Articles tagged with "sustainable-manufacturing"
Flash Ironmaking Hits Combustion Wall Amid Steel’s Decarbonization Shift - CleanTechnica
The article examines the prospects and challenges of flash ironmaking as a pathway for steel decarbonization amid shifting global steel demand, particularly due to China’s declining infrastructure growth. Flash ironmaking, developed from early 2000s research led by Professor Hong Yong Sohn, aims to revolutionize iron production by directly reducing fine iron ore particles rapidly, bypassing energy-intensive steps like cokemaking and pelletizing. This technology has demonstrated potential for significant energy savings—up to 60%—and carbon dioxide emissions reductions exceeding 50% compared to conventional blast furnaces, making it an attractive alternative for reducing steel’s environmental footprint. However, despite these promising attributes, the article highlights intrinsic limitations tied to flash ironmaking’s dependence on combustion to achieve the ultra-high temperatures required for rapid reduction reactions. The process typically relies on burning natural gas, biomethane, or hydrogen with pure oxygen, which inherently produces emissions and constrains the extent of decarbonization achievable. While flash ironmaking reduces emissions intensity
energysteel-decarbonizationflash-ironmakingindustrial-processesemissions-reductionsustainable-manufacturingclean-energy-technologiesWaste to painkiller? Bacteria convert plastic into paracetamol
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh’s Wallace Lab have developed a novel method to convert plastic waste into paracetamol (acetaminophen) using genetically engineered E. coli bacteria. This innovative process transforms terephthalic acid, a compound derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles, into paracetamol within 24 hours through a fermentation technique similar to beer brewing. Unlike traditional paracetamol production, which relies on fossil fuels and energy-intensive processes that emit significant carbon emissions, this biological method operates at room temperature and produces minimal emissions, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative. The breakthrough hinges on a previously unobserved chemical reaction called the Lossen rearrangement occurring naturally inside living cells, enabling the bacteria to convert PET-based intermediates into para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), a precursor molecule. By further inserting genes from mushrooms and soil bacteria, the researchers enabled E. coli to complete the conversion to paracetamol. This approach not only presents a promising
materialsbiotechnologyplastic-recyclingsynthetic-biologysustainable-manufacturingbioconversionpharmaceuticalsThe Moment to Make Automotive Steel More Circular Is Now - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the urgent need for the European Union to enhance circularity in automotive steel production. Despite the automotive sector being the EU’s second-largest steel consumer, only 6% of the steel used in cars comes from recycled scrap, far below the 56% average across all sectors. This low recycling rate is primarily due to contamination—especially copper from parts like wire harnesses—that occurs when old vehicles are shredded, rendering the steel unsuitable for reuse in new cars. The upcoming revision of the EU’s End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulation presents a critical opportunity to address this issue by introducing mandatory recycled steel content targets and quality standards. To unlock a market for higher-quality recycled steel, the article argues that EU policymakers should set a target of 30% recycled steel content in new cars by 2030, coupled with local content requirements to support European recyclers and reduce reliance on imported raw materials. Additionally, quality standards must be established to limit copper contamination in shredded scrap
energymaterialsautomotive-steelrecyclingcircular-economyEU-policysustainable-manufacturingUS turns recycled scrap into 3D-printed rocket parts with AI boost
robotmaterials3D-printingAIadditive-manufacturingrecycled-materialssustainable-manufacturingNew Jeep Compass Comes In Three Versions — Hybrid, PHEV, & Electric
electric-vehicleshybrid-technologyPHEVbattery-technologysustainable-manufacturingenergy-efficiencyelectrificationMaking EU State Aid Work for Clean Manufacturing
energyclean-technologyindustrial-decarbonisationEU-state-aidclimate-neutralityrenewable-energysustainable-manufacturing