporting into the accounts package (along with all the other vital business numbers). Energy use and management is not a ‘technology fix’, it is a vital business measurement and tool. Some of the most effective energy management efforts can come directly from the accounting function. 

No sustainability management program will be successful unless top management is committed to it. Top management will generally respond better to a well-reasoned financial argument but there is no conflict – it is entirely possible to be more sustainable and to improve profits at the same time. 

Companies that produce Fluoropolymers may try to switch to PFAS-free solutions or ask for an exemption, which could be temporary.

Nissin Foods USA soon plans to dump the iconic expanded polystyrene foam cup it has been using for its on-the-go ramen noodles for a half-century and replace it with a new, microwaveable paper cup design that will no longer require boiling water. The company also will spend $228m to open a new U.S. plant in South Carolina.

The use of “forever chemicals” in the European Union would be largely banned under a proposal issued by the European Chemicals Agency. At the same time, more US states continue to ban PFAS-containing products without a clear roadmap for the plastic industry.

If energy use is not visible and measured then there will be no improvement. Every site needs an ‘Energy Policy’ – a statement of commitment on energy use.

The fashion industry is disrupting the PET circular economy by taking it into an application that recycles less than 1% of its products.

The V-Carbon technology is based on a patented “chemolysis” recycling process and offers up to 85% of carbon fiber’s original strength.