![\"A](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/BSEF_Newsletter_Q2_2018_Topic2_Blog_Visual2-300x168.png\")
\nFigure 1: A demonstration plant next to an existing bromine\u00a0recovery\u00a0plant (BRU ICL)
The new European Green Deal, with its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, will change the EU\u2019s economy. The Circular Economy Action Plan will be at the centre of this new sustainability roadmap.. The aim is clear: to transform EU industry from linear to circular and achieve a carbon neutral economy.
\nThe new Circular Economy 2.0 package will not only focus on reducing environmental and social impacts. Instead the EU wants to look at products by taking into consideration their life cycle, from production to waste. To do this the Commission wants to put in place sustainability standards so that by 2030 all products available to European consumers will be circular, and also carbon neutral.
\nBromine-based solutions are essential to many advancements in science and technology. Bromine compounds have been used for water treatment, reduction of mercury emissions, fire safety, energy storage and generation, production of pharmaceuticals and enhanced quality rubber.
\nThe use of bromine-based technologies has all the potential to increase the circularity of the EU\u2019s economy. Bromine brings to the table solutions and innovations that are environmentally friendly, safe and that can be used across the whole value chain.
\nBy 2050, it is expected that 9.7 billion people will populate our planet. The amount of (clean) energy needed will drastically increase. Unfortunately, renewable energy has a variable production nature and it is not always consumed when produced.
\nSo, how can we produce and store enough clean energy for everyone? Investing in energy storage is the solution, that\u2019s why the Commission plans to integrate the Circular Economy 2.0 with a new regulatory framework for batteries.
\nThanks to innovative energy storage technologies, 40% of the world\u2019s energy could come from wind and solar by 2060resource[1]. Expanding the energy storage capacity will help to fully exploit the expansion of renewable energy.
\nBromine-based energy storage technologies are a highly efficient and cost-effective solution that could play a vital role in transitioning towards a new circular economic model. There are many examples of this new model in Europe. For instance, a farm in the Netherlands is currently using bromine-based innovative battery technology to store the energy produced from its rooftop solar system.
\nTo be circular, products must also be recyclable. Soon at the centre of the Circular Economy 2.0, the global recycled plastics market is expected to be worth over 45.8 billion euros by 2025[2]!
\nProducts or materials containing brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are\u00a0fully compatible with today\u2019s integrated waste management options, including mechanical recycling, chemical recycling and thermal processing, depolymerization and gasification \u2013 all of which enable the recovery of valuable materials or energy.
\nNew technologies have enabled the recycling of products containing BFRs. For example, the PolyStyreneLoop Cooperative recycles expanded polystyrene waste containing the flame-retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), helping transform the way the EU designs, uses, produces, and recycles plastic products.
\nAlso, the \u201cClose WEEE Project,\u201d co-funded under the H2020 programme, addresses the range and yields of recovered materials from WEEE streams using the CreaSolv\u00ae\u00a0Process. The project\u2019s results indicate a proof of concept with the separation approach for plastics such as ABS, PS, and BFR/antimony verified in laboratories and on a small technical scale.
\nThe chemical industry has developed eco-efficient waste management options such as chemical recycling, which even allows bromine to re-enter the circular economy as a valuable resource[3]. These innovations in the chemical sector are great assets to the circular economy.
\nOne of the most ambitious aspects of the Circular Economy 2.0 is the need to enable the circular use of water. The action plan aims at facilitating water reuse while ensuring the sustainability of water management.
\nUsed in water treatment since the 30s, bromine chemistry can efficiently disinfect water from harmful contaminants. Bromine compounds have many available applications as disinfectants. Investing in bromine-based solutions could help improving the rate at which the EU industry recycles water while increasing the quality of industrial water discharge.
\nBromine-based products are also ideal for water treatment in pools and public fountains. They are widely used in spas and hot tubs to kill bacteria and help naturally sensitive skins. Think about that next time you need to relax!
\n\nBSEF supports the transition to a circular economy and strongly believes bromine technologies can help responding to global needs for maintaining clean water, and to meet increasing consumer demand for sustainable products.
\n[1]\u00a0https://recyclinginternational.com/plastics/billions-to-be-made-in-the-plastics-recycling-sector/29403/
\n[2]\u00a0https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2019/12/10/role-brominated-flame-retardants-electric-electronic-appliances/
\n[3]\u00a0https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2017/09/07/bromine-as-energy-storage-enabler/
The post How is Bromine a Circular Economy enabler? appeared first on Let's talk bromine.
\n", "content_text": "The new European Green Deal, with its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, will change the EU\u2019s economy. The Circular Economy Action Plan will be at the centre of this new sustainability roadmap.. The aim is clear: to transform EU industry from linear to circular and achieve a carbon neutral economy.\nThe new Circular Economy 2.0 package will not only focus on reducing environmental and social impacts. Instead the EU wants to look at products by taking into consideration their life cycle, from production to waste. To do this the Commission wants to put in place sustainability standards so that by 2030 all products available to European consumers will be circular, and also carbon neutral.\nWhat does this have to do with bromine?\nBromine-based solutions are essential to many advancements in science and technology. Bromine compounds have been used for water treatment, reduction of mercury emissions, fire safety, energy storage and generation, production of pharmaceuticals and enhanced quality rubber.\nThe use of bromine-based technologies has all the potential to increase the circularity of the EU\u2019s economy. Bromine brings to the table solutions and innovations that are environmentally friendly, safe and that can be used across the whole value chain.\nBromine: the key to sustainable energy\nBy 2050, it is expected that 9.7 billion people will populate our planet. The amount of (clean) energy needed will drastically increase. Unfortunately, renewable energy has a variable production nature and it is not always consumed when produced.\nSo, how can we produce and store enough clean energy for everyone? Investing in energy storage is the solution, that\u2019s why the Commission plans to integrate the Circular Economy 2.0 with a new regulatory framework for batteries.\nThanks to innovative energy storage technologies, 40% of the world\u2019s energy could come from wind and solar by 2060resource[1]. Expanding the energy storage capacity will help to fully exploit the expansion of renewable energy. \nBromine-based energy storage technologies are a highly efficient and cost-effective solution that could play a vital role in transitioning towards a new circular economic model. There are many examples of this new model in Europe. For instance, a farm in the Netherlands is currently using bromine-based innovative battery technology to store the energy produced from its rooftop solar system.\nUse and reuse \u2013 Even with bromine\nTo be circular, products must also be recyclable. Soon at the centre of the Circular Economy 2.0, the global recycled plastics market is expected to be worth over 45.8 billion euros by 2025[2]!\nProducts or materials containing brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are\u00a0fully compatible with today\u2019s integrated waste management options, including mechanical recycling, chemical recycling and thermal processing, depolymerization and gasification \u2013 all of which enable the recovery of valuable materials or energy.\nNew technologies have enabled the recycling of products containing BFRs. For example, the PolyStyreneLoop Cooperative recycles expanded polystyrene waste containing the flame-retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), helping transform the way the EU designs, uses, produces, and recycles plastic products.\nAlso, the \u201cClose WEEE Project,\u201d co-funded under the H2020 programme, addresses the range and yields of recovered materials from WEEE streams using the CreaSolv\u00ae\u00a0Process. The project\u2019s results indicate a proof of concept with the separation approach for plastics such as ABS, PS, and BFR/antimony verified in laboratories and on a small technical scale.\nThe chemical industry has developed eco-efficient waste management options such as chemical recycling, which even allows bromine to re-enter the circular economy as a valuable resource[3]. These innovations in the chemical sector are great assets to the circular economy.\nWater 2 Water\nOne of the most ambitious aspects of the Circular Economy 2.0 is the need to enable the circular use of water. The action plan aims at facilitating water reuse while ensuring the sustainability of water management.\nUsed in water treatment since the 30s, bromine chemistry can efficiently disinfect water from harmful contaminants. Bromine compounds have many available applications as disinfectants. Investing in bromine-based solutions could help improving the rate at which the EU industry recycles water while increasing the quality of industrial water discharge.\nBromine-based products are also ideal for water treatment in pools and public fountains. They are widely used in spas and hot tubs to kill bacteria and help naturally sensitive skins. Think about that next time you need to relax!\n\nBSEF supports the transition to a circular economy and strongly believes bromine technologies can help responding to global needs for maintaining clean water, and to meet increasing consumer demand for sustainable products.\nSources\n[1]\u00a0https://recyclinginternational.com/plastics/billions-to-be-made-in-the-plastics-recycling-sector/29403/\n[2]\u00a0https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2019/12/10/role-brominated-flame-retardants-electric-electronic-appliances/\n[3]\u00a0https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2017/09/07/bromine-as-energy-storage-enabler/\nThe post How is Bromine a Circular Economy enabler? appeared first on Let's talk bromine.", "date_published": "2020-04-02T11:30:47+00:00", "date_modified": "2020-04-02T12:48:16+00:00", "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0428b8e4964fa7634cc8733194ee5bbe?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/How-is-Bromine-a-Circular-Economy-enabler.jpg", "tags": [ "bromine", "circular economy", "climate", "Recycling", "Water treatment", "General news" ] }, { "id": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2018/06/08/polystyreneloop/", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2018/06/08/polystyreneloop/", "title": "PolyStyreneLoop: circular economy in action", "content_html": "The non\u2013profit organization,\u00a0The PolyStyreneLoop Cooperative, started up by Synbra Technology and ICL is planning to build a full scale demonstration plant in Terneuzen. The facility next to ICL in The Netherlands recycles expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste containing the restricted flame-retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). It\u2019s goal is to test the technical, economical feasibility with the objective to have an environmentally sustainable closed-loop recycling system that supports Europe\u2019s transition towards a circular economy. Ultimately, it\u2019s\u00a0helping\u00a0transform the way the EU designs, uses, produces, and recycles plastic products.
\n
\nFigure 1: A demonstration plant next to an existing bromine\u00a0recovery\u00a0plant (BRU ICL)
\n
How does The PolyStyreneLoop demo plant work?
\nThe industrial-scale plant dissolves the plastic waste and separates the polymer from the restricted additive. Fraunhofer IVV developed CreaSolv\u00ae technology. This allows sustainable recycling of polystyrene waste that contains the restricted flame-retardant HBCD, including bromine recovery.
\nThe resulting clean polymer can be used in the production of new plastics and the waste stream containing HBCD can be treated in the existing BRU at ICL in operation since 2002, i.e. destruction of HBCD at high temperature (1100 deg Cels). The result is closed-loop recycling\u00a0for polystyrene and bromine within a sustainable circular economy.
\n\u201cThe CreaSolv\u00ae technology is a breakthrough recycling technology with the possibility of expanding and innovating for other plastics containing brominated flame retardants like WEEE plastics. That way, we can close the loop and offer an industry concept that can deal with the growing volume of waste from the demolition of buildings in the coming decades and other applications.
\n![\"The](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/BSEF_Newsletter_Q2_2018_Topic2_Blog_Visual3-300x168.png\")
\nFigure 2: The CreaSolv\u00ae technology
\n
The EU has an ambitious strategy to make all plastic packaging recyclable or reusable by 2030.\u00a0National and EU authorities strongly support PolyStyreneLoop\u2019s project because of its contribution to The Plastics Strategy and the circular economy.
\nThe EU\u2019s aim is to help protect the environment and reduce marine litter, greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on imported fossil fuels. It will also support more-sustainable and safer consumption and production patterns for plastics.
\n\n
On 23rdMay 2018, BSEF joined supporters and stakeholders of PolyStyreneLoop in Brussels for the Open General Assembly.
\nParticipants heard about the rapid progress of the PolyStyreneLoop recycling initiative and the achievement of the entire value chain that embraces the project.
\n![\"The](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/BSEF_Newsletter_Q2_2018_Topic2_Blog_Visual5-300x168.png\")
\nFigure 3: The Open General Assembly, Brussels, 23rd May 2018
\n
The PSLoop Cooperative\u00a0(with the capability to handle 3 M tons of PS waste per year) can offer a closed-loop solution for recycling polystyrene (PS) insulation foam waste and the recovery of bromine.
\nCooperative members are industry representatives from the whole polystyrene-foam value chain: PS foam manufacturers, raw-material and additives (flame retardant producers) suppliers, foam converters, and recyclers.
\n![\"The](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/BSEF_Newsletter_Q2_2018_Topic2_Blog_Visual4-300x168.png\")
\nFigure 4: The PolyStyreneLoop network
\n
What are your thoughts on The PolyStyreneLoop recycling process?
\nPlease share this article, offer your opinion and start the conversation.\u00a0
SOURCES
\nhttps://polystyreneloop.org/
\nhttp://www.circulary.eu/project/polysterene-loop/
\nhttp://recyclingportal.eu/Archive/19014
\n
The post PolyStyreneLoop: circular economy in action appeared first on Let's talk bromine.
\n", "content_text": "The non\u2013profit organization,\u00a0The PolyStyreneLoop Cooperative, started up by Synbra Technology and ICL is planning to build a full scale demonstration plant in Terneuzen. The facility next to ICL in The Netherlands recycles expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste containing the restricted flame-retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). It\u2019s goal is to test the technical, economical feasibility with the objective to have an environmentally sustainable closed-loop recycling system that supports Europe\u2019s transition towards a circular economy. Ultimately, it\u2019s\u00a0helping\u00a0transform the way the EU designs, uses, produces, and recycles plastic products.\n\nFigure 1: A demonstration plant next to an existing bromine\u00a0recovery\u00a0plant (BRU ICL)\n \nTowards a sustainable economy\nHow does The PolyStyreneLoop demo plant work?\nThe industrial-scale plant dissolves the plastic waste and separates the polymer from the restricted additive. Fraunhofer IVV developed CreaSolv\u00ae technology. This allows sustainable recycling of polystyrene waste that contains the restricted flame-retardant HBCD, including bromine recovery.\nThe resulting clean polymer can be used in the production of new plastics and the waste stream containing HBCD can be treated in the existing BRU at ICL in operation since 2002, i.e. destruction of HBCD at high temperature (1100 deg Cels). The result is closed-loop recycling\u00a0for polystyrene and bromine within a sustainable circular economy.\n\u201cThe CreaSolv\u00ae technology is a breakthrough recycling technology with the possibility of expanding and innovating for other plastics containing brominated flame retardants like WEEE plastics. That way, we can close the loop and offer an industry concept that can deal with the growing volume of waste from the demolition of buildings in the coming decades and other applications.\n\nFigure 2: The CreaSolv\u00ae technology \n \n2030 vision\nThe EU has an ambitious strategy to make all plastic packaging recyclable or reusable by 2030.\u00a0National and EU authorities strongly support PolyStyreneLoop\u2019s project because of its contribution to The Plastics Strategy and the circular economy.\nThe EU\u2019s aim is to help protect the environment and reduce marine litter, greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on imported fossil fuels. It will also support more-sustainable and safer consumption and production patterns for plastics.\n \nA date in Brussels\nOn 23rdMay 2018, BSEF joined supporters and stakeholders of PolyStyreneLoop in Brussels for the Open General Assembly.\nParticipants heard about the rapid progress of the PolyStyreneLoop recycling initiative and the achievement of the entire value chain that embraces the project.\n\nFigure 3: The Open General Assembly, Brussels, 23rd May 2018 \n \nThe PolyStyreneLoop Cooperative: aims\nThe PSLoop Cooperative\u00a0(with the capability to handle 3 M tons of PS waste per year) can offer a closed-loop solution for recycling polystyrene (PS) insulation foam waste and the recovery of bromine.\nCooperative members are industry representatives from the whole polystyrene-foam value chain: PS foam manufacturers, raw-material and additives (flame retardant producers) suppliers, foam converters, and recyclers.\n\nFigure 4: The PolyStyreneLoop network \n \nWhat are your thoughts on The PolyStyreneLoop recycling process?\nPlease share this article, offer your opinion and start the conversation.\u00a0\nSOURCES\nhttps://polystyreneloop.org/\nhttp://www.circulary.eu/project/polysterene-loop/\nhttp://recyclingportal.eu/Archive/19014\n \nThe post PolyStyreneLoop: circular economy in action appeared first on Let's talk bromine.", "date_published": "2018-06-08T11:56:59+00:00", "date_modified": "2018-06-08T11:56:59+00:00", "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0428b8e4964fa7634cc8733194ee5bbe?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/BSEF_Newsletter_Q2_2018_Topic2_Blog_Header.png", "tags": [ "bsef", "circular economy", "plastic waste", "plastics strategy", "polymer", "PolyStyreneLoop", "Recycling", "General news" ] }, { "id": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2018/03/15/bsef-at-ierc-2018/", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/2018/03/15/bsef-at-ierc-2018/", "title": "BSEF at 17th International Electronics Recycling Congress \u2013 IERC 2018", "content_html": "BSEF attended the 17th International Electronics Recycling Congress – IERC 2018 \u2013 from the 18 till the 19 of January in Salzburg.
\nThe conference, which was about the latest developments in electronics, best available recycling technologies, safety issues and green technologies in the field of recycling, counted with 480 international experts from 42 countries. The IERC 2018 has therefore once again impressively underscored its significance as one of the leading congresses in the field of electrical and electronics recycling worldwide.
\nDuring the two day event, the BSEF team had the opportunity to meet with participants including producers of electrical and electronic equipment , recyclers, recycling equipment manufacturers, recycling associations and regulators. BSEF increased its visibility at the event with its own booth on the exhibition area.
\n![\"BSEF](\"https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/BSEF_Newsletter_Q1_2018_Topic4_Blog_Visual1.png\")
In addition, BSEF was very active on Twitter, participating on the online discussions around the conference and sharing key insights from speakers and participants.
\nAt the IERC 2018, industry representatives discussed about the multiple challenges and opportunities around the increasing volume of electrical and electronic scrap worldwide. The discussions covered all aspects of E-waste recycling – from current market developments and new technological trends to new legal frameworks and specific country reports.
\nIn addition, since 2007, the International Steering Committee of the IERC has presented the “IERC Honorary Award” to distinguished personalities. This year, the IERC Honorary Award was given to Manfred Fahrner of ALBA Electronics Recycling GmbH for his services to the electronics recycling industry. With over 20 years of experience in the field of e-waste recycling, Manfred Fahrner is a leading figure in the recycling industry, stated the International Steering Committee, explaining its decision.
\nThe next IERC 2019 will again take place in Salzburg from January 16 to 18, 2019.
\n\n
Would you like\u00a0to meet BSEF on future events?
\nDo not hesitate to share this article, to give your opinion and to start the conversation.
SOURCES
\nhttp://www.icm.ch/ierc-2018-exclusive
\n\n
The post BSEF at 17th International Electronics Recycling Congress – IERC 2018 appeared first on Let's talk bromine.
\n", "content_text": "BSEF attended the 17th International Electronics Recycling Congress – IERC 2018 \u2013 from the 18 till the 19 of January in Salzburg.\nThe conference, which was about the latest developments in electronics, best available recycling technologies, safety issues and green technologies in the field of recycling, counted with 480 international experts from 42 countries. The IERC 2018 has therefore once again impressively underscored its significance as one of the leading congresses in the field of electrical and electronics recycling worldwide.\nDuring the two day event, the BSEF team had the opportunity to meet with participants including producers of electrical and electronic equipment , recyclers, recycling equipment manufacturers, recycling associations and regulators. BSEF increased its visibility at the event with its own booth on the exhibition area.\n\nIn addition, BSEF was very active on Twitter, participating on the online discussions around the conference and sharing key insights from speakers and participants.\nHighlights, trends and innovations\nAt the IERC 2018, industry representatives discussed about the multiple challenges and opportunities around the increasing volume of electrical and electronic scrap worldwide. The discussions covered all aspects of E-waste recycling – from current market developments and new technological trends to new legal frameworks and specific country reports.\nIn addition, since 2007, the International Steering Committee of the IERC has presented the “IERC Honorary Award” to distinguished personalities. This year, the IERC Honorary Award was given to Manfred Fahrner of ALBA Electronics Recycling GmbH for his services to the electronics recycling industry. With over 20 years of experience in the field of e-waste recycling, Manfred Fahrner is a leading figure in the recycling industry, stated the International Steering Committee, explaining its decision.\nThe next IERC 2019 will again take place in Salzburg from January 16 to 18, 2019.\n \nWould you like\u00a0to meet BSEF on future events?\nDo not hesitate to share this article, to give your opinion and to start the conversation.\nSOURCES\nhttp://www.icm.ch/ierc-2018-exclusive\n \nThe post BSEF at 17th International Electronics Recycling Congress – IERC 2018 appeared first on Let's talk bromine.", "date_published": "2018-03-15T09:04:58+00:00", "date_modified": "2018-03-15T09:04:58+00:00", "author": { "name": "admin", "url": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0428b8e4964fa7634cc8733194ee5bbe?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://lets-talk-bromine.bsef.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/BSEF_Newsletter_Q1_2018_Topic4_Blog_Header.png", "tags": [ "brominated flame retardants", "bsef", "IERC 2018", "innovation", "recycling", "General news" ] } ] }