Ceramic and glass business news of the week for January 22, 2024

PLANTS, CENTERS, AND FACILITIES

New neutron facility for UK National Physical Laboratory

The U.K. National Physical Laboratory is planning a new neutron measurement facility at its site in Teddington, southwest London. The new accelerator will be one of only a few such facilities worldwide that offers precision traceable neutron standards.

BioPACIFIC MIP unites two UC campuses to advance a new model for materials research

A National Science Foundation-funded center within the California NanoSystems Institute, called the BioPolymers, Automated Cellular Infrastructure, Flow, and Integrated Chemistry Materials Innovation Platform, will nurture scientific innovation and training.

Ardagh Glass Packaging and CI Renewables partner on a solar project in California

Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America and CI Renewables are moving forward with plans of a renewable energy solar project in Madera, Calif., to supply electricity to Ardagh’s glass manufacturing facility. The 10-Megawatt solar project, built and operated by VALTA Energy, will be completed this year.

Ionic Rare Earths project mining license signed by Ugandan Government

The Board of Ionic Rare Earths Limited announced that Rwenzori Rare Metals Limited, owner of the Makuutu Heavy Rare Earth Project, formally received the granted large-scale mining license over the central Makuutu tenement.

ACQUISITIONS AND COLLABORATIONS

Italmatch Chemicals Group signs binding agreement to purchase majority of Alcolina

Italmatch Chemicals, a global specialty chemical group focused on performance additives for water treatment, lubricants, performance products, flame retardants, and plastic additives, signed a definitive agreement to purchase the majority of Alcolina shares, a Brazilian chemicals company specialized in water treatment.

Sefpro to acquire Glass Service

Sefpro, a business unit of Saint-Gobain Ceramics, entered into an agreement to acquire Glass Service. The acquisition includes Glass Service’s sister companies, electric melting systems supplier F.I.C and FlammaTec burner systems supplier.

Glaston and Hegla partnership targets Asia-Pacific region

Flat glass machinery suppliers Glaston and Hegla entered into a partnership that will cover the majority of the Asia-Pacific region. Effective March 2024, Hegla’s sales and distribution activities in the area will use the resources and network of the Glaston Group.

Stara Glass joins carbon capture project

Stara Glass became a member of the Horizon Europe COREu project, which will create carbon capture and storage solutions for the glass industry, among others. The project, led by SINTEF, is run by a consortium of more than 40 companies.

Holcim US partners with Ohio State and GTI Energy on carbon capture technology

The Ohio State University, GTI Energy, and Holcim US are working together to design, build, and test a cost-effective membrane carbon capture technology, targeting the capture of 95–99% of CO₂ from cement kiln gas with a purity exceeding 95% and lower energy demand.

LONGi and Power Solution jointly launch ‘Light Up Africa’ project

Renewable energy company LONGi Green Energy Technology signed a partnership agreement with Shenzhen Power Solution, a professional off-grid solar home system manufacturer, to provide tailor-made solar products, including cells and modules, to off-grid communities in Africa to help alleviate poverty and improve education.

OTHER STORIES

SGD Pharma defines 2024 growth strategy

SGD Pharma recently announced its strategy to become a global market leader in pharmaceutical glass packaging, with focus areas for 2024 including innovation, industry, and sustainability.

Şişecam to trial AI use to reduce carbon emissions in glassmaking

Şişecam started work on an artificial intelligence project alongside partners Koç University, TÜBİTAK Artificial Intelligence Institute, and Analythinx that aims to eliminate color issues during glass manufacturing.

New website highlights opportunities for advanced ceramics at The AMRICC Center

A new online gateway was launched for businesses and academia in the national and international advanced ceramics sector looking to explore the opportunities and resources available at The AMRICC Center, a new multimillion-pound open-access facility.

White House announces grants to upgrade almost 4,500 public electric vehicle chargers

The Biden-Harris Administration is awarding nearly $150 million to 24 grant recipients in 20 states to make existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure more reliable. The grants will be used to repair or replace nearly 4,500 existing electric vehicle charging ports and, in some cases, bring them up to code.

MARKET TRENDS

Renewable energy grew at record pace in 2023, thanks to a push from China

Renewable energy grew faster in 2023 than at any time in the last three decades, according to the International Energy Agency. Solar power in China accounted for much of the growth.

Bolivia aims to break into rare earths market

In early January 2024, Bolivia’s Minister of Mining Marcelino Quispe López announced that surveying and prospecting for rare earth elements in the South American country had yielded promising results.

Kazakhstan boasts 15 rare earth deposits, eyes for deeper exploration

Kazakhstan has 15 rare earth deposits and is eyeing for closer cooperation with international partners in uncovering the ample opportunities these deposits present, says National Geological Service chairman Yerlan Galiyev.

NEW PRODUCTS

START-UP ZONE at glasstec 2024: the stepping stone for innovators in the glass industry

The START-UP ZONE at glasstec offers up-and-coming and innovative firms an opportunity to network with leading figures from the glass sector as well as experts from business, research, and politics. Companies can find all included services at this link.

RIC Technology launches new automated robotic arm printer

RIC Technology will launch its latest RIC-M1 PRO compact modular robotic arm printer at World of Concrete 2024. This printer features a wider footprint, enhanced automation, and intelligent material delivery system.

Trina Solar: Vertex S+ n-type dual-glass modules for commercial and industrial rooftops

Trina Solar launched a new distributed module, the NEG18R.28 Vertex S+ 505W, designed specifically for commercial and industrial rooftops. The lightweight, dual-glass module measures 1,961 mm x 1,134 mm and weighs just 23.5 kg. It adopts advanced n-type i-TOPCon technology, with output reaching 505W+ and an efficiency of 22.7%.