The state of Minnesota — home to 3M, a longtime manufacturer of substances in the PFAS category — is stepping up efforts to address harmful environmental effects from these “forever chemicals” in the wake of a legal settlement and a recently enacted ban on using them in products.
The state’s actions are informed by its own in-depth research about potential treatment methods and costs for mitigating levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances at waste facilities. But even with a recent influx of funding, the state still faces difficult choices about how and where to prioritize its cleanup efforts.
Minnesota has a long history with the chemicals. In the 1940s, 3M began manufacturing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances at its Cottage Grove facility. The chemicals, which resist moisture and grease, were used in hundreds of products ranging from popcorn bags to raincoats for decades.They have since been linked to cancer, immune suppression and other serious health issues, while also contaminating soil, aquifers, waterways, landfills and other sites across the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” READ MORE
By April Reese
Source: manufacturingdive.com
Researchers have developed a new chemical process capable of vaporizing plastics and converting them into hydrocarbon building blocks for new materials. This catalytic process breaks down two of the most dominant types of post-consumer plastic waste — PE and PP — into monomers, offering a potential solution to packaging waste management.
On 2 September 2024 it has been agreed that Heikki Malinen will assume the role of Neste’s President and CEO on 15 October 2024. He succeeds Matti Lehmus, who will continue as the President and CEO of Neste until 14 October 2024 and then act as an advisor to the company and its management until mid-November 2024 to ensure a smooth transition.
Eni SpA (Rome) and Azerbaijan’s state energy company Socar (Baku) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for potential cooperation in the biofuels production chain, including the possible conversion of conventional crude oil refineries into biorefineries. A schedule for potential projects was not given.
