In Germany, researchers at Fraunhofer UMSICHT, in collaboration with Ruhr University Bochum, developed a new carbon-based bipolar plate, presenting a cost-effective alternative to titanium for PEM electrolysis without compromising on performance. This innovative plate consists of a thermoplastic polymer-bound carbon matrix with conductive additives such as soot and graphite, produced through a powder-to-roll process. The […]
In Brazil, President Lula sanctioned Project No. 2308/2023, creating a legal framework for low-carbon hydrogen, and introduced the Special Incentive Regime for the Production of Low Carbon Hydrogen (Rehydro), effective from January 2025 for five years. It aims to develop Brazil’s hydrogen production capabilities, leveraging the country’s vast energy resources. President Lula highlighted Brazil’s unmatched […]
In Ireland, the Irish Independent reports Gas Networks Ireland has announced plans to purchase up to 250 gigawatts of biomethane annually, marking its first foray into biomethane procurement. The company has published a Prior Information Notice on the e-tenders system to gauge supplier interest. This move aligns with the Irish government’s policy to replace 10% […]
In Germany, Der Spiegel reports The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has raised concerns about the environmental benefits of HVO100 biodiesel, countering the positive stance of Transport Minister Volker Wissing. While Wissing promotes HVO100, derived from used cooking oil, as a high-quality and sustainable solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in transportation, the UBA disagrees. The […]
In Virginia, Packaging Dive reports Mars Inc., renowned for its candy bars and other food products, has announced it is unlikely to meet its 2025 sustainable packaging targets. The company cited delays in design and infrastructure changes necessary for packaging circularity as primary reasons. Mars, which has been aligning its goals with the Ellen MacArthur […]
In Washington DC, Voice of America reports Asia-Pacific Business Advisory Council business executives have proposed the issuance of climate bonds indexed to a basket of currencies and recommended launching a pilot program for a voluntary carbon market (VCM) within the Asia-Pacific region. Highlighting the vulnerability of Asia to climate-related disasters and economic reliance on fossil […]
In India, Hindustan Times reports while Maruti Suzuki India Limited is preparing to launch its first electric vehicle in the coming months, Chairman R.C. Bhargava emphasized the company’s strategy of offering diverse technologies to meet India’s varied economic and social needs. According to the annual report, 60% of Maruti Suzuki’s annual sales are projected to […]
In Massachusetts, CNBC reports Kudos, a sustainable diaper brand founded by “Shark Tank” alum Amrita Saigal, is set to launch in 375 Target stores nationwide, aiming to disrupt the traditional diaper market dominated by giants like Pampers and Huggies. Kudos diapers are 100% cotton-lined and incorporate degradable materials such as sugarcane and trees, making them […]
In Japan, Material Flow Plus reports seven leading Japanese companies have agreed to conduct a demonstration test to promote the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Narita Airport through an initiative to build a new scheme for trading “Scope 3 environmental value,” which refers to the indirect reduction of CO2 emissions from using SAF. Participants […]
In Brussels, The European Commission has approved Bunge Global S.A.’s acquisition of Viterra Limited, contingent on specific conditions to address competition concerns. The Commission’s investigation revealed that the merger, as initially proposed, would have reduced competition in the oilseeds market in Central Europe, impacting products such as animal feed, cooking oils, and biodiesel. Both Bunge […]
