Daily Archives: March 17, 2022

A recent systematic review published in Reviews in Aquaculture has evaluated the environmental consequences of insect farming and insect-based diets in aquaculture. The results suggest that the sustainability picture of insect meals and oils isnt as straightforward as it initially appears.

The researchers found that insect farming was associated with fewer land inputs than conventional ingredients but came with greater energy use and a larger carbon footprint. For some environmental indicators, insect meal and conventional aquafeed ingredients had comparable results. This suggests that there isnt a huge environmental gain in adopting insect meals the industrys footprint could remain largely unchanged as it adopts alternative ingredients.

Though this finding makes the insect sectors sustainability pitch more complex, the researchers noted that the industry has ample room to innovate and grow. New technologies, emerging research and investment are on the insect sectors side. These improvements in production efficiency and research efforts could reduce the insect industrys greenhouse gas emissions and make it more competitive with conventional ingredients. In time, insect meals and oils could generate a smaller carbon footprint and potentially reduce aquacultures total environmental impact.

Insect meals and oils are generating a steady media buzz as an alternative protein and lipid source for aquafeeds. Insect meals usually derived from black soldier flies, mealworms or houseflies have a strong nutrition profile, are commercially feasible and can be created at scale. Previous research has shown that marine and freshwater finfish can consume insect ingredients during the production cycle without experiencing growth or performance deficits.

Insect meals also come with a compelling sustainability pitch. Opting for insects in lieu of marine ingredients in aquafeed means that producers can reduce their fish-in-fish-out measures, addressing one of the sectors sustainability woes. Other studies have found that insect farming uses fewer land and water resources than soy another key aquafeed ingredient. The fact that some insect species feed off waste products and upcycle them into digestible proteins and fats is an additional benefit.

At face value, it appears that including insect meals in aquafeed could substantially decrease its environmental footprint but this hasnt been fully quantified by researchers. There isnt a lot of published literature on the full environmental consequences of insect meal diets for aquaculture. The industry is still producing small volumes of feed ingredients and has not achieved an economy of scale making production more expensive and less efficient than other ingredient options. There also isnt a side-by-side comparison of insect ingredients vs fishmeal and fish oil on environmental indicators. This leaves many sustainability questions unresolved.

Most conversations about environmental sustainability and aquafeed focuses on inclusion levels for fishmeal and fish oil but this presents only a partial picture. The current push to reduce or even replace marine ingredients with alternative feed sources isnt necessarily a silver bullet for sustainability. Each alternative ingredient including insect-based ones comes with its own water, land and energy use footprint. It also comes with its own global warming potential. Researchers have to capture all of this complexity before they can say that a feed ingredient environmentally friendly.

CAT

For this study, the researchers conducted a systematic review of life cycle analyses (LCAs) on ingredients derived from three insect species: black soldier fly (Hermetica illucens), mealworm (Tenebrio moilitor) and housefly (Musca domestica). LCAs evaluate the environmental impacts of a product throughout its lifespan and also measure the systems that created it from raw materials, processing and eventual disposal.

As part of the systematic review, the LCAs measured the global warming potential, energy use, land use, water use, acidification and eutrophication associated with insect-derived ingredients. The researchers also evaluated the benefit of replacing marine ingredients with insect meals and insect oil using the economic fish-in-fish-out measure (eFIFO). This helped quantify the environmental consequences of using insect meal as an aquafeed ingredient and see how it stacks up against fishmeal and fish oil.

The review found that insect meals used fewer land resources than plant-based ingredients like soy. Within the insect category itself, houseflies required fewer land inputs than mealworms. When comparing land use efficiency between insect production, fishmeal and single-cell proteins, the researchers found that all three industries were roughly comparable. The researchers also learned that insect-based ingredients were associated with greater energy use and had a larger carbon footprint when compared to conventional marine ingredients. These measures were especially pronounced when looking at greenhouse gas emissions and global warming potential.

...replacing fishmeal with other protein sources was associated with increased global warming potential, energy use, water use, acidification and eutrophication.

In general, the review found that replacing fishmeal with other protein sources was associated with increased global warming potential, energy use, water use, acidification and eutrophication. When taking a closer look at the indicators, the researchers learned that insect meals and fishmeal had comparable environmental impacts. In many cases, insect ingredients gains in one area namely land use were offset by deficits in another like solid nitrogen waste levels.

In this study, fishmeal had the lowest impact across the experimental categories the only area where it fell behind was in energy use. Alternative aquafeed ingredients appeared to exert an enormous impact on global warming potential, energy use, water use, acidification and environmental eutrophication. At this stage, opting for innovative aquafeed ingredients wouldnt immediately translate into an environmentally friendly end-product.

One area where insect ingredients excelled was in their ability to reduce aquafeeds eFIFO measures. The researchers found that this replacement potential was feasible across multiple species. If this finding is applied broadly, it means that choosing insect meals in lieu of fishmeal could make the aquaculture sector a net producer of fish instead of a net consumer. Adopting insect meals and oils could, play an essential role in conserving finite forage fish resources while meeting the increasing demand for aquafeed protein [and] lipid sources, according to the experimental analysis.

However, the researchers stressed that fully replacing marine ingredients with insect meals would require nutritional fortification especially for amino acids and essential fatty acids. The nutrition profile of insect meals varies depending on the quality of the insect feed and processing method. Lipid levels for insect oil could fall between 16.6 percent and 40.3 percent. This needs to become more consistent for it to accomplish a one-to-one swap.

In the near term, blending insect ingredients with microalgae-derived materials would make alternative feed sources nutritionally comparable to fishmeal. It would also, allow the inclusion of higher proportions of insect ingredients [in aquafeed], thus reducing dependence on marine fish resources, the researchers said.

Though elements of the review put insect-based ingredients in a positive light, the authors note that the insect farming industry needs to make drastic improvements to follow through on its sustainability pitch and be competitive with marine ingredients.

Insect producers will need to balance the trade-off between nutritional gains and environmental impacts as the industry develops.

According to the researchers, the sector needs to become more efficient and develop better substrates for its insects. Fly farmings biggest environmental drain comes from the insects food source, or substrate and each food source carries environmental ramifications.

In this review, distillers grains which are already used as feed in the livestock industry appeared to be a promising food source for houseflies and black soldier flies. But the grains arent always environmentally efficient and drove much of the insect industrys water use. This means that adopting a high-quality substrate will increase the sectors environmental footprint. Insect producers will need to balance the trade-off between nutritional gains and environmental impacts as the industry develops.

Similarly, the literature indicates that feeding insects food waste and manure the substrates that could move the industry towards a circular economy is only workable in some cases. Mealworms cannot metabolise manure and feeding food waste to animals is subject to strict regulations, especially in the European Union. Insects also need consistent feed inputs to achieve competitive lipid and protein profiles. This means that relying on wastes with variable nutrient content may not be a workable strategy.

The industry still needs to identify the best substrate for rearing insects and work to quantify its environmental consequences. This would give the industry a more accurate picture of its sustainability credentials and allow protein and lipid levels in insect meals to become more consistent.

Though this presents a complex picture, the researchers were quick to point out that the environmental impacts of insect-based diets are influenced by multiple components. They also noted that the insect industry has huge potential for improvement. This stands in contrast with the marine ingredients sector. Forage fish stocks are a finite resource, and the sector is already operating at peak efficiency. Insect farming is only starting to come online and is still producing small volumes. Marine ingredients might be eclipsed if the insect industry achieves economies of scale and operates more efficiently.

The researchers say that insect-rearing facilities need to be optimised. If the facilities are constructed and operate with minimal wastage and high efficiency, the environmental impact measures for insect-based ingredients will improve dramatically. Land use metrics could reduce if facilities scale up and take advantage of vertical production, multi-level shelves or stackable boxes. Access to renewable energy could cut impact measures by 25 percent. This would offset the facilities environmental burden and make heating and drying costs more reasonable. The researchers also suggest building insect facilities in equatorial climates to reduce heating expenses.

InnovaFeed

Focusing on the facilities construction and location, while also using optimal substrates for the insects would bring much-needed progress to the sector. The industry is winning huge investments and is increasing its production volumes improving on these metrics could spur further investment and innovation. It could also make its on-paper environmental pitch more concrete.

In the researchers view, insect meals and oils probably wont be the sole ingredients the sector relies on as it formulates sustainable aquafeed. Its more likely that the industry will use a combination of alternative protein and lipid sources that have low environmental impacts. This will let feed formulators be strategic about their ingredient selections and account for potential innovations across the broader alternative ingredients sector.

Read the full paper in Reviews in Aquaculture.

Megan Howell first started writing about aquaculture in 2019 as part of the editorial team at 5m Publishing and The Fish Site. She has a MSc in applied research methods from Trinity College Dublin. She currently lives and works in Ireland.

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What are the environmental impacts of using insect ingredients in aquaculture? - The Fish Site

Researchers from Thailand have investigated the effects of expanding land use for biofuel crops. The results of their findings have been published online in the journalSustainability.

Study:Effects of Biofuel Crop Expansion on Green Gross Domestic Product. Image Credit:Mabeline72/Shutterstock.com

Recently, biofuels have been widely proposed as a replacement for diesel and gasoline. Biofuels have advantages over traditional petrochemical-derived fuels including fewer emissions and more renewable resources, reducing societys over-reliance on finite fossil fuels. Many bodies such as the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency have reported that biofuel demand and consumption have increased in recent years.

Increasing the supply and production of bioethanol and biodiesel is a central concern amongst researchers in the field of renewable fuels. However, increasing the supply of feedstocks comes with a cost in terms of land usage. In Thailand alone, land use for sugarcane and oil palm cultivation alone is being targeted for a significant increase by 2026. Targets for increasing land for sugarcane are 1.6-2.6 million hectares, whereas for oil palm it is planned to increase land use from 0.7-6.2 million hectares.

A main drawback of increasing land use for biofuel production is its effect on food production. Arable land that could be otherwise used to feed the growing world population is being given over to produce crops for biofuels. Other activities can become affected by this use, and there can be economic knock-on effects for several industries.

Thailands biofuel consumption (million liters per day).Image Credit:Haputta, P et al., Sustainability

One way to measure the impact of increasing biofuel cropland use is to investigate it from the aspect of gross domestic product (GDP.) Currently, there is a lack of study on this impact, despite the vast amounts of land used for agricultural purposes. In Thailand, which the new study published in Sustainability concentrates on, 40% of land use is for agricultural purposes and the agricultural sector accounts for approximately 10% of the nations total GDP.

Some studies have investigated various aspects of the impact of biofuel production on economies and GDP. Studies have investigated the economic impact of bioethanol production in Thailand, using GDP as an indicator. Intertemporal GDP has been used in studies to reveal the dynamic economic effects of biofuel promotion. These studies have neglected the effects of land expansion.

However, GDP alone is insufficient for investigating the true impact of land use expansion for biofuel crops. Whilst it is a good indicator for economic growth, it does not account for social aspects, human well-being, social sustainability, and the long-term effects on the environment of present consumption. To overcome this issue, indices such as Green GDP and the Genuine Progress Indicator have been introduced in recent years.

Main connectivities of economic transactions and activities within the CGE model.Image Credit:Haputta, P et al., Sustainability

Green GDP is a system for predicting economic impacts wherein the depletion and degradation of natural resources are subtracted from conventional GDP. In essence, it is an index of sustainable economic growth. Future levels of natural and environmental resources are derived by subtracting used resources from conventional GDP.

There have been several studies on Green GDP, including incorporating factors such as emissions, natural resource depletion, and waste, with one study using an economic input-output LCA. GDP has been integrated with ecosystem services values. These studies have used Green GDP as a system for proposing more sustainable practices and policies by governments and industries governing biofuels.

The new paper published in Sustainability has assessed the effect on Thailands Green GDP and wider economy caused by expanding land use for biofuel crop growth. The authors have aimed to use this study to help address the current lack of studies in this area. In turn, the authors have proposed that by using Green GDP to study the economy-wide effects on Thailand of expanding land use for biofuel crops, more sustainable policies governing biofuel production can be implemented.

Structure of production. Image Credit:Haputta, P et al., Sustainability

Targets that were officially published in AEDP 2015 were used as a basis for the incorporation of expanding biofuel cropland use into the study. The study has examined different simulation scenarios which incorporate alternative land expansion strategies and the impact of environmental interventions. The authors employed a static computable general equilibrium (GCE) model in combination with life cycle impact assessments to evaluate the impact of expanding land use on conventional GDP and economic transactions.

Results of the study indicated that expanding the use of land for biofuel crops increased Thailands Green GDP compared to a business-as-usual scenario. Amongst alternative land expansion scenarios, the authors found the most positive effect on Green GDP was when disused rice fields were converted for biofuel crop growth, and the most negative effect was the conversion of forested areas. The results also indicated an adverse effect on rice production and milling when biofuel crop substitution was performed, as well as a reduced production capacity in some industries.

Based on their findings, the authors have stated that using a GCE model to investigate Green GDP yields comprehensive results that can be used for sustainable policies and decision-making. The studys method also has potential for other research into different aspects of biofuel production.

Haputta, P et al. (2022) Effects of Biofuel Crop Expansion on Green Gross Domestic Product [online] Sustainability 14(6) 3369 | mdpi.com. Available at:https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/6/3369

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.

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What are the Effects of Land Expansion for Biofuel Crops? - AZoM

Another five or six hikes in 2022 can also be expected, barring a severe negative growth shock. But beyond that, the policy path and its market implications are murkier. There are a number of reasons, one being the uncertainty over which half of the Feds dual mandateprice stability and full employmentwill take priority once monetary policy gets close to neutral, and the Fed is confronted with the hard decision of how much further to go.

For much of last year the Fed prioritized labor market recovery, and implicitly growth, over inflation. The latter was considered transitory, while the Fed thought there was still ample slack in the labor market because many people had not yet returned due to pandemic-related issues. That thinking pivoted by December, as did Fed communicationthe labor market is now tight and inflation is at risk of being persistent and unanchored. Consequently, the Fed is in inflation-fighting mode. But after inflation has moderated and growth has slowed, the pendulum between the two mandates is likely to swing back.

The market isnt waiting, as its already pricing in a rate cut in 2024, after over 200bps of rate hikes in 2022 and 2023. This despite the market also pricing CPI inflation to still be near 3% at the time. With many factors influencing market pricing, this shouldnt be interpreted literally as the Fed prioritizing full employment by 2024. But it does beg the question of what will be driving the Feds policy calculus one to two years out. The following are some factors that Fed officials may consider when trying to balance both aspects of their mandate.

First, it may take a significant rise in the unemployment rate to have a material effect on inflation. Using the Phillips curve inverse relationship between inflation and unemployment, and plugging in current levels for both, suggests that unemployment would have to rise to around 10% for inflation to even get close to the 2% target. There are many limitations and valid criticisms of the Phillips curve, but it does provide some perspective on how high unemployment may have to go in order for inflation to come back down to 2%, which may be a cost the Fed is unwilling to bear.

Second, the labor market is historically tight, and its possible that demand destruction within the labor market due to Fed tightening may actually bring supply and demand back in line and moderate wage growth, rather than lead to large job losses. Thats a big if, and history isnt supportive; a 50-100bps rise in the unemployment rate has always been followed by a recession. But its also true that demographics and the long-term decline in labor force participation have never been this conducive to the labor market remaining tight. This may lead the Fed to think that monetary policy can be at least slightly restrictive without risking full employment.

Third, there is a market dislocation argument for the Fed to let inflation stay elevated for a while, if necessary. The stimulus-induced aggregate demand surge in the US economy and the supply-side bottlenecks not only drove headline inflation to nearly 8%, but they also distorted the relative prices of goods, services, and labor. This matters because relative prices determine the resource allocation in the economy, and distortions lead to economic inefficiencies. With the economy, hopefully, moving into the endemic stage of COVID and the effects of the pandemic shocks receding, relative prices can again properly perform their market-clearing function. This will take some time, which the Fed understands. Hiking too much and too soon to curtail a rising absolute price level could prematurely truncate this resource reallocation process.

Fourth, the Fed may be willing to tolerate inflation near or above 3% for a sustained period, as long as the secular trend is toward lower inflation, and it doesnt appear to be re-accelerating. Publicly, the Fed will stay committed to a 2% inflation target to maintain its inflation-fighting credibility. But as a practical matter, if Fed tightening in 2022 combined with a natural moderation is enough to get inflation near 3%, the Fed may well take a measured pace from thereon to get to the neutral policy rate or slightly above to minimize recession risk.

The Feds goal at the start of any hiking cycle is to engineer a soft-landing for the economy. Thats never easy and history doesnt indicate a great track record. The Feds task this time is further complicated by it already being so far behind the curve, with inflation not being this high since the early 1980s. That brings up the possibility that Fed Chair Jay Powell will channel his inner Paul Volcker, hiking rates so much to bring down inflation that a recession is all but inevitable.

That is a risk, but the mid-1990s hiking cycle might be a better template, based on the considerations listed above. The Fed began hiking rates in January 1994 and was done by February 1995, with the funds rate going from 3% to 6%. There were even three 50bps and one 75bps rate hikes. Inflation was 2.7% when hiking began and 2.9% when it ended, and stayed in that range for two years before falling below 2% in 1998. Todays starting inflation is much higher, but the Fed would gladly take that inflation profile for the rest of this cycle.

Rather than Volcker, the 1990s approach of his protg Alan Greenspan might be the more appropriate reference for what to expect from the Fed. This is not an official forecast for what the Fed will do, but simply speculation on how it will think about conducting monetary policy over the next year or two. Something investors will likely be doing rampantly in the months ahead.

Main contributor - Jason Draho

Content is a product of the Chief Investment Office (CIO).

Read original blog - Duel of the mandates, 16 March 2022.

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Duel of the mandates - UBS

New resource uses sophisticated proprietary algorithm to offer Schwab clients access to dozens of investing themes

WESTLAKE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As part of its effort to help clients personalize how they invest, Charles Schwab today announced the launch of thematic stock lists, a new resource designed for self-directed investors who want to invest in stocks aligned with their personal interests and values. Using Schwabs thematic stock lists one of the largest theme-based stock list resources available in the industry today clients can easily view potential investments from a list of 45 different thematic categories and approximately 900 total companies representing a range of trends including data advancement, medical breakthroughs, and environmental innovation. Schwabs thematic stock lists are available to clients for no additional fee on Schwab.com and the Schwab mobile app.

Schwabs thematic stock lists (Image provided by Schwab)

Individual investors are broadening how they think about investing, says Divya Krishnan, Schwab product management director. Nearly a third of our clients today tell us theyre interested in customizing their portfolio to align with themes that are important to them.* Whether its an area that speaks to someones individual values, or its something they have a deep passion for - like space or pets - investors increasingly want the ability to personalize their portfolios.

Krishnan emphasized, We expect this investing approach will continue to grow in importance moving forward. This introduction is another step in Schwabs continued plans to deliver additional personalized experiences to clients with more to come in the future.

Making thematic stock lists easier and more accessible

While most thematic stock lists available today rely on third-party research sources, Schwabs thematic stock lists are built using a sophisticated proprietary algorithm. Schwabs algorithm uses natural language processing (NLP) to mine terabytes of data and millions of public documents, such as patent grants, clinical trials, and regulatory filings to objectively identify publicly traded companies based on their relevance to a particular investment theme. The algorithm can quickly ingest thousands of pages of text and quantify thematic relevance for companies a task that might take an investor multiple days to accomplish on their own.

In recent years, theres been an explosion of data and better accessibility to information, which can make it overwhelming for investors to manually do their own research to find relevant stocks that align with their personal interests and values, says Krishnan. Schwabs thematic stocks lists put all this information in one place to make it significantly easier for clients to make personalized investment decisions based on ideas or trends that matter to them.

Schwabs thematic stock lists take traditional sector research a step further, including companies across multiple sectors and industries that are relevant to a single theme. As a result, investors can view companies by the exposure they offer to a range of prominent current trends, as opposed to simply by sector and size. For example, Schwabs Robotic Revolution thematic stock list includes a variety of companies from across different sectors like industrials, healthcare, and information technology that are building and using robotic solutions for manufacturing, logistics, and medical services.

Additional available themes include Blockchain, Cyber Security, Renewable Energy, Social Networking, Genomics, Online Gaming, Pet Passion, and Space Economy.

All of Schwabs thematic stock lists are available on Schwabs new online thematic investing hub. On the hub, clients can learn more about thematic investing and view individual themes.

Schwab has also published a whitepaper with more in-depth information about the firms unique thematic research approach.

*Q1 2022 Schwab Retail Client Sentiment Report

About Charles Schwab

At Charles Schwab we believe in the power of investing to help individuals create a better tomorrow. We have a history of challenging the status quo in our industry, innovating in ways that benefit investors and the advisors and employers who serve them, and championing our clients goals with passion and integrity.

More information is available at http://www.aboutschwab.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Disclosures

Investment Research for thematic stock lists is provided by Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc. ("CSIM"). CSIM is an affiliate of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"). Both CSIM and Schwab are separate entities and subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation.

Thematic stock lists are not intended to be investment advice or a recommendation of any stock. Investing in stocks can be volatile and involves risk, including loss of principal. Consider your individual circumstances prior to investing.

Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request.

(0322-2BH6)

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Schwab's New Thematic Stock Lists Make It Easier for Individuals to Invest According to Their Interests and Values - About Schwab

Global plastic film manufacturer Sdpack(U.S. office in Appleton, Wisc.) and Netherlands-based Clean Cycle, founded by the entrepreneurial Last family which is active in the fields of flexible packaging and the sole owner of the Scholle IPN Group(U.S. office in Elmhurst, Illinois), a leader in the liquid flexible packaging industry, have entered into an agreement for a long-term investment in what is said to be the unique Carboliq chemical recycling technology developed by Germanys Recenso. The latter, is a specialist in the design and implementation of systems for resource recovery and provides advanced recycling solutions. Their portfolio includes machinery and systems for both physical (mechanical) and chemical recycling based on the Carboliq process.

The decision is the logical consequence of the cooperation between Sdpack and Resensos Carboliq about a year ago. The company manufactures and operates plants for oil recovery from mixed and contaminated plastic wastes. Carboliq supplies the circular liquid resource (CLR) it produces via its depolymerization process to the petrochemical industry which uses it as a substitute for fossil raw materials in the manufacture of new, high-end polymers. Now the three companies Sdpack, Clean Cycle, and Resensos Carboliq have pooled their expertise in the area of material management with chemical recycling. Their aim is to further expand available capacities for the innovative and highly efficient chemical recycling of a wide range of plastics.

With the operation of the pilot plant at the disposal center in Ennigerloh, Sdpack and Carboliq have proved that numerous material fractions as well as mixed and contaminated plastic wastes can be converted into a valuable resource. Apart from the large diversity of input materials, the CARBOLIQ process offers competitive advantages in terms of energy efficiency and low emissions. The oil recovered is virgin-grade quality and can be used by the plastics industry in the same way as fossil fuels to produce a wide spectrum of plastic granulates. These granulates can in turn be processed to produce high-performance films for sophisticated packaging applications which are required above all in the food industry.

So far, the cooperation partners have successfully applied the technology both for resource recovery from their own recyclable material flows as well as for recycling packaging materials from processing and from end customers. The Recenso plants for direct oiling work according to the catalytic tribochemical conversion (CTC) process and are unique in the world.

The investment in Carboliq creates a powerful company that will in the medium term continually expand its capacities for highly efficient recycling of a wide variety of plastics. Fundamentally, our joint vision is tackling the problem of high-performance flexible packaging materials that cant be mechanically recycled with current technology. We aim to make them recyclable and therefore compatible with future needs. Thanks to the investment by Sdpack and Clean Cycle, well be able to create a closed-loop, high-performance and industrial-standard system that also handles these products. It will allow us to exploit the extremely promising potential of our technology, explained Carboliqs CEO Christian Haupts.

Said Sdpack business unit manager Dirk Hardow. In a wide range of applications, for example in the food industry, high-performance multilayer films with effective protective functions are the most efficient solutions for keeping all kinds of food fresh. And theyll remain the best choice in the future. Thats because they provide maximum product protection at minimum added weight. However, the drawback is that they cant be mechanically recycled. Now Carboliq offers a key system component for creating a circular economy in the food packaging industry which cant be achieved solely with mechanical recycling, also due to existing legislation.

Said Laurens Last of Clean Cycle Investments,We very deliberately incorporated the word Cycle into our companys name because we see the circular system as our top priority. Were fully confident that chemical recycling will play a crucial role in achieving a sustainable circular economy that even includes high-performance plastic packaging.

Dips in PP and PET tabs proved temporary, as supply/demandimbalances elevate prices and restrict supplies of all five commodity resins. PS hikes are especially brutal.

Theres more to TP polyesters than you think. You may know PET, PBT, and PETGbut what about PCT, PCTG, PCTA, and PTT? If youre not sure what they are, how their properties compare, and who sells them, we have the answersand lots of new developments to report.

The rate of loading for a plastic material is a key component of how we perceive its performance.

Originally posted here:

Sdpack and Clean Cycle Invest in Carboliq Chemical Recycling - Plastics Technology

As global economic power continues to shift eastward, India's position as the world's sixth-largest economy behind the US, China, Japan, Germany and the UK is projected to improve in the coming decades. According to the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, it is expected to surpass America to become the second-largest economy by 2050, behind a newly arisen China.

India's energy consumption quite naturally will grow even further during this period but there's a catch. With climate mitigation needing to be factored into policymaking, how the country manages its energy transition will be keenly watched by producers around the globe, particularly the Gulf countries, who have had decades-long close ties with the subcontinent.

There is indeed some uncertainty about how quickly the transition will occur.

Looking at the forecasts made by the energy giant Shell, as well as the Energy and Resources Institute in New Delhi, one can only make some cautious guesses, even considering the unpredictability of global energy, financial and other markets. The country's complex political and economic systems have so far forced the government to take a more prudent approach in its climate fight.

In the run-up to last year's Cop26 climate conference, for instance, the widespread belief was that New Delhi would be able to commit itself to a net-zero emissions target by 2050. That it chose a more conservative timeframe of 2070 reflects the challenges of making this transition. In fact, 2080 seems a more reasonable benchmark.

History has taught us that Gulf-South Asia ties have always evolved with the changing times

The country has already begun reforms across a wide swathe of industry, such as fast-tracking the use of hydrogen in the globally critical iron and steel sector, as well as in other heavy industries. There is a desire to increase carbon capture, storage and utilisation. A concerted effort is being made at various levels to transition to biofuels, raise energy efficiency and lower energy use in new buildings. Reforestation efforts are under way. There is also a growing appreciation for nuclear energy as a low-emission source of electricity.

More needs to be done across the board, however, from increasing the overall capacity to generate solar energy to reducing coal consumption to electrifying farm equipment and, eventually, ending the sale of internal combustion engines.

How, then, will all this affect the GCC's energy relations with India?

Given its geographical proximity and robust relationships, it is unsurprising that the country imports 35 per cent of its crude oil from the Gulf. This is unlikely to change in the short term. In the medium term, India may lean even more on the region, despite recent discussions about importing more oil from Russia.

Indeed, India's oil demand is likely to grow from five million barrels a day today to about 8.7m by 2040. Demand for LNG is set to rise four times, to more than 124 billion cubic metres per year during this period. Its overall natural gas demand is projected to increase from 61bn cubic metres per year to about 200bn cubic metres. Currently, India gets 55 per cent of its LNG from the GCC and one can expect those energy relations to continue.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson receives Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Cop26 in Glasgow last November. Reuters

The reason for this is simple: as part of the early stages of its transition, India is seeking to replace coal with natural gas. Policymakers have determined that LNG supply needs to be ramped up in the medium term before it can be brought down in the longer term, at which point it is hoped that India will have adequately developed its renewable energy sector. New Delhi has begun domestic exploration for LNG, but to meet the burgeoning demand, it will remain reliant on overseas supply. The Gulf countries will be smart to bridge this gap as swiftly as possible especially if the 2015 Iran nuclear deal is revived following which that country may be reintegrated into the global economy and allowed to sell its energy to the world. Russia, too, is a potential LNG source for India.

Its the same with oil. Aside from the Gulf, India imports large quantities from Angola, Mexico, Nigeria, the US and Venezuela. But with extraction being more expensive in these countries, India will depend ever more on the GCC. After all, as global oil markets begin to decline because of the worldwide energy transition currently under way, it is those producers that are able to get the oil out of the ground at lower prices that will remain competitive.

History has taught us that Gulf-South Asia ties have always evolved with the changing times. Thats likely to be the case even in the latter stages of their respective energy transitions. In fact, they are already finding new avenues for co-operation.

A peek into the future suggests there is much that India and the GCC can learn from one another's transition strategies. Collaborations are possible in a range of areas from green finance to green inventions and innovation to circular carbon economies. With India seeking to move away from coal and the GCC building a post-oil future, expect more joint investments in hydrogen energy and related technologies.

A land drilling oil rig operated by Oil and Natural Gas Corp in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh. Bloomberg

Gulf-based research institutes and think tanks, such as Masdar Institute in Abu Dhabi and the Riyadh-based King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre, may find it useful to work with their Indian counterparts. There is potential for university-level collaborations on research and development of energy-related technologies. Indian labour and expertise can help GCC countries with their greening efforts. In turn, GCC expertise, finance and other capabilities will come in handy for India.

There is, of course, no doubt that change will bring with it its share of challenges.

South Asian countries will need to carefully consider the impact of transitioning on their individual energy, water, food, economic and human resource requirements. Just like everyone else, they will also need to prepare for occasional energy shocks.

A country as large as India's will be mindful of the possible employment-related challenges that are bound to spring up, as some old jobs become redundant. It will need to invest heavily into retraining its huge population, so that they are ready to take up new jobs. Here, too, the GCC can play an important role through financing and its world-class educational institutions.

There is already a lot riding on the two regions' collective stability the GCC has a combined GDP of $1.4 trillion, while India's is about $2.9tn and proactively managing headwinds together will be critical for them to continue growing.

Given all this, it makes perfect sense for both entities to continue working together towards a mutually beneficial future.

Published: March 17, 2022, 4:00 AM

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How India and the GCC can help each other in their energy transitions - The National

Japan will strip Russia of its "most favored nation" status to punish Moscow for its aggression in Ukraine, following in the footsteps of the United States and European nations, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Wednesday.

To hold Russia accountable for its "irrational and inhumane" onslaught, Japan will take additional sanctions by expanding the scope of asset freezes targeting elites and business oligarchs close to President Vladimir Putin, he said.

"We will take severe sanctions against Russia in coordination with the United States and European nations in the G7," Kishida said at a press conference, noting that "resolute" action is necessary.

"Do we want an international order based on universal values such as freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights, or one that tolerates the use of force to change the status quo and is based on the rule of force?" he said.

The "most favored nation" status under World Trade Organization rules has given Russia the best possible trade terms on key products.

The Group of Seven -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, plus the European Union -- had vowed to take independent actions to stop their favorable treatment of Russia.

The status removal would mean higher tariffs on Russian products. Consumers in Japan would see Russian crabs, salmon and other seafood items sold at higher prices.

Revoking the status by itself does not immediately affect energy resources, ranging from liquefied natural gas, crude oil and coal, to palladium, a key metal used in electronics, because they are tariff-free.

For resource-poor Japan, how far it can go in punishing Moscow is a delicate balancing act, given Russia is one of the major LNG exporters to the country.

"For a net importer of energy and food items, the blows to the economy and people's livelihoods are concerning," he said, as Russia has begun to take retaliatory steps and commodity prices have been surging.

"But we can never give in to threats posed by Russia to show that we are with the people of Ukraine and to protect the peace and order of the international community," he said.

Asked about the future of oil and gas projects on Sakhalin island in the Russian Far East, the prime minister stressed the need to factor in energy security before deciding on cutting reliance on Russian resources.

The government and Japanese companies hold interests in the projects. The Russian military attack since late February has prompted U.S. oil major Exxon Mobil Corp to announce its withdrawal from the Sakhalin 1 and Britain's Shell PLC from the Sakhalin 2.

Japan has joined other members of the G7 in removing some Russian banks from the international payment network SWIFT but not an oil embargo imposed by the United States, a net energy exporter.

Following through on the G7 pledge, Japan will block Russian access to financing by international organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Kishida said.

The war in Ukraine has sent ripples beyond Europe to the Indo-Pacific region where China's economic and military clout has heightened tensions and raised regional concerns. With China and Russia having close relations, eyes are on Beijing's response as pressure mounts on Moscow to end its offensive, a violation of international law.

Any unilateral use of force to change the status quo should not be tolerated in Ukraine or anywhere, Kishida said, adding, "We call on China to take responsible action."

Kishida vowed to send additional supplies to Ukraine on top of bulletproof vests and helmets and to extend humanitarian assistance by taking in people fleeing the conflict-hit Eastern European nation and assisting them in their daily lives in Japan.

The government has begun accepting people from Ukraine via third countries, giving them short-term visas. Those who have relatives and acquaintances have received priority in entering Japan, but the government is arranging to open the door for those who do not and allow them to work if their stay is prolonged.

"In Japan, we say, 'We have each other when in trouble,'" Kishida said. "We would like to offer help to people evacuating Ukraine."

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Japan to revoke Russia's most favored nation status over Ukraine - Japan Today

Vancouver, BC - TheNewswire - March 16, 2022 - Global Energy Metals Corporation (TSXV:GEMC) (OTC:GBLEF) (FSE:5GE1) (Global Energy Metals, the Company and/or GEMC), a company involved in investment exposure to the battery metals supply chain, is pleased to report a drilling contract has been executed with Schonknecht Drilling Pty Ltd. for 2022 work at the Millennium Project in NW Queensland. Drilling is currently scheduled to commence in April.

With over $10 million raised at the end of last year, Global Energy Metals joint venture partner, ASX listed Metal Bank Limited (MBK), is fully capitalized to pursue and sole fund this work program as part of MBKs right to earn up to 80% of the Millennium Copper, Cobalt and Gold project which holds a JORC 2012-compliant Inferred Resource of 5.9Mt @ 1.08% CuEq1 across 5 granted Mining Leases.

In 2021, MBK established an Exploration Target of 810Mt @ 1.0-1.1% CuEq2, with the first drill program intercepting 5m @ 2.92% Cu, 0.50% Co and 1.19g/t Au (within 22m @ 2.22%)3 and confirming northern extensions to the mineralisation system.

The 2022 drilling program is aimed at expanding existing resources at the Central and Southern Areas and defining new resources in the Northern Area with the overall goal of converting the Exploration Target into resources.

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Figure 1: MI21RC07 drill setup nearing completion of 2021 drill program

Highlights

GEMCs JV partner funded 2022 exploration program at the Millennium Cu-Co-Au Project, NW Queensland is underway with drilling to commence in April;

The Project holds a JORC 2012-compliant Inferred Resource of 5.9Mt @ 1.08% CuEq2 across 5 granted Mining Leases;

The 2022 exploration program includes extension, infill and metallurgical work aimed at significantly increasing existing resources to underpin an updated JORC 2012 Resource statement in late 2022;

The Project provides exposure to copper and cobalt in demand, critical components for the renewable energy transition;

Global Energy Metals currently holds 100% of the MIllennium project with MBK having the right to earn, in stages, up to an 80% interest in the Project; and

With a recent successful capital raising by MBK, GEMC will benefit from having a well funded partner to pursue exploration and development work at Millennium aimed at increasing the projects Resources.

Commenting on the Millennium exploration program for 2022, Metal Banks Chair, Ins Scotland said:

The 2022 work program at Millennium is aimed at increasing the existing Millennium Resource of 5.9Mt @ 1.08% CuEq1. As Australia looks to establish itself as a global critical minerals supplier, at a time of supply constraint and unprecedented copper and cobalt prices, the Millennium projects current Resource already provides significant value not yet factored into the current share price. With a combination of resource growth and the projects granted Mining Leases the project presents a real opportunity for near-term development.

Copper and Cobalt

The Millennium Project provides exposure to copper and cobalt in demand, critical components for the renewable energy transition.

Cobalt has increased 11,500 USD/MT or 16.31% since the beginning of 2022 and copper reached a record high above the $5-per-pound level in March (see Figure 2).

Located on granted Mining Leases, with an existing Resource and significant expansion potential, the Project presents an excellent opportunity to advance and develop a copper-cobalt asset of significant size in close proximity to processing solutions and excellent infrastructure in the Mount Isa region. With escalating prices, Millenniums low logistics and processing risks, the project is well placed to participate in the battery revolution.

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Figure 2: Cobalt and Copper price charts: source tradingeconomics.com

Millennium Work Program

A three-phase work program for 2022 has been developed to confirm the Exploration Target and future Resource expansion and development potential.

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Figure 3: Millennium Cu-Co-Au Project long section showing existing drilling, current resource blocks and priority targets. NB: Intervals are CuEq%-metre as previously reported.4

The work program comprises:

Phase 1 1800-2000m RC/DD Exploration Target confirmation of scale drilling program. The aim of this program will test the open Southern and Central Area shoots at depth, the shallow Northern Area extension and infill, and adjacent Pilgrim/Fountain Range/Quamby Fault Zone resource potential;

Phase 2 2000m RC/DD drilling extension program to infill Resource gaps, extend near surface existing Resources, first pass testing of peripheral targets and Phase 1 follow-up; and

Phase 3 1500m RC Resource infill, metallurgical test work, economic assessment and follow-up work from Phase 1 and 2.

Upon receipt and assessment of results MBK will embark on a JORC 2012-compliant Resource update and Scoping Study utilising appropriate economic parameters aimed for completion late 2022.

Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 4: Millennium Cu-Co-Au Project plan showing interpreted geology, 2016 Inferred Resource and drilling to date.

Millennium Project MBK earning up to 80%

The Millennium Copper and Cobalt Project near Cloncurry in NW QLD currently holds a JORC 2012-compliant Inferred Resource of 5.9Mt @ 1.08% CuEq1 (Cu-Co-Au-Ag) across 5 granted Mining Leases with significant potential for expansion.

The Millennium Project is located 19km from the Rocklands copper-cobalt project, operated by Copper Resources Australia Pty Ltd., with an established processing plant capable of treating Millennium-style ores once recommissioned.

Recent MBK drilling provided confidence in growth upside to the existing Resource. This included encouraging infill/extension work in the Southern Area Resource (MI21RC01-2) and significantly expanding the system strike and scale into the Northern Area (MI21RC03-07) (Figures 3 &4).

Following completion of the recent drill program a review commenced of the existing Resource in the Southern and Central Areas of the Project, recent drill results and other previous drilling. In conjunction with significant appreciation in copper and cobalt prices since maiden Resource reporting, results from this review provided support for an initial Exploration Target3,4 for the Project of 810Mt @ 1.0 1.1% CuEq2 (Figures 3 &4).

This Exploration Target is based on extensions both along strike and at depth in both the Southern and Central Area copper-cobalt-gold Resources and also in the Northern Area, where shallow copper intervals at broad spacing have been returned some 800-1000m north of the closest Resource.

It should be noted that the Exploration Target is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient drilling at depth of the existing Resource and in the Northern Area of the project and insufficient information relating to the Reasonable Prospects of Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE) of the Millennium project to estimate a Mineral Resource over the Exploration Target area, and it is uncertain if further study will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource over this area. It is acknowledged that the currently available data is insufficient spatially in terms of the density of drill holes, and in quality, in terms of final audit procedures for down hole data, data acquisition and processing, for the results of this analysis to be classified as a Mineral Resource in accordance with the JORC Code.

Qualified PersonMr. Paul Sarjeant, P. Geo., is the qualified person for this release as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

1 HMX ASX Announcement dated 6 December 2016 and MBK ASX Release dated 13 December 2021 MBK signs Earn-in and JV Agreement for the Millennium Project.

2 MBK ASX Release dated 13 December 2021 MBK signs Earn-in and JV Agreement for the Millennium Project.

3 MBK ASX Release 2 September 2021 Millennium drilling completed with first two holes assayed

4 MBK ASX Announcement dated 26 October 2021 Livingstone Acquisition & Entitlement Offer to raise $6.34M

Global Energy Metals Corporation

(TSXV:GEMC | OTCQB:GBLEF | FSE:5GE1)

Global Energy Metals Corp. offers investment exposure to the growing rechargeable battery and electric vehicle market by building a diversified global portfolio of exploration and growth-stage battery mineralassets.

Global Energy Metals recognizes that the proliferation and growth of the electrified economy in the coming decades is underpinned by the availability of battery metals, including cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and other raw materials. To be part of the solution and respond to this electrification movement, Global Energy Metals has taken a consolidate, partner and invest approach and in doing so have assembled and are advancing a portfolio of strategically significant investments in battery metal resources.

As demonstrated with the Companys current copper, nickel and cobalt projects in Canada, Australia, Norway and the United States, GEMC is investing-in, exploring and developing prospective, scaleable assets in established mining and processing jurisdictions in close proximity to end-use markets. Global Energy Metals is targeting projects with low logistics and processing risks, so that they can be fast tracked to enter the supply chain in thiscycle. The Company is also collaborating with industry peers to strengthen its exposure to these critical commodities and the associated technologies required for a cleaner future.

Securing exposure to these critical minerals powering the eMobility revolution is a generationalinvestment opportunity. Global Energy Metals believe the the time to be part of this electrification movement.

For Further Information:

Global Energy Metals Corporation

#1501-128 West Pender Street

Vancouver, BC, V6B 1R8

Email: info@globalenergymetals.com

t. + 1 (604) 688-4219

http://www.globalenergymetals.com

Twitter: @EnergyMetals | @USBatteryMetals | @ElementMinerals

Subscribe to the GEMC eNewsletter

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information:

Certain information in this release may constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws and necessarily involve risks associated with regulatory approvals and timelines. Although Global Energy Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

GEMCs operations could be significantly adversely affected by the effects of a widespread global outbreak of a contagious disease, including the recent outbreak of illness caused by COVID-19. It is not possible to accurately predict the impact COVID-19 will have on operations and the ability of others to meet their obligations, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, and the length of travel and quarantine restrictions imposed by governments of affected countries. In addition, a significant outbreak of contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could further affect operations and the ability to finance its operations.

For more information on Global Energy and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review the filings that are available at http://www.sedar.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

We seek safe harbour.

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Global Energy Metals Announces Partner Funded Drilling Campaign to Commence at the Millennium Cobalt-Copper-Gold Project - TheNewswire.ca

By AFP

Rising prices for food, sent soaring by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, are stoking fears of hunger and turmoil in a troubled corner of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In this vast, poor and fragile country in the heart of Africa, three-quarters of households live below the poverty threshold.

But precarity is especially keen in the DRC's northeast, where the economy is hobbled by geographical remoteness and decades of violence.

"The authorities need to see what they can do, otherwise we are going to die of hunger," said Pascaline Buhume, a food hawker in Bukavu, a city on the southern flank of Lake Kivu which separates the DRC from Rwanda.

The local price of corn meal, rice, sugar, oil and tomatoes have all shot up, posing a mighty challenge for those who have to survive on a couple of dollars a day.

A 50-kilo (110-pound) sack of sugar which previously cost the equivalent of $43 now goes for $60, said Buhume.

A 20-kilo canister of cooking oil now costs $45 instead of $30, and a 25-kilo sack of rice has risen from $18 to $20.

A worried mother-of-five pointed out that a loaf of bread that previously went for 1,000 Congolese francs (50 cents) now cost 1,200 francs.

Janvier Mizo Kabare, president of a Kinshasa-based consumer rights group called LICOSKI, said Bukavu was an inflationary hotspot, suffering not just from a "dizzying spiral" in food costs but also a worrying rise in the price of fuel.

The average cost for a tanker bringing in petrol from across the border has risen from $726 to $900, said Urbain Kange, secretary of Bukavu's fuel industry association.

"We are doing what we can, but our suppliers in Tanzania, Rwanda and in Kenya tell us there is a shortage at their end," he explained.

Several petrol stations in Bukavu are already out of fuel, and the scarcity itself forces up prices.

"Getting fuel is becoming a real hassle," said Jeremie Cito, a motorbike taxi driver. As a result, he now had to charge 1,000 francs for a short run compared to 500 before, he added.

The situation is worsened by the fact that the province relies entirely on imports, said Paulin Bishakabalya, economics analyst with the Congo Federation of Businesses (FEC).

Rice, wheat, corn and oil could all be produced locally, he pointed out.

Eninga Abwe, who heads Bukavu's external trade office, said inspectors were being sent out to check markets for price-gouging.

Russian's invasion of Ukraine has dealt a blow to grain exports from both countries, which are major producers of wheat and other cereals.

Bishakabalya said the fog of uncertainty shrouding the world grain market was prompting some operators to hold back stock, and "that is pushing prices up too".

"The government has to act urgently," he said, calling for measures to spur production at home.

The DRC boasts massive mineral resource and millions of hectares (acres) of potential farmland.

But turning that land into productive agriculture requires capital to fix the country's decrepit transport system and political will to address administrative and other bottlenecks.

According to the World Bank more than 70 percent of the DRC's 90 million people live below the poverty threshold -- less than $1.90 a day.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned on Monday that the Ukraine crisis meant the world had to act to prevent a "hurricane of hunger and a meltdown of the global food system."

Eighteen African and less-developed countries import at least 50 percent of their wheat from either Ukraine or Russia, he said -- and among them was the DRC.

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Ukraine invasion sparks fears of hunger in eastern DR Congo - The East African